Chapter 543: Secrets and Promotion

Chapter 543: Secrets and Promotion

An emergency meeting was immediately convened within the Imperial Palace, attended by Menya and other elders of the Dragun bloodline.

"I believe we can hold the investiture ceremony for the new guardians in two days."

"An excellent suggestion. This way, the sudden recall of most imperial guardians to the Imperial Capital won't seem as abrupt", Elder Ivan nodded in agreement.

"But what about the gap in combat strength in the provinces once the local imperial guardians leave? The cults will surely take advantage of the situation, and the common people might—"

"We can't afford to worry about that right now. We have to choose the lesser of two evils", Elder Ivan sighed.

"I suggest we also recall His Majesty Warkmars", Menya spoke from her seat at the head of the table.

"His Majesty Warkmars? But what if he leaves and Queen Fephen Cuiteste makes a move?"

"I agree. We must learn from our past mistakes. If we had recalled someone like His Majesty Warkmars, a Dawn Apex powerhouse, the outcome might have been entirely different", Elder Ivan supported.

"..."

The meeting concluded half an hour later.

Streams of colorful arcane communication messages were sent out from the palace in all directions. To ensure everything went smoothly, minutes later, a large number of Blood Falcons and Swifts carrying confidential letters also took flight from the palace.

The letters contained only one sentence: "The investiture ceremony for the new imperial guardians will be held on the last Sunday of this month."

This was the best reason the royal elders could come up with to gather most of the imperial guardians in the Imperial Capital Temeril in two days.

Of course, this might not fool the deities, but delaying their knowledge of the event could give them a better chance of success.

Bishu Construct Guild Headquarters

Rayne tried out the 'Steel Heart' advanced Meditation Method and was delighted to find that he had made progress, adding three more will runes, bringing the total to 395.

As he had expected, the increase in psi energy had significantly helped advance his Meditation Method.

Several hours later, Rayne pushed his progress to 412 will runes. However, the rate of improvement began to slow down again, indicating that he was approaching the limit.

In other words, the effects of the Transcendent Wisdom Elixir were gradually wearing off.

"The absorption of Divine Power Crystals is still the most effective."

Rayne couldn't help but marvel.

At that moment, the communication mark on his chest began to flash.

Rayne sensed it and frowned slightly, then immediately left the meditation chamber and headed to the palace.

Arcane communication was not entirely secure, so Menya was waiting for Rayne in a sealed room in one of the palace's side halls.

Soon, Rayne, led by a female attendant, arrived at the secret room.

After the attendant left, Rayne asked, "Menya, what's so urgent?"

"Rayne, there's something you need to be particularly aware of. In two days—"

Menya explained the situation in detail.

Rayne's expression grew serious as he listened.

He now understood that the emperor's attempt to become a demigod had been interrupted by several deity incarnations at a critical moment, and he had not only failed but was also severely injured.

The information he had received before was different. To boost the empire's morale and the royal family's prestige, the news had been embellished, stating that the emperor had succeeded in his ascension despite being severely injured.

"So, there's a high likelihood that the deities will descend again this time?" Rayne asked after a moment of thought.

Although Menya's consciousness had briefly merged with his body, the time was too short for him to fully grasp all of her secrets and knowledge.

"Yes, the possibility is very high", Menya nodded.

"Menya, isn't two days a bit too rushed? Why didn't the emperor choose a time when he was better prepared to ascend?" Rayne asked again.

"Because the strengthening of the Energy Tide has a much greater effect on the revival of deities than on our own power growth."

"The strengthening of the Energy Tide will produce more strong individuals in the empire, but that takes time."

"Time, however, is not on our side."

"I understand", Rayne nodded.

"There's one more thing. I heard that the empire's founding emperor, Emperor Atlas, was a demigod-level powerhouse. Later, it seems two more emperors also reached the demigod level. Where are they now?"

This question had been on Rayne's mind for a long time. If not for his special relationship with Menya, he might not have found the right person to ask.

"Indeed, three of our ancestors successfully reached the demigod level, but that was two thousand years ago. At the time, the empire had just been established, and soon after their ascension, they noticed that the Energy Tide was gradually declining."

"Humans are not immortal beings; our lifespans are limited. While deities and ancient behemoths can avoid the decline by hibernating, humans cannot."

"So, even though our ancestors were powerful, they had to find other means. According to the royal archives, our ancestors and the few remaining Full Moon Wizards at the time went to other worlds."

"Other worlds?" Rayne's eyes widened in shock.

Although Rayne had read about other worlds in ancient texts, he was well aware that the other worlds Menya spoke of were certainly not the likes of the infernal realms or Vile Demon worlds.

"Through some spatial passage, perhaps?"

