32 – The Approaching Chaos
Next to the Kaorelden Empire’s royal palace, a grand party was taking place in the emperor’s massive mansion.
The emperor, who had been busy playing with the holy maidens, seemed to have grown tired of his lifestyle, which led him to invite high-ranking officials to a party. Of course, this was not a thoughtless action. The excuse of being fed up with a boring life was somewhat valid, but the truth was that it was for the psychological stability of the officials.
Lately, strange rumors have been circulating. It was an absurd story that about 500 knights and wizards in the border area had been defeated by a single person.
Emperor Lecan immediately executed the man who spread the false rumor. It was only natural. If such a monster existed in the Phebron Empire, it would have been common sense to send them to the battlefield before the damage became severe.
“They must have stupidly fallen into an ambush and created false rumors to hide their incompetence.”
That’s what Emperor Lecan thought. Incompetent people always find excuses, and this incident was no different from the usual excuses.
The man did not believe in the slayer. However, he was also not without anxiety. Rumors were circulating that merciless slayers were killing countless people on the battlefield. Most of them were baseless rumors, but there were also those who claimed to have witnessed the slayer on the battlefield.
Those who claimed to have encountered the slayer said that his sword was so fast that it couldn’t be seen, and his swordsmanship could cut down all living beings from a distance. Furthermore, his magic could instantly turn barren land into a blood-soaked field. Some high-ranking officials were anxious about this news, and even the knights on the battlefield hesitated to go to the front line because of the plausible rumor of the slayer.
“Idiots.”
Emperor Lecan thought it was incredibly foolish to fear the existence of a slayer just because they had suffered a defeat on one battlefield. However, it was not good for the fear to affect the officials.
Even if it was only the nobles, they still possessed the personal forces that had not yet been deployed to the battlefield, as well as land and capital. If the nobles were to suddenly gather for no reason and attach themselves to the enemy, an irreversible situation would occur.
In the powerful Kareldeon Empire, where imperial authority was strong, and even the thought of causing a riot against the enemy seemed absurd, fear had a way of paralyzing people’s reason. That’s why the emperor summoned all the most important people to his villa. What the emperor wanted to do was to control them.
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Even though many people had gathered, the vast villa still had plenty of space.
As time passed, almost everyone had arrived, and Emperor Lecan climbed onto a large platform to capture the attention of those in attendance. Then, he began to slowly speak the words he had thought about.
“Welcome, everyone, to this chaotic war and magnificent party. It seems that many of you are curious about the current situation of this war, so I decided to hold this grand party to share the news. How do you all like it? I wonder if it pleases you.”
As soon as the emperor finished speaking, many officials replied in a loud voice, all at once and while maintaining their posture.
“We are greatly honored to be in Your Majesty’s presence!”
“We are delighted to be at such a splendid party.”
“To invite us to such a sacred space during this tumultuous time, there is nothing more we could ask for.”
The greedy officials, in order to impress Emperor Lecan even a little, nodded their heads or raised their hands and cheered.
The Emperor of the Kaorelden Empire, Emperor Lecan, commanded the Imperial Knight Commander, Bripin.
“Bripin, broadcast a video of the battlefield situation.”
As soon as the Emperor finished speaking, a single map started to appear on the wide wall through a mana device.
It was none other than the comprehensive military secret document that recorded the battlefield situation up until now, the situation map.
Those who vaguely knew what was contained in the situation map immediately covered their eyes or bowed their heads to the ground.
Whether it was intentional or not, just knowing the most important military secrets was enough to get assassinated, so they were even reluctant to acquire information. However, the Emperor, as if aware of their concerns, laughed casually and shouted.
“Don’t worry, everyone. Do you think I would gather these precious people here to do something unnecessary? I just want to share the good news of the Kaorelden Empire’s victory with you all. I hope you all raise your heads and examine these materials.”
