#152
The Empire’s Chaos (2)
The city of Tarak in the Tulk Kingdom was bustling with people going about their day.
The number of monsters descending from the Northern Mountain Range had decreased, and a large military presence had begun to stabilize around the Steel Fortress, but…
The situation was not entirely resolved, so mercenaries and traders were still seen hustling around the streets.
Naturally, the Hubert Association, which had grown into one of the largest trading firms in Tarak, was among them.
“…So, we’ll handle that matter as discussed. What about the appraisal results of the gemstones I commissioned earlier?”
Inside the spacious office of the Hubert Association, Hubert, who had recently returned from long-term care, rifled through documents and glanced at an executive.
“Yes, we requested appraisals from the Tarak Precious Metals Guild and three Magic Towers, and as you anticipated, they all exhibited strong reactions.”
Even though rumors had circulated privately that Hubert was already dead, he was proving them all false by immediately preparing for a new venture upon his return.
Namely, distributing “synthetic gemstones from Earth,” which he had contemplated before.
Some might wonder about dealing in precious metals during such chaotic times, but these items were not bound by timing for those who originally possessed wealth.
‘In fact, many will likely want to convert other assets into precious metals for easy storage, making this the perfect time to start this business.’
The synthetic gemstones he brought were not mere imitation cubic-like look-alikes.
They were perfectly crafted gems made from high-purity materials under high temperature and pressure in a laboratory environment.
As such, they were characterized by fewer inclusions than natural gems, making them exceptionally clean, a shockingly unique presence in Auterica.
The appraisers of the Precious Metals Guild were thrown into confusion.
‘The value of luxury goods is determined by their rarity. Though they have the slight disadvantage of not being usable as magical catalysts, that too could be a unique selling point.’
Indeed, wizards were showing considerable interest in these gemstones.
While they were merely pretty stones lacking practical use to them, that was precisely what spurred their curiosity.
No matter how they examined the stones, they were undeniably gemstones, yet the properties they possessed were vastly different from anything they had seen before.
“…So, both the Magic Towers and the Precious Metals Guild are actively seeking to purchase them. There has been some apprehension about their rarity, but overall, interest is high.”
In short, the initial launch of synthetic gemstones from Earth was very successful.
He hadn’t planned to flood the market with too many, but knowing that he was the only one who could supply them in this world, there was no need to hoard them excessively.
“We can also expect promotional benefits through them. Since this is our first transaction, let’s negotiate with a slight discount.”
This premium product, sold in small amounts, would greatly assist the Hubert Association in its growth.
After all, rare gems were optimal for bribes as well.
‘Of course, I should also offer something to Count Aonia, the lord of this land.’
It was largely due to Harley, but still, they had provided him with various conveniences over time, and it seemed only right to show this level of goodwill.
Considering the profits he would earn, the cost of the gemstones wasn’t all that high.
“Ah… and Marvin?”
“Yes! Did you call, sir?”
Just before the meeting concluded, a bearded man quickly responded to Hubert’s gentle summons.
He was in charge of expanding the association’s eastern ventures, having managed to establish trade with the Empire across the eastern border through various efforts.
“I have something to discuss regarding the Empire, so please wait a moment.”
“The Empire… you mean? Yes, understood.”
It was a merchant’s proper attitude not to miss even a small opportunity.
And so, Hubert diligently fulfilled the role of a merchant once more.
*
The lengthy Continental Summit finally concluded.
Of course, not all discussions were over, and they had merely concluded the first meeting, but it was significant that the previously discordant factions managed to unify their opinions.
As each representative began returning through the gates of the shrine one by one,
There were some who unexpectedly faced obstacles from the Church…
It was none other than the envoy led by Crown Prince Simon Carte Azerion of the Azerion Empire.
“What do you mean by that? Are you saying we shouldn’t return to the Empire right now?”
“Oh, that’s not what I meant. I just wanted to caution you that it might be dangerous if you go back now.”
“Huh— The place we’re heading is Jeron, the capital of the Azerion Empire. Are you implying that Jeron is dangerous? On what grounds do you say that?”
The nobleman accompanying the Crown Prince, who served as his aide, pressed the bishop who had stopped them.
Respect was due given their status, and he glanced at the Crown Prince, looking annoyed in the back, while nervously licking his lips.
“Um, it’s what the Saint said directly. I don’t know the exact details, but it seems something might occur in Jeron.”
“Excuse me? So you want us to believe one person’s words…”
“It’s not just one person; it’s the Saint. Moreover, they received direct revelation from the Holy God.”
The bishop’s voice, which had been calm and persuasive all along, grew slightly sharper at the nobleman’s incredulous remark.
It seemed that his careless words had triggered the bishop’s annoyance.
“Hmm… What I mean is, if you’re not forcing us, we’ll just be continuing on our way…”
Just then, when the aide was about to open his mouth again after a mild cough due to the unexpected reaction,
“While I appreciate your concern…”
The Crown Prince, who had been silently observing from the back, interjected with a cold voice.
“I am the Crown Prince of the Empire, and Jeron is my home ground. Even if problems arise, I will manage it adequately, and if there is indeed a calamity, it should be I who handles it on the spot. I don’t think it’s for the Church to meddle in.”
Crown Prince Simon was fundamentally dissatisfied with the current situation.
Given the recent reports about increased interference from the Church regarding the dispatched forces, this behavior felt like some form of political maneuver.
Of course, given the Church’s stature and the reputation of the Saint, the warning wasn’t entirely baseless.
