Chapter 548: The Long-Awaited Dragon Knight
Chapter 548: The Long-Awaited Dragon Knight
"Do you mean, Your Majesty, that we should create a deity?"
Upon hearing these words, many officials and Imperial Guardians exchanged shocked glances and began to murmur among themselves.
Rayne didn't need to listen closely to know that most of the whispers were filled with doubt.
After all, even if they wanted to create a deity, someone would first need to ascend to the rank of Demigod to have a chance of harnessing the faith of the common people.
Currently, the entire Empire lacked even a single Demigod. Talking about creating a deity was like building castles in the air or fishing for the moon in the water.
"No, what I mean is that what we lack most is confidence!" Rayne said solemnly.
In his previous life, there was a saying that confidence is sometimes more important than gold. This holds true in this world and at this moment.
After the Second Imperial Capital War and the death of Emperor Carlos II, Rayne had seen the worried and anxious expressions of the common people on his journey. The once brave and resolute Griffin Knights now had eyes filled with dejection. Even many of the Empire's high-ranking nobles had lost their confidence.
If this situation were left unchecked and unguided, the Empire would soon see a disintegration of morale and a further deterioration of the situation. Such an Empire would undoubtedly become fertile ground for the rise of cults.
"Confidence, you say?"
"Hmm—"
Hearing Rayne's words, many Imperial Guardians and officials began to ponder, and even 'Red Queen' Menya, seated at the head of the table, looked deep in thought.
Indeed, in dealing with deities, a significant portion of even the high-ranking nobles had already lost their confidence.
At this moment, a somewhat discordant voice broke the silence:
"Ha, Your Majesty Rayne spoke of confidence, and that is true, but it doesn't address how to solve the practical problems."
"I believe that if we can resolve the increasingly frequent cult atrocities, the decline in arable land, and the reduction in the Empire's tax revenue, then everyone will have confidence."
It was the Minister of the Interior who spoke.
While Rayne had performed admirably in the war, displaying exceptional strength, the upper echelons of the Dragon Empire were deeply entrenched and complex. Rayne's words were far from being the final word that everyone would listen to with reverence.
However, the Minister of the Interior clearly felt some apprehension towards Rayne and refrained from using words that would provoke anger, instead choosing to challenge him with difficulties.
"Everyone knows that I have been with the Empire's Bladesworn. I have an idea for suppressing the increasingly active cults."
"In each province or important region of the Empire, the primary responsibility for suppressing cults lies with mid-level forces, such as the Bladesworn and special departments of the Military."
"We can quickly strengthen these forces, for example, by introducing construct golems. I tried this on the Cyrodiil Plateau, and the results were very promising."
Rayne then briefly recounted how the Isodrial Academy and the Bishu Construct Guild wizards used Mechanical Land Birds, Velociraptors, and Scytheclaw Raptors to crush the Aberrant Spider Swarm.
"Through this method, we can significantly reduce casualties among mid-level combat personnel during the suppression of cults, thereby enhancing the Empire's control over its territories."
"Good law and order, combined with effective propaganda, will help restore the people's confidence. Without a breeding ground, the eldritch deities' resurgence will slow down."
Rayne's words immediately caught the attention of the Imperial Guardians and several senior Empire generals, including Marshal Alfred, who began to take notes.
The Minister of the Interior, upon hearing that Rayne actually had a detailed solution, albeit focused on law and order, found it highly feasible.
He moved his lips a couple of times but remained silent.
After all, offering criticism was one thing, but being unreasonable would only make him look foolish.
"I think Your Majesty Rayne's suggestion is excellent. I hope that after this meeting, the Empire's military, the Bladesworn, and other departments can immediately develop and implement plans", Menya said with a smile, making the decision.
At first, she had been concerned that Rayne might be unaccustomed to such formal settings. However, his performance exceeded her expectations.
