https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-847-Loren-s-Resurrection-Match-Part-2-/12937137/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-848-Lance-Helps-Loren-Go-Crazy-Part-2-/12937139/
Chapter 848: Lance Helps Loren Go Crazy (Part 1)
Chapter 848: Lance Helps Loren Go Crazy (Part 1)
Today is December 2nd.
It's not a special holiday.
But this morning, all eyes in the Southern Continent will be on the giant Kreitania Empire in the far south.
After various countries have confirmed that the Kreitania Empire in the south has experienced a vampire uprising, not only has it not been buried with the loss of its national fortune, but it has also given birth to a 9th-tier powerful being. Today, he will truly grasp the supreme power of the Kreitania Empire and ascend the throne in a coronation ceremony.
At this critical juncture, the birth of a 9th-tier national guardian hero in the Kreitania Empire is undoubtedly a shocking disaster for the allied countries currently at war.
What is even more unsettling is the intentions of Hestinos. Will they continue the war initiated by Emperor Saint Baldor, unless the northern allied countries are willing to negotiate with them.
However, the Allied Countries Parliament understands that the Kreitania Empire, as the aggressor and dominant party, has no intention of surrendering under Hestinos' leadership. It is impossible for them to surrender halfway at this critical moment; instead, they will propose more outrageous conditions to force the Allied Countries to seek peace.
If an agreement is signed, whether or not the Kreitania Empire, which possesses absolute power, will abide by it in the future is one thing, but the price will undoubtedly be too high for them to bear, and they will lose their current ability to counterattack.
Starting yesterday, some member countries of the Kingdom United Parliament Alliance have already expressed their intention to negotiate with the Kreitania Empire.
...
Hethon Kingdom.
Even in winter, Echter doesn't get very cold, not even on a morning like this.
Echter Academy Alchemy Institute District.
Along the road is a clear stream, winding and flowing, reflecting the winter trees and leaves. This morning, the atmosphere is especially serene, and in the distance, across the river, is a flower field that is part of the Alchemy Institute's botanical garden and also serves as a teaching and research base for bioengineering.
"Sigh, there hasn't been any interesting news lately, and the entire Echter Academy is so lifeless..."
Luvehill, with her hands clasped behind her back, steps on the stones in the stream, sometimes maintaining her balance, sometimes almost losing it, and leisurely walks through a shortcut.
Besides the mana recording camera hanging around her neck, she also wears two work badges on her chest, one as a student council member and the other as a reporter for the Hethon Times.
As the secretary of the student council, she usually doesn't attend student council meetings unless the president really needs help.
With nothing to do at the newspaper office, she has nothing better to do than wander around the school.
Red-brick buildings stand tall, engraved with the secrets of engineering left behind by the sages of the past.
Her figure follows the deep veins of the school, walking along familiar paths.
The front-page headlines are all about the war.
She doesn't like it at all.
No one reads the news of small reporters like her; they are all pushed into the corners.
This year, the atmosphere at Echter Academy is not as vibrant as it usually is when welcoming the end of the year.
Even tourists and residents passing through Echter Academy are rarely seen.
Most residents of Echter visit the academy for the first time and find it complicated, getting lost trying to find their destinations. However, there are often kind students who help guide them.
However, Luvehill is already in her third year and is very familiar with the vast territory of Echter Academy.
Luvehill thinks to herself as she passes by several important landmarks, and ahead is probably Jera Memorial Square.
Usually, only this place is slightly livelier at any time of the day.
Because there's an outdoor giant screen that everyone likes to watch.
It was created by Jera Zelt, a master mage who graduated from Echter Academy two hundred years ago. If you look carefully, you'll find many of his works throughout the academy.
When Lance first arrived, Princess Vivian tested his knowledge of Master Mage Jera, and his answers were surprisingly more insightful than those of other art connoisseurs, which impressed Vivian greatly. At that time, Vivian realized that Lance was no ordinary person, and later, her older brother, Prince Enor, wanted to become close friends with Lance.
"It's truly a nostalgic place of good fortune."
Luvehill stops and looks at the square that appears in her field of vision.
Her adorable juniors, also known as the Royal Capital's Three Bullies, would attract the attention of many teachers and students whenever they had a shadow world challenge during the early stages of their illness.
At this moment, the clock face of the Sages' Tower points leisurely to 8 a.m., and the giant outdoor screen surrounded by the teaching buildings is broadcasting the most important live feed of the day.
Because today's coronation ceremony in Kreitania may determine the future situation of the Southern Continent War and even the direction for the next few years.
"Hestinos is not a good person. Even though they are the aggressors, he still wants to continue the war after taking power."
