NOVEL NEXT Chapter123-The Formal March into Master Rank
Isabella, aware of certain insider information, was no stranger to the immense aura that emanated from Aurek. She knew that this emperor was no ordinary man.
Witnessing the thunderstorm anomaly above the palace, she instinctively felt that it had something to do with the "Core" that was forged during his ascent to Master Rank.
As soon as this thought crossed her mind, even she was taken aback by it.
Every Hero Rank individual would prepare extensively and research methods to one day attempt the difficult transition to Master Rank.
Thus, many of the powerful figures within the city held similar speculations, though none had the close perspective that Isabella did.
Overthunder stood atop the palace gates like a thunder god who had descended from a mountain, radiating a majestic and terrifying presence.
Carl, the Archbishop Austin, and other powerful figures dared not even harbor the thought of prying into what was unfolding.
After all, the fate of Killer Guild's Bloodblade was still fresh in everyone's memory.
Who would dare underestimate a general capable of summoning divine punishment?
Aurek, not only harnessing the powers of the four corners of the earth but also directing the destructive thunderbolts of the heavens, was refining the vast ocean of energy within his Core.
With his mind power focused inward, he could clearly perceive the ocean-like scene within his Core, a turbulent, boundless sea of energy.
Under the refining power of both the elemental forces of the world and the thunder, the immense energy surged, creating two distinct radiances—one golden, symbolizing light and order, and one deep black, representing shadow and chaos.
These energies twisted and coiled like mist rising from a mountain gorge at dawn, gradually compressing and converging to form two spheres of light.
The golden sphere and the black sphere began to attract each other, releasing arcs of electricity—golden and black—that wrapped around each other, spiraling like twin stars.
The speed of the glowing spheres' convergence increased, and they solidified into two brilliant orbs, resembling miniature suns—his Light and Dark Mana Core!
A mysterious and profound aura of the law emanated from the imperial chambers, filling the air with a strangely pure and sweet energy.
Every guard within the palace felt an unprecedented relaxation, their energy replenished.
Even the ancient tree outside Annie's chambers, long withered, began to sprout fresh green buds at its branches.
Flowers and plants on the ground seemed to experience the entire cycle of seasons in an instant, blooming vibrantly across the garden.
Annie sat in the garden, astonished at this miraculous life transformation. She raised her eyes to the terrifying thunderstorm above, filled with awe.
Aurek, fully absorbed in the creation of his Light and Dark Mana Core, was unaware of the external changes. His entire focus was on the two glowing orbs that now represented his ascension to Master Rank.
This was his official Master Rank credential—the Light and Dark Mana Core!
It meant that he had officially entered the Master Rank, his power now transcending the mundane and touching upon the mysterious domain of eternity.
However, the energy did not stop flowing.
He did not let up, pushing his King's Swordsmanship, Sword Purgatory, and other combat techniques into the newly born Mana Core, refining and fusing them further, solidifying and enhancing his power.
Outside, without Aurek's direct command, Angie had William temporarily take charge of the administration.
By the long bridge,
The scruffy old man squinted suspiciously, muttering,
"This resembles the force of nature unleashed during a Master Rank ascension, but the destructive energy of that thunder... it's similar to the power of those Doomsday Warriors."
His tone was tinged with rare confusion.
Lister also expressed his doubts.
"Master Rank? Old man, you can't possibly think Aurek has already reached Master Rank, right?"
"I didn't say that," the scruffy old man quickly retorted.
"I admit his methods are extraordinary,"
Lister, while not underestimating Aurek, was proud of his own talent in the art of cultivation.
"If someone who is constantly tangled in political scheming can reach Master Rank, then all the countless geniuses across the empire and continent might as well have wasted their lives."
This was a sentiment that any top-tier genius would likely share.
The path to Master Rank was so arduous that even many Hero Rank veterans had failed to achieve it. It was a universal understanding.
So, the scruffy old man did not counter him.
