Chapter 79: Awakeners of the Great Empire
On that day, Shu was filled with anticipation.
Finally, it was the day of the Black Cat's executive meeting. He had traveled from the southwest of the continent all the way to the Imperial Capital, Ardal. Along the way, he had encountered the Revolutionary Army Rebellion and made a name for himself as the "Death God" in the capital.
However, his true purpose in coming to the capital was this meeting.
"Master,"
He showed a gold coin with the image of a cat holding a staff on the front and a skull with a knife on the back – the very coin of the "Death God" – to the master of the upscale bar. The bar's master was experienced and didn't change his expression as he signaled one of the female staff members. She had a seductive presence, but Shu could certainly sense the aura of someone from the underworld in her.
"Please, follow me,"
The master began to guide him with a calm demeanor. He effortlessly concealed his presence in the bustling tavern, smoothly passed through the patrons, and reached a staircase in the back of the establishment. The area beneath the stairs was so dark that nothing could be seen.
"I can only guide you up to this point."
"Is the room in an easily accessible location?"
"There is only one room beneath this."
"I see."
This was a place reserved exclusively for the Black Cat. They didn't need multiple rooms. Without hesitation, Shu continued on, aiming for the underground chamber that led to the abyss. The Black Cat was a gathering of individuals who seemed to condense the darkness of the world – a troublesome organization where executives stirred up the world as they pleased. He couldn't afford to let his guard down, but showing fear would only invite contempt.
As the "Death God" and the Lord of the Underworld, he could act with confidence. Shu would bestow death as he pleased and continue to send souls to the afterlife. He had no intention of changing that.
(In this world, I am not powerless. I can protect what needs protecting on my own.)
This was different from his powerless self lying on a sickbed. He had severed ties with his stolen past. Now, he possessed the power to fight solely for the future.
"It's time for the showdown."
Shu, having descended to the innermost chamber, placed his hand on the double doors in front of him and pushed them open forcefully. In that moment, a golden radiance flooded his vision.
---
While the Black Cat's meeting was about to begin, Emperor Gias Sritarti Murjif Barat Noaz Sbarokia had convened a secret conference with five individuals.
Only the heads of the Grand Duchy's noble houses would be informed later; no one else should know.
The five individuals gathered by the Emperor were people who should remain highly confidential.
"I'm glad you could make it."
Gias offered words of appreciation.
"If it's for the sake of our homeland's crisis, it's only natural. The Frozen Princess Palace, Rufil, exists for Your Majesty and the Great Empire," replied a white-haired beauty, closing her eyes.
Her slowly opening eyes were a beautiful shade of blue, and an aura of coldness emanated from her entire body, along with magical power.
"Even though I've retired, I served as the Grand General. If it's a crisis, even the Invincible Golden Garldros, I, will stake my life," the next person to speak was a fierce-looking man, like a lion. He had a robust physique overall and appeared as a giant next to the delicate Rufil.
The invincible smile of the Invincible Golden Garldros was reassuring to Gias.
"Indeed, while I was holed up in my laboratory, something like this happened..."
"Don't complain. In times of crisis, you'll work diligently. That's a condition for your research budget, right? Isn't it, Flalouse of Universal Truth?"
"I understand, little miss... I mean, Cromria of the Reaper Blade."
The impatient Flalouse of Universal Truth was a man with a skeletal appearance. His appearance was eerie, and the magical power he emitted should be considered malevolent. He even exuded an air of expertise in the underworld. Although he belonged to the Great Empire, he was involved in illicit activities. However, he was still allowed by the Emperor.
The one who reprimanded Flalouse of Universal Truth was Cromria of the Reaper Blade, a young girl. She appeared to be a girl, but her hidden magical power was undeniable. She was definitely not ordinary.
"My skills are itching for action as well. Even though I've retired from battle, my heart still leaps. Let's show them the might of the Sacred Sword, Saint Hailrain, bestowed upon me by Your Majesty, by cutting down your enemies flawlessly."
The fifth person appeared to be an older man in appearance. He had white hair mixed in, and his demeanor was gentle.
However, he harbored a presence that could cut through the very air.
Emperor Gias called out to the five.
"Rufil of the Frozen Princess Palace, Garldros the Invincible Golden, Flalouse of Universal Truth, Cromria of the Reaper Blade, Saint Hailrain of the Sacred Sword... From now on, the Sbarokia Grand Empire faces a crisis. You awakened Magi-Knights... the time has come for you to shine."
"Princess Toukimiya Rufil and the Invincible Golden Garthros will likely handle the Revolutionary Army Rebellion. Meanwhile, the Secret Sword Saint Hyrein will be on standby. You will come out when the Sacred Grinia deploys Awakening Magi-Knights. As the strongest in one-on-one combat, you shouldn't fall behind."