The students of Echter discuss passionately on the steps of the square.
"For us, he may be an enemy, but for the citizens of the Kreitania Empire, he is their guardian deity. If he admits the mistakes of the previous emperor who started this war, the Kreitania Empire will pay a huge price, which will undoubtedly damage the empire. Hestinos' decision-making has always been in the best interest of the empire."
"Moreover, their current situation in the war and the additional 9th-tier powerful being represent their significant advantage. It's impossible for them to surrender willingly. From their perspective, the most correct decision is to fight to the end."
"Do you think he will talk about morality with us? As the First Archangel, he agreed to this war, and to us, he is a great criminal. He is only a hero to the people of the empire."
Listening to the students' discussions.
Luvehill, feeling bored, finds a high seat at the edge of the steps and leans on her chin to watch the coronation ceremony in the screen, passing the time.
"Anyway, tomorrow's news will be about these things too. It doesn't matter if I watch it or not.
Luvehill pouted and grumbled.
War was a dirty game, and the winners were often dirty players.
Looking at Hestinos' current position, one could only speculate about the questionable means behind his success.
Luvehill complained to himself, resting his chin as he gazed at the live broadcast on the outdoor giant screen.
...
Southern Crethia Empire.
A light snow fell upon Brillada.
After experiencing a catastrophe, the city finally regained its long-lost tranquility.
In the ancient city-state, shortly after dawn, a grand coronation ceremony was being prepared with great urgency.
Weak golden sunlight pierced through the clouds, falling upon the Grand River's surface alongside the delicate snowflakes.
This reborn heart of the empire boasted prosperity and beauty rivaling any coastal cities along the empire's borders.
Today, the Crethia Empire would welcome a new leader—a hero who had led the people to uncover the truth and thwart the vampire conspiracy.
"Have you heard? The Blood Bath Day was actually orchestrated by Emperor Saint Baldor, and more and more evidence from the past is being uncovered these days."
"Who doesn't know that? After the Blood Bath Day, the biggest beneficiary wasn't the citizens or the nobility, but Emperor Saint Baldor, whose imperial power became more stable. Extremists either died in the uprising or were eventually executed. It's just that no one dared to discuss or investigate it during Saint Baldor's reign."
"Now it's different. Settling the score with Emperor Saint Baldor is the topic that aligns with the current trend."
People walking on the streets of the central district occasionally engaged in discussions.
Whether at home or out on the streets, people gathered in small groups, eagerly talking about the upcoming grand event.
As more and more royal scandals of Emperor Saint Baldor were exposed, and considering his behavior during the vampire uprising, the residents couldn't help but feel a lingering sense of unease. Fortunately, the false emperor was dead, and the new leader about to take office was the true savior of the people—the hero, Hestinos.
Regarding Hestinos' ability to wield the Seros Spirit Sword, most people believed it to be a fairy tale-like miracle.
A small number of scholars held the view that the Seros Spirit Sword could not be wielded by someone without royal blood. They speculated that Hestinos might indeed possess some royal blood, having become a commoner due to unforeseen circumstances.
However, nothing could change the fact that today's boiling public sentiment was ready to support him in ascending to the throne.
The empire needed a leader as powerful, upright, and reliable as Hestinos.
Moreover, based on Hestinos' performance as the First Military God, he had always been kind to the people and would protect the citizens, which further solidified their determination to support him.
Brillada Central District, Manhot District.
In the Crethia Memorial Square, a heroic statue stood solemnly, awaiting the unprecedented grand coronation ceremony.
The city was filled with majestic architecture and a rich artistic atmosphere in every corner of Brillada.
The city-state's center, Crethia Memorial Square, was surrounded by white monuments and uniquely styled deep gray statues of the First Military God.
After emergency repairs, the cracks on the First Military God statue's face had been restored to their original state.
The coronation ceremony would take place at the most magnificent and tallest building in Brillada's center—Saint Asteri Palace and Crethia Memorial Square.
The mech forces' continuous cleaning and repairs had erased the scars of battle. The palace's eastern barrier, which had been destroyed, was magically restored to its former glory.
The empire's sun rose higher and higher.
In the memorial square, an ancient sundial covered in translucent fine snow pointed towards 9 a.m.
Before the official start of the coronation ceremony, the entire square in front of Saint Asteri Palace, and even the streets several kilometers away, were packed with residents as far as the eye could see.
Thousands of citizens poured in from all directions, crowding the square's perimeter, eager to witness this historic moment.
Despite the recent upheaval just three days ago, which left many still fearful of venturing into densely populated areas, the people's anticipation, trust, and sense of security from Hestinos remained strong.
