As the ruler of one the most powerful empires throughout the whole Antheia world, the 50th birthday celebration of the Emperor of the Helios Empire was a huge event for the entire Antheia World.

Aside from being the emperor of one of the most powerful empires throughout the whole Antheia world, he was also a Legendary Rank Aura Knight.

He was a well-known existence even before he became the Emperor of the mighty Helios Empire due to his illustrious battle record. Just this fact alone was more than enough to earn everyone’s respect.

As such, his 50th birthday celebration was a major event that caused the entire Antheia World to become rowdy since many powerful and influential people were on their way to congratulate the emperor.

Not only the most powerful noble families of the Empire would be attending his party, but diplomats from all over the world would also be gathering at the Imperial Palace as well to give the Emperor their best wishes.

Even the High Elves and Dark Elves who were an extremely haughty and xenophobic race were no exceptions as they sent their diplomats as well.

At this moment, Paradisum, the Imperial Capital of the Helios Empire which was usually quiet was now extremely lively and boiling with excitement.

Numerous luxurious carriages with a variety of emblems or insignia could be seen entering the city. Some belong to powerful noble families while others belong to other small kingdoms and empires.

Aside from that, the regular people who weren't qualified to attend the party crowded together along the streets and taverns as they were also celebrating the birthday of the Emperor.

Fortunately, Paradisum was extremely vast. Even though guests came from all over the world to celebrate this joyous occasion, there were still plenty of places for them to stay and enjoy themselves.

From this, one could see the Emperor’s frightening position and influence in the Antheia World.

..........................................

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

While the entire imperial capital was boiling with excitement including the Main Palace as they were preparing for the emperor’s birthday celebration, Mikhail’s residence was quiet as usual.

There wasn't any festive atmosphere in the air. It was as if the emperor’s birthday celebration had nothing to do with Mikhail and his servants.

While most of the imperial princes were out there making connections with the foreign envoys from the other three Great Human Empires and the other guests before the party started, he was training in his courtyard.

Ever since he came to the Imperial Palace, aside from going to the Imperial Library, he had never left his residence.

Whether it was Vandal’s father, his mother, and even the other imperial princes, he hasn't met any of them yet. Not only he didn't bother to visit them, but they also didn't bother to visit him or sent him an invitation.

Not that he was complaining. He actually preferred it that way. Even though he had taken the body of Vandal as well his identity, he had no real feeling for any of them. As such, he wasn't in a rush to meet any of them.

At this moment, Mikhail was sitting in a meditative stance with his upper body bared naked while the training morning’s sweat has settled upon his muscular body like newly melted snow crystals.

It's already been six hours since he woke up. As usual, he spent two hours exercising nonstop to the point where his waist and his back were bitterly sore to build up and further increase his stamina.

His body’s regenerative speed was astonishingly high plus he had many high-grade recovery potions. As such, it wasn't a problem for him to continue his brutal training.

Once he was done, he practiced his numerous sword skills, and then his footwork skills. As masters of close combat, footwork was every bit as important as sword techniques for Aura Knights.

Close combat didn’t just mean standing there like an idiot, waving swords and spears at each other. It was constantly changing positions like an unpredictable shadow.

As an ex Hunter, Mikhail was clear about the importance of footwork. One could even say that its importance was arguably even higher than that of attacking techniques.

Aside from the Phantom Steps footwork technique that his uncle had given him, Mikhail had also practiced some of his old footwork techniques and even tried to merge them to create new ones.

Currently, Mikhail was practicing his familiar magic. As he sat cross-legged with both of his eyes on the ground, one could see a small bird hovering over his head in the sky.

For some reason, the small bird never left the courtyard as if there was something was keeping it there. It kept on circling over Mikhail’s head over and over.

“Marvelous,” Mikhail murmured with a slight on his face while his eyes were still closed.

“I can see everything so clearly. It’s as if I become the small bird.” He added with a hint of amazement in his voice.

Indeed, this little bird was none other than Mikhail’s familiar. After linking with the small bird with his familiar magic, he was able to control the little bird and see everything the bird saw.

Before he was only able to use the eyesight and hearing of the familiars he linked with, but now he could even control them.

However, it was only possible with small creatures. He wasn't strong enough to use his familiar magic on large animals.

Currently, even though Mikhail had both of his eyes, he was still able to see everything below clearly from a bird's-eye view.

He could see his physical body sitting cross-legged on the ground including the small wooden sword next to him. It was kinda a weird feeling looking down at his body.

It was as if he has become the bird and could feel and see everything through its eyes. It was truly an amazing feeling as Mikhail also felt a sense of freedom he has never felt before.

As Mikhail was enjoying the beautiful view below through the bird’s eyes in the sky, he tried to make it fly even higher to expand his range. Unfortunately, the link between him and the bird immediately broke as the bird flew away.

“It seems like I'll still have a long way to go.”He said as he slowly opened his eyes.