He became the most insane emperor of all time

The moment I realized divinity, I felt the capacity of my soul expand.

Just as I had gained a new sense when I first became aware of aura, divine power also granted me a new perception.

“Again. This time, I’ll win.”

Whoosh—

A world where everything came to a halt.

A space not of matter, but of mind and soul.

I could once again recreate the soul realm I had experienced during the Pope’s ceremonial rite.

“Here I come.”

Whirring—

And this time, I could summon the souls of the heroes I had faced before.

[The Soul of the First Emperor (Initial Phase) unleashes fierce determination.]
[The Soul of the First Emperor attempts a more aggressive attack.]

In this soul realm, I could spar with them once again, supplementing the training that was lacking in the material world.

Through this, I gained practical combat experience that could never be attained through physical training alone.

Crackle!

Clang!

“Phew!”

The soul sword collided with my silver holy sword, scattering white sparks.

Without hesitation, I quickly withdrew my sword and aimed for the left lower abdomen with a swift thrust.

I immediately brought my sword down to parry the thrust and neutralize the attack.

Leap!

However, my opponent used the rebound force from the downward strike to rapidly spin and counterattack.

The speed was so terrifyingly fast it seemed almost unreal.

Clang!

But I had grown stronger as well.

I blocked the spiraling downward slash with an upper guard, then used the tilt of the blade to deflect the attack.

Against a master of such caliber, this kind of technique couldn’t create a significant opening.

The openings I could create were fleeting, barely a moment’s pinpoint gap.

But even that was enough.

“I see it!”

Shing!

Thud!

The silver holy sword pierced through his heart.

It was a narrow victory, landing a decisive blow just before his blade could reach my neck.

[The Soul of the First Emperor (Initial Phase) acknowledges defeat.]
[Trial of Valor – The Soul of the First Emperor (Initial Phase) completed.]
[You have gained 200 Divine Power Points.]
[Trial of Valor – The Soul of the First Emperor (Growth Phase) has been unlocked.]

“Phew, I barely won.”

After the ceremonial rite, I had sparred with this soul 13 times in succession.

And this was the first fight I’d won.

During the rite, the only reason I had managed to defeat him was entirely thanks to Leonis’s help.

Whether Leonis had intended it or not, without his whispered encouragement, there was no way I could have won with just the strength I currently possessed.

“To think this isn’t even his full strength… it’s unbelievable.”

Returning to reality from the soul realm, I caught my breath and reviewed the duel.

The soul was a re-creation of the First Emperor during his early days—before he had fully risen to prominence and founded the empire through legendary feats.

Even though this was far from his peak, he was already much stronger than me and most ordinary knights.

No, perhaps even the Captain of the Guard would have to admit defeat against this soul.

“Does this mean the First Emperor was just that powerful?”

Or perhaps knights of that era were generally that strong.

Either way, it was remarkable, but personally, I preferred the former.

If it were the latter, it would mean humanity’s potential had declined significantly.

As someone tasked with leading humanity as it is today, the latter possibility was a deeply troubling one.

“Come to think of it, it’s about time to move on to the next stage.”

Although far from perfect, I had managed to secure the church as a considerable ally.

Through the church, I had already begun a campaign to win over public sentiment, primarily centered around the events of that ceremonial rite.

“Now is the perfect time to take action.”

As I left the training hall and walked down the palace corridors, I finalized the next steps I needed to take.

I had already cleared the capital of its rogues, established order, and subjugated the merchants to my side.

The central army had been reorganized, and with the church’s backing, I had started to win over the public.

At least for the capital, my control was now firmly established.

“Now it’s time to unleash that power. Captain of the Guard, is the army ready?”

The barracks, not far from the palace, was where the Captain of the Guard and the senior-ranking knights were currently holding a military meeting.

Everyone in attendance bore resolute expressions, the laxity I had observed before now completely gone. Each of them was brimming with fierce determination.

“Yes, Your Majesty. We are ready to launch the operation to reclaim the Demon Zone at any time.”

The army, sharpened and honed through rigorous training.

Their first military operation would target the vast Demon Zones spread across the central region of the empire, as well as the northern, eastern, and western territories.

“I trust everyone understands the significance of this operation.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

This wasn’t merely a military campaign to eradicate monsters.

Much more was riding on this operation.

Through the reclamation of the Demon Zones, not only would we gain the economic benefits derived from these regions, but we would also address the chronic issue of supply line improvement within the empire’s territories.

Additionally, this operation would serve as a formal display of military power, effectively keeping the separatist noble factions in check.

As a bonus, it would bolster the pro-imperial factions by rallying them around the emperor.

If this operation succeeded, we’d achieve all of this.

It was a far easier and faster solution than endlessly debating policies or agendas within the palace.

Everything up to this point had been carefully orchestrated to ensure the success of this plan.

“In that case, it’s time to march.”

Now was the moment to prove the results of the rigorous training thus far.

***

“What? His Majesty… personally led the army and marched out?”

When Stella von Lakeshire, the Archbishop of the Purification Church and Elector of the Eastern Imperial Territory, once again visited the imperial palace, she was greeted with an unexpected response.