Perhaps it was the hope of regaining true safety after the disaster, or perhaps it was to mourn the citizens who had unfortunately perished in the vampire attack. Many residents still ventured out to witness the coronation.
The entire city-state was preparing for this moment.
On the main road outside the Crethia Memorial Square, knights patrolled back and forth, their armor adorned with snowflakes, and their horse hooves clattered on the stone, ensuring the safety and order of the coronation ceremony.
The altar stood several meters tall, crafted from the finest Wind Island stone. On its four sides were carvings of the Crethia Empire's coat of arms and roaring lions. At the top, as always, were images of ancestral spirits, some holding swords and others raising shields, witnessing this historic moment.
On the palace's front steps, tall and upright Imperial Guards stood in formation on both sides, clad in deep black heavy armor, with red feathers fluttering atop their helmets, forming an ironclad wall. The royal orchestra was positioned at the foot of the steps, ready to play their harmonious melodies.
Clang, clang!
As nine o'clock arrived, the chimes sounded alongside the ceremonial music.
In front of Saint Asteri Palace, temporarily restored by the imperial mech forces, a long red carpet unfurled on the steps, leading deep into the palace, like a sacred path descending from heaven.
Knights stood in neat rows along the red carpet, ready for action.
They wore deep black armor, held long swords, and gazed forward with eyes burning with loyalty, their stances as steadfast as mountains.
The sound of horns echoed through the air, reverberating like heavenly music above Brillada.
As the horn's crescendo reached its peak, the palace's doors slowly opened.
Golden light shone from within, like the first rays of dawn, illuminating the entire Crethia Memorial Square and the light snow floating in the air.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Hestinos slowly emerged from the palace.
He wore a long robe woven with gold and white, and a heavy blue cloak adorned with golden embroidery. He shone brilliantly in the radiant light.
And none of this compared to the legendary Seros Spirit Sword that shone in his grip.
On the blade, ancient Seros inscriptions flickered, awakening the power of the ancient spirits through him.
Hestinos' face wore a calm smile as always, seemingly overwhelmed by the people's adoration. He waved and interacted warmly with the countless residents in the distance.
The heavy pressure of the past three days left no trace on him.
It also confirmed that he had reached a realm akin to the divine, as the injuries he sustained during the bloody battle with the Blood Ancestor had nearly healed in just three days.
In Crethia Square, beneath the Twelve Foundation Stone Seats, all but the First Diamond Seat and the Sixth Water Jade Seat were occupied by the Archangels, awaiting Hestinos just as they had during the National Day celebrations. Here, they maintained order and witnessed the coronation of the Emperor, fulfilling their duties.
They had once stood together, guarding this land, and now, they would witness their comrade's coronation as king, opening a new chapter for the Crethia Empire.
"Hestinos, we owe you our lives," the Eighth Archangel, White Gold Stone Conzale, sighed, gazing in Hestinos' direction.
He still felt a deep sense of guilt over the death of Saint Baldor.
If it weren't for Hestinos defeating the Blood Ancestor, Lashar, they would have continued to be controlled by the bloodline, committing acts harmful to the empire.
Fortunately, Hestinos was equally benevolent towards them, completely pardoning their crimes. The matter of the bloodline was put to rest, and he simply asked them to continue fighting for the empire.
"It's fine. We all did what we had to do. Even if Saint Baldor were still alive, he would have no choice but to pardon us," the Fourth Archangel, Jasper, said, her mechanical eyepiece flashing with a mocking light.
She didn't feel much guilt, as the outcome was good enough.
The more she investigated, the less she liked Saint Baldor, even thinking he deserved to die and was unforgivable.
"So, you're emphasizing the principle of not holding a group responsible for the actions of one?" the Fifth Archangel, Mica-Seat Ladis, muttered.
Despite his disciplined nature, he couldn't refute Jasper's words at this moment.
Regardless, the Archangels, in their own ways, expressed their respect and reverence for Hestinos' coronation.
Only Julius remained silent for a long time.
"Julius, are you alright?" the Ninth Archangel, Amethyst Crystal Ryan, asked, looking at Julius beside him. Ryan sensed that Julius didn't seem well.
Ryan, also an Archangel who had recovered from bloodline control, felt regret whenever he recalled his past actions over the past few days. He had not only made too many mistakes but also nearly harmed his comrades. Even his relationship with his sister, Ursula, had probably been damaged beyond repair.
As Ryan felt guilty, he also apologized to Julius, his colleague whom he had almost injured. Although Julius seemed hot-tempered, he wouldn't blame his colleagues for such matters, making Ryan feel even more remorseful.
Of course, Ryan knew that Julius was the one who had suffered the most these days. Violet had likely died at the hands of the Blood Ancestor, Lashar, and her body was still missing.
