Episode 152 The Empire's Turmoil (2)
Tarak City in the Tulk Kingdom was bustling with activity, as usual.
Although the number of monsters descending from the Northern Mountains had decreased, and a large-scale military force had begun to be stationed around the Iron Fortress, gradually restoring stability…
The situation hadn't completely ended, so mercenaries and merchants could be seen busily moving around the streets.
And naturally, Hubert's Trading Company, which had grown into one of the largest trading companies in Tarak, was also among them.
"…Then handle that matter accordingly. And how did the appraisal results for the gems I entrusted you with turn out?"
Hubert, who had recently returned after a long period of recuperation, glanced at one of his executives as he rummaged through documents in the company owner's office of the large building where Hubert's Trading Company was located.
"Yes, as you predicted, all three magic towers and the Tarak Gemstone Association showed a strong reaction after we requested appraisals."
Hubert, who had been rumored to be dead, was proving those rumors to be false by immediately preparing for a new business upon his return.
It was the distribution of 'Earth-made synthetic gemstones', as he had previously planned.
One might ask what gemstones had to do with the current chaotic society, but such items were always in demand among those who had wealth, regardless of the times.
'Actually, now is the perfect time to start this business, as many will be trying to convert their other assets into easily storable gemstones for safekeeping.'
The synthetic gemstones he brought weren't cheap imitations like cubic zirconia.
They were perfect gemstones, physically, chemically, and optically, created in a high-temperature, high-pressure laboratory environment using high-purity materials.
As such, they were actually cleaner than natural gemstones because they had fewer inclusions, which was a shocking anomaly in Auterica.
It was to the point where the Gemstone Association's appraisers were all confused.
'The value of luxury goods is determined by their rarity. Although they have the drawback of not being usable as magic mediums, that will also become a unique selling point.'
As if to prove that, even mages were showing great interest in them.
After all, they were just pretty pebbles that had no practical use to them, but that was what stimulated their curiosity.
No matter how much they examined them, they were definitely gemstones, but the characteristics they possessed were so different from anything they had seen before.
"…So, not only the magic towers, but even the Gemstone Association is actively seeking to purchase them. They seemed a bit hesitant because of their rarity, though."
In other words, the debut of Earth-made synthetic gemstones was very successful.
He wasn't planning to release a large quantity, but there was no need to be too secretive because he was the only one who could supply them in this world.
"We can also expect advertising effects through them. Negotiate with them, offering a small discount since it's the first transaction."
This premium product, which would be sold in small quantities, would be a great help in growing Hubert's Trading Company in the future.
After all, rare gemstones were also perfect for bribes.
'Of course, I need to present some to the Aonia County, the owner of this land.'
It was because of Harley, but they had received a lot of help, so he had to at least show this much sincerity.
And the cost of the gemstones wasn't that high compared to the profit he would gain.
"Ah… And, Marvin?"
"Yes! Master. Did you call me?"
A man with a thick beard quickly answered Hubert's soft call right before the meeting ended.
He was the one in charge of expanding the company eastward, having made a small trade agreement with the Empire beyond the eastern border through his efforts.
"I have something to tell you about the Empire, so please wait a moment."
"The Empire… you say? Yes, I understand."
Not missing any opportunity was the right attitude for a merchant.
And so, Hubert was diligently fulfilling his duty as a merchant today as well.
____________________
The long Continental Summit finally ended.
Of course, it was just the end of the first meeting, and not all discussions were finished, but it was significant that the various forces, which had been clashing, had finally come together and reached an agreement.
And so, the representatives of each country started to return one by one through the cathedral's gate.
But there were those who were unexpectedly stopped by the Church…
It was the envoy led by Crown Prince Simon Carte Azeria of the Azeria Empire.
"What do you mean? Are you telling us not to return to the Empire right now?"
"Ah, that's not what I meant. I'm just trying to warn you that it might be dangerous to return right now."
"Huh— Our destination is Jeron, the capital of the Azeria Empire. You're saying Jeron is dangerous, what's the basis for that?"
The noble who accompanied the Crown Prince as an advisor questioned the bishop of the cathedral who was blocking their way.
He couldn't be rude because of who he was dealing with, so he just licked his lips, watching the Crown Prince, who was looking at them with displeasure from behind.
"Hmm, it's something the Saint himself said. I don't know the details, but he said something might happen in Jeron."
"What? So you're telling us… based on just one person's words?"
"It's not just one person, it's the Saint. And he's the one who received a revelation directly from the Main God."
The bishop's voice, which had been calmly persuasive, became slightly sharp at his incredulous words.
He must have been offended by his careless remark.
"Ahem… No, I mean, if you're not forcing us, we'll just go our own way…"
As the advisor was about to speak again, clearing his throat awkwardly at the unexpected reaction,
"I appreciate your concern, but…"
The Crown Prince, who had been quietly watching from behind, cut him off in a cold voice.
"I am the Crown Prince of the Empire, and Jeron, the capital, is like my own home. I can handle any problems that arise, and if something really happens, it's my duty to personally deal with it. I don't think it's the Church's place to interfere."
Crown Prince Simon wasn't pleased with the current situation.
