*****
''Whew...''
clack—! clack—! clack—!
The sounds of my steps softly resonate across the long hallway. As I gradually make my way to my destination, my mind snaps back to that incident again.
It is painful. It feels terrible.
Even though Chloe says that there was nothing we could do, I know that is just an excuse. If I were stronger than Valstein at that moment, I would've easily resolved that case. No one would have to die, and no one would have to weep for their loved ones.
However, nothing will be solved if I keep mulling over it.
What I need now is power. I need unparalleled power that would put me above everyone else.
Which is why I'm here.
January 13th, 1835—a mere day after Valstein's descent.
While the capital of Astra is still in a chaotic state as authorities try to heal the damages caused by the lone Advent and his monsters, I am currently in the Imperial Palace.
By this time, news of this incident would have arrived everywhere else in the world. Adding to the previous case in Neveah, people ought to realize that a new era of change is coming. As for Astra... I honestly don't know.
If, according to the original storyline, Astra will soon recover fully, and a new wave of aspiring heroes will emerge. It is through this incident that Claire will really solidify her position as the true heroine of the new era, being able to wield the holy sword and receiving full support from the imperial family...
Except, the imperial arc hasn't even begun yet, so things are quite complicated.
Either way, I am heading toward the treasure room of the Imperial Palace for the holy sword. At this point, I am pretty much desperate for strength, so I can't wait for them to release the Moon Devourer to the public. Considering they will have to take care of this incident before that... well, I'm sure it will be a while.
Basically, I'm trying to steal it.
If I can obtain the sword right away, things will be much smoother. The Moon Devourer is quite powerful, after all.
With those thoughts in mind, I hasten my steps.
Soon enough, I have arrived at a rather secluded and unassuming room. As I push the massive door, it creaks open, and a faint light pierces through the crack.
I take a deep breath before going inside.
Befitting the image of a fantasy world's treasure room, relics, and artifacts are lined up on glass stands, showing their full beauty under the dim light of the mana lamp.
''...''
In the middle of the room stands a huge crystal block. Directly showering in the light, a slender sword is stuck on the crystal, appearing almost divine.
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As it is, the design of the sword is not too glamorous. A sturdy metal hilt and handguard, a long, small platinum-colored blade with golden edges, and a big rhombus emerald attached to the base of it.
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Moon Devouver
HE who dares to imitate OUR gentle light shall
be devoured by HER blade.
When Equipped: +0.5 STR/AGI/STA/INT.
Title attained: [Bringer Of A New Era].
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AEN-001.
The AEN Project's first anti-extraterrestrial weapon prototype.
It was created using Eva, a goddess of another universe,'s divine energy as its core power.
Needless to say, this thing is a broken item.
If I can get my hands on this, facing against a well-established master might be possible. But before that...
''Good day to you, Miss.''
A deep, subdued voice sounds behind me.
''Or... should I call you Silaerob? Which one do you prefer?''
When I turn around, the emperor himself is standing there. Stroking his beard, Kaiser Kassius Astra calmly looks at me, posing a mysterious smile. Behind him, I can spot an imposing young man wearing a radiant aura—Grandmaster Graham.
By the way, even though he looks like that, he is well over fifty at this point.
''...Whichever you want.'' I reply.
''I shall keep calling you Miss, then.'' Kaiser chuckles. ''Well? What do you think?''
''Seven points for the design, I suppose.''
''That's unfortunate. I thought I made this room quite decently.''
''You can try next time.''
''Oh? Will you spare us a visit again?''
''If nothing changes.''
''Hahah...! Good. I like it. Such a confident little miss.''
''...''
Showing a rather casual side, the emperor willingly engages in conversations with me, a supposedly wanted individual as far as the higher-ups of Astra are concerned.
At some point, the old man has already walked up next to me, standing in front of the Moon Devourer. I take a quiet glance at Graham, and he doesn't seem to show any hostility toward me.
''As much as I want to know you further...'' Kaiser lets out an exhausting sigh. ''I suppose we will have to wrap our meeting soon.''
''...Go ahead.''
In fact, I already knew he would be here for a purpose the moment I entered the palace. With his personality, it will inevitably happen, and evidently, he doesn't even bother to place guards to hinder me.
The more I stare at his deep, silvery-white eyes, the more I feel I'm being seen through. It's quite uncomfortable.
''I'm sure you have heard something along the lines of 'The imperial family wants to conquer Zircon.''' He begins. ''I can assure you that will not happen.''
I see he already knows that I have eyes and ears inside the empire. Though, that's quite obvious.
''...Good decision.'' I nod contendly.
''Hahahah...! If I were so idiotic as to attack such a transparently righteous force blindly, I would have been long executed for being incompetent.''
''I suppose.''
''Hm... say, Miss. Don't you want us, who have the same goal of peace, to shake hands?''
There it is. Knowing the emperor's mind, I was sure he would come to me for this purpose at some point. Rightfully, I have no reason to refuse the offer.
So, I reply. ''Why not?''
Kaiser then smiles in satisfaction.
Obviously, it is not as grand and noble of an excuse as he says. He is, at his core, a politician, so he probably seeks the benefits of joining forces with me the most.
I'm not saying that it is bad, either. I also want resources from him, so it is only an equivalent exchange.
Staring at the Moon Devourer, Kaiser continues stroking his beard.
''How about this? We will cooperate behind the scenes for a moment.'' He says. ''You see, I am already a senile old man. I've been wanting to pass down the throne to one of my kids... but I am not quite sure which one just yet.''
''So?''
''I want to use your existence as an experiment. You, who possess both unpredictability and extraordinariness, will be an excellent instrument to gauge their talents. I shall observe the way they approach you and decide the next heir.''
''That's fine by me. As long as I get paid for it.''
''Pfft—hahahah!''
Even this guy's laughter sounds like that of a wealthy old man. I have nothing to say.
''Hah... well, let's get over with it.'' I turn to him.
In an instant, his expression becomes solemn again.
''Alright, it is perhaps time for us to get serious.''