Back To The Empire

Unlike what he expected, the fastest route he needed to cross would take 2 days before he could arrive at the Harisan Empire.

According to some people he asked, the teleportation platform could only send away but cannot send back. Meaning, Hans would have to traverse many places alone with no means of transportation.

Of course, he could use a horse but his running speed is several times faster than theirs so not really a good substitute.

Thus, Hans left the village after buying food supplies and clothes just in case.

Although he's Awakened, food is still a must.

Along the way, he stopped by many kingdoms and small villages. He also visited some famous places like the 'Falls of the Fallen' where millions of people died. Due to it, the falls were dyed red.

Additionally, as he walked alone down the road, Hans gained knowledge about the current state of the world, its known history, and its geographical illustration.

According to books, this world or planet is called Clovera. A world that spans millions of miles away which was divided by the five powers— the 5 Great Empires.

The world appears like a 4 leaf clover-shaped land. Although it's not the exact form, Hans couldn't think of any resemblance other than that.

[Do you think it's true?]

Plundy's voice echoed through his head.

Tap—

Hans closed the book and stared outside through the window. Heavy snowfalls continued to strike the village and the whirring noise of blizzards could be heard from a distance.

"I'm not sure." Hans answered. He stood up from his seat, put the book on the shelf, and continued, "Harisan Empire existed for hundreds of thousands of years? Ha, that sounds like to good to be true."

[But in case it's true, then do you think the Ruined King's Tomb is not here? I mean… did we perhaps enter the wrong portal?]

Hans abruptly stopped. A soft sigh escaped from his lips.

"I don't know."

The book of history records every major event that happened back a million years ago. The rise of powers and the downfall of ancient behemoths were all recorded in this book.

It was amazing that someone tried to pass this knowledge to everyone so it wouldn't be lost in time.

Even then, even after thousands of pages were flipped, Hans did not even see a single shed of the Ruined King being mentioned.

It's as if he didn't exist in the first place.

However…

"But I read something with a line like, 'And so we praised the King'. I don't know if that's about a king of a kingdom or the Ruined King. It's just… it's confusing."

[You know what, why don't you ask the Harisan Empire instead? I'm sure they could give you clues considering they are the oldest Empire living to this day.]

Hearing Plundy's suggestion, Hans nodded. He already thought of this but even then, he wanted to investigate it himself first.

'I got nothing though.'

In the end, he gained no clues about the Ruined King's Tomb. Perhaps, if someone could answer his doubts, it might be the Harisan Empire.

Cling—, cling—

Whirl—, whirl—

As Hans pushed the door open, the blistering cold assaulted his skin. The air seemed to howl as the chilling winds passed through. Snowflakes drizzled through the land like raindrops.

Hans was inside a kingdom but not once did he see people walking outside.

'It's time to go.'

Hans exited the library and immediately activated his movement skills. There are still many things to do and hopefully, he could complete them in time.

[Trial of Heart]

[Status: Ongoing.]

[Time Remaining: 28 days.]

Thus, in the next 34 hours, Hans ran like a cannonball.

He didn't stop until he reached the border with the insignia of the Harisan Empire.

......…..

The Harisan Empire has an estimated population of over 1.7 Billion different species. This includes various races such as humans, beastmen, dwarves, and other non-aggressive species or tribes.

Ten large kingdoms were under the Harisan Empire so it's pretty much given how big this Empire is. In Hans' estimate, the whole empire might be as big as Earth's land.

Shouting, clinging, ringing, bargaining.

This could all be witnessed at once. Unlike other places he visited, the Harisan Empire was truly special, indeed. Despite the freezing temperature, the people didn't seem to mind.

Markets were up for business.

Bargains started.

Yelling started.

Brawls could be seen every now and then.

It's like a scene from a local market. Markets jammed with people were no different from a local artist concert. For extroverts, places teeming with people are like paradise.

However, in such a crowded, cramped, and bustling place, criminals were like fish swimming beneath the water.

Humans and other species alike were robbed by thieves with a quick sleight of hands like they were some professional magicians in a local show.

Well, technically, they could be considered as some type of magician.

After all, someone's wallet would surely vanish as soon as they passed by. Then, as soon as the victim turned around, the thief had already disappeared.

Clack—, clack—, clack—

Neigh—, neigh—

Carriages carrying nobles passed through as the crowd made way. Even though this seemed unfair to have this privilege, Hans knows this is a common thing in a place with a hierarchical system.

As the snowflakes drizzled down the wide streets, the normal day of the Harisan Empire started once again.

However, compared to 4 days ago, the crowd seemed 2x larger.

Hans stopped by a tree shade, raised his head, and read the huge banner plastered on two long poles.

[Celebrating Baru Empire's Destruction.

Come and join our 4-day long banquet!]

'Really?' Hans stared at it with a deadpanned face.

Never did he think that the Harisan Empire would even celebrate such a thing with even a 4-day long banquet.

'Why though?'

Although the two empires have a long grudge, it wasn't really severe that they would need such a grand celebration.

'Come to think of it…'

When he left after getting the mission out of the bulletin, Hans felt someone's gaze at him. He thought it was one of the people inside the mission hall that's why he just ignored it.

'I see… they have a scout huh?'

Since that's the case, then the Emperor should have known that someone accepted the mission of invading the Baru Empire and killing its royals.

Then, the moment they received the news of its destruction, instead of investigating or sending someone there, they conducted a large banquet.

It's clear as the sky.

