Facing that terrifying monster that seemed to have crawled out of the abyss of nightmares, facing those crimson eyes filled with killing intent, Kelaode’s face showed no sign of fear.
This noble young master, who had once been frightened out of his wits by a single ruins guardian, now appeared calm and composed.
He slowly raised his head, and in those eyes filled with ghostly blue light, there was an indifference like one gazing at their own hunting dog.
He did not chant any incantation, nor did he construct any Magic Array. He merely parted his lips slightly and uttered a short, powerful word.
“Kneel.”
The moment the word left his mouth, a mental ripple carrying absolute domination spread out from those strange pupils of his.
“ROAR—?!”
The Chaos Demon that had just broken out of its cocoon and was about to celebrate its birth with blood suddenly let out a low roar full of confusion and pain.
Its massive, twisted body stiffened abruptly.
In those crimson eyes, the crazed savagery was replaced, upon contact with Kelaode’s gaze, by a fear originating from the depths of its soul, like a wild beast encountering its natural predator.
Accompanied by a dull, heavy thud, this colossal creature, fully two stories tall, actually obeyed Kelaode’s command.
“THUD—”
Its legs covered in bone spurs slammed heavily onto the ground, its enormous head hung low, and it meekly crouched at the feet of the red-haired youth, like a tamed puppy.
Kelaode reached out and gently patted the monster’s head, which was covered in slime and carapace. His movements were gentle, yet carried a chill.
“Good.”
“It seems… teacher was right.”
“As long as I have this power, even a monster like this can only obediently follow my orders.”
He turned around and looked at Graham, who was still kneeling on the ground, his face full of fervor.
“Get up, Graham.”
Kelaode’s voice carried a trace of barely concealed smugness. “Your work… I am very satisfied.”
“It is my honor to serve you, Special Envoy!”
Graham trembled with excitement.
He looked at the perfect creation submitting at Kelaode’s feet, and the obsession in his eyes grew even more intense.
Kelaode withdrew his hand. He walked to the exit of the secret chamber and glanced back at the massive figure writhing in the shadow.
His mouth stretched wide into a sinister grin.
“Since the actors are already in place.”
“Then our grand revenge play… can officially begin.”
***
Several days later.
On the official road leading to the Imperial Capital Asgard, a carriage bearing the crest of the Duke Olivias Family was speeding along the smooth highway.
Though the journey was not particularly bumpy, the atmosphere inside the carriage felt somewhat oppressive.
Helos leaned against the window, watching the scenery outside gradually become familiar. On the distant horizon, the outline of that magnificent city was already clearly visible.
The towering tower of truth reflected dazzling light under the sun, the most striking landmark of the Imperial Capital.
“We’re finally almost there.”
The young lady stretched and let out a sigh of relief. “After sitting in this carriage for so long, I feel like my bones are about to fall apart.”
“Bear with it a little longer.”
Julius, sitting opposite her, closed the book in his hands. “About half an hour more.”
But as the carriage gradually approached the outer defenses of the Imperial Capital, a strange feeling began to spread in everyone’s hearts.
The main road into the city, which should have been bustling with traffic and activity, now appeared unusually desolate.
The caravans and pedestrians coming and going all hurried along, their faces carrying a tense and uneasy expression.
And at the city gate, the checkpoint that normally required only a brief inspection now had a long line.
Although there had been long lines before, this time the queue was exceptionally long.
Hundreds of fully armed Royal Guard soldiers surrounded the city gate so tightly that not even water could pass through.
They held halberds, scrutinizing every person trying to enter or exit, and the inspections were so thorough that they did not even spare the undersides of passing vehicles.
The air was filled with a murderous tension.
“Stop.”
When the carriage approached the city gate, a guard captain in silver armor reached out and blocked the way.
The coachman had clearly never seen such a scene and was about to scold the man for not knowing proper manners, but the captain had already spoken coldly.
“Routine inspection. Please present your documents and exit the carriage for a body search.”
But the curtain had already been drawn back, and Julius stepped out first.
He did not get angry, but instead scanned the surrounding defenses with a grave expression.
Visible sentries, hidden sentries, and even above the city walls, he sensed several mana fluctuations belonging to High Mages.
This level of security… it was almost as if they were preparing for war.
“Has something happened?”
Julius asked calmly while presenting the Duke’s residence pass.
“So it’s someone from the Olivias Family.”
After seeing the pass, the captain’s attitude immediately became much more respectful, but the vigilance in his eyes did not completely disappear.
“Apologies, sir. This is the highest directive issued by His Majesty the Emperor.”
