"Who is it?" Kawao asked eagerly.

"Who is responsible for my suffering?"

He felt a slight relief.

Finally, he would get closer to his goal.

Until now, he had only assumed he needed to go to Kaisan, the capital.

But now, he would learn his true target.

Sid’s expression turned serious.

"Before I tell you what you want to know, you should listen to a short story."

"What kind of story?"

"The story of the downfall and impending destruction of Kasaka, as we know it!"

"Do I really need to know this story?"

"Yes! It contains important information about the recent past and present of this land. If you're going to help us, you need to understand what we’re fighting for!"

"Aren’t you fighting against the army?"

"Yes and no! The army only stands in our way and slows us down. Our true target is what they’re protecting."

"What could that be?"

"Once you hear the story, you’ll understand."

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This story began just two years ago.

Back then, Kasaka was completely different from today.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

The Emperor ruled, the people were content, and the days passed in peace.

The Emperor had a son.

He was still very young, yet the Emperor was already teaching him things he’d need to know when he eventually took the throne.

One day, the Emperor took his son to the Council of the Eternal Flame.

This council meets regularly to discuss the country’s various developments and progress.

Once a week, the Emperor would attend.

The six ministers would present their reports and proposals, and the Emperor would decide on the course of action.

Seeing this, his son was impressed.

His father was a strong and kind-hearted man and ruler.

After the meeting, the Emperor told his son that he could rely on the ministers and that they would support him well in his early years as Emperor.

Everything seemed to be going well.

But that’s when the tragedy began.

The Emperor didn’t have the chance to teach his son that, deep down, all the ministers were corrupt, greedy, and self-serving.

Though he could rely on them, he needed to be careful not to fall into their traps and make decisions that would ultimately harm the country but benefit them.

They were like hungry wolves, waiting for the Emperor to slip up.

Shortly afterward, the Emperor died.

Officially, it was said he had succumbed to a rare, incurable disease.

But the truth was that the Council of the Eternal Flame had him murdered.

With deceit and treachery, they brought him down and seized control of the country.

Though his young son was crowned as the next Emperor, he was still too inexperienced and easy to control.

His father had taught him to trust the council, so he did.

They exploited his naivety and have controlled the country from the shadows ever since.

The son is isolated in the palace, kept from the outside world with lies and tricks.

To this day, he doesn’t know what’s happening in his own land.

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"So the council of ministers is responsible for my suffering?"

"Yes and no! They advised the Emperor to approve an 'exploration' of the southern seas to open up new resources. He agreed! The 'expedition' was then organized by the admiral and the commander-in-chief of the army!"

"The council, the Emperor, and the admiral! They’re the ones responsible! Where are they?"

"Calm down. We’re not going to let you take all the glory. While the council may be the root of your misery, they’ve done far worse to us and our country. So we’re making you an offer: Join us. We’ll help you get your revenge, and you’ll help us liberate our land! We’ll destroy the council! You’ll get your revenge on the Emperor and the admiral! Do we have a deal?"

Without hesitation, Kawao agreed.

"Yes! We have a deal!"

Together, they sealed their promise with a firm handshake and a long, serious gaze.