After all, the Revolutionary Army Rebellion is an enemy that can be crushed as long as there are Awakening Magi-Knights. We had to keep our forces concealed, preparing for war with the Sacred Grinia, but since we found out that the Sacred Grinia is backing the Revolutionary Army Rebellion, they've been unleashed.
For the Subarokia Grand Empire, the time is now. The world is in turmoil, and the prospect of war is rising. This is an opportunity for the Grand Empire, an opportunity for a counteroffensive.
"This is the beginning of war. We will emerge victorious."
The oath of Geass was firmly engraved into the minds of the five.
◆◆◆
In the underground chamber of a splendid tavern, when Shuu opened the door that was supposed to lead to darkness, he saw a golden radiance. A dazzling chandelier, a carpet woven with red and gold threads, paintings framed in gold, and a round table made from fragrant wood were in the room. There were eleven chairs around that round table, and five of them were already occupied. There was a middle-aged man with a bald head and a protruding belly, a man leisurely smoking a cigarette, a person with a hidden face, an old man with a staff by his side, and a woman in a white robe sleeping on the table. In other words, Shuu was the sixth member to gather, one of the executives.
(There are five coins on the table. Is this the proof of the executives?)
Upon closer inspection, the person with the hidden face was "Takame."
Today, he was wearing the usual mask that concealed his eyes and a hood. Shuu sat down next to his acquaintance, "Takame," and placed a coin on the table.
It was a "Death" coin with a skull and a knife engraved on the reverse side.
Some of those around reacted upon seeing it.
They must have realized that the "Death" had changed.
The new "Death" had a good reputation even in the imperial capital Aldaal, so it piqued their interest.
"You're quite popular, Mr. 'Death.'"
"Well, I'm still a rookie."
Shuu whispered quietly to "Takame."
"Do we just wait now?"
"It won't begin until everyone is here."
"I see."
So, they would have some free time for a while. Today, Shuu had given Iris a magical task and left her at home to take care of things, so using telepathy to communicate would be disruptive. Instead, he summoned a shadow spirit and picked up a book.
Then, one of the executives, an old man, observed him keenly. He had been sitting calmly but now seemed ready to stand up at any moment. However, the old man didn't move.
While paying attention to his surroundings, Shuu continued to read the forbidden spellbook. It was a magical book called "Starfall," the twelfth-tier earth magic. He chose it simply because it looked cool. He had no ulterior motives.
(In essence, it's about making meteorites fall. Sounds like fun.)
Studying magical theory for the future was one excuse, but making meteorites fall had a certain romance to it.
Even if he didn't get a chance to use it, the fact that he could was valuable.
In this underground chamber where those who belonged to the darkness gathered, silence flowed.
There were still five executives who hadn't arrived yet. It seemed like it would take a while.
A meeting of black cats that heralded ominous events.
It would begin shortly.
◆◆◆
In the Sacred Grinia, only the Holy Knights and the Security Force were allowed to be Magi-Knights. The Holy Knights were warriors of exorcism belonging to the Church, while the Security Force was responsible for maintaining law and order. Their duties mostly involved dealing with human adversaries, apprehending criminals, and occasionally pursuing dangerous criminals.
The elite Holy Knights, on the other hand, fought against monsters, protecting the city and its people. The capital, Magia, had the headquarters of the Holy Knight Order, where plans for investigating and exterminating dangerous monsters were devised.
However, in a secret chamber within the headquarters, a strategy for dealing with human adversaries was being formulated.
"I appreciate you all gathering here, the four heroes chosen by El Magia."
Five individuals had assembled in this meeting room. One of them, the Pope, expressed his gratitude.
It was a remarkable situation for the Pope, who held the most power in the Church, to express gratitude. But it was not without reason. Among the four present here were the four Awakening Magi-Knights, the S-rank Holy Knights who were considered the strongest.
Even the highest authority in the Cult of the Demon God, the Pope himself, showed respect to them.
"Aroma of the 'Sea of Trees,' Lichtre of the 'Piercing Light,' Garan of the 'Floating Castle,' and Floria of the 'Divine Eye.' I entrust you with a secret mission. Lead a select few or go alone, but destroy the great Empire of Subarokia. The method is up to you."
The secret mission announced by the Pope was to secretly destroy the great Empire.
The four felt a surge of tension.
The day they had been waiting for had finally come.
"The great Empire may also deploy Awakening Magi-Knights. However, I do not believe that the blessed heroes chosen by the gods can be defeated. Show the world the power of blessings and faith. Teach those Magi-Knights of that oppressive nation about the existence and power of El Magia!"
Magical armor was a gift from the gods. Therefore, those who wielded powerful magical armor were regarded as recipients of many blessings. In other words, Awakening Magi-Knights were among the highest blessed individuals.
Aroma Fidea, the oldest Awakening Magi-Knight of them all, spoke up.
"I will sever the longstanding fate with the Empire that has continued since the day I awakened."
For her, who had lived for three hundred years since her awakening, this was the long-awaited order.
The battle that would shake the Slada Continent had already begun.