The captain lowered his voice and explained, “The city has been restless lately. To prevent those heretics from infiltrating, we must conduct the strictest screening of all personnel entering and exiting. Even nobles… are no exception.”
Julius furrowed his brow.
He could clearly feel that this tense atmosphere hanging over the Imperial Capital was absolutely not a simple public security issue.
After a tedious and meticulous inspection, the carriage was finally allowed through.
When they entered the city, this murderous feeling became even stronger.
The patrols on the streets were three times as many as usual. Every few intersections, Demon Hunters in Church uniforms could be seen patrolling with detection crystals in hand.
The once bustling taverns and shops were mostly deserted, and the citizens hurried along, seemingly deliberately avoiding each other’s gazes.
Helos put down the curtain, turned around, and looked uneasily at the young man beside her.
“Julius, the atmosphere feels so oppressive.”
Julius nodded, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sword.
“It seems Mr. Christ has made some significant moves.”
The three did not linger on the streets but went straight back to the Olivias residence in the noble district.
As soon as they entered the door, they saw the old Steward pacing back and forth in the hall, looking somewhat anxious.
“Second young lady! Young Master Julius! You’re finally back!”
Seeing Helos return safely, the old Steward’s wrinkled face finally revealed a smile of relief.
“Young Master has been waiting for you for a long time.”
“Brother?”
Helos was stunned for a moment. “He’s home?”
“Yes, the young master came back from the tower of truth today specifically, saying he wanted to see you as soon as possible.”
Led by the Steward, the group quickly arrived at the study.
Pushing open the door, they saw Christ standing by the window, his back to the entrance.
Hearing the door open, he turned around. His usually gentle face bore deep exhaustion, and the dark circles under his eyes were even worse than before.
“You’re back.”
He forced a smile. “Was the journey smooth?”
“It was fine.”
Helos walked forward and looked at her brother with concern. “Brother, you look so tired. And… what on earth is going on outside? Why is the whole city under martial law?”
Christ pointed to the sofa.
“Sit down and talk.”
After everyone was seated, he let out a long sigh and began to explain the current situation.
“Just as you saw.”
Christ’s voice was low. “The Imperial Capital is currently at the highest level of combat readiness.”
“Since the last discussion with His Majesty, we began taking action, but the situation these past few days has somewhat exceeded our expectations.”
He walked to the desk and handed a document to Julius.
“Those Chaos Believers… they’ve gone mad.”
“Originally we thought they were only making small moves at the Borderland, but in the past few days, we’ve discovered traces of massive Cultist activity in the underground waterways of the Imperial Capital and deep within the Slums.”
Christ’s eyes turned cold.
“They seem to be preparing some kind of ritual.”
“Although we’ve already destroyed nine strongholds and captured quite a few people, those were all pawns. The real mastermind is still hiding deep.”
“To prevent them from making a desperate move, His Majesty ordered martial law across the city. Not only the Royal Guard and the Shadow Department, but even the Church has sent their most elite Demon Hunters to participate in the purge.”
“The current Imperial Capital is a net that spans the heavens and earth. As long as those rats dare to show their heads, they will be instantly crushed.”
At this point, Christ looked at Helos, his gaze softening.
“But you don’t need to worry.”
He reassured, “The Imperial Capital’s security is extremely tight, and the core area is under constant surveillance by the tower of truth’s Magic Array. It would be very difficult for those rats to do anything under these circumstances.”
“And besides…”
Christ pushed up his glasses, his tone carrying strong confidence.
“His Majesty and I have already set the trap. The moment they dare to move is the moment they die.”
Hearing Christ’s words, the weight on Helos’s heart finally lifted somewhat.
Since her brother and the Emperor had already made thorough preparations, there was indeed nothing to worry about.
After all, when it came to schemes, she believed her brother would never lose to anyone.
The young lady let out a sigh of relief.
“So can I go to school as normal?”
“Of course.”
Christ nodded. “I’ve also strengthened the defenses at the Academy. With Julius and Gavi accompanying you, I don’t think anyone can harm you.”
“Good.”
Helos stood up, her face once again wearing a smile.
“Then I’ll go back to my room and rest first! Riding in a carriage all day is exhausting!”
Watching his sister’s lighthearted figure, the exhaustion in Christ’s eyes seemed to dissipate somewhat.
As long as he could protect that smile.
Even if it cost him everything, it would be worth it.
However, whether it was Christ, or Helos.
Or even the far-sighted Emperor.
They had all underestimated the madness of their opponent.
Just three days after the school term began, on a seemingly ordinary afternoon.
The calm facade of the Royal magic academy was completely shattered by a sudden piece of news.