Somehow, the Emperor knew that Hans was the one who destroyed it. They made the banquet as long as 4 days because the trip from Baru Empire to here would take 2-3 days at least.

It seemed like the Emperor already included his arrival within his calculations.

[You're getting smarter. I'm proud of you, my boy.]

"I'm always smart."

[...]

Hearing no response from Plundy, Hans shrugged his shoulders and went towards the mission hall route.

Once a mission was completed, he would have to go to the mission hall to get the rewards. Of course, evidence should be presented for the claim to be valid.

However, in case a piece of evidence is washed away an investigation would occur. Usually, this only happens to those high-level missions that only a selected few accept.

Fortunately, Hans got the Baru Empire's Emperor's Crown which was only exclusive to him as evidence.

With this, he could get the reward without fail.

Even then, Hans already has a hunch that doubts would occur.

.........

The mission hall.

Hans slipped inside the large crowds of adventurers and mercenaries. The interior was cramped up with people that it was even difficult to move around freely.

Scents of body sweats and unknown bad odors assaulted his nose. Hans' face only crunched a little before going straight towards the counter.

Fortunately, it wasn't as crammed with people like the area around the bar and mission bulletin.

But the moment he appeared, Hans felt gazes crawling on his skin.

It was exactly two pairs of eyes.

'The woman at the counter and a knight hidden among the crowd.'

Hans thought as his perception caught their signatures.

[Look at the woman's eye, Hans!! Look, look!]

Hearing Plundy's hurried voice, Hans' eyes shifted to the woman in front of him. Looking at the tag on her clothes, her name is Sariah.

'She's not human, right?'

[From the looks of it, yeah.]

Hans stood in front of her and slid the mission paper he took back then.

"Here, I just got back."

Sariah narrowed her eyes and alternated her gaze between the mission paper and Hans.

"Are you really the one who did that?" She asked.

"Did someone accept the mission other than me?" Hans answered with a question of his own.

"Uhh, no."

"Then, why are you talking so much?" Hans smiled with a hint of irritation on his face.

Talking with this woman always attracted those men's attention. Hence, Hans wanted to get this done fast.

Sariah rolled her eyes and scribbled something like a receipt.

She handed it to Hans and said, "Any evidence for your—"

Clang—

"Here. The emperor's crown. It should be enough, right?" Hans said as he dropped a golden crown with jewels embedded on the counter top.

Everyone noticed the shimmering treasure and their eyes ogled at Hans's body like he was some gold mine.

Sariah's eyebrows raised and she immediately inspected the crown's authenticity. Of course, she already knew at a glance that it was real but she couldn't let any suspicious actions that might lead to her being discovered as a spy.

'This guy really irks me.'

She didn't know why but she hated Hans the moment they first met. If not for her secret identity, she would have already disposed of Hans before he could even reach his full potential.

After all, any potential prodigy or people that might prove to be a threat to the upcoming war should be killed.

"Yeah, this is real. You didn't fake it."

"Why would I fake it?" Hans asked.

'What's the problem with this woman?' Hans murmured in his heart.

"Because you look like the type of guy who likes deceiving people."

"..."

[Pfft… she hit the nail on your head, Hans!]

Although it was somewhat embarrassing to admit it, the woman was speaking facts.

Sariah grabbed a clip from under the table and said.

"Please wait for the—"

At that moment.

Clang—, clang—

Two knights wearing heavily weighted armor approached the two. Everyone in the room looked at them as if they were a celebrity.

"No mee for that Sariah. Your majesty, the Emperor, is already waiting for his arrival." A knight donned in bluish armor with a tint of silver spoke to the woman before shifting his eyes to Hans.

"Sir?"

"Hans."

"Sir Hans. My name is Matt, the leader of the royal guards. I would love to invite you inside the Palace and meet your majesty, the Emperor himself."

Matt spoke with politeness. Although he was somewhat astonished by the fact that someone destroyed the Baru Empire alone, his eyes couldn't believe that the culprit was young.

In his opinion, it should be at least a middle-aged man who has a reputation throughout the world.

However, since the Emperor himself ordered, he had no choice but to comply.

"Right now?" Hans asked.

"Yes, Sir Hans."

Hans nodded.

It seemed like his guess was right from the start. Someone monitored him that day and reported back to the Emperor.

Since that's the case…

"Then, let's go."

Hans followed the two knights outside the mission hall. Everyone made a path for them as if it was divided in half.

Hans kept his cool despite the fact that he could sense numerous murderous intents seemingly piercing his skin.

Ignoring them is the right thing to do. Hans wouldn't want trouble either.

However, if they somehow get in his way, he wouldn't mind sending them to god, much much earlier.

......

Kriiek—, Kriiek—

Inside a gloomy, dark, and eerie place, two massive energy poles were laid. In between, a woman was shackled with two giant chains.

Her clothes were dyed with blood and the space between her eyes was swollen. Blood dripped on her hand as ragged breaths escaped her mouth.

She couldn't scream. No one will hear, anyways.

Asking for help is futile too.

In the end, all she could hope for was a miracle to happen. However, hoping for such a thing is just a dream.

It's impossible.

Tap—, tap—

The sound of heavy footsteps echoed around the dark room. The woman raised her head and stared at the newly arrived man who was grinning ear to ear as he stared at her face.

"Well, well, well… It's a pleasure meeting you, Freya Taylor." The man said in a rough voice.

The man held Freya's face, raised her chin, and continued, "Hehehe, you really are a lovely woman."