Chapter 564: The Iron Throne

Chapter 564: The Iron Throne

However, he had only a few leads.

After pondering for a while, Rayne shook his head, deciding to set it aside for now.

The top priority was to thoroughly explore and gain control of the Floating City. With the Vile Demon, or rather, the last Goblin Emperor, Lawson Grin, once again imprisoned, he could attempt to repair and activate the Floating City.

Additionally, what was that faint calling?

Rayne intended to find out.

Now that the battle was over, and he was more relaxed, the feeling had become clearer.

At that moment, the Black Dragon Metes, on the surface layer, seemed to receive something. It turned its long neck and said to Tyron the Sword Saint and the others, who were about to retreat to the Cave Camp:

"Everyone, the battle is over. The master asks you to go down."

Huh?

Upon hearing the Black Dragon Metes' words, the four of them stared at the dragon, seemingly unable to believe it.

The battle had been so intense, with energy fluctuations even on the surface layer being tumultuous.

"Is it over already?"

"Indeed. The master asks you to go down. He says that repairing the Floating City is a complicated task, and there are other trivial matters to attend to", the Black Dragon Metes said solemnly.

"Repairing the Floating City?" Hearing this, Helm, the Dean of the Federation Mechanical Institute, immediately brightened up, his eyes widening.

This was the Floating City, the pinnacle of Goblin technology, capable of standing against deities.

The significance of repairing and mastering it was self-evident!

"What are we waiting for? Let's go." Helm ran down excitedly.

"I'll return to the Cave Camp first to report this to the Federation Council. They've been waiting for news for a long time", Tyron the Sword Saint said, shaking his head as he watched Helm leave quickly.

The Cave Camp was equipped with a dedicated communication device that could transmit messages to the Federation Council in real-time using a mage array and special crystals.

"Right, we should inform them about the deaths of Robel and the others as soon as possible", Oge and Otu agreed.

When Helm, Oge, and Otu followed the two dragons to Sublevel 3 and saw Rayne deep in thought, they exchanged glances, slowed their steps, and finally, Helm approached, somewhat awkwardly, and whispered:

"Your Excellency Rayne?"

It was no wonder they were so cautious.

During the intense battle, the energy fluctuations had been overwhelming, and the three of them had barely managed to sense anything. Now, with Rayne, who had just ascended to the rank of Full Moon Mage, his body was still undergoing transformation, like a human nuclear reactor.

His presence was so powerful that it felt like facing a blazing sun!

"Hmm? You're here?" Rayne looked up, smiling.

It wasn't that Rayne hadn't noticed them; he just hadn't sensed any hostility and was still deep in thought.

He had just reached Sublevel 4, where he saw the main power source and transmission device of the Floating City. While marveling at the pinnacle of Goblin technology from thousands of years ago, he had also taken a cursory look around.

In theory, getting the Floating City to start up wouldn't be too difficult, but if he wanted it to have the combat capability to stand against deities, even as a Full Moon Mage, he couldn't do it alone.

It was like a modern aircraft carrier; forming a complete combat force required more than just a captain.

"Your Excellency Rayne, you... have reached the rank of Full Moon Mage, haven't you?" Helm rubbed his hands, slightly nervous, and asked.

"Indeed", Rayne didn't deny it.

"Wow~"

The three of them widened their eyes and opened their mouths, drawing in sharp breaths in succession!

While they had suspected this, given the battle's intensity, which only a Full Moon Mage could have caused, hearing it confirmed was still incredibly shocking.

According to ancient texts, the last Full Moon Mage had ascended over a thousand years ago, and even then, at a much older age than Rayne.

"Your Excellency Rayne, no, we should call you the Iron Throne. As a Metal Mage, in an era without other Metal Full Moon Mages, calling you the Iron Throne is most fitting!" Helm, regaining his composure, immediately corrected himself.

"Iron Throne? Helm, there's no need for such formality between us", Rayne laughed, waving his hand.

"No, it's completely necessary!"

"Even in ancient times, Full Moon Mages were few and far between. In an era where Full Moon Mages are extinct, your ascension is of great significance, and your authority must be respected."

"Furthermore, calling a Full Moon Mage a Throne is a tradition and a custom. In any period, the status of a Full Moon Mage is comparable to that of a monarch", Helm said with a solemn expression.