At this moment, Menya seemed to recall something and turned to the Grand Astrologist Darian, asking:
"Your Majesty Darian, as the head of the Empire's Astrologist's Platform, how long after this war do you estimate it will take for the eldritch deities to be capable of manifesting a Demigod-level avatar?"
"This includes myself and other astrologers; we don't have the ability to make precise predictions."
"However, although the gods expended a significant amount of divine power in the battle for the Imperial Capital, I estimate that within six months to a year, a god will recover enough to be able to manifest a demigod-level avatar."
"Of course, this is assuming that we follow Lord Rayne's advice and successfully curb the cult's activities."
"Six months to a year?"
"That means it could be as little as six months?"
"Six months? That's so soon?"
Many imperial officials' faces changed. They were not unaware that as the energy tides intensified, the gods' recovery time would accelerate. However, they never imagined that the time frame would be measured in months, not decades or even centuries.
From this perspective, the victory in the Imperial Capital was merely a brief respite for the empire.
"Everyone, time is not on our side. This is why His Majesty has decided to directly challenge the demigod level."
"Moving forward, I hope everyone will implement the policies and matters we have discussed without delay or obstruction. Any form of procrastination or compromise is unacceptable", Menya said, her expression serious.
The meeting lasted for several hours. After it ended, everyone dispersed, but Rayne did not leave. Just as he was about to go, a lady-in-waiting invited him to a side garden, saying that Lady Menya had requested his presence.
This garden was located at the far eastern edge of the palace and was the only side garden that remained relatively intact after the last battle. However, many flowers had been knocked off their stems, leaving only some windflowers and delphiniums, giving the place a somewhat melancholic charm.
Menya was still in a small meeting with Elder Ivan and other royal elders. So, Rayne wandered around the royal garden, his thoughts drifting.
From the ancient era when true gods were abundant, to the primeval era when demigods shone brightly, there was no doubt that the current era was one of decline.
This was partly due to the energy tides.
But another reason was that most of today's strong individuals lacked the courage to push forward. They believed they could never rival the gods, thinking it impossible to ever defeat an eldritch deity.
In such a situation, how could anyone possibly take control of their own fate?
"Rayne, what are you thinking about?" A mature woman's voice interrupted his thoughts. It was Menya, graceful and poised.
"Nothing much, just some reflections."
"By the way, Menya, you must be quite busy these days", Rayne said, shaking his head.
With Carlos II's fall, a significant portion of the empire's burdens had fallen on Menya. In the current situation, even if she were crowned empress, it would be like sitting on a hot stove.
Menya smiled and said, "Rayne, speaking of which, you haven't chosen a dragon partner since becoming the Imperial Guardian. Have you decided yet? Do you want a Red Dragon or another color?"
"Given your strength, you can directly form a contract with a Jiulao Dragon-level colored dragon."
Rayne had certainly considered this.
Initially, he thought of choosing a Red Dragon to enhance the power of the Red Dragon secret art, 'Molten Core Flame.'
However, since he gained the special ability to have multiple heads, he could now use 'Molten Core Flame' on his own, without needing a dragon partner.
So, Rayne's current idea was to choose a dragon with strong melee capabilities, which, combined with his metal covering, would significantly boost his combat power. For example, a Black Dragon.
Of course, a dragon with faster flight speed would also be a good choice. While his special ability 'Shadow Traverse' was excellent, it consumed a lot of psi energy and couldn't be used for long-term flight.
Choosing a dragon, however, was a two-way decision. It also depended on the dragon's willingness.
As for the Red Dragon King Strasz, Rayne had considered it, but for two reasons, he had decided against it. First, Strasz had been the dragon partner of the previous two emperors, making him a symbol of special significance. Second, Rayne had the intention of leaving the Red Dragon King for Menya.
"Black Dragon, then? What do you think, Menya?"
"An excellent choice, it seems you've already made up your mind. Why don't we go and see them now? I'll accompany you."
"Alright!"
Soon, Rayne followed Menya through several layers of guards and arrived underground.
