Behind the Selene Empire stood an even greater power — the Overlord Rank entity known as Artemyss, with whom the empire maintained a symbiotic relationship.

On the vast Victoria Continent, the Selene Empire was not the only civilization to possess Overlord-level strength.

Yet before the current Empress's ascension, the extraordinary factions of the continent had always held supremacy over royal authority. Each power sought dominance, conspiring endlessly to topple the throne.

However, history took a sharp turn sixty thousand years ago — ushering in the age of Empress Elizabeth.

She was formidable, iron-willed, and decisive.

After achieving a delicate balance between the Empire and Artemyss, she gathered all power into her own hands.

Within only five years of her coronation, she crushed three Half-Overlord factions that had inherited the foundations of Overlord Rank powers — each annihilated through ruthless iron-blooded campaigns.

The message was clear: none within or beyond the empire would ever again threaten the throne.

To the north, she seized ten provinces from the Filo Empire.

To the west, she waged war and conquered twenty-three provinces from the Goldflow Empire.

Through force and brilliance, she consolidated royal power to an extent unseen in the continent's long history — even Artemyss and the other Overlord powers within the empire were forced to bow before her authority.

And this Empress was not only breathtakingly beautiful but unimaginably gifted.

By the age of thirty, she had condensed nine Divine Aspects and advanced into Stellar Rank, her strength awe-inspiring.

She was the wielder of the legendary Moonwheel, an artifact so sacred that even Sage Rank beings bowed their heads before it.

The name of Empress Elizabeth struck fear — and reverence — throughout the entire Eastern Continent.

Elder Grandmasters and Stellar Rank veterans alike could not help but sigh with admiration, conceding that—

"The era of Her Majesty has truly begun."

She was the brightest jewel the East had ever known.

Under her reign, the Selene Empire grew mightier than ever.

She established tiered legions for every level of power — from the Apprentice Corps, Elite Corps, and Expert Corps, to armies composed entirely of peak Master Rank and Grandmaster Rank champions.

The empire's depth and heritage had become nearly unfathomable — the accumulation of sixty thousand years of glory and dominance.

By contrast, the Crossbridge Empire was a story of tragedy.

Ten thousand years ago, it too had stood at the peak of power. Its founding emperor, Aurek the Great, had been a legend among legends — a man of dazzling might who, wielding the Glamer Holy Sword, carved out a realm spanning 1,800 provinces.

His iron cavalry rode unchallenged across the world, defeating every rival empire.

They even crossed the Oracle Mountain Range, seizing half of the Bimat Highlands from the Filo Empire through sheer force of will.

Yet in pursuit of a breakthrough to Stellar Rank, Emperor Aurek had departed the empire—and never returned.

Without its pillar, the royal family's accumulated power was gradually eroded by scheming factions.

The Oracle Mountain, Crimson Hills, Brotherhood of the Old Gods, and Sunlit Chapel, all Half-Overlord Rank powers, joined forces to orchestrate the royal house's downfall.

They incited invasions from the Filo, Pood, and Goldflow Empires, draining the Crossbridge Empire's strength in endless wars along its borders.

Generations of imperial wealth and might — all built upon Aurek's achievements — were exhausted in these drawn-out struggles.

Had it not been for this decline, a Crossbridge Empire ruling over 1,800 provinces — vast, rich, and united — could have easily stood for a hundred thousand years instead of crumbling within ten millennia.

That was why Aurek, the current emperor and heir to that ancient glory, had made up his mind.

He would eradicate every Overlord Rank force — and any power, great or small, that dared threaten the throne.

The empire must have only one supreme voice — the Veynar Royal House.

"Tear down the Grand Cathedral of the Ordon Theocracy," Aurek commanded coldly.

"As for Austin and the others — tie them to the gates of Jade City and burn them alive."

He paused, his tone as sharp as a blade.

"I don't want them to die too quickly."

With that, he turned and left the royal bedchamber.

William and Heimerdinger exchanged a glance, then followed.

The Grand Magus's Hall — the Theocracy's stronghold — had already fallen under imperial control. None could escape.