"That's right, Lord Iron Throne, I agree with Dean Helm's suggestion", Oge bowed deeply.

"Lord Iron Throne, I concur", Otu also bowed in agreement.

Rayne couldn't help but feel a bit helpless. After some thought, he said, "Alright, if you insist, then I'll go along with it."

It was just a title, and Rayne didn't want to waste more time arguing over it. Besides, this title was better than the former "Siegemaster Maul." So, he decided to let it be.

"Steel Throne?"

At this moment, Tyrion the Sword Saint, looking shocked, had just finished sending a message and arrived at Sublevel 4. Upon hearing the title, he was even more astonished.

"His Majesty Rayne, you..." Tyrion the Sword Saint couldn't help but scrutinize Rayne from head to toe.

"His Majesty Tyrion, you should address him as Lord Steel Throne", Helm stroked his beard and said with a smile.

"Tyrion, just call me whatever you like", Rayne said with a wry smile.

However, after a careful look, Tyrion quickly stepped forward, his expression turning serious as he bowed respectfully to Rayne. "Lord Steel Throne!"

"You—"

"Wait, I forgot to inform the council about your ascension. To avoid any missteps, I need to send another message immediately", Tyrion the Sword Saint suddenly frowned, realizing something.

Meanwhile.

Antuhol, the Federal Capital.

In the top-floor, south-facing luxurious office of the council building, an elderly man with graying hair and a smoking pipe was rapidly signing a stack of documents with a quill pen.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

At this moment, a sharp knocking sound rang out.

"Come in!" the old man said.

A woman in a tight skirt hurried in, beads of sweat on her forehead. "Chairman, you need to see this immediately."

The tense expression of the female confidential secretary made Federation Chairman Laosen Baowei realize that something significant had occurred.

Laosen quickly took the document and began reading it.

"What! Lords Robel, Kael, and Elen have all fallen?"

The first line alone sent a shock through Laosen's heart. With the addition of these three, five Federation powerhouses had been lost in the exploration of the Sky City Ruins, a significant loss indeed.

"Hmm? The Sky City Ruins have been secured?"

"What! The main contributions were made by the Empire's sole representative, Lord Rayne? So, the control of Sky City is in the hands of the Empire?"

After reading the classified intelligence, a wave of shock surged through Laosen. His brows furrowed deeply as he pondered for a moment before saying, "Immediately notify the councilors in the capital. We will hold an emergency meeting in fifteen minutes."

"Yes, Chairman."

Fifteen minutes later.

In the luxurious conference room of the Federation Council building, the noise level was deafening.

"Is Tyrion the Sword Saint losing his mind?"

"Think about it, the Federation lost five, five Epic-Level Warriors, and in the end, the control of Sky City is in the hands of the Empire?"

"This joke is too big."

"Indeed, I heard that the Empire only sent one powerhouse this time!"

"What!"

The meeting, centered on Sky City, immediately sparked heated discussions among the councilors.

"Silence!" Laosen, seated at the head of the table, rapped his pipe on the table and said sternly.

"Gentlemen, please distribute the detailed report to all councilors."

As several attendants handed out the classified intelligence to the councilors, the conference room fell silent.

After nearly a minute of silence, a councilor finally spoke, "Chairman, is this intelligence accurate?"

"Yes, the confidential office has already verified it with Cave Camp. The report was sent by Lord Tyrion", Vice Speaker Bertrand replied on Laosen's behalf.

At that moment, the conference room door burst open, and a male attendant, pale-faced, rushed in.

Many councilors were about to reprimand him, but upon recognizing his identity, they held their tongues. The attendant was Chairman Laosen's secretary, known for his composure. For him to be so flustered today, something major must have happened.

But what could it be?

Could there be another development at Sky City?

Amid the puzzled gazes of the councilors, the male attendant approached Chairman Laosen and trembled as he said, "Chairman, a major upheaval has occurred in the Dragon Empire! The Imperial Capital Temeril is mostly under siege, and the enemy is the Evil Spirits!"

"What!"

This news was like a bolt of lightning!

It left the Federation's high-ranking officials in a daze.

"More details!" Vice Speaker Bertrand snapped back to his senses and demanded.

After the male attendant repeated the information, the councilors gradually began to voice their opinions.

