Chapter 390: I Liked The Popularity
North leaned her head on my shoulder. The breeze on the floating island was soft, almost dreamlike. We sat on the edge of the marble platform, feet dangling just above the still water below. It reflected the blue sky, the distant clouds barely moving.
"You smell better now," she said, smiling.
I gave her a look. "Wow. Thanks."
She chuckled. "No, I mean, you smell good. Clean. You even did your hair."
"I thought I’d impress someone."
"Did it work?" she asked, looking up at me with a playful tilt of her lips.
I turned my head slowly, catching her gaze. "Better than I expected."
We stayed quiet for a moment. She played with the cuff of my sleeve, running her fingers along the seam.
"You always act so easy going," she said. "But you’re actually....very bad."
"Why would you say that?" I said quickly.
She laughed. "Why not?"
"In what way am I bad? Steve is bad. I am good."
As if summoned by name, Steve’s voice echoed across the courtyard. "Talking about me again?"
We turned to see him walking toward us, drying his hair with a made up wooden fan.
"I take one bath and you two start flirting like teenagers," he said, grinning. "Should I leave again?"
"No need," I said. "We’re done with the romance. You missed the kiss, though."
Steve groaned. "Every time. One of these days, I’ll catch one live."
North rolled her eyes. "You’re not invited to the live show."
"Tragic." Steve tossed the fan over his shoulder and stood near us.
"It’s time," I said quietly.
North and Steve both looked at me.
"I’ll break through to Grandmaster rank soon," I continued. "Just one last quest. After that, you both need to speed up as well. Like we planned."
Her expression softened. "I’ll be ready."
Steve stood up and stretched. "Guess we should head back."
I nodded, stood up and opened a portal, leading us out of the realm.
The light changed as we stepped through, the warm sun replaced by a cloudy one. We emerged just outside the capital city.
The massive outer walls of the capital still stood tall, untouched by the war.
Guards patrolled the gates with alert eyes, and people moved freely through the city streets.
The capital itself was safe, its markets open, its homes unharmed. But the same couldn’t be said for the Holt family’s base hidden deep within. Smoke still rose faintly from that corner, where once their palace stood.
The elegant structure had been reduced to ruins. People were moving in and out of the gates again.
"Do you hear that?" North asked.
We paused near a group of soldiers and travelers gathered around a fountain.
"...the Holt family’s gone. Did you hear? All their Grandmasters are dead."
"Not just them. Even most of their Masters were wiped out. I heard one of them was beheaded in the sky!"
"They say the Empire sent its top Grandmasters. It was over in a flash."
"They say that they were going to rebel against the Empire."
"Who knows? But our world is weaker now."
I stepped forward toward the gates. The guards posted there saw us and stiffened. Their eyes widened when they recognized me.
"Commander!" one of them shouted, standing at attention. The others followed instantly.
All around, people turned. Whispers spread like fire.
"Is that him?"
"That’s Billion Ironhart."
"He’s just a boy..."
"But they say he crushed the Holts like it was nothing."
I kept a calm expression, letting a light smile touch my lips. Then, just enough to shift the air, I released a sliver of my presence.
The crowd shivered. Conversations stopped. The way ahead cleared without a word.
Steve chuckled. "You know, it’s really unfair how cool you look when you do that."
I gave him a sideways glance. "It’s a gift."
"More like a curse for the rest of us," he muttered.
North walked beside me, quiet but watching everything. "People respect you now. You earned it."
"All of us did." I said. "But....this is not enough."
We stepped inside the capital, and at first glance, everything looked completely normal. People were walking around, shops were open, and the streets bustled like any other day.
But just beneath that calm surface, there was a tension in the air because everyone was talking about the war. How it had broken out in an instant... and ended just as quickly.
As we walked through the heart of the city, I noticed the way people looked at me. Their gazes lingered. Some tried not to stare, but most failed. I could hear their whispers, low voices and curious questions.
"Is that him?"
"Was he there?"
"They say he killed the most Masters..."
Because of my perception, I didn’t just see them, I heard every word. I leaned in and whispered to the two walking beside me.
"Looks like the Empire already told the people their version of what happened."
Steve gave a small nod and pulled out his phone. "Yeah. Edgar sent a public message earlier. It’s everywhere now."
He tapped the screen, and the video began to play.
Edgar appeared on the screen, standing behind a podium with the Empire’s seal. His voice was clear and firm, and his eyes didn’t flinch from the camera.
"Citizens of the Empire,
I come before you with truth, not fear.
After thorough investigation, we found credible evidence that the Holt family had betrayed our trust. They had allied themselves with the enemies of our world, those who would see us fall from within. Their actions were not mere disagreements. They were preparing to strike us from the shadows.
With this knowledge, we had no choice but to act swiftly. For the safety of the Empire and every citizen in it, we neutralized the threat.
This was not without cost. Brave men and women stood on the front lines. Some gave their lives to protect the peace we now return to. We honor them, and we remember them.
Let this be clear: There will be no traitors left within our walls. Not now. Not ever again.
Tomorrow morning, the Emperor himself will award the soldiers who played key roles in this operation. They stood for truth, for loyalty, and for the Empire.
We move forward as always without any doubts.
Glory to the Empire."
The video ended. The streets around us felt a little quieter, even though the noise hadn’t changed. The words still echoed in my head.
No traitors left within our walls.
I glanced back at the ruined part of the city, where the Holt base had once stood. I shook my head and continued toward the palace. I had a personal meeting to attend.
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