Chapter 178: Imperial Court

Max was a bit surprised to learn that Lancelot was assigned in the Northern Province and how rare the Imperial Demon Vanguard were.

On a second thought, Max would rather work independently in dealing with demons rather than being in a military squad.

Of course, Guilds were an entire different matters. He could establish the Guild and simply assigned quests here and there that focused on investigating the demons’ presence.

Max turned towards Lancelot and asked, "Are you still assigned in the Northern Province?"

Lancelot nodded. "The Northern Province is the most fragile province in our territory. The Empire invested mostly there.

I will be going back there soon.

Why? Do you want me to do something?"

Max nodded. "I just want you to meet my younger brother and try assisting him if he needs something."

"You have a younger brother there?" Lancelot’s eyes lit up.

Although he was confused how Max had a younger brother in the northern province when he clearly lived in the southwestern province, he did not ask and said in a boastful tone, "Tell me his name and I will babysit him."

Max sighed. "That’s going too far. I just need you to look after him if you can."

"What’s the difference?"

Max shrugged. "His name is Enzo. Try asking him if he wants to join our guild. He’s quite strong."

"Enzo..." Lancelot pondered. "Why do I feel like I heard that name there before?"

Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "I remember him now. He’s that young mage, who was born with a specialized class.

Those who were born with specialized class, depending on the rank of their class, didn’t need to suffer through the trials of class advancement.

Once they reach the peak of their current rank, they will immediately break through the next rank.

Who would have thought that your younger brother is similar like you?"

Max smiled. As expected, he is also aware of my legacy.

"That’s precisely why I’m afraid that he will get complacent and kill himself in the process. If you can, give him some advice."

Lancelot nodded. "I will try."

Lancelot and Max chatted for a while, with the former mostly feeling astonished every time he heard Max’s accomplishments.

At the same time, Max was trying his best to compose himself, but inwardly, he couldn’t help but feel proud when a young Blade Saint was complimenting him not only by words but by his face...

...

The Imperial Court stood at the highest point of Aurelion Prime, overlooking every district of the Imperial Capital. Built atop a colossal plateau of white granite reinforced by ancient runic foundations, the palace dominated the skyline like an unbreakable fortress rather than a luxurious royal residence.

Its towering walls stretched hundreds of meters into the air, layered with countless defensive enchantments accumulated over more than a millennium. Massive banners bearing the golden crest of the Empire fluttered from every battlement, visible from nearly every district of the capital.

Unlike the extravagant palaces of the capital cities in the provinces, the Imperial Court inspired awe through its overwhelming sense of permanence. Every stone seemed to declare that the Empire had endured every invasion, every catastrophe, and every Demon War.

No citizen looked upon the palace without remembering who protected humanity.

Max was the same, although he was not born in the Empire, the Empire’s mission and vision was instilled on him.

As they stared at the Imperial Court, they faced the Grand Ascension Stairway.

Lancelot said, "If we want to reach the palace, we have to climb the Grand Ascension Stairway.

Thousands of broad marble steps ascended toward the palace gates.

Every landing commemorated one of the Empire’s greatest victories.

There were also stone monuments recorded in the stairways.

The founding..."

Lancelot suddenly realized he was chattering excessively, so he concluded his words.

He said, "You will know."

He jumped off the female horse and caressed her mane.

Max did the same.

Two vanguards carrying spears who stood below the stairs walked towards them.

Lancelot said, "They will take care of the horses while we proceed to the Imperial Court. So, no need to worry."

After Max’s horses were led by the vanguards to the nearest stables, Max and Lancelot proceeded to climb the stairs.

Honestly, Max was frustrated. He was already getting impatient because he felt like he was running out of time, but here he was, his patience was being tested by climbing the stairs that seemed to have reached the heavens.

However, as he continued to climb upward, he noticed that that stone monuments recorded the history of the Empire through murals.

Max had already read the Empire but seeing it through the murals intrigued him.

As they climbed the stairs, despite feeling exhausted, he was amused until they reached the imperial gates.

Lancelot was about to initiate a conversation with him, but Max, who still felt pressed on time, urged him to lead them to the court.

They passed through the imperial gates until they arrived to the first ceremonial hall.

The Hall of Triumphs displayed the Empire’s greatest accomplishments.

Its walls were lined with enormous murals depicting legendary battles against the demons.

Floating mana crystals illuminated every masterpiece.

The names of every Imperial Hero were carved into black obsidian pillars stretching toward the vaulted ceiling.

As they walked in a hasty pace, Lancelot still managed to inform Max about the Hall of triumphs.

"Whenever an Imperial Demon Vanguard earned extraordinary merit, their name would eventually be engraved here."

When Max heard it, he was surprised.

Until they reached the end of the Hall of Triumphs that he saw his name and his own appearance in the mural.

Although it was only seventy percent identical to his appearance, Max was still intrigued.

The descriptions below only contained a single sentence. "The First Emperor’s Inheritor."

Max was surprised.

Until now, he didn’t know the Imperial Family’s attitude towards him.

Even more to the First Emperor.

He wasn’t even sure if the First Emperor was still alive or not.

He would soon find his answer once they arrive to the Imperial Court...

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