Three days had passed swiftly since William's decision to attend Caesar Jack's wedding. His initial plan was to travel to the War-Ending Empire accompanied by the Legendary Golden Dragon, Jerot. However, it seemed Jerot was nowhere to be found in Dawn City. After waiting for three days with no sign of the dragon's return, William reluctantly decided to embark on the journey to the War-Ending Empire with the Blood Moon Dark Witch as his companion.
The War-Ending Empire's capital city, often referred to as the Imperial City, was also known as the Capital City within the empire. William had previously passed by this city on his way to the far north but hadn't stopped. For a Grandmaster Level Professional like him, it was not worth drawing attention to himself in such a densely populated area where someone might take offense and challenge him.
The city's sheer size was staggering; even with his Thunder Eye ability, William couldn't see its boundaries. The Imperial City boasted a population of over ten million, with more than 80% of its residents being Professionals. Legendary and Epic Level individuals were not rare here, and one could easily encounter them in various parts of the city.
As William and the Blood Moon Dark Witch arrived through a portal, they were greeted by the sight of sixteen enormous portals encircling them, with numerous Professionals coming and going. The city was a hub for business travelers, freelancers, mercenaries, and those attending events such as the upcoming wedding.
Despite William's fame in the Elven world, his reputation within the human camp was relatively unknown. No one recognized him, and he had no desire to reveal himself. He had learned from his past experiences that it was often best to keep a low profile, especially when dealing with strangers.
However, his status within the human camp was not entirely lacking. Many had heard tales of him as the Legendary figure who had triumphed in the Dark Invasion, known for dispatching chosen ones with ruthless efficiency. These legends, though somewhat embellished, still served to garner him a degree of respect and prevent others from underestimating him.
"Follow me," William instructed the Blood Moon Dark Witch. Her long legs and ample figure attracted attention as they made their way through the bustling streets. The witch followed obediently, resembling a dutiful companion. Unbeknownst to others, she possessed memory, intelligence, and the capacity for independent action.
She remembered every detail of how William had defeated her, leaving only her eyes intact. There had been no need for soul control or coercion; she had willingly submitted to him. Her loyalty indicated that Moses, her former master, lacked extraordinary magical talent compared to William.
After a short walk, the Blood Moon Dark Witch suddenly remarked, "These towering buildings block out the sun, and there is a noticeable lack of greenery. The pedestrians here appear rushed and seem uncomfortable."
William nodded, understanding her observation. "Life in Dawn City tends to be more leisurely, except during times of war. The civilians there enjoy a slower pace of life. In the War-Ending Empire, however, a military control system is in place. You'll notice that civilians move with purpose and haste. This is because, from the age of eighteen, anyone capable of cultivating fighting spirit or magic becomes a part of the army for a minimum of three years. These habits are instilled by military service."
The Blood Moon Dark Witch contemplated this information before expressing her concerns. "Master, do you believe adopting a similar system would be beneficial?"
William chuckled, "I have no interest in that. Besides, the population of Dawn City isn't large enough to support such a system. If civilians were to enlist at eighteen, who would work the farms and mines? Are you volunteering?"
The War-Ending Empire boasted a population exceeding one billion, making it the largest among the three human empires. It had the capability to mobilize armies exceeding one hundred million during wartime, even though the average quality of its soldiers might not be high. Such numerical superiority held its own advantages.
However, William couldn't help but feel that the civilian populace was overburdened by this system. Without the presence of Sages and legends to deter external threats, the continuous strain on the populace's manpower could have detrimental consequences.
Furthermore, William could always rely on face brushing to recruit Professionals in Dawn City. The city already had a significant number of civilian Professionals who chose not to join the military or Dawn Mercenary Regiment. Forcing them into service would be unnecessary and counterproductive.
Continuing their journey, they headed towards the eastern part of the War-Ending Empire Palace, which housed most adult princes and princesses. The western side was reserved for the empire's great nobles.
During their three-hour trek, they witnessed sights that were absent in Dawn City. While William remained composed, the Blood Moon Dark Witch, who had been sealed for hundreds of years, was fascinated by the unfamiliar surroundings.
Floating ships hovered in the sky, and various types of flying creatures filled the air. Towering structures, some exceeding ten meters or even tens of meters in height, were scattered throughout the city. Even as they passed by the War-Ending Empire Imperial School of Magic, they were greeted by more than a dozen towering magic spires on its campus, each surpassing a hundred meters in height. These spires represented the presence of thirteen Legendary mages and the Epic Level magic practitioners among the faculty.
The Blood Moon Dark Witch was captivated by the sight, briefly halting her steps. After a deep breath, she resumed walking alongside William.
Observing her reaction, William couldn't help but smile. "Is something the matter? You seem transfixed by the magic towers."
"Master, do you believe that Moses can become a Grand Enchanter?" The Blood Moon Dark Witch's concern was evident. Her faith in Moses was unwavering, and the thought of her mentor failing to attain greatness troubled her.
William chuckled, "You needn't worry. There's no one in the world who can stop Moses, and becoming a Grand Enchanter is a simple matter for her."
The Blood Moon Dark Witch's eyes sparkled with hope. Her belief was equally resolute; Moses was her unwavering faith.
