They rode fiercely into the great city of Regalhall, their horses' hooves thundering on the cobblestone streets. Towering spires and impressive structures loomed in the distance, showcasing the city's grandeur. Regalhall was situated far from the metropolis of Crownspire and the ancient Capital city of Raquille, once a crowning jewel of the Holy Empire known as the Sanctified Dominions of Western Ravenna.

As they entered the city, the Navy soldiers who had returned to rescue the man and his family looked more like weathered veterans than ordinary soldiers. An eerie aura surrounded them, emanating from their piercing stares and battle-hardened demeanor as they rode along an unfamiliar route.

Dante could immediately recognize them from their scarred faces, each telling a story of a life filled with nothing but spilt blood and clashing swords. These weren't your run-of-the-mill navy soldiers; they were warriors forged in the crucible of war.

The high city walls of Regalhall, fortified with metaforgery, came into view, leaving Dante in awe of their sheer strength. He exchanged a glance with Lil Rig, both realizing that this was no ordinary Rhiqualonian city. Regalhall was the very heart of the Metaforge faith, renowned for its impenetrability and inescapability, second only to the legendary stronghold of Ironhelm in the distant Mensor Continent.

As they ventured deeper into the city, they arrived at a mansion that bore exquisite architectural design, reminiscent of the great Gothic works crafted by skilled freemasons. But this was no ordinary mansion; one could feel an electric pulse deep within their skin, a testament to the powerful energies and forces that enchanted the very buildings.

The grand mansion gate swung open, and the exhausted horses finally found respite after many hours of relentless travel through the night.

"Welcome to my home, young heroes! Please come in. Let us rest and celebrate our lives, blessed with the protection of the Metaforge," the man warmly greeted.

Dante nodded, giving Lil Rig an encouraging look to ease his instinctual nervousness. For Lil Rig, the scent of enslaved beastmen, forced to work under the Curse of Faireena, pervaded the city, heightening his unease.

As they dismounted their steeds, the man motioned to one of his soldiers to report.

"Our sheep in the wolf pack has reported that the bodies of our fallen comrades will be returned to us tomorrow, Sir Admiral," the soldier relayed.

The Admiral gave a small nod, and the soldier left swiftly, vanishing into the depths of the mansion.

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"He's an admiral?" Dante thought, a sense of foreboding washing over him. "This is trouble. Real trouble. Autocratic Admirals are bad news. Fuck!"

"Let us come inside. You are now honored guests in my home, young lads. Do not worry. You are under my protection," the man reassured them, his smile warm and hospitable.

His wife and daughters smiled at Dante and Lil Rig before hurrying off to their rooms to freshen up for dinner.

Stepping inside, the living room greeted them with opulence. Antiques and priceless artworks adorned the room, while a stunning chandelier dangled from the ceiling. The well-maintained fireplace emanated a comforting warmth. However, Dante couldn't help but notice the absence of maids or butlers one might expect in such a wealthy home.

Once the door was closed, the Admiral leaned in toward Dante and Lil Rig, whispering conspiratorially, "Are you willing to convert to the Faith of the Metaforge?"

The sudden question caught them off guard, and they tightened their grip on their weapons, unsure of the Admiral's true intentions.

But then, he burst into laughter, and relief washed over them. They joined in, laughing off the momentary tension.

"I apologize for my humor," the Admiral said with a chuckle. "I couldn't help but notice how mesmerized you were by the great city of Regalhall and its splendid architecture. But seriously, the Metaforge greatly rewards the faithful."

"We thank you for your hospitality and kindness, Sir Admiral. I'm sure the Metaforge's blessings can even reach those who don't deserve them," Dante replied. "But I believe we must get on to business first. This is the extra payment promised to you by our benefactor."

Dante handed the leather bag to the Admiral, his determination unwavering. He felt grateful to be the one fulfilling this task instead of Trela, who would've been in immediate danger.

"Well! Now that business is in order. I suppose we can now proceed with the other matter. What do I know about famous Conrad de Morfort, heir to the Celestrian Imperial Dynasty? Well, now its former heir, isn't it?" the Admiral posed the question rhetorically. "My name is Autocratic Admiral Korval Ulmar. Head of the Autocratic House of Ulmar and a sponsor of the Monforts' claim to the Celestrian throne."

Dante stood up, trembling with fear. "Korval Ulmar!" he mumbled. A sudden panic electrified his whole body, and he instinctively reached for his sword, but Lil Rig restrained him.

Even the Jagged Alpha Rigathon knew of the Autocratic Admirals of Rhiqualon. They were considered walking nuclear weapons, capable of devastating armies alone and destroying cities within hours. During the civil wars against the Sanctified Dominions of Western Ravenna, the Autocratic Dominion of Rhiqualon, and the Royal Domain of Fontaire, the Autocratic Admirals were unstoppable forces.

They were the anvils that broke the camel's back, and only the Holy Archmages of the Church of the Holy System or the Supremo of the Purists could stand against them. When the Blessed Rock, the highest authority of the Church of the Holy System, had died, it left the world in tatters and disharmony. The branches of the Church were forced to fend for themselves, and this vulnerability was taken advantage of by their enemies.

Admiral Korval Ulmar smiled.

"You are right to fear me, young heroes. But you have nothing to worry about. As I have said, I was a sponsor of your father Conrad de Monfort, Lord Dante. And my goal in bringing you to my home is to renew that sponsorship. Just as I had sponsored your father, I shall sponsor you as well."