THUD!

  The golden doors slowly opened, silencing the murmuring crowd. The sound of heavy door panels opening resonated loudly. That echo traveled up the pillars to the ceiling of the hall.

  From the entrance, the Emperor's Royal Guard appeared in formation, and at the center, Emperor Arthur William, draped in a red silk cloak, revealed himself. The cloak swayed with his footsteps.

  He was just 19 years old.

  Yet his eyes were filled with imperial dignity and determination. All gazes focused on him, and the young Emperor's presence filled the space.

  "Your Majesty... how could you be here..."

  Regent Minister Padris's face suddenly stiffened. His voice betrayed bewilderment and trembling.

  At the unexpected appearance of the Emperor, the venue stirred once more, and tension rose further. Breathing became even more cautious.

  Even nobles accustomed to protocol straightened their posture.

  The Emperor climbed the platform one step at a time, then, without taking his seat, opened his mouth as he looked around the hall. He stood proudly.

  "Lord Padris, you look surprised."

  The Emperor's voice carried a smile.

  "Considering the importance of this expedition, I couldn't simply let you depart."

  The Emperor slowly turned his gaze toward Expedition Commander Lord Petriert. He looked at Lord Petriert seriously.

  "Lord Petriert, your father, twenty years ago, led the fight to subjugate the Dominator... and sacrificed his life to protect the Litrian Empire. He perished on the battlefield while saving many knights in the final battle against Faust. Now it is time for you to carry on his will."

  Lord Petriert bowed deeply and knelt on one knee. His armor made a sound as it touched the floor.

  Memories of his father flashed across his eyes.

  He spoke with emphasis: "I am prepared to sacrifice my life for the Litrian Empire. I will certainly subjugate the Dominator and return."

  Determination filled his face.

  As his pledge ended, the Guardian Corps knights simultaneously raised their swords in salute. A hundred swords reflected light at once, and the sound of metal clashing merged into one.

  The sound of armor colliding echoed loudly.

  The Emperor slowly examined the faces of the expedition members one by one. He looked at each member carefully.

  "Grand Mage Patricia, Mage Elina, Mage Hallis."

  As he called each name, the Grand Mage and the two mages straightened their backs with respect. Their robes swayed, reflecting light from the magical patterns engraved upon them.

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  The Emperor nodded.

  "In these times when mages are scarce, you have lent your strength. Litria will not forget your sacrifice."

  After a moment of silence, he carefully observed the figure draped in a black cloak.

  "Hysteria Serius of Asteria."

  The Outlaw, who had been leaning in a corner, slowly rose. His scar caught the light, making it prominent.

  Surrounding knights unconsciously tightened their grip on their swords.

  "Bow Dolehr of Greenwood Village."

  Bow tensed, straightening his shoulders as he bowed toward the Emperor. The bow in his hand trembled slightly, and sweat from his palm dampened it.

  Confused by the sudden call, he awkwardly bent halfway, unsure whether to kneel or just bow his head. In his thick rural accent, he said, "Your Majesty, it is an honor..." his voice trailing off.

  Bow's face reddened under the gazes of the surrounding nobles.

  "The Imperial Household expresses its respect for your support."

  The Emperor exhaled deeply. The hall grew quiet with his breath alone, and everyone waited for his next words.

  Rising slowly from the platform, he looked at the assembly. His expression grew even more resolute.

  "I wish to lend my strength to those of you departing on this expedition."

  No sooner had his words ended than subtle mana began to swirl around the Emperor's hands.

  "Twenty years. That long time has passed. Now is the time to join hands with Syladelphia again."

  With the Emperor's declaration, the entire hall was enveloped in silence. Surprise spread across everyone's faces at hearing that name, and not even breathing could be heard.

  "Your Majesty, is restoring relations with Syladelphia truly possible?"

  A nobleman cautiously asked. His voice carried doubt.

  Other nobles exchanged glances and whispered.