He had just received a report that the Church's interference in the troops dispatched to the duchy had increased, so he saw their current actions as some kind of political maneuver.
Of course, the warning wouldn't be completely empty, considering the Church and the Saint's reputation.
They must have sensed something to say this.
But if he stopped and hid in a safe place after hearing their words, it would be a bigger problem.
'It's different from being away to participate in the summit. I might give Riley an opening.'
And he was confident in the capital's defenses, as he had strong pride in his country.
The Empire had learned from the cathedral raid incident and had been strengthening the imperial palace's defenses ever since.
No matter how strong the Church's influence was, the Azeria Empire was undoubtedly the strongest nation in the world.
The size of the territory they effectively ruled, their resources, and their population were on a different level from the Church, and the capital's defenses, where their national power was concentrated, were practically an iron fortress.
'Yes, even if the opponent is the Immortal King. Unless he brings his entire immortal army, he won't be able to do anything with just a small number, like when he attacked the cathedral.'
Crown Prince Simon truly believed that…
But his own safety was the most important thing, so he didn't completely ignore the Church's warning.
He requested additional security for his country, exerted pressure on the capital defense force to dispatch additional guards, and only after all preparations were complete, after about a day, did he move to the Jeron Cathedral through the gate.
…But all his efforts…
Were already within someone's grasp.
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[Oh— As expected of the Empire's capital.]
Above the sea of clouds spread beneath his feet,
Hans, shrouded in darkness, looked down at the ground with his deep, light-absorbing eyes.
The defenses of Jeron, the Empire's capital, as seen through "Abyssal Eye", were definitely not ordinary.
He didn't know how much resources and manpower they had poured in, but the central area where the imperial palace was located was densely packed with all sorts of spells, and the barrier that spread from there like a spiderweb was also at a level that couldn't be ignored.
'Their detection ability around the capital is also beyond my expectations. If I get any closer, I'll be caught immediately, even if I conceal my energy.'
He could somehow avoid the Saintess's detection, which covered the entire continent, but there was nothing he could do about the type that intensively monitored a certain area, like the barrier deployed in that city.
It was impossible to conceal his energy any further because the Immortal King's energy itself was so violent.
'It's on a different level from Tobea, which was a satellite city. Maybe that's why they put more effort into defending the capital. Well, it's only natural, considering a nearby city was attacked just recently.'
And the warning relayed through Heinrich in the name of the Church must have also played a part.
It could be considered self-inflicted, but Hans didn't care about that anymore.
'Anyway, we've also prepared more than usual.'
He had invested everything he had accumulated because this was a very important scenario.
The bigger the scale, the more effective it would be in leaving a strong impression.
'It's about time.'
Timing was also a very important factor, but that wasn't a big problem for him either.
And finally,
'Shall we begin?'
Hans, who had been floating above the clouds, fell like a meteor.
Beep! Beeeeep—!
Clang, clang, clang, clang—!
Loud sirens blared throughout the city, but he didn't care and just accelerated faster.
Wooong!
An enormous amount of energy instantly enveloped and swirled around the entire city.
It activated countless spells in an instant, and the lights that spread like a chain reaction beautifully illuminated the city.
Boom—!
Immediately after, Hans's body collided with the barrier surrounding the capital.
[Hehehe— You've put in quite a bit of effort, but it's not enough to stop me with just this barrier.]
He casually tore through the sparking barrier and entered, looking around.
Beeeep—! Beep!
The first thing he saw was the massive imperial palace in the center of the city, which had become an iron fortress with densely activated spells.
It was practically the epitome of arcane art, a combination of magic, shamanism, alchemy, and all sorts of supernatural abilities, creating synergy—.
'How much money did they spend… It's even more spectacular than I thought, seeing it fully activated. Even Hans would need some time to break through that.'
His goal wasn't to directly attack the imperial palace…
But it would be rude to just pass by after coming all the way to the capital, wouldn't it?
'I should at least say hello.'
So they could feel like their money was well spent!
Hans muttered softly, with warm consideration in his heart that no one would appreciate.
[Now then, come out. Entracio, Heratos.]
At the same time, the darkness enveloping his body writhed and instantly consumed the surroundings…
And two giant shadows emerged from within, tearing through space.
[KuoOoooooh—!]
[Kyaaaaaah—!]
Two Bone Dragons roared, creating a strong wind.
But they were just the beginning.
[Olivia, I'll leave the command of the others to you.]
[Leave it to me… This girl will do her best to carry out your orders…]
The executives of the immortal army started to appear around him one by one…
Boom—!
"Aaaack!"
Boom—!
"Get out of the way!"
Explosions and black smoke rose from all over the city.
The slaves… no, the extras who had infiltrated beforehand started to act simultaneously at Hans's intrusion.
'That side has also begun. As expected of the capital, there are more places to raid than Tobea. Well, they'll have to survive on their own after it's over.'
Of course, even if they survived, all that awaited them was being deployed to the next scene…
But if they were lucky, they might survive until the end.
That's what hope was all about.
[Hehehe— Ah, this is good! This is the prelude to destruction! Mortals, remember my name! I am the Immortal King, Hannibal Strauss! Hahaha—!]
And with his timely self-promotion,
The Immortal King finally invaded Jeron, the Empire's capital.