Chapter 825: The Return of Hope

Chapter 825: Chapter 825: The Return of Hope

In a remote corner of the realm, a group of survivors had established a modest outpost. For ten long years, a small metallic cube had dictated their technological and spiritual advancement—the beacon seed of Crul, sent alongside the survivors of Royal before the apocalyptic collapse that forced them to flee while Ethan sacrificed himself to buy them time.

For a decade, Royal had maintained its structure, waiting for Ethan to reach them. But as time passed, reality forced them to adapt. They could not wait in passive silence forever, forcing them to forge local alliances and expand beyond their borders.

Now, however, they faced a desperate plight.

Someone had leaked the portraits of the individuals listed on a continent-wide search decree—a list containing several of Ethan’s women. Upon discovering the Imperial Search Order, their former allies betrayed them instantly, abandoning their treaties and laying siege to the outpost. Hoping to curry favor with the crown, those traitors had dispatched urgent messages to the imperial capital, and the imperial forces were already en route.

A small faction like Royal stood no chance against an empire’s might.

At the core of the base, standing before Crul’s metallic beacon, Jason faced Lena—the current highest authority among the survivors.

"What do we do?" asked Jason, his face lined with tension. "Any news from Crul?"

"There has been no response," replied Lena, letting out a weary sigh. "We injected every bit of energy we gathered from mana crystals to activate the beacon and call Ethan, but there is still nothing."

"Damn it," cursed Jason, pacing back and forth. "Why is the empire looking for us? Do you think it’s because of Ethan?"

"Who else could it be?" reasoned Lena, her eyes fixed on the dim metallic cube. "When we fled, our world was being wiped out. If they captured Ethan back then, we wouldn’t even warrant a glance. But if he escaped and is the one searching for us... doesn’t this imperial search order make total sense?"

"If that’s the case, we’ll find out soon enough," Jason said, clenching his fists. "Those bastards outside have already contacted the Phoenix Empire, and emissaries are on their way. Either way, we’re cornered. We don’t stand a chance against an imperial fleet. If they come as allies, we’re saved; if not, we’re dead."

"I’ve already instructed everyone to pack everything into their spatial rings," Lena stated, her voice hardened by years of leadership. "If they are allies, we are ready to depart. If they are enemies, we are ready to die fighting."

Jason turned his head toward the desolate horizon beyond the fortified walls.

"We survived all these years...", murmured Jason. "I just want to know if Ethan made it out."

"Of course he made it out," answered Lena without hesitation. "You know him. He promised to reach us, and he never breaks his promises."

Before Jason could reply, a soldier burst through the command room doors, shouting at the top of his lungs.

"Come out immediately to receive the imperial envoy!" yelled the soldier.

"They’re already here," said Jason, taking a deep breath as he readied his weapon. "Let’s go. Inform the others."

Lena walked with firm steps toward the outpost’s exit, accompanied by Jason and the leaders of Royal. Before them, draped in the opulent robes of an official, stood the imperial envoy of the Phoenix dynasty.

"My name is Lena de Blake," said Lena in a sharp voice. "May I know why you are searching for us?"

Without uttering a word, the envoy retrieved a transmission crystal from inside his robe. The device emitted a holographic beam of light, projecting Lena’s face into the air with clarity.

"Confirmed. She is the person we are looking for," murmured the envoy, stashing the crystal away. He turned toward the survivors and added in an imperious tone: "You need to come with me."

At that moment, the sky darkened. A colossal frigate descended through the clouds, casting a gargantuan shadow over the entire outpost. Upon seeing the metal behemoth slice through the air, memories of the apocalyptic collapse and the destruction of their former home filled everyone’s hearts with terror.

Lena gritted her teeth, checking the tremor in her hands, and asked once more:

"May I know why Your Excellency is seeking us?"

"You only need to board and obey orders!" declared the envoy.

His voice, heavy with terrifying spiritual pressure, caused the ground to rumble. The impact of the shockwave forced Lena down to her knees onto the dust, while Jason clenched his fists, unable to stand under the weight.

From the underbelly of the frigate, a main hatch opened and projected a glowing beam of tractor light. Without further words or explanations, the light enveloped the entire camp, lifting every survivor into the air.

Once inside the ship’s hold, the fleet captain observed the crowd and frowned at the envoy.

"Who are all these people?" asked the captain sternly. "Were we not here for just a few dozen?"

The envoy ignored the captain’s complaint and walked straight toward Lena, who was struggling to stand up.

"We have come for Ethan’s family," the official said.

The man activated a second holographic crystal. In midair, a projection unfolded showing the imperial tournament from a few days prior: Ethan stood tall, imposing, and victorious before the Emperor.

Upon seeing the image, the entire Royal camp fell into absolute silence. Jason, Lena, and Ethan’s women covered their mouths as tears of pure relief streamed down their faces, whispering through their sobs:

"He’s alive... he’s truly alive..."

The envoy looked closely at the crowd before asking in a serious tone:

"Can you confirm your relation to him?"

"We are his family and his subordinates," Lena replied, standing tall with her head held high. "Everyone present here is under Ethan’s command."

"I see," said the envoy, nodding in approval. "That is quite good." He turned toward the ship’s guards and commanded, "Take them to their quarters. We will travel back to the imperial palace, where you will receive further instructions."

"Wait," interrupted Lena hastily. "Where is he? Where is Ethan? Is he at the palace?"

The envoy paused for a moment, glancing back at her.

"I cannot disclose too much," he replied in a low voice. "But no, he is not on this continent. He is on the other side of the ocean. Only Her Imperial Majesty can send you back to him, so I advise you to be prudent with your words and actions."