Early the next morning, in the capital.
The news that Prime Minister Honest had colluded with southern rebels, causing the "Night Raid Rebellion," and that he had been arrested by General Selene, along with his entire family being imprisoned and soon to be put on trial, spread through the streets of the capital like wildfire.
Many citizens of the Empire wept with joy, thanking Selene for her 'righteous act.'
"Finally, he's been caught!"
Even among the Imperial officials, when they heard that Selene, after being unable to tolerate Honest any longer, had defied the ancestral decree of 'military officers not interfering in politics' to bring him down, many couldn't help but applaud.
At the same time, unlike the common people, who had limited access to information and were not very politically savvy, many officials keenly noticed a different signal from the Empire's official reports.
Where was the news about the Emperor? Where was General Budo?
These omissions led them to realize that the Empire was on the brink of change, and Selene's rise to power was inevitable. Consequently, many officials who had been suppressed under Honest's regime began to stir with ambition.
Although they weren't particularly fond of a brute like Selene, in comparison to Honest, who was a despicable glutton, Selene was undeniably the lesser evil.
If they had their way, they would have preferred to align with a benevolent and traditional official like the former Prime Minister Chouri, who did not 'compete with the people for profit.' But at this critical juncture, their survival was at stake. Going against Selene now would be nothing short of a death wish.
Meanwhile, as discussions about Honest's upcoming trial echoed throughout the capital, Selene, accompanied by Sebas and Alyssa, made their way through the central palace corridors, heading to the underground chambers.
"Miss, according to General Leiva's report, Captain Alex has completed the elimination of Night Raid's headquarters in the suburbs. Commander Gensa has also led his troops into the capital, taking control of all the Imperial Guard units previously under Budo's command," Sebas reported.
"The Imperial Palace… no, the entire capital is now firmly under our control."
"Not enough," Selene said, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Alyssa, inform Leiva to take over all armed forces in the capital — the city defense forces, the capital's security forces, the Imperial prison, the new recruits of the Imperial Guard, the headquarters of the assassination units. Don't miss a single one."
"Yes!" Alyssa quickly turned and left to carry out the orders.
As Selene watched her go, she turned her gaze to a golden ring set with a ruby that she was toying with, her interest piqued.
"Hmph, this little Emperor really trusted Honest. Not only did he give him the key to the Imperial Treasury of Teigu, but also the key to the highest Teigu in the Empire."
"Now… the legendary Supreme Teigu, the 'National Defense Machine God: Shikoutazer,' let me see your power."
With a glint of excitement in her eyes, Selene activated the ruby ring, which glowed with a red light.
Click.
The metallic door opened in response. After passing through layers of security mechanisms, Selene's vision expanded as she stepped into an enormous, cavernous space, the walls lined with smooth marble. Towering stone pillars were arrayed in a solemn formation, and at the center, a colossal metallic face loomed into view — the face of the Supreme Teigu.
"What a magnificent display of brutal mechanical beauty."
Selene approached the head of the [Shikoutazer], reaching out to touch it, only to be immediately rejected by the Teigu's security mechanism. "As expected… a bloodline lock. Good thing I came prepared."
While she could have forced her way in, Selene was cautious. She feared the original Emperor had set up a self-destruct mechanism for this superweapon, and she wasn't willing to take any unnecessary risks. After all, this giant toy was something she truly cherished.
Snap!
With a crisp snap of her fingers, a purple glow flickered, and in the next moment, the corpse of the young Emperor appeared beside her.
The National Defense Machine God: Shikoutazer was not only the first and most powerful Teigu, but it was also the origin and pinnacle of all Teigu, said to possess godlike powers. Only those of the Emperor's bloodline could operate it, and it would recognize no one but the Emperor as its master. If it weren't for this restriction, Honest would have killed the Emperor long ago and taken control of the Supreme Teigu for himself.
Although it wasn't certain whether the [Shikoutazer] would respond to a dead body, Selene wasn't worried. The Emperor was dead, but he could be temporarily 'revived.' Even if his consciousness was gone and his brain was dead, as long as his body could move, it would suffice.
Using her abilities, Selene manipulated the young Emperor's body to touch the [Shikoutazer]. In an instant, the enormous head seemed to come to life, its hollow black eyes lighting up with a crimson glow.
"Looks like it worked," Selene murmured, stepping inside the now-opened core of the [Shikoutazer], dragging the Emperor's body along.
"Honkai Corruption!" As she stepped into the interior of the machine, Selene extended a single finger toward the control platform inside.
A surge of purple energy spread from her fingertip, rapidly engulfing the entire internal mechanism of the [Shikoutazer], and soon, it began to spread throughout the colossal body of the Teigu.
"Now, National Defense Machine God: Shikoutazer, you are mine — my very own 'Heavy Armor Bunny.' Hahaha…!" Selene's laughter echoed through the chamber, filled with unrestrained joy.
A massive mecha had been her dream for so long, and now, she finally owned one. And it was massive!
Stepping out of the [Shikoutazer], Selene relinquished control over the Emperor's body and touched the Teigu again. Now, with the bloodline connection established, controlling it felt as natural as moving her own limbs.
"Sebas, is it time for the trial yet?" she asked.
"Five minutes until it begins, Miss," Sebas responded with his usual respectful bow.
"Good, perfect timing. Sebas, I'll leave him to you. It's time for me to preside over the trial." With a gesture, she handed over the Emperor's body to Sebas.
"Also, start preparing for the coronation," Selene said with a sly wink before vanishing, along with the enormous head of the [Shikoutazer], leaving only a massive crater behind.
…
Meanwhile, at the Imperial Courthouse.
On a high platform, Honest and his cronies, all with their limbs severed, hung from crucifixes, awaiting judgment.
Before them, a sea of angry citizens had gathered. Selene hadn't arrived yet, but the hatred and fury toward Honest were impossible to suppress.
"It's the Prime Minister…"
"Honest, that damn traitor, is finally going to fall!!"
"It's all his fault! He corrupted the Emperor, and that's why the Empire has become like this!"
"Kill him!"
"Kill him!!"
"Kill him!!!"
...
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