Adrian, ever the silent observer, said nothing.
Despite his immense knowledge, often referred to as the "Grand Scholar," even he had reached a standstill at Pre-Master Rank and could not break through to true Master Rank.
There were billions of scholars in the world, but how many could ascend to Master Rank?
"It's time to do something," Lister suddenly spoke.
"Adrian!"
Adrian's gaze shifted.
"Contact the leaders of the Thunder Guild, Killer Guild, and Storm Valley—those above the Fifth Rank. I need to make arrangements with them."
Lister ordered, his eyes glinting with strategic calculations.
Adrian bowed.
"Are you planning to unite with these factions to target those soldiers?"
Lister nodded, smiling.
"I need an opportunity—a perfect opportunity to strike!"
Adrian's eyes flickered, falling into deep thought.
Meanwhile, in the imperial court,
William gathered the ministers.
After finishing the routine affairs of Eryndor City, William spoke in a deep voice.
"His Majesty has ordered that we focus on managing the four provinces of Landor, Dorine, Caterpillar, and Dahlby."
"The Imperial Knights are currently cleansing the unstable factions within these provinces. After the purge, we need to ensure proper appeasement."
"Chuck, assign personnel to each province, soothe the local officials, and reward those who helped in the cleanup operations."
"Any who stand out for their achievements can be promoted—prepare a list and submit it."
Chuck inquired, "Secretary-General, should we report this matter to His Majesty?"
William replied, "We'll report this when His Majesty finishes his cultivation and resumes governance."
"Additionally, the national treasury is now full, and we can increase military spending."
"We'll recruit one million new soldiers from the four provinces before the Firstfall Festival, prioritizing those from the local defense armies and forming a new imperial legion."
"I've already drafted the expansion plan; we just need His Majesty's approval."
Heimerdinger frowned.
"One million? Isn't that too large a number?"
If they were only recruiting regular soldiers, even ten million could be gathered quickly.
But to form an elite legion capable of operating across provinces and with formidable combat potential would consume astronomical resources.
Even training them to just a tenth of the Imperial Knights' level would stretch the current treasury beyond its limits!
William explained,
"The empire cannot rely on the Imperial Knights alone! We all know how the future will unfold."
"By adding a second legion, we can leverage the local defense armies and create a deterrent force, even if the individual combat power is weaker."
"As for resources, we'll invest more to ensure they surpass the ordinary defense armies in strength."
The finance minister added,
"The resources gained by the Imperial Knights in clearing the four provinces are being sent to the treasury and are more than enough for the initial expansion."
Gaia also chimed in, "I can allocate 100,000 excellent Red-scaled Warhorses from the Caterpillar Province's Linchuan Plains to provide heavy cavalry for the new legion."
William nodded, looking at the ministers with solemnity.
"Together, we will have no fear of any enemy."
"Ministers, trust in His Majesty's leadership."
"Secretary-General, rest assured,"
Gaia bowed. "Since I've taken this position, my life has been pledged to the empire."
His family had served the empire for generations, and he never forgot it.
Otherwise, his old father would never approve.
...
In Truva Province,
The news of the Holy Sword Alliance's destruction reached Charles, his face grim, unable to sit still.
From the descriptions, it was almost certain that the powerful Doomsday Warriors from Eryndor City were responsible.
But he couldn't confirm whether Aurek had sensed their plot to eliminate the Imperial Knights or if this was a separate action.
If Aurek knew, then Truva would likely be the next target.
However, strangely, after the destruction of the Holy Sword Alliance, the massive army seemed to have gone quiet.
"Find out what Count Blackcrow, Sky-reaching Tower, and the Chaos Apostle think about this matter,"
Charles ordered his subordinates.
He then sank into deep thought, suddenly recalling something.
"Wait! Send someone to thoroughly investigate whether there are any survivors from the Jasper family."
A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he gritted his teeth, muttering,
"Not a single one must escape!"
...