"No, according to records, the ancestors' exact words were that only after ascending to demigod status could one perceive the ever-changing gateway through some form of intuition", Menya said slowly.

"Perceive the ever-changing gateway through some form of intuition?" Rayne couldn’t help but frown slightly.

If what she said was true and the records were accurate, the implications were worth pondering.

"Could this be why deities have been descending as incarnations to prevent the Emperor from ascending?"

"That’s uncertain. It might be, or there could be other reasons", Menya shook her head and said.

Rayne nodded, understanding her point.

Even though Menya was an important member of the royal family, she wasn’t the Emperor and thus was not privy to all the empire’s secrets.

Moreover, the information he had learned today was already more than enough.

"Rayne, if the situation becomes as dire as last time, I hope you will take care of yourself", Menya’s beautiful eyes met Rayne’s, her tone serious.

"I will, Menya. You too."

"By the way, this matter is currently classified. Apart from the royal elders, even other imperial guardians don’t know the specifics yet."

"Understood."

After leaving the palace’s side hall, Rayne first returned home to make some arrangements.

Fortunately, his current residence was in the third ring of the Imperial Capital, far from the palace. Even during the last battle, the primary affected area was only the palace and the inner ring. The second ring was almost untouched, let alone the third.

However, Rayne still took some necessary precautions and gave some warnings.

He instructed his family to avoid going out for the next few days and set up a protective ward array in the residence to guard against any residual effects of the battle.

"Rayne, is something going to happen?" Jennifer, the beautiful woman, seemed to sense something.

"Don’t worry, it’s just being prepared for the worst."

Rayne had promised Menya that he wouldn’t reveal this information. Besides, for those whose power hadn’t reached the epic level, knowing too much in advance might not be a good thing.

A few hours later, Rayne returned to the Bishu Construct Guild.

This time, he didn’t enter the secret room but went to the Construct Hall.

Looking at the towering Mechanical Tyrant Dragon, a glint of determination flashed in Rayne’s eyes.

"If Menya’s judgment is correct, the days ahead will indeed be dangerous, but it’s also an opportunity for me. It’s all about whether I can seize it."

After some thought, Rayne called Audrey over and said:

"Audrey, gather all the rare ores within the guild and bring them here."

Meanwhile, in the sky above Casswys Province.

An elderly man riding a giant blue dragon, who seemed to be inspecting his jurisdiction, suddenly noticed a pattern on his Wizard Robe’s chest flicker. With a touch, he listened for a moment and then showed a hint of confusion.

However, a moment later, the man and dragon flew swiftly toward the Imperial Capital Temeril.

In the depths of the Beverly Mountains, in the massive nest of the Fephen Queen Béatrice.

She lifted her beautiful face, her eyes looking toward the sky. She could clearly sense a familiar aura rapidly moving away.

"Has Warkmars left?"

"It seems the energy tide fluctuations have caused something extraordinary this time."

If one were to look from above, they would see a massive silver dragon flying quickly toward the Imperial Capital. On the dragon’s back was an elderly man holding a twisted grey staff, dressed in a grey Wizard Robe. This was Warkmars, a seasoned imperial guardian who had met Rayne once and was also a Bladesworn.

At that moment, if one were to broaden their view to the entire empire, similar scenes would be playing out in the skies above provinces like Mozel, Nome, and Sava.

A day later.

Cyrodiil Plateau.

In the underground Construct Hall of the Isodrial Academy, five or six high-ranking wizards were discussing something.

The deputy head of the Bishu Construct Guild, Bradley, looked at the sand table replicating the terrain of the entire Cyrodiil Plateau with a delighted expression and said:

"Guild Master, with the large number of Mechanical Scytheclaw Raptors and Screamer Raptors left by Lord Rayne, and the strong support from the Isodrial Academy, we have made significant progress, clearing nearly seventy percent of the plateau."

"Moreover, the most important point is that based on the distribution of the Aberrant Spider Swarm, we can almost determine that the secret cult Tuttesh’s base is located somewhere in this narrow strip."

Bradley pointed to the narrow strip on the western side of the plateau.

"Indeed, it’s a commendable victory!"

"However, the hardest part lies ahead. I suggest we pause the offensive and immediately send a message to Lord Rayne, asking him to come to the plateau", the Guild Master Moria’s expression was not as relaxed, but rather cautious.

He had read the detailed battle reports and knew that even with the aid of such powerful mechanical constructs, the wizards had suffered significant casualties.

This was despite the fact that most of the enemy’s frontal attacks were borne by the Mechanical Land Birds and Mechanical Scytheclaw Raptors.

It was clear that the Aberrant Spider Swarm’s combat strength far exceeded their previous expectations.

Moreover, the main force of Tuttesh Academy was lurking in the shadows like venomous snakes, waiting to strike. Although they had made preparations, they could not afford to let their guard down.

