Perfect Villain Life: Universal Job Change

Chapter 279: Journey to the Capital

“This is the Royal Capital!” Audrey introduced with pride as she gestured toward the grand city stretching before them. As the capital of the Carpe Empire, it stood as the most magnificent and prosperous city in the entire Hydra World—a shining jewel of civilization.

Qin Xian nodded. He had seen imperial cities before, even the Central Nexus of Apocalypse, and of course the First Court itself, but he had to admit—this city truly deserved to be called majestic and thriving.

Audrey smiled again. “Sir Soren, you will be the most honored guest of the Carpe Empire. I’m sure my father is eager to meet you.”

The ruler of the Carpe Empire, Emperor Caesar, had led the empire for nearly two centuries. Before Rosha’s rise, it had been Emperor Caesar who unified humanity and forged alliances with other races against the Void.

After Rosha’s emergence, Caesar stepped back from the front lines to support Rosha’s decisions fully. Still, his influence and reverence among the people of Hydra were unquestioned.

As Rosha’s party walked through the city streets, the entire capital erupted in excitement. Cheers and celebrations broke out as people rushed forward to see Rosha, their faces glowing with admiration. Their enthusiasm and reverence for him were clear.

This reaction didn’t surprise Qin Xian. Under the crowd’s adoration, the group made their way to the imperial palace. At the palace square, a group of immensely powerful figures were already waiting.

Word had spread quickly: a demigod had arrived in Hydra, and in this time of crisis, every demigod was a rare and irreplaceable asset. Qin Xian’s arrival represented renewed hope in the fight against the Void. The Hydra leadership took it very seriously.

At the center stood a man with streaks of gray at his temples. His expression was calm and smiling, but his aura radiated a grave and commanding presence—stronger than even Edward’s.

This was Emperor Caesar himself, the ruler of the Carpe Empire and one of Hydra’s strongest warriors, a peak 9-star Skyblade Saint, said to be the closest being to a god.

To Caesar’s left stood a tall and strikingly handsome elf whose bearing exuded pride—not directed at Qin Xian, but as a natural part of his being. No one seemed surprised. In Hydra, elves were known for their haughtiness.

Their magic and craftsmanship were gifts from the Ancient Saints, and their race had long stood as one of the most powerful. This elf was none other than Thranduil, King of the Elven people and heir to the Greenwild Court. Behind him stood several elven nobles.

To Caesar’s right stood a stout dwarf clad in heavy armor, with a massive warhammer strapped to his back and eyes like copper bells that gleamed with determination.

He was Erik Ironhammer, King of the Storm Bastion and the most formidable of the dwarven lords. Though known for his temper and love of battle, Erik was considered the most approachable of the dwarves—at least he could hold a conversation.

The dwarves might be gruff and temperamental, but their bravery was legendary. The fortresses built by dwarves were among the most unbreakable lines of defense. These three—Caesar, Thranduil, and Erik—were the true powers of Hydra.

Their decisions shaped the fate of the world, and they were also Rosha’s staunchest allies. Their support had allowed Rosha to fight the Void on his terms.

“Sir Soren, welcome,” Emperor Caesar greeted with a faint smile, offering a nod of respect. The other leaders also turned their eyes to Qin Xian—some curious, some scrutinizing, but most filled with hope.

“Hahaha! The Dwarves welcome you too, Sir Soren!” Erik Ironhammer bellowed eagerly. “Rosha said you’ve slain more than a dozen Void Generals? That’s damn impressive!”

That was the dwarves for you. When they considered you an enemy, there was no mercy. But if you earned their friendship, they trusted you without question. Rosha had once earned that trust.

Now that Qin Xian was someone Rosha brought, Erik welcomed him with open arms and hearty praise.

After a few minutes of pleasantries and introductions, Qin Xian, under Rosha’s guidance, was quickly integrated into the circle. No one doubted his identity. He was a demigod, a Holy Light Knight, vouched for by Rosha himself, and his record of killing numerous Void Generals spoke for itself.

Everyone saw him as a key figure in the war effort.

Emperor Caesar went a step further and directly granted Qin Xian the title of Duke, giving him vast authority within the Carpe Empire. That very night, a grand banquet was held in his honor—not only to welcome him but to declare to the world that another demigod had joined the fight against the Void.

A rallying beacon of hope.