The battle had raged for three days—a grueling test of endurance and skill. Even a freshly made apprentice of Klhaos had proven to be a formidable adversary, forcing me to recognize the danger posed by these new disciples of chaos. If this was the strength of mere apprentices, the threat of the others that loomed even larger, making it clear that leaving others could spell disaster.
I wasn't the real Remhigh. I had been using his guise while the true Remhigh had been training in my Divine Domain for the past three years. In the Celestial Realm, my subjects had been honing his skills, preparing him for the challenges ahead. It was now time for him to return and manifest the Bloodline Limit of the Ancient Bloodline of the Goddess of Winter. This manifestation was crucial, not just for his personal power but to maintain the deception and avoid suspicion from the other western nobles. Remhigh would need to take up his rightful place, especially now that his brother had become the new clan head. The Reynhigh family's resurgence—the ancient bloodline of the west—was imminent.
As I considered this, a shimmering portal opened before me, its light casting long shadows across the battlefield. From within, Remhigh emerged, his presence now commanding and divine. His transformation was astounding—no longer the hesitant young man I had first encountered, but a powerful being whose divine prowess could rival, or even surpass, the mightiest of the Ducal houses.
Satisfied, I shed my disguise, returning to my true form. "You can now return to the western seas and await my orders," I instructed him, my voice carrying the weight of authority. "And don't forget to teach the rest of your family the ways of heaven. They will need your guidance in the times to come."
Remhigh nodded, his expression resolute. He understood the importance of his role now—both as a protector of his family and as a key figure in the unfolding events that would shape the fate of the realm.
"You know the way," I added, my form beginning to fade as I prepared to depart. The shadows of the Dark Valley closed in around me as I vanished from sight, leaving Remhigh to his task and the valley to its ominous stillness.
The rise and return of the Reynhigh family were at hand, and with them, the balance of power in the west would shift. But the true battle against chaos was far from over, and the challenges ahead would test the limits of even the most ancient and powerful bloodlines.
IMPERIAL PALACE - GRAND TABLE COUNCIL
"Even the entire order under my command is on the move for this mission, yet we still haven't pinpointed Father and Mother's location!" Prince Davey said, frustration creeping into his voice.
"The exact date, time, and location of their next appearance remain unknown," Deluc added, his face tight with worry.
"We haven't yet discovered the enemy's true objectives," Deluc continued. "While the Royal Houses have been tasked with guarding the forbidden places, as theorized by the Emperor, it's unclear if these are the enemy's actual targets. The true intention remains elusive."
Davey nodded, deep in thought. Deluc continued, his brow furrowed. "The two apprentices that died by your hand never ventured towards the empire. They stayed confined within the Dark Valley. I've stationed mages at every exit, guarding all possible escape routes, but none have ever encountered the apprentices trying to leave the valley. Despite the tight search efforts recently, the others remain unaccounted for."
The Saintess joined the conversation, her voice calm but troubled. "I wanted to examine the bodies of the apprentices you killed, but their remains decayed rapidly. There wasn't even a trace of dark energy left at the scene, as if it had evaporated entirely."
Davey fell silent, his mind racing through the details of their reports. Finally, he spoke again, more composed but still troubled. "The Supreme Theocrat has arrived in Luminaria. When Her Holiness makes contact with us, notify me immediately, Second Mother."
"I will," the Saintess replied. "As for state matters, the government ministers are keeping things under control. Cities and towns along the borders are receiving the necessary support and welfare. However, the Emperor's prolonged absence is beginning to stir unrest in the courts. The Royal Court, the High Towers, and the Judicial Court are all growing bolder. We may soon face direct opposition."
Without hesitation, Davey made his decision. "Tomorrow, I will disguise myself as the Emperor and meet the Councils."
Both Deluc and their mother were visibly shocked by this sudden declaration. Before they could protest, Davey opened a portal, and two towering celestial beings stepped through, their auras immediately commanding respect.
Second Mother and Brother bowed before them.
"You have summoned us, My Lord?" both celestial beings said, their voices resonating with power.
"I will need your assistance tomorrow," Davey commanded. "We must resonate our energies and manifest an aura that surpasses even that of the Emperor."
One of the celestial beings, Subject 1, spoke carefully, "My Lord, without unleashing your full divinity, which you cannot do for now, the resonance will only last for 10 to 15 minutes at most."
"That will be more than enough time," Davey replied with confidence. "I plan to issue another decree tomorrow. Brother, would you allow it?"