Only through absolute reckoning could the empire's centuries of humiliation be cleansed.

Imperial Council Hall

Aurek stood atop the high marble dais, holding the Emperor's Scepter, the symbol of absolute sovereignty.

His gaze swept coldly over the grand chamber, finally resting on the visitor before him — a woman dressed in the ceremonial attire of the Selene Empire's court.

She was strikingly beautiful, but there was no trace of softness in her bearing.

Her poise was sharp, dignified — neither submissive nor arrogant.

"Envoy of the Selene Empire, Julie, greets His Majesty, Emperor of the Crossbridge Empire."

She performed a flawless diplomatic salute.

"Rise."

Aurek's voice carried the weight of unquestionable authority.

Julie's expression remained composed, but inwardly she was startled — the young emperor's aura was no less overwhelming than that of her own sovereign, Empress Elizabeth.

"What business brings the Selene Empire to my court?"

Aurek's gaze pressed upon her like a physical force.

Julie bowed slightly.

"By order of Her Majesty the Empress, I have come to propose an alliance."

"An alliance?" Aurek's eyes gleamed sharply.

Julie continued.

"The southeastern border of the Crossbridge Empire adjoins our lands. Currently, Grand Duke Walton has declared independence and carved away imperial territory, posing a grave threat to Eryndor City.

Her Majesty the Empress deeply despises such rebellion. She is willing to send troops to assist Your Majesty in annihilating Walton's kingdom — and in the process, eradicate the Brotherhood of the Old Gods, which supports him."

Aurek's expression remained unreadable.

"That sounds promising… however—since it is a collaboration, let us first discuss the terms."

Julie nodded.

"The Selene Empire will not demand territory, nor will it impose any conditions beyond one:

After the destruction of Grand Duke Walton and the Brotherhood of the Old Gods, all artifacts, treasuries, and accumulated knowledge of the Brotherhood shall belong to the Selene Empire. The Crossbridge Empire shall not interfere.

In return, Your Majesty will deploy one million troops, including at least ten thousand warriors above peak Master Rank.

All other military operations will be handled by our forces. We will ensure the eradication of the southeastern rebels and withdraw every soldier once victory is achieved."

"No other conditions?" Aurek paced slowly across the dais, deep in thought.

The Selene Empire was not a charitable entity. Their sudden offer of aid could only conceal ulterior motives.

They wanted everything belonging to the Brotherhood of the Old Gods…

Could something within the cult be so valuable that even Empress Elizabeth coveted it?

He would need to have his Elemental Assassin investigate.

After a moment's consideration, Aurek stopped and looked down upon Julie.

"Tell your Empress that I will consider the proposal for one month.

After that, I will send an envoy to the Selene Empire with my final decision.

If Her Majesty is sincere in her offer, I am willing to agree to all conditions—

but during this one-month period, I expect her to commit forces to restrain Grand Duke Walton and the Brotherhood. Consider it my test of the Selene Empire's sincerity."

"A month?" Julie's brows twitched slightly.

He intended to test the Empress herself?

She quickly understood the implications. After a pause, she bowed deeply.

"I will report Your Majesty's words to Her Imperial Majesty.

The Selene Empire shall await your decision one month hence."

With grace befitting her station, she turned and departed the grand hall.

In a side chamber, William and Heimerdinger had quietly listened to the entire exchange.

Once the envoy had gone, they entered and bowed.

"Your Majesty," William said gravely,

"The Selene Empire's offer appears altruistic, but it hides a blade beneath the smile.

Their true goal is the southeastern gate of our realm.

The southeast has long been guarded by Grand Duke Walton, with the Brotherhood of the Old Gods supporting him.

Their presence has long blocked Selene's expansion from that direction.

Now, seeing the empire divided, Empress Elizabeth seeks to destroy the Brotherhood under the guise of aiding us.

Once they fall, nothing will stand between Selene's armies and our southeastern frontier.

Given her forceful nature, it is almost certain—

she will invade the moment the opportunity arises."

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