The Emperor

Emperor Mateus of Palamecia is the main antagonist of Final Fantasy II and a ruthless despot seeking total world domination through cruel magic and technological superiority. Known for his intellect, cold demeanor, and ego, he is the first Final Fantasy villain to return from hell to dominate both the mortal realm and the underworld. The Emperor begins his campaign for world domination by summoning an army of creatures from Hell. Several kingdoms, like Fynn, Kashuan, and Deist, resist, but are subdued. In the case of Deist, the militarily-powerful homeland of the Dragoons, the Emperor orders the poisoning of their wyverns' water supplies, leaving the Dragoons powerless. The royalty of Kashuan, which survived the Palamecian Empire's attack, founded the Wild Rose Rebellion alongside the kingdom of Fynn. The Empire attacks Fynn to destroy the resistance and, after capturing it, the Emperor begins the construction of the fearsome Dreadnought. The Emperor also subtly aids in the campaign via his powers from within his throne room. Ironically, his attack on Fynn ultimately helped bring about the people who would put an end to his reign of terror: Firion, Guy, Leon, and Maria. At some point, he had Leon captured, then brainwashed him into becoming his Dark Knight.