The sudden appearance of a young mage interrupted their conversation. Though he appeared young, he had already achieved mage status in his thirties, a testament to his exceptional talent. Accompanying him were two fellow mages of similar Epic Level proficiency, and they all wore matching white robes adorned with intricate golden designs, hinting at their affiliation with a magic school, either as instructors or students.
The young mage initiated a conversation, making an offhand remark about "Moses." William's reaction was swift; he used a lightning-fast strike to send the mage flying hundreds of meters, crashing into the doors of the Magic School.
The abrupt confrontation drew the attention of bystanders. Onlookers were left wondering who had dared to provoke a tutor from the Imperial Magic Academy in such a brazen manner.
Was it one of the mentors from the Martial Battle Energy Academy?
The scene didn't appear to involve someone of William's stature, and his actions seemed audacious.
The mage who had been sent flying regained his composure and, nursing his reddened face, returned with a group of individuals. Their ranks included students and instructors from the Magic School, as well as a contingent of Imperial City guards on patrol.
The head of the patrol was a Grandmaster Level Professional, not an Epic Level one, but his authority was derived from his role as a guard captain in the Imperial City. He showed no fear, fully confident in
performing his duty, as long as he wasn't confronted by a Legendary figure.
William, however, had many titles associated with him, and his reputation added to his enigmatic aura. The guard captain hesitated to act rashly, despite being uncertain about how to address him.
William reached into his sleeve and withdrew his invitation, presenting it to the guard captain.
The young guard captain, realizing that he was in the presence of a distinguished guest, asked respectfully, "Are you here as a guest to attend Prince Caesar's wedding?"
William nodded in confirmation. This exchange prompted the onlookers to recognize his true identity.
A sudden realization dawned upon the crowd. This was none other than William Blackleaf, the neutral camp's ruler and the prince of the Black Leaf Elves. Many recalled his achievements, such as the capture of five Orc fortresses and his title as the Butcher of Chosen Ones.
His reputation preceded him, and it was clear that he was not to be trifled with. This Legendary figure had earned his notoriety, and his actions had resonated throughout the land.
The guard captain, now aware of the guest's status, couldn't help but swallow hard before proceeding. "William Blackleaf, may I inquire whether you are here to attend the wedding of Prince Caesar?"
"Yes," William replied, narrowing his eyes.
The question and answer reverberated through the crowd, enlightening them about the purpose of William Blackleaf's visit.
However, a voice from the crowd interjected, "How could the prince dare to assault a mage on the street and have him arrested? Shouldn't he be held accountable for his actions, especially considering he's a Black Leaf Elf prince?"
The crowd's attention shifted toward the source of this comment, a young man in black robes who had come forward. He was an Epic Level mage, appearing youthful but having reached this level in his thirties. Accompanying him were two other Epic Level mages of a similar age.
They all donned white robes adorned with intricate golden patterns, akin to those of the Magic School's instructors or students.
William's gaze settled on the young man in black, and he held out his hand to stop the Blood Moon Dark Witch from responding.
Without delay, he made his move, a flash of lightning serving as his weapon. The next moment, the young mage found himself propelled hundreds of meters away, crashing forcefully into the doors of the Magic School.
An immediate commotion ensued among the onlookers, who were bewildered by the audacious act of challenging a tutor from the Imperial Magic Academy. Questions arose as to whether it was a mentor from the Martial Battle Energy Academy involved in this altercation.
The mage who had been sent flying managed to regain his composure, nursing his reddened face, and returned with a group of individuals. This group included students, instructors from the Magic School, and a detachment of Imperial City guards on patrol.
The head of the patrol was a Grandmaster Level Professional, not an Epic Level one, but his authority stemmed from his role as the guard captain in the Imperial City. He hesitated to take action, as confronting a Legendary figure like William was not a simple matter.
William, aware of the implications of his actions, reached into his sleeve and produced his invitation, which he presented to the guard captain.
The young guard captain, recognizing the esteemed guest before him, addressed him respectfully. "William Blackleaf, are you here as a guest to attend Prince Caesar's wedding?"
William nodded in confirmation, and the crowd began to realize the true identity of the enigmatic figure before them.
It was William Blackleaf, ruler of the neutral camp and prince of the Black Leaf Elves. His reputation as the Butcher of Chosen Ones and the conqueror of five Orc fortresses had left an indelible mark on the land.
With this revelation, the crowd grew apprehensive of challenging William Blackleaf. His Legendary status and deeds were widely acknowledged, and it was clear that he was not to be trifled with.
The guard captain, now fully aware of William Blackleaf's distinguished status, hesitated no longer. "William Blackleaf, may I inquire whether you are here to attend Prince Caesar's wedding?"
"Yes," William Blackleaf affirmed, his eyes narrowing.
The question and response circulated among the onlookers, shedding light on William Blackleaf's purpose for being in the Imperial City.
However, a voice from within the crowd interjected, raising a contentious issue. "How can Prince Caesar dare to assault a mage on the street and order his arrest? Shouldn't he be held accountable for his actions, especially considering he's a Black Leaf Elf prince?"
The crowd's attention shifted toward the source of the comment, a young man in black robes who had stepped forward. He was an Epic Level mage, appearing youthful but having achieved this status in his thirties. Accompanying him were two other Epic Level mages of similar age.
They all wore white robes embellished with intricate golden patterns, akin to the attire of the Magic School's instructors or students.