The Emperor’s words were not a recommendation, but a command. No one in this space was unaware of that. As soon as Emperor Lecan’s words fell, everyone turned their attention to the military secret documents. There, detailed records of the war situation such as how many personnel the Kaorelden Empire had sent to which battlefield, how many knights had died, and the extent of the enemy’s damage were recorded.
Above all, it was clear where the current forces were concentrated. Over a million troops were currently gathered in the central region. The numerical value of the overwhelming remaining forces. And the records of victory displayed on each battlefield instantly erased their anxiety.
People shouted as they looked at the situation map.
“Indeed, we have once again realized that there is no one who can follow the great Emperor Lecan’s foresight! We are achieving victory with such overwhelming accomplishments! We can only be grateful, deeply grateful, to be able to serve under the great ruler’s jurisdiction!”
When a man shouted excessively, praising Emperor Lecan, the Emperor gestured as if satisfied.
“After the occupation of the Phebron Empire is complete, make sure to give the author some good land.”
When Emperor Lecan spoke to the Imperial Knight Commander, Bripin, Bripin bowed his head and replied.
“I understand.”
And then, the man who was chosen by the Emperor fell to his knees, ignoring the gazes around him, and shouted.
“I am forever grateful, Your Majesty! Even if I die now, I have no regrets!”
Silence…
Imperial Knight Commander Bripin bit his teeth and hurriedly lowered his head. It was because he was afraid that his expression of surprise might be seen by Emperor Lecan or others. He could taste the bitter taste of blood in his mouth.
“Disgusting bastards.”
Many knights died in the war. Although not as many as the knights of the Phivron Empire, the casualties of the Kareldeon Empire were by no means small. But how are they behaving?
In a place where the emperor’s eyes do not reach, Briphen hears the voices of bureaucrats whispering to each other.
“It’s incredible. There are battlefields where they killed over 2,000 enemy troops with only about 500 casualties. It is undoubtedly because our Kareldeon Empire is favored by the goddess Luasta.”
They quantify the lives of soldiers. And they calculate the gains and losses with a logical calculation. As if they were not beings with lives like their own, but mere consumables.
Disgust wells up. Despite the countless knights who died in the war without any justification, these foolish people rejoice in killing more enemies. Moreover, they throw insults at the emperor just to seize land after occupation. Briphen wanted to crush their disgusting mouths.
Briphen, the commander of the imperial knights of the Kareldeon Empire. He bowed his head to hide his expression, but he couldn’t hide his trembling.
Finally, despite calling out several times, the emperor approached Briphen, who was trembling with anger without any response, and tapped him on the shoulder before whispering in his ear.
“Briphen, it seems like you’re forgetting. Let me remind you. Only the imperial saint directly under the emperor can cure your sister’s incurable disease. Right now, she’s still alive because she’s receiving regular treatments, but don’t forget that she will suffer and die in terrible pain if I change my mind and decide to kill the imperial saint.”
“…I understand.”
Emperor Lecan kicked Briphen’s neck, which was shaking with anger, as if he were dealing with a bug.
“You’re quite exceptional for a little brat who’s only good at swordsmanship. You, who are nothing more than a lowly scum, pretending to be noble.”
The emperor kicked Briphen’s neck as if he were kicking off his shoes and then spoke to him quietly.
“Do you think you’re any different from the beasts that spew nonsense over there? Ultimately, they all prioritize their own interests. That’s why I like stupid humans like you. Regardless of their beliefs, humans ultimately have a desire to protect what is valuable to them, whether it be money or people, and that makes them easy to manipulate.”
Unexpectedly, Emperor Lecan spouted many words to Briphen. This was because Briphen was the emperor’s biggest insurance.
Briphen possesses formidable power that surpasses ordinary knights and monsters. Initially, the emperor had difficulty controlling him because of his fatal flaw of having unnecessary beliefs. However, since he learned that only the imperial saint can cure his sister’s illness, Briphen has become a suppressor who can be controlled by the emperor.
“If you dare to do anything foolish during the war, I will kill your sister immediately. So relax your expression. If you do it again, I will never let it go.”
In response, Briphen lifted his head and smiled brightly.