They must have sensed something to utter such words.
But stopping his steps and hiding in a safe place because of their words would be an even bigger issue.
‘The situation of having stepped away for the Continental Summit is different. If I’m not careful, I might give Riley an opportunity.’
Additionally, being a person with strong national pride, he was confident in the defenses of his capital.
Since the Empire had since the recent shrine ambush incident focused all efforts on strengthening the defense of the Imperial Palace, it was a veritable fortress.
No matter how strong the Church was, the Azerion Empire was undeniably the world’s strongest nation.
The area they effectively governed and the resources as well as a population were on a different level compared to the Church, and the defenses surrounding their capital were like a steel fortress.
‘Even if that opponent is the Undead King. Unless he comes with his entire army of the undead, a small force can’t match the level of the shrine intrusion before.’
Crown Prince Simon genuinely believed that…
However, what mattered above all else was his own safety, so he did not fully ignore the Church’s warning.
In preparation for any unforeseen circumstances, he requested an increased security detail for his nation, applying pressure on the capital’s defense forces for additional escort troops.
About a day later, after making all preparations, he crossed through the gate to the Jeron Shrine.
…But all his efforts were merely in someone else’s hands.
*
[Oh— indeed, it’s worthy of being the capital of the Empire.]
Beneath the sea of clouds spread out at his feet.
Hans, cloaked in darkness, gazed down at the ground with eyes that absorbed all light.
The so-called Eye of the Abyss observed the defenses of Jeron, the capital of the Empire, and they were indeed no ordinary defenses.
One had to wonder how much resources and manpower had been poured in; the center, where the Imperial Palace stood, was densely covered with various sorceries, and the barriers extending spider-like from there were certainly not to be underestimated.
‘The sensory abilities regarding the vicinity of the capital are more than anticipated. Just getting a bit closer, even if I conceal my energy, it will be quickly detected, won’t it?’
While he could somewhat evade the Saint’s detection that spanned the entire continent, a form concentrating on watching a specific range, like that surrounding the city, presented immediate difficulties.
The energy of the Undead King was so wild that concealing it further was utterly impossible.
‘This is on a different level compared to the satellite city of Tobea. Perhaps that’s why they’re putting more effort into the capital’s defenses. After all, it was not long since the nearby city was raided.’
Moreover, the warning delivered through Heinrich in the name of the Church likely contributed.
In a way, it was self-defeating, but Hans didn’t bother concerning himself with that anymore.
‘In any case, we’ve prepared much more than usual.’
Given the importance of this scheme, he was ready to invest everything he had gathered over the years.
The larger the scale, the more impactful his impression would be!
‘Looks like the time has come.’
Timing was also an extremely crucial factor, but for him, that wasn’t a significant issue either.
And at last.
‘Shall we begin?’
Hans, floating above the clouds, fell like a meteor.
Biiing! Biiing—!
Ding ding ding ding—!
At the same time, the city’s loud alarms blared out, but he accelerated even faster, undeterred.
Woooom!
In an instant, an enormous energy enveloped the entire city.
With the blink of an eye, numerous spells activated, and the wave of light that spread out como a chain reaction beautified the city.
Kwaaaang—!
Immediately afterward, Hans’s body collided with the barrier surrounding the capital.
[Kheuhuhuh—! You were quite bothersome, but such a barrier is no match for me!]
He easily tore through the sparkling barrier and entered, looking around.
Biiing—! Biiing!
The first thing in his sight was the splendid Imperial Palace, now a fortress due to the tightly activated spells that formed the city’s core.
A marvelous amalgamation of magic, sorcery, and alchemy—a representation of the mysteries of the Auterica dimension.
‘Just how much money was poured into this… I didn’t expect it to be this spectacular when I actually saw it. No matter how powerful Hans is, it will take a significant amount of time to break through that.’
His actual objective was not to directly strike the Imperial Palace…
Yet, it would be disrespectful to come all the way to the capital and just pass by such a sight, wouldn’t it?
‘It’s only polite to say a greeting or two.’
After all, it would make the effort they put into spending their money worthwhile!
So, with a heart warmed by unnoticed consideration, Hans softly opened his mouth.
[Now, come forth. Entrasio, Heratos.]
Simultaneously, the darkness enveloping his body writhed and rapidly consumed the surroundings…
From within, two massive shadows tore through space and leapt out.
[Kooohhh——!]
[Kyaaaah——!]
The two Bone Dragons roared as they stirred up fierce winds.
But they were merely the beginning.
[Then Olivia, I’ll leave the coordination of the others to you.]
[Leave it to me… I shall do my utmost to fulfill the King’s command…]
One by one, the undead army’s officers began to materialize around him…
Kuwoooom—!
“AAAHHH!”
Boom—!
“Run away!”
With explosive sounds and clouds of black smoke rising all over the city.
The previously infiltrated extras, most definitely not “slaves,” signaled Hans’s invasion and began acting simultaneously.
‘Looks like it’s started there too. This is the capital, after all; there are many more things to ransack here than in Tobea. Well, once it’s over, they’ll have to fend for themselves.’
While even if they survive, what remains would just be the future that leads to the next site, but surely, if luck is with them, they might even survive till the end!
Original hopes are always like that.
[Kheuhuhuh— Ah, this is wonderful! Is this the prelude to destruction? Mortals, remember my name! I am the Undead King, Hannibal Strauss! Kha ha ha ha—!]
With a self-promoting flair not losing any timing,
At last, the Undead King directly invaded the capital of the Empire, Jeron.
