Chapter 506: Rekindled
"Breaking News! Breaking News! King Kai Xiusu is Awakening!"
"Demons are about to invade Anzeta! Marshal Dolo has issued War Mobilization!"
"The Prime Minister has issued urgent directives: Demons are the Empire’s greatest threat at this stage. They must be utterly eradicated to preserve the Empire’s Order!"
"Invincible Supreme King Kai Xiusu will soon hold a Military Parade in the Suburbs of Isdalia!"
Newsboys darted through the streets, shouting headlines. Well-dressed elites in tailored suits would often stop them, snatching up the latest copy of the Kingdom Daily.
This issue of the Imperial Daily sold like wildfire—especially due to the striking image on its front page: an Ogre, ears bleeding, yet standing tall with a Scepter raised high, his gaze fixed beyond the frame as if roaring at the unseen Demons. The banner of the Empire of Ashen fluttered fiercely behind him.
Imperial Square buzzed with chaos. Crowds pressed against the bulletin boards, murmuring excitedly about the Empire’s recent developments.
"These Abyss vermin are getting too bold!"
"We’re going to declare war!"
"Thank the heavens—my uncle died in the Demon Attack. Now I can finally avenge him!"
"His Majesty has awakened! Everything is returning to normal! We will achieve Victory!"
Unlike ordinary nations, the people of the Empire showed no fear at the news of Demon invasion. Instead, they were exhilarated—almost ecstatic.
For years, they had grown furious at the relentless raids. Half a year ago, some had even begun rallying under the slogan: "Counterattack the Abyss!" And they’d found support.
Years of unbroken War Victories had instilled in them a deep, unshakable belief: The Empire of Ashen is invincible. The Great Red Dragon Emperor is omnipotent.
This conviction had become etched into their minds—so deeply that it felt like an Ideological Steel Stamp.
To most nations, war meant crushing taxes, brutal battlefields, and lives reduced to ruin.
But for the people of the Empire, war meant opportunity. Business thrived. Jobs multiplied. And most importantly, it offered a swift path to Ascension.
War was risk and reward in equal measure—but the Empire’s citizens never feared it. They welcomed it. Relished it.
The Empire’s "Conquest Party" even took to the streets in jubilant procession, singing a newly composed anthem:
"We’ll slaughter every Demon!"
"We’ll strip their filthy hides and make them into shoe soles!"
"We’ll turn their horns into necklaces!"
In truth, the song was simply a reworked version of "The Song of Conquering the South," with "Southmen" replaced by "Demons."
"We’ll plant the Empire’s banner high over the Abyss!"
"Let fire dry up the Blood Pools!"
The chorus swelled, growing louder and fiercer. The Conquest Party sang with wild abandon, drawing gasps and retreats from the onlookers.
At the edge of the street, a calm-looking middle-aged man turned his head, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Jennyhis… did you see that? The people of this nation treat Demons like this? Have they been brainwashed by the Emperor?"
Jennyhis sighed, lowering her voice. "This is the Empire of Ashen, Adroville Melward. And don’t speak any words about the Emperor—here, he can hear you."
As she spoke, she instinctively clutched her chest. The Flame Mark there pulsed faintly, a dull ache.
"Jennyhis, you’re overthinking it. That Red Dragon isn’t a Divine Being."
Adroville Melward dismissed her warning, eyes scanning the crowd with curiosity.
But before he could say another word, he found himself unable to speak—Jennyhis had cast a Silence spell upon him.
The man’s name was Adroville Melward—a mature Silver Dragon in human form, Jennyhis’s cousin. He was also the strongest support sent by the Melward faction, known among the people of Feiansuo Continent as the "Guardian’s Scale."
At over three hundred and eighty years old, he was nearing the twilight of his life. Yet he remained a frontline warrior, battling Demon invasions for centuries. His power was staggering—on par with even the oldest Silver Dragons.
"We’ll make the Demons tremble at the mere sound of our name!"
The Conquest Party’s chant echoed through the streets. The citizens of the Empire were inflamed with rage, shouting curses at the approaching enemy.
"Unbelievable…" Adroville murmured.
In all his long life, he had traveled through many nations ravaged by Demon attacks. Everywhere, the people had been paralyzed by fear—fear so deep it bordered on paralysis. Even in the mighty Faldran Empire, the common folk still flinched at the thought of Demon raids.
But here, in the Empire of Ashen, he witnessed something utterly foreign: joy. Anticipation. Delight—in the face of invasion.
Were these truly Humanoid Beings?
Could it be that every citizen of this nation was merely a Red Dragon wearing a human skin?
Staring at the furious crowd, listening to their bloodthirsty plans for extermination, Adroville Melward couldn’t help but wonder.
Jennyhis urged, "Come, Adroville. The Military Parade is about to begin."
Adroville replied, "After seeing these fanatical people, I’d like to witness… what their army truly looks like."
But Jennyhis was distant, lost in thought.
If the bulletin said the Emperor would personally attend the parade… then he would be there.
For no reason she could explain, her mind drifted to that towering, majestic figure—impossibly vast, impossibly real.
---
In the quiet inner district of Isdalia, within a modest but elegant cottage, George placed three Golden Nael upon the altar before a statue of the Red Dragon. He clasped his hands together, whispering a prayer.
"Invincible Kai Xiusu above…"
"Grant me your Blessing in the War against the Demons. Let me earn Battle Merit."
He opened his eyes, then turned to the Imperial Daily spread across the table. His gaze was sharp, resolute.
"A new war. A new opportunity."
"Whether I rise to become a senior officer in the conquest of the South—and ascend to true Importance—depends on this one battle."
He adjusted his military uniform in front of the mirror, straightened the collar, then secured the Lieutenant Colonel’s shoulder insignia with a precise pin. Finally, he settled his military hat into place.
Gazing at his reflection—proud, imposing, radiating aura—he pushed open the door.
"Whoo—!"
The whistle sounded. The military transport train was ready, set to carry the soldiers to the exercise grounds in the Suburbs of Isdalia.
After the parade, they would be deployed to Southern Anzeta—sent to strategic strongholds like Blackstone Fortress—where they would face the Demon Army marching north from Anstica.
The War Flames… were about to be rekindled.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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