Only then did Rayne realize that the imperial palace had hidden secrets beneath it.
"Is this a demiplane?" Rayne asked, surprised.
A demiplane, compared to the real world, is like a drawer in a desk, an additional space with its own unique characteristics. Unlike a mythical realm, which is a complete space, a demiplane doesn’t require teleportation; one can simply step into it, as if entering a folded space.
"Yes, this demiplane has existed since the reign of Emperor Atlas."
"However, since demiplanes are not particularly stable, they need constant reinforcement. Additionally, to avoid accidents, they are used only as resting places for adult dragons", Menya explained.
"I see." Rayne nodded.
That made sense.
Otherwise, all the hatchlings and young dragons in the Dragon Valley Secret Realm could be arranged in this demiplane beneath the imperial palace, making it even safer.
Rayne saw one massive dragon nest after another, staggered along the long corridor.
This was the first time he had seen so many dragon nests. In the outside world, it would be hard to witness such a grand sight.
Indeed, the Dragon Empire was founded on dragons for a reason.
"Actually, Rayne, I originally intended to recommend a nest where a metal dragon might be sleeping to you, but I considered that while a metal dragon might suit you, its temper is too fierce, making it difficult to become a dragon partner", Menya said as she walked.
"Metal dragon?" Rayne paused, his eyebrows raised.
He had naturally read about metal dragons in ancient texts, but it seemed that metal dragons had gradually faded from history in the ancient era and were rarely heard of in the recent past.
He never expected that a living metal dragon still existed.
"Yes, from the signs, it appears to be the resting place of an ancient steel dragon. It was discovered centuries ago, but to avoid disturbing it, the empire has only set up observation points and taken no further action", Menya explained.
"Where is it?" Rayne asked, his voice slightly urgent.
Rayne was well aware that he currently had four battle pet contract slots. After the death of the swift black horse, Xiaohei, he now had two slots open.
This meant that even if he contracted a black dragon, if the legendary steel dragon existed, he could still contract it.
Moreover, a dragon contracted through the system wouldn't be a problem for him, regardless of its fierce temper.
"Hmm? Rayne, you seem very interested. However, I still suggest that the temper of a metal dragon is too fierce."
"I understand, but I just want to take a look."
"Alright, the location is in Cassweis Province. I'll have a steward give you the exact address later", Menya nodded, responding to Rayne's statement.
"We're here. Ahead is the nest of a black dragon, one of the two Jiulao Dragons in the empire, Azurox", Menya suddenly stopped, pointing to a cave on the side of the corridor.
"One of two? Where is the other one?" Rayne couldn't help but ask, curious.
Meanwhile.
Antuhol, the Federal Capital.
In the top-floor meeting room of the parliament building.
More than a dozen dignified federal councilors were gathered around a long table, discussing something. Vice Speaker Bertrand was seated in the center-right position.
In the center was an elderly man with gray hair, puffing on a pipe. Although his face was slightly aged, his half-closed eyes occasionally flashed with a sharp glint.
This was Federal Councilor Lauron Powell.
"Gentlemen, you have all reviewed the situation report and recommendations submitted by Swordsaint Tiriion. I would like to hear your opinions", Lauron said in a deep voice.
"I oppose it. The Levitating City Ruins contain ancient goblin technology, which is of great significance to the federation. If we cooperate with the empire, they will gain a lot of goblin technological achievements through exploration."
"I also oppose it. In this matter, the federation will suffer losses while the empire will benefit. I personally respect Swordsaint Tiriion's personal greatness, but in matters of international relations, Tiriion is clearly not an expert."
"Um, I think if the empire is willing to pay an equivalent benefit, we could explore together."
"Bertrand, what is your opinion? You were in charge of receiving the empire's delegation led by Menya, and now Princess Menya is the de facto ruler of the empire", Lauron pointed to Bertrand, who was seated beside him, and asked.
(End of Chapter)
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