At this point, a military councilor spoke up, "Perhaps, this is not such a bad thing for the Federation."

"Perhaps we can reclaim control of Sky City."

"Yes!"

"Sounds reasonable!"

"With the Floating City, even an Evil Spirit wouldn't stand a chance against us."

Many of the councilors' eyes lit up as they chimed in.

"Unwise!" a mature woman's voice interjected.

"Putting aside the fact that this would irreparably damage relations between the Empire and the Federation, have any of you considered why Lord Rayne, as the sole representative of the Empire, was able to take the lead in exploring the Floating City Ruins?"

The one who voiced her objection was Councilor Trina, a beautiful and influential woman.

Trina's words made many of the councilors nod in agreement, though others still held differing opinions.

Another councilor then spoke up.

"Councilor Trina, if I recall correctly, you and Lord Rayne have always been on good terms. In fact, I've heard from intelligence reports that he feels the same about you."

Hearing this, Councilor Trina's face turned red.

"Please don't misunderstand. My point is, given the drastic changes in the Dragon Empire, shouldn't we seize this opportunity to persuade Lord Rayne to join the Federation directly?"

"After all, in the current state of the Dragon Empire, even if they gain control of the Floating City, they likely won't have the resources to repair it. Only the Federation can provide the necessary support."

"True", Trina hesitated, acknowledging the point.

Indeed, the other councilor had a valid argument.

The Floating City.

Sublevel 4, the main power and transmission area.

"This is an incredibly sophisticated design", Helm remarked, his eyes wide with awe as he examined the massive square device before him. As a member of the Federation Mechanical Institute and an expert in mechanical engineering, he could appreciate the intricacy of the design.

"Lord Rayne, this must be the anti-gravity device, right?"

"Indeed. It's a constant anti-gravity device constructed using metallic magic. When fully activated, it can make the entire Floating City as light as a feather", Rayne nodded, gazing at the dark golden square device.

The object before them resembled a monochrome cube but possessed the power of a deity. This was the pinnacle of goblin technology from tens of thousands of years ago.

"These are the four main thrusters."

"Here is the main control panel."

"Weapon control panel..."

"Puppet deployment control room..."

As they moved through the area, Helm, who was well-versed in ancient goblin script and had studied some scattered information about the Floating City, explained the functions of each device and mechanism in detail.

"Sir Helm, I'll leave it to you", Rayne said with a smile.

"Of course, Lord Iron Throne. You can rest assured. I have studied the Floating City and, while I can't claim to know everything, I am confident I can repair it. Leave it to me", Helm assured, patting his chest.

"Excellent, Helm. I'll entrust this to you. The priority is to activate the anti-gravity device and repair the four main thrusters", Rayne nodded with a smile.

"I need to check the lower levels. You two—" Rayne glanced at Ouge and Otu.

"We'll stay here, Lord Iron Throne", they both shook their heads after exchanging glances.

If the Evil Spirit were to awaken again, they would be in grave danger. Even the after-effects of the battle could be too much for them to handle.

"Very well", Rayne nodded, understanding their concerns. It was a reasonable precaution.

Moreover, getting the Floating City operational was one of the most important tasks at hand, and having Ouge and Otu assist Helm would expedite the process.

Rayne soon reached Sublevel 5, the lowest and final level of the Floating City.

Due to its egg-like shape, which had been split in half, the lower levels were smaller in area.

When Rayne arrived at the final level, he was surprised to find a place that resembled an Elven garden. This area was likely the site of the goblin royal palace.

However, after tens of thousands of years, most of the flowers and plants had withered and turned black, their vitality drained. Those that remained were corrupted by dark energy, their bodies black and gray, emitting wisps of black smoke and covered in sharp thorns.

Now, only the broken fountains, damaged marble statues, and shattered flower beds remained, silent witnesses to the former glory of the place.

Rayne scanned the area and focused his attention on the ruined palace ahead. This was where the Evil Spirit was likely to be found. He could sense a vast and malevolent force emanating from within.

Although Princess Aimolai Gelen had said she had resealed the Evil Spirit, Rayne didn't want to rely on others for something so crucial. He needed to see it for himself.

Additionally, he hoped to find some clues—whether it was a way to permanently seal the Evil Spirit or the true Chrono Key that Aimolai had mentioned.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end