Endless Campaigns

Four years later, in the Imperial Calendar Year 1019, the Empire had entered a period of unprecedented stability following Selene's complete annihilation of the Southern Rebel Army's headquarters in 1015.

With the major internal threat extinguished, the sporadic uprisings and local garrison mutinies that arose afterward were so insignificant that they were easily quashed, almost like children playing games.

Selene's personal power and growing prestige, coupled with her relentless military campaigns, had resulted in her killing or capturing nearly a million people over just two years. The Empire's borders had become notably quiet, with no external threats to speak of. Her dominance earned her many titles, including "Ghost General of the Nation's Protector," "Valkyrie," "Butcheress of the Battlefield," and "Duchess of Blood"—some given by her enemies, others officially bestowed by the Empire.

Indeed, Selene had now risen to the rank of Duchess of Habsburg, after her victory over the southern rebels in 1015 had initially earned her a promotion. Through years of relentless campaigns across the east and west, she climbed even further. She now stood as an equal to General Budo, both serving as Grand Generals of the Empire. Selene commanded the 4th, 6th, 8th, and 9th legions of the Imperial Guard, holding immense power and responsibility.

Meanwhile, her subordinates, especially Esdeath, had risen at an astonishing pace. In just four years, Esdeath had grown into a fearsome and towering figure, both physically and militarily. Her exploits, including the bare-handed killing of a super-dangerous beast, reverberated throughout the Imperial Capital. People marveled at how monstrous she had become, mirroring the strength of her mentor, Selene.

Under the leadership of Selene and her elite soldiers, the area surrounding the capital became utterly devoid of bandits and wild beasts. Even danger beasts were rare in the region.

A recent event humorously illustrated the meteoric rise of Esdeath. Despite her numerous accolades, some within the Empire had felt uneasy with her rapid promotions. Jealous or embittered officials argued that Esdeath's successes were merely a byproduct of following Selene and that her personal achievements lacked real weight. They questioned her readiness for a general's rank, claiming she needed more experience leading independent campaigns.

In response to these criticisms, Esdeath did not argue. Instead, she led her forces to the eastern coast and crushed a band of marauding pirates who had been terrorizing the region, killing and capturing over ten thousand enemies in a swift and decisive victory. This crushing defeat silenced her detractors.

Still, some officials refused to acknowledge her accomplishments, dismissing her victories as easy prey against disorganized pirates who had barely set foot on land. They argued that these rebels posed no real threat to the Empire.

When Esdeath heard this, she didn't engage in any debates. Instead, she crossed the eastern border into the uncivilized eastern islands, leading a personal campaign of slaughter. There, she encountered a barbarian tribe preparing to eat a child they had kidnapped from the Empire's borders. Without hesitation, Esdeath wiped them out entirely.

This brutal display sent shockwaves through the Empire's court. Fearing that Esdeath was becoming another version of Selene, many officials—who had previously opposed her promotion—hurriedly submitted a petition to the Emperor, urging Esdeath's formal appointment as a general. They didn't dare downplay her accomplishments anymore, resorting to verbose praise to curry favor with her.

Both Selene and Budo, the military titans of the Empire, supported Esdeath's promotion. Selene, amused, marveled at how her former "loli" subordinate had grown into such a formidable figure. Budo, ever the stalwart advocate of merit and strength, was eager to see more strong generals emerge within the Empire. However, he remained firm in his stance that promotions had to be earned through true accomplishments.

With Esdeath's official promotion, the Empire appeared increasingly stable on the surface. The borders were secure, and the military was strong. However, there was a growing undercurrent of dissatisfaction. Taxes were rising year by year, enriching the Empire while leaving its people impoverished. The common folk were growing weaker under the heavy burden of military dominance, and tensions continued to build.

At the heart of this unrest was Minister Honest, who had become increasingly corrupt as he solidified his control over the Empire's inner workings. With no significant external or internal threats left, Honest's greed grew unchecked. He ruthlessly exploited the people, engaging in acts of cruelty and corruption that defied description.

Imperial Capital, Palace, Imperial Guard Headquarters.

"Congratulations on your formal promotion to general," Selene said, leaning back on the sofa with a cup of tea in hand.

"Of course, General Selene, your intelligence is as sharp as ever," Esdeath replied, though her tone was one of genuine admiration rather than sarcasm. She had rushed over as soon as she had received the Emperor's official decree, yet Selene already knew.

Selene rose to her feet and delivered a swift hand chop to Esdeath, who instinctively crouched, holding her head in a defensive posture.

"Of course I'd know. As one of the Empire's two Grand Generals, I'm notified of all major military personnel changes in advance. Otherwise, I'd just be a figurehead, wouldn't I?" Selene said with a smirk. "And while I've stayed out of politics for years, did you really think no one in court would inform me?"

Though Selene wasn't officially the highest military authority, her power rivaled Budo's, thanks to her strength and influence.

Glancing at the black mark on Esdeath's chest, Selene chuckled. "It seems Honest is sparing no expense in trying to win you over."

The black mark on Esdeath's chest was proof that she had gained the power of the Demon God Manifestation: Demon's Extract, one of the most powerful Teigu in the Empire, second only to the Supreme Teigu. Honest's sudden shift in attitude, after years of disregard, and his reward of such a powerful Teigu, spoke volumes about his intentions. He wanted to create another strong force that could rival Selene and Budo within the military.

"You're aware of why I've come to see you then," Esdeath said as she sat down, conjuring an ice chair beneath her that radiated cold air, so intense that even the guards outside the hall could feel it through the walls.

The Demon's Extract had fused with Esdeath's body, giving her unparalleled resistance to ice. Now, even the bone-chilling winds of the far north would likely have no effect on her.

"You're here because Honest wants you to separate from the Imperial Guard and form your own army, right?" Selene said with a knowing smile, snapping her fingers to ward off the cold.

"Yes, he's promised funding for me to form my own legion. I intend to lead my troops to the northern frontier, not alongside you this time, but independently. This will be my war, and I will have my revenge against the northern tribes... for my father!" Esdeath declared, her eyes burning with resolve.

Though Esdeath cared little for political power and had no interest in courtly matters, she had always been driven by a desire to fight strong opponents and grow stronger. And, more than anything, she yearned to exact vengeance on the northern tribes that had killed her father.

Esdeath wasn't politically naive either. She had noticed how Honest, after five years of silence, had suddenly renewed contact and treated her with such warmth. It was clear that Honest intended to use her as a pawn to challenge Selene and Budo's dominance in the military. However, Esdeath's loyalty and fear of Selene, after years of being under her command, kept her from betraying her.

"Please, grant me permission!" Esdeath said as she knelt on one knee, formally requesting Selene's approval.