So, it was understandable that Julius felt down.
"It's fine. Let's focus on the task at hand today. We'll bless Hestinos first," Julius said, turning to Ryan and speaking softly.
"That's good," Ryan replied, glancing at Julius once more.
He was sure Julius seemed fine, but his expression gave Ryan an inexplicable sense of a masked illusion, as if Julius was enduring an inner rage, supporting him to perfectly complete his duties for the day.
On the high platform in the memorial square, amidst the cheers of the empire's citizens, Hestinos strode towards the circular altar-like stage.
"Long live Hestinos!"
"Long live the Crethia Empire!"
The cheers rose like waves, echoing through the sky. Snowflakes landed on their faces, cooling their skin slightly, but it didn't dampen their enthusiasm. They believed this light snowfall was a good omen.
The empire's citizens waved their flags and scattered flowers.
Hestinos approached the altar.
He turned around, facing his future subjects and the responsibilities and missions he was about to undertake.
The winter sun, shining through the clouds, bathed him in a golden glow, as if the gods themselves were crowning him.
And he, like a deity, like a true ruler, stood tall above the multitude.
"Hestinos."
The Eleventh Archangel, Emerald Simon Roland, who had temporarily taken over Violet's role as the High Priest, stepped forward, holding an ancient tome and smiling as he recited Hestinos' name.
This was the law and creed of the Crethia Empire, and on the cover of the tome, a teardrop-shaped gem was embedded, symbolizing the light of truth from the Elsaya Holy Domain.
The coronation ceremony should have been presided over by the High Priest of the Elsaya Holy Domain, but Violet had unfortunately been killed a few days ago. Among the remaining Moon Priests in the Saint Crete Monastery, none could take on this important role. Thus, Simon Roland, the High Prefect of Storm and Freedom, a fellow Archangel and priest of the same rank, had to take Violet's place.
"Hestinos Auregia," Simon Roland recited, then opened the tome with reverence. His solemn voice echoed across the square, "Do you swear to uphold the laws of your ancestors and, as Emperor of the Crethia Empire, take on the responsibilities of governing the nation and protecting its people?"
"I, Hestinos Auregia, swear on my life and honor that I will wholeheartedly protect the Crethia Empire, every inch of its land, and every one of its citizens. My sword will forever fight for justice, and my heart will forever beat for the people."
The fate of the Crethia Empire is my fate; its future, my future. From this day forward, forevermore."
Hestinos' voice was resolute and powerful, like a vow and a promise.
"Can you, day and night, without regard to status, treat every citizen of Crethia with fairness and justice?"
"Are you willing, when Crethia is threatened, to step forward and use your life and honor as a testament to your leadership?"
Simon Roland's questions came one after another, and the coronation ceremony proceeded in an orderly manner.
Hestinos responded to each question with unwavering firmness.
His voice seemed to pierce through time and space, reaching every Crethia Empire citizen, even those outside of Botswana Province.
Simon Roland closed the book and addressed the crowd—
"Citizens of Crethia, do you accept Hestinos Origeia as your king, as the Emperor of the Crethia Empire?"
"Your Majesty Hestinos!"
The crowd erupted in a thunderous cheer, millions of voices united as if in the grandest of choruses.
The sound reverberated through the heavens and earth, echoing in every corner of the capital Brillada, carrying the voices of countless Crethia citizens.
"Now, in the name of our ancestors' spirits and the people of Crethia, I crown Hestinos Origeia as the Emperor of the Crethia Empire. May his reign be everlasting, and may the Crethia Empire thrive forevermore!"
Simon Roland turned to Hestinos, holding the crown aloft, his voice like a divine decree, unchallengeable.
The air was filled with festive fervor, and the sunlight gilded the scene with a golden hue.
Just then, the sky brightened slightly.
The clouds and fine snow that had covered the sky seemed to part.
People felt this auspicious sign as a blessing from the gods for the birth of the new Crethia Emperor.
As the entire square fell silent, everyone held their breath, witnessing this sacred moment.
The crown was steadily placed on Hestinos by Simon Roland.
At that moment, it was as if a divine light descended from above, illuminating Hestinos.
Suddenly, a rift appeared in the sky.
The fissure was so deep and long, it seemed to split the sky.
The surrounding clouds were torn, and vortex-like clouds rapidly spun, forming a massive void.
A blinding white light leaked from the rift, illuminating the entire Crethia Square.
The radiance was so intense that it was hard to look at directly.
Instinctively, people raised their arms to shield their eyes, and the joyous atmosphere in the air quickly cooled. The cheers gradually subsided, replaced by unease.
(End of Chapter)
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