“Yes, His Majesty has departed with the army, Archbishop Stella. It seems you’ve just missed him.”

The idea of an emperor personally leading the army and leaving the palace was a sudden revelation for Stella.

Even Empress Dowager Selina, who delivered this news to her, seemed caught off guard, so it was no surprise that Stella was even more so.

“And may I ask why you seek an audience with His Majesty? As I recall, you’ve already met with him once before.”

As she served tea and light refreshments, the Empress Dowager subtly inquired about Stella’s intentions.

Although her demeanor was warm and polite, her intent was as sharp as a dagger.

Why would someone like Stella, a prominent figure in the Purification Church and a de facto ruler of the East, take an interest in the emperor?

Was it to exploit a weakness? If that were the case, she wouldn’t be so overt.

If her aim were hostility, she’d act more covertly and insidiously.

This suggested that her intentions were not hostile but rather something entirely different.

“Well… I’m afraid it’s too sensitive a matter to discuss with Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager.”

“Ah, I see. Then there’s no need to tell me, Archbishop.”

Despite not receiving an answer, the Empress Dowager remained calm, offering an even better alternative.

“In that case, why not go and meet His Majesty directly?”

Rather than overthinking, she proposed bringing Stella directly before the emperor himself.

If her intentions weren’t hostile, and there was even the slightest chance of drawing her closer as an ally or affiliate, the imperial family had nothing to lose.

And so—

“So, that’s the reason you’ve come to me, Mother?”

“Exactly, Franz.”

As the army marched toward the Demon Zones.

The Empress Dowager had brought Stella along with her to meet me, following the army.

“This might seem sudden, Franz, but this is an opportunity. I’m sure you realize that better than anyone.”

“Of course, I do.”

If it was an opportunity, then that much was true.

My original plan had been to cut ties with the Pope and take control of the church.

But that plan had been derailed after I encountered the gods.

In the eyes of others, the Pope had appeared to wield extraordinary divine power.

Unless I exposed his deceit, the suspicions surrounding him had been thoroughly erased.

In the end, the church pledged its obedience and loyalty to me, so the outcome wasn’t entirely wrong.

“I wasn’t sure how the Purification Church would act, but I didn’t expect them to approach so directly.”

I had expected some kind of underhanded schemes or covert intelligence operations.

That’s why I had instructed both my mother and Jurgen to prepare accordingly. Yet, instead of subtlety, they came to me openly.

“No, this seems a bit different.”

“Different? How so?”

“It seems to me that it’s not the Purification Church itself, but rather Archbishop Stella acting on her own.”

“On her own?”

The idea that Archbishop Stella had come to see me personally.

Now that I thought about it, it was true that she had arrived with only a small escort and a few attendants.

However, during her previous visit to the imperial palace, her demeanor had been entirely formal and businesslike.

Her intent then was clearly to leverage me as a tool in exposing the Pope’s scandals, establishing a brief acquaintance for that purpose alone.

But now, there was only one reason I could think of for her to show interest in me.

“It must be about that incident.”

“Do you have something in mind?”

“Yes, somewhat. In any case, I’ll meet her directly as you suggested, Mother.”

The time when all five Guardian Gods had appeared.

Had Archbishop Stella witnessed that event as well?

I couldn’t be certain, but it was the only explanation that made sense.

Given that she was likely more religiously inclined than I was, it wasn’t entirely implausible.

In the end, I’d have to meet her to find out for sure.

“It hasn’t been long since we last met, Archbishop Stella.”

I met her in a quiet spot somewhere within the forest on the way to the Demon Zone.

It wasn’t exactly the safest place for a private meeting between a ruler and a leader of a faction.

But that’s why I had chosen it.

It appeared like a perfect opportunity for her to try something underhanded, while at the same time, it was quiet enough for me to act decisively if needed.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I must apologize for requesting an audience again amidst your busy schedule.”

“No need to worry about that. As long as it’s an important enough matter to warrant taking up my time.”

It was a warning: if it turned out to be something trivial, there would be consequences.

Knowing full well that we were adversaries, this situation might have felt threatening to Stella.

Yet, she remained incredibly calm, and there was even a hint of reverence in her gaze.

“Your Majesty, may I dare to ask?”

Just from the look in her eyes, I could already guess the reason for her visit.

Her gaze was that of a devout believer standing before an absolute being worthy of worship.

“During the recent ceremony, did you meet them?”

As expected.

She spoke as though the truth was obvious, her words leaving no room for doubt.

“Simply saying that I met them would be an understatement.”

What answer should I give her?

I didn’t need to think long about it.

“Not only did the gods come to me—”

As I spoke, I unfurled a pair of radiant white wings composed of divine energy.

“They tested me, and I passed their trial.”

As Stella witnessed the undeniable manifestation of divine power, the reverence in her gaze grew into unshakable worship.

“Because of that, I was baptized by the five Guardian Gods in that moment. Now, does that answer your question, Saintess of the Purification Church?”

There was no need for lengthy deliberation. All I had to do was make her revere me.