“I would never do anything that would harm Your Majesty, would I? My expression is just distorted because I’m not feeling well.”
Despite the empty smile, Briphen’s body was still trembling, but Emperor Lecan no longer paid attention. It was enough. Regardless of his true intentions, it didn’t matter. As long as he had a sword that he could wield as he pleased, his inner thoughts were irrelevant.
Briphen checked the battlefield map again.
The battlefield is stable.
“It’s flowing as I thought.”
In the battlefield, the knights of the Kaorelden Empire were killing countless knights of the Phebron Empire. By publicly revealing the situation map to the officials, the Emperor indirectly conveyed his message.
[The battlefield is sufficiently advantageous. So, do not believe rumors about useless slaughterers and do not engage in futile maneuvers.]
Furthermore, he regained control over Bripen’s increasingly strange demeanor.
It was smooth. Everything was going smoothly.
The Emperor smelled the fragrance of the luxurious wine on the round table and celebrated the victory in advance. It was because he could see that the enemy forces that had fled to the central zone were rapidly decreasing.
“Now, let’s all raise our glasses while looking at the situation map. Those foolish Phebron Empire bastards rushed into the central zone without even knowing their own position, thinking they could fight us head-on. The result is as you can see. Even now, Phebron Empire knights are dying countless times, while our Kaorelden Empire forces remain intact.”
The Emperor savored the aroma of the wine and took a sip before shouting again.
“After the despicable Phebron Empire is destroyed, we will absorb all their manpower, resources, and anything else of value. If the resources become abundant, I will reward the officials who made significant contributions on the battlefield.”
The officials began to talk to the attendants or knights who had come with them. They were probably preparing to deploy the hidden remaining forces onto the battlefield. The downfall of the Phebron Empire was practically a certainty, so they had the intention of maximizing their own forces on the tilting battlefield, raising their contributions to the maximum, and reaping the rewards.
Whether the Emperor said it or not, he spun the bright red wine in the glass with his hand and took a sip before shouting.
“Everyone, laugh and enjoy the party. For the destruction of the Phebron Empire and the eternal prosperity of the Kaorelden Empire!”
“For the Empire!”
“For the Empire!”
“For the great Emperor!”
People cheered and celebrated their early victory. However…
“What’s that? It’s strange…”
The situation on the battlefield was displayed in real-time on the map. The dots on the map began to disappear. Especially the green dots representing allies were disappearing in an instant.
“Has there been an error?”
“You’re talking nonsense. An error on the situation map?!”
“But look over there! Those dots keep disappearing!”
Only now did those who had failed to grasp the situation turn their attention to the situation map. The green dots that represented over a million troops. The grotesque amount of green dots that had filled the map were disappearing in real time. As if they were being struck by a colossal disaster.
That wasn’t the only thing. The sound of sirens blared around the royal palace. The magically amplified sound spread like it was tearing apart eardrums.
[Invasion defense system activated. The front defense line of the Kaorelden Empire has been completely destroyed. Highest level emergency situation declared. Repeating. The enemy has invaded the territory of the Kaorelden Empire. Evacuate immediately while the invasion defense system is operational…]
Evidence right in front of their eyes. Sounds heard with their own ears. The basis for judgment was limited, but its credibility was excellent.
“R… Run away…”
“Run!”
“Stop, how dare you think anywhere is safe…!”
“Get out of here! I will survive, I can’t die like this!”
The high-ranking officials started fleeing outside. It was an action that wouldn’t be strange even if they were immediately executed for it when reprimanded by the emperor. After all, they were in a situation where they had to worry about immediate death rather than what would happen later.
In the starry sky that had become a wasteland, the emperor stared blankly at the situation map without even being able to respond.
“Impossible… You’re telling me that all those troops died in just an hour…?”
In that instant, one word disturbed his heart.
The rumor that he dismissed as baseless, created by incompetent individuals.
[The Slaughterer]
A sharp blade was drawn across the neck of the man who was once certain that not even a god could kill him.