As the acting Emperor, Deluc had the final say. He considered Davey's request carefully before nodding. "I allow it. The Grand Table will not be safe once the courts discover the prolonged absence of key members of the Imperial Family. But what decree are you planning to issue?"
Davey smirked slightly, his eyes sharp. "Tomorrow, the courts will know exactly who they're dealing with. The decree will strengthen our foothold and secure our control over the Empire's future. Let them come—they'll regret underestimating us."
"To create a political uproar and keep the Round Table of Councils busy, we will allow commoners from all regions with even a small amount of magical synergy to enroll in the Avaleon Imperial Academy. Additionally, I will shorten the graduation rites for the senior students, including members of the Royal Family who are currently graduating. The Holy Grail Competition will therefore commence in one month!" Prince Davey declared.
'Despite his orders to make a political uproar there were hidden agendas within it, Allowing commoners with even minimal magical synergy to enroll in the prestigious Avaleon Imperial Academy could upset the traditional hierarchy. The Academy has likely been an institution reserved for nobility and those of higher status, so opening its doors to commoners might lead to social tensions. This decision could spark debates about equality and meritocracy versus tradition and privilege, potentially leading to unrest among the nobility.
By introducing this change, Prince Davey is deliberately creating a political uproar. The Round Table of Councils, which likely consists of influential nobles and politicians, will be forced to address the fallout from this decision. Their focus will shift from other matters of state to dealing with the consequences of this policy, allowing Prince Davey or other factions to maneuver more freely in the shadows.
Shortening the graduation rites for senior students, including Royal Family members, implies a sense of urgency. This could indicate that the empire is preparing for a significant event or conflict and needs its most promising young talents to be ready for action sooner rather than later. It might also suggest that the empire is facing an imminent threat that requires all available forces, including those still in training.
The decision to commence the Holy Grail Competition within a month underscores the urgency and importance of the upcoming event. The competition might serve as a proving ground for the best and brightest, with the winners potentially gaining key positions or influence within the empire. This could heighten the stakes and increase rivalries, both within the Academy and among the empire's factions.
By implementing these orders, Prince Davey is likely aiming to strengthen the empire's forces and prepare for future challenges. The influx of new students, including talented commoners, could lead to the discovery of hidden talents that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Additionally, by fast-tracking the graduation of senior students, the empire could quickly bolster its ranks with fresh, capable individuals ready to take on significant roles.
What a brilliant man indeed!' Lady Ru muttered in thoughts
"Reynhigh family will be the vanguard of the Grand Table, so we must discreetly support them. We're not only facing the dark, evil forces, but we're also dealing with the potential outbreak of civil war," Prince Davey said with a serious tone.
"So it's true then? The Magic Towers are all moving against the Imperial Family?" Deluc, the Second Prince, asked with concern.
"They've always been wary of the Empire's influence, greedy for power. Their ultimate desire is to control all the magical resources and dominate their own realm where they can impose their will unchallenged," Lady Ru chimed in, her voice filled with disdain for the Tower's ambitions.
Davey nodded, his expression unreadable. "The High Table has endorsed my plan to seize control of the Magic Towers. With their support, most of the Assembly of Councils will side with us. But our focus isn't just on the political battlefield—we need to strengthen our foothold in every aspect if we're to protect the Imperial Family."
"In the political arena, we already have a key player," Deluc said, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Cromwell Reynhigh—currently a senior at the Imperial Academy—holds the highest rank among his peers. It would be a major blow if he were to fall short during the graduation rites."
"We'll ensure that Cromwell graduates at the top of his class," Davey said, his voice resolute. "With his talent and our backing, we can grant him a title that matches his prowess. He will carry the weight of the Grand Table's strongest support. Cromwell will become the cornerstone in our strategy to fortify the empire's strength."
"Are we preparing for war against the other courts?" Deluc asked, sensing the gravity of the plan.
"Yes," Davey replied without hesitation. "In the coming years, factions will likely rise against us. They have been consolidating power, building military forces capable of challenging the Imperial Family's authority. The Royal Houses backing these factions will remain in the shadows, manipulating events from behind the scenes. They'll keep their hands clean, avoiding direct confrontation so that we have no grounds to prosecute them. Our goal is to weaken these factions, disrupt their operations, and slowly assert control over the royal family."
"While I continue searching for information on the Emperor, Empress, and our Ministers, you, brother," Davey said, turning to Deluc, "will manage the civil affairs. Our mother will carry on her duty of protecting the borders from the encroaching forces of the Void. We must operate on all fronts, anticipating every threat."