Deep within Godfall Gorge, darkness shrouded the depths, and a sinister demon aura continually seeped from the cracks in the void, like slowly spreading venom.

Galenor's face was grim, filled with worry.

"The aftermath of the previous battle shook the ancient seals on the passage, allowing the Abyss demon realm to detect the weakening of the seal... They must now be launching a full assault on the seal."

A weary, white-haired Guardian spoke with a hoarse voice.

"We have exhausted all secret methods and measures... and still, we cannot repair the cracks."

He shook his head tiredly. "If the demon realm's army truly breaks through the passage... who can stand against them?"

"The portal to the god realm has already disappeared, and reinforcements from the god realm cannot arrive. When that happens... it will be a catastrophe for the entire Eura continent!"

"I think we should request Crossbridge Empire to send a legion for defense?"

One Guardian suggested.

"That may have limited effect."

Another Guardian said pessimistically.

"Crossbridge Empire's foundation is still shallow; it doesn't have the strength to confront such a threat."

"Perhaps we should ask Chiusen and Dorothy to come as well. We need to gather all our forces."

"Destroying the seal completely may still take time for the demon realm. For now, we have two choices."

"Either we risk retrieving the cursed divine sword from Oblivion Wastes to see if we can destroy the passage entirely, or... we must find the vanished portal to the god realm!"

Galenor nodded heavily in agreement, adding,

"Let Crossbridge Empire be informed as well."

The others silently agreed.

"This time, we may truly be powerless..."

The oldest of the Guardians gazed at the peaceful land beyond the gorge, sighing with a sense of desolation.

"How much longer can we maintain the peace of this homeland we have guarded for generations?"

...

Winston and Heimerdinger, two high-ranking officials of the empire, were summoned to the palace and arrived before the Imperial Palace.

"We humbly greet His Majesty!"

The two bowed respectfully.

Aurek stood with his hands clasped behind his back in front of the vast strategic sand table.

Though he had reined in his power, the imperial majesty, which was constantly being nurtured, still weighed heavily upon the two ministers.

It felt as though they were carrying mountains, their bodies trembling.

This was the natural expression of royal authority.

"How are the renovations of Eryndor City and the integration of the various domains progressing?"

Aurek inquired, his voice clear, his every word and gesture carrying undeniable authority.

Winston and Heimerdinger clearly felt the difference; compared to before, it was like night and day.

Winston responded.

"I am personally overseeing the Eryndor City expansion project, and we've mobilized all available manpower from the Eastern Domain of the Empire. About one-tenth of the work is complete."

"The expansion of the outer palace has been fully completed, and the major halls are made from runic steel. The inner city construction is also nearly finished."

"Currently, the empire's territory has expanded eastward beyond the Central Domain, north of the Savage Lands, encompassing more than thirty domains, including Peak of the Firmament, Blade Domain, the Northern Ice Sea, and the Ancient Secret Realm."

"I suggest establishing state-level regions above the provinces. These regions would be governed by governors, with independent offices for the Inspection Bureau and the Army Command, each with separate powers to act as checks on each other."

"The governor's office would oversee the regional administration, the Inspection Bureau would supervise the officials, and the Army Command would control the stationed troops, deterring external threats."

"Additionally, the Supreme Council would be set up in Eryndor City to gather and address the significant matters reported by the various domains."

Aurek was not surprised by these suggestions.

To achieve centralization and prevent local factions from gaining too much power, a system of separation of powers and checks and balances was necessary. This would help ensure the long-term stability of the empire.

When it came to governance, Winston and Heimerdinger's abilities were unmatched.

It was thanks to their painstaking efforts during the empire's darkest days—navigating through internal struggles in Eryndor City—that the spark of revival was preserved.

Although their personal strength was insignificant, their value in assisting the king and governing the nation far surpassed that of any Divine Cleric or even higher-ranked power.

Though their talents were limited, Aurek could confer divine titles upon them through Royal Grace, sharing the empire's power, which would more than make up for their shortcomings in strength and lifespan.

Now, the empire's territory had expanded dozens of times, and its power was unprecedentedly strong.

Winston and Heimerdinger, backed by eighty percent of the empire's strength, would be able to match a Divine Cleric in combat!

If officially granted the title of the Celestial Dukes, they could command the forces of the land, making their power even greater.

Even Aurek himself, with his Level 5 Divine Cleric rank, bolstered by the empire's national power and the might of over thirty domains, could stand against a Grand Divine Cleric!

He could even withstand attacks from High Gods!

Such was the terrifying power of Royal Grace, and such were the immense benefits of becoming a senior official in Crossbridge Empire!

After a brief moment of thought, Aurek issued his instructions.

"For official appointments, we may consider utilizing those with management abilities from the surrendered factions."

"Anyone who enters the empire's borders becomes a citizen of the empire, and I am willing to give them mercy and opportunity. All surrendered military forces will be reorganized into the empire's legions and sent to the front lines."

The two nodded in agreement.

Then, Heimerdinger spoke again.

"Your Majesty, the monarch of the Anglian Empire in the Central Domain, Neo, and other surrendering monarchs have been escorted to Eryndor City. How should they be dealt with?"

"Since they've already become my defeated vassals, let them slowly rot in eternal admiration."

Aurek looked down at the sand table, his gaze sharp and domineering.

Once someone has sat upon the throne, it is almost impossible to step down.

Even if these individuals are talented, they will never be trusted again.

Winston and Heimerdinger felt a shock in their hearts but said no more.

Aurek's intentions were crystal clear.

"After the unification of the domains, immediately dispatch capable personnel to govern them, ensuring that all citizens are protected by imperial law. Those who are incompetent should be replaced at once!"

Aurek turned to the two men, speaking clearly,

"Destroying the old order is to build a new future."

"I hope that in this rebuilt Crossbridge Empire, on the ashes of the old world, it will become a blessed promised land! A place where all empire citizens can live proudly."

"We will follow the sacred decree!"

Winston and Heimerdinger bowed deeply.

"Dismissed."

Aurek knew well.

Conquering an empire was easy, but governing it was hard. The empire's journey had only just begun!

As the emperor's decree spread throughout the various domains, Lucio, Philip, Suggwoth, Harry, Tina, Overthunder, War Bear, Golden Armor, Matt, Pippin, Cole, and other generals, with the help of the void warlocks, returned to Eryndor City one by one.

Years of continuous warfare had led Suggwoth to step into the realm just short of Grand Divine Cleric!

Harry had reached Level 2 God Fire, Tina had undergone the Laws' Baptism, and ascended to Level 6 Divine Envoy.

Overthunder, War Bear, and Golden Armor had all successfully advanced to Divine Envoy rank.

Pippin, though only at the peak of the Master rank, could command sixty percent of the empire's national power.

Philip and Lucio focused on astrological divination and Tarot techniques.

Their powers were tied to their understanding of the world's laws and the threads of fate, which couldn't be measured by conventional standards. However, as the empire's trusted strategists, Aurek had never shortchanged them.

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