  "It has been twenty years since the elves declared they would not interfere in human conflicts. Will they accept Your Majesty's request?"

  A skeptical atmosphere spread.

  "Without elven magic, it would be difficult to completely repel the Dominator's darkness."

  A senior military officer said quietly.

  "Faust's magical power has grown stronger than it was twenty years ago. His dark magic overwhelms the empire's magic. Without elven magic, there is no way to seal him. Their help was decisive twenty years ago."

  Twenty years ago, during the Dominator's invasion, Litria sought help from the elven nation, and the elves, after suffering many casualties, eventually raised the Giant Tree and severed ties.

  That wound had not yet healed.

  But now, the Emperor's resolve to personally head to Syladelphia was a historic decision.

  "Surely, Your Majesty isn't personally...?"

  Shock and stirring spread.

  The Emperor continued with a stern expression. He spoke resolutely.

  "I will personally request reinforcements before the King of Syladelphia."

  He turned to the Regent and the Captain of the Royal Guard, issuing a firm command.

  "Prepare to depart for Syladelphia."

  The Emperor's voice resonated throughout the hall.

  There was no turning back now.

  At that moment, Expedition Commander Dmitri Petriert raised his steel sword high. The sword gleamed in the sunlight, reflecting in hundreds of eyes.

  "Now, our path is but one! We march to Hell Fortress!"

  In that instant, the sound of a hundred suits of armor moving as one body resonated.

  "Depart!"

  With the shout of departure echoing through the palace, they began their march.

  ##############

  Hell Fortress, the Dark Throne at the highest level.

  A vast colonnade with red magical torches glowing sparsely. The high ceiling and cold iron walls were enough to instill fear.

  The magical flames burned without heat, making the surrounding air even colder, and the distinctive smell of burning sulfur stung the nostrils.

  At the center of the platform, on a throne carved from black marble, sat a man. The armrests and backrest of the throne were decorated with faces contorted in agony and countless bone fragments.

  A pitch-black robe enveloped his body, seeming to ripple with shadows.

  Red eyes gleamed from the deep darkness, and that cold gaze sent chills down the spine of any beholder.

  The Dominator, Faust.

  Below him, a woman in a robe knelt. Her long white hair, flowing down her back, reflected in the light.

  Her posture indicated submission, but a steel-like energy emanated from her spine.

  Faust's gaze turned to her.

  "Speak, Tila."

  His voice echoed throughout the colonnade.

  Tila lifted her head and smiled. Unlike her pale lips, her eyes were full of burning vengeance.

  As she summoned dark red mana at her fingertips, her hood swayed. She unconsciously touched the scar on her face.

  Loyalty to the master who had saved her that day, when she was engulfed in flames at Hell Fortress, had seeped into her very bones.

  "Master. I hear an expedition from Karanos has departed toward here."

  In that moment, a cold smile appeared on Faust's lips.

  "Hmm... so they've come at last."

  As his fingertips tapped the throne, shadows began to move.

  "Tila."

  His voice resonated.

  "My former pupil, it is time for your anger to bear fruit."

  At those words, a smile spread across Tila's lips, and her eyes sparkled.

  "I will devote everything for my master."

  Her voice was a mixture of devotion and vengeance.

  The Dominator slowly rose from his seat and walked to the edge of the platform.

  "So that their journey will not be boring, present the gift we have prepared."

  Tila bowed her head and murmured in a tense voice.

  "As you wish, Master. I will prepare a special welcome."

  As she extended her hand, darkness began to envelop her.

  And at that moment, something began to awaken in the heart of Hell Fortress. The sound of metal clashing and steam escaping echoed from deep underground.

  Then, from the deep abyss below, came a low cry as if a massive creature was awakening. The sound of chains scraping, along with the flapping of thick wings, and hot breath traveled up the underground passage.

  Faust returned to the throne and sat down.

  His red eyes shone like two stars in the darkness.