"I agree. It would be best to launch the final assault after His Majesty Rayne arrives", said the old wizard from Isodrial Academy, who had a mustache, nodding.

He had witnessed Graham's strength and would not underestimate the opponent. Even with the 'Destroyer' as a powerful weapon, they could only barely maintain a stalemate on their own.

At that moment, a young wizard, his face beaming with joy, rushed in to report:

"Grandmaster, a number of wizards from other schools in the Imperial Capital have arrived, saying they want to join the Construct Association. They are here to visit and inspect."

"Hmm?" The group exchanged glances, all of them somewhat surprised.

"Other schools are joining so soon?"

"Which schools are here?" Deputy Grandmaster Bradley immediately asked.

"The medium-sized Rockfort Construct Workshop and the Clay Puppet Secret Academy, along with several smaller wizard schools, have all sent representatives."

"Really? These two medium-sized schools didn't get along with us very well before."

"Yes, according to the news, two days ago, Lord Rayne officially registered the association with the Empire Wizard School Federation. Oh, and there's more—Lord Rayne has been officially promoted to Imperial Guardian."

"What! That's great!" Moria slammed his hand on the table, his face flushed with excitement.

How long has it been!

How many years has it been since Bishu Construct Guild produced an Imperial Guardian!

"Lord Rayne, no, His Majesty Rayne's strength has long surpassed that of an ordinary Imperial Guardian. It's only fitting that he has been honored with this title", the old wizard from Isodrial Academy, with his graying hair, stroked his beard and congratulated them.

"No wonder other schools are joining so quickly!" Bradley said, realization dawning on his face.

Just as everyone was smiling, another young wizard rushed in, his expression anxious:

"Grandmaster, Lords, bad news from Taluffto Valley—three construct wizard teams have been completely wiped out!"

"What!"

"Each construct team is equipped with at least one Mechanical Scytheclaw Raptor and one Mechanical Screamer Raptor. Three teams, all wiped out?"

"Yes, my Lord. We have already sent scouts to investigate. We suspect that this might be the secret base of Tuttesh Academy we've been looking for."

"Contact His Majesty Rayne immediately!"

"Yes, Grandmaster."

The next morning.

The main thoroughfares of the Empire were decorated with lanterns and streamers. The public had learned that the Empire was about to hold a ceremony to confer the title of Imperial Guardian, which would take place in the Royal Arena.

The Royal Arena was already a sea of flowers, and the stands were almost full of Empire nobles, noble ladies, and young misses.

Rayne looked at the bustling scene and couldn't help but murmur:

"Even the nobles are in the dark about what's really going on, just like the commoners."

"His Majesty Rayne, perhaps we should look at it from another angle. For most people, not knowing might be a blessing", Lambert, with a solemn expression, said.

The Guardians who had rushed to the Imperial Capital were quickly led to isolated chambers upon their arrival, where they received instructions and were given combat potions and healing potions.

Rayne also met Lambert, who had recently ascended to the rank of swordsaint, there. Lambert was one of the newly promoted.

At that moment, the 'Red Queen' Menya, with a gentle smile, gracefully rose from her seat on the royal stand, showcasing her elegant and regal figure, and announced: "After discussion by the Royal Family and the Senate, I am honored to announce that the ceremony to confer the title of Imperial Guardian is now officially underway."

Menya's words were like cold water poured into boiling oil, and the Royal Arena immediately erupted in excitement!

Applause

"The first is Lord Rayne from the Empire's Bladesworn department. He is also the youngest Imperial Guardian in the history of the Dragon Empire!"

Rayne was surprised that Menya would introduce him first.

"The youngest Imperial Guardian in history? That... that's incredible!"

"Indeed, and this Guardian is well-deserved. Didn't you see that just a few days ago, the 'Storm Cloud' Pantoskoc, also a newly promoted Guardian, was defeated by Lord Rayne?"

"That's right. The Empire is still very open-minded and doesn't base the selection of Imperial Guardians on age or seniority."

The high-ranking nobles, ladies, and young misses in the audience whispered among themselves.

"Clap, clap, clap!"

Suddenly, someone started clapping again, and the entire arena erupted in a second round of applause, bringing the atmosphere to a climax!

"Thank you, Your Highness Menya, thank you, Senate, and thank you all", Rayne bowed slightly in the center of the arena, expressing his gratitude.

At that moment, a powerful and imposing aura suddenly rose from the center of the palace. Even with the layers of ward arrays dampening it, everyone within the palace grounds felt its presence clearly.

"This is..." The nobles in the audience were momentarily at a loss.

However, the imperial guardians, who were well-prepared, all had serious expressions as they looked toward the center of the palace, muttering, "Has the ascension begun?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end