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I Am Honkai

In the Name of the End, I Am the Will of Honkai! Starting from Academy City, the expansion of the Honkai begins. I, Selene, will eventually rule (invade) all worlds! PS: This is a story about a person who obtains the Herrscher template and stirs up trouble in various worlds.

Dao_Of_Heaven · Komik
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361 Chs

The Countdown to the Empire's Destruction

Imperial Capital, Upper City District, Selene's Residence

"Miss, according to the information I've received, Honest is supporting the little prince."

"Is that so? The situation in the Imperial Capital is becoming increasingly chaotic..." Selene said, glancing at the account books that Sebastian had compiled. She understood well that the transition of imperial power in any feudal empire was always accompanied by bloody turmoil.

Currently, the entire Imperial Capital was at a critical juncture of power transition. The old emperor of the empire was seriously ill and increasingly unable to manage state affairs.

Minister Honest, who had long since shed his title as an acting minister, revealed his ferocious ambitions. First, he gradually took over the reins of governance from the ailing emperor. Then, with lightning speed, he seized control of both the Imperial City Guard and the Imperial Prison, two of the empire's most powerful institutions.

Coupled with his background in the Royal Fist Monastery, and with General Budo being restrained by the ancient principle of "Warriors must not interfere in politics," Honest now held immense power and had become the favored choice of the people.

He then used various pretexts to suppress the loyalist faction, placing his confidants in key positions, and expanding his financial resources.

As merchants who held wealth but lacked corresponding military power and status, they were nothing but fish on the chopping block in such turbulent times, easily slaughtered in the conflicts between the powerful. To survive, they had to find a powerful and intimidating backer.

Selene was the perfect choice. She was powerful, highly respected, and had already demonstrated her capabilities through events like the Southern Forest District explosion and various "mountain-moving and sea-filling" projects.

There was no longer any doubt about Selene's abilities. In fact, they were more concerned that she might not even consider them worthy.

"These defectors are yours to filter out. You can handle it as you see fit. Is there anything else you need, Sebastian?" Selene tossed aside the medal that Honest had awarded in the emperor's name and instructed.

"No, miss. If that's all, I shall get back to work."

"Go ahead."

Watching Sebastian's retreating figure, Selene settled back onto the sofa, sipping her coffee with one hand while flipping through the day's Imperial Central Newspaper with the other. The paper detailed the demotions of several loyalist officials associated with Chouri, along with the bizarre charges that led to their execution, and of course, a few cases of "suicide" at home.

Minister Honest's actions were swift. Though he didn't yet control the majority of the regular army, he had indirectly seized legislative power through his ministerial position, and by placing his people in key positions, he had also gained control of the judiciary. Honest was gradually acquiring the power to dominate the empire.

As long as no one "flips the table," Honest would be second only to one, yet above all others.

As for the civil officials who only knew how to petition with remonstrances, Selene thought they were too naive!

They had completely failed to see the truth that in this world, might is everything. Against Minister Honest, who could cover the sky with one hand, their words were nothing more than empty paper, powerless and futile.

The combination of legislative power from the court, judicial power from legal institutions, the Imperial Guard arresting people, and the Imperial Prison detaining them, followed by execution—this was a complete process that could send anyone to their grave!

Even if you were right, Honest could make it appear as if you were wrong!

With this set of tactics, what could they use to defend themselves? They might even lose their lives and the lives of their families or clans in the process!

Honest was fully capable of such things.

Selene even believed that now, even if General Budo tried to stop him, as long as he didn't use military force, Budo would be powerless. After all, this process conformed to the empire's power structure.

So, this overweight man with several hundred pounds of fat, a love for meat, disheveled hair, and an unremarkable beard was far from simple. If you underestimated him based on his appearance, you were nothing but a fool. This several-hundred-pound man was far more ruthless and sinister than you could imagine.

Selene sipped her tea gently. As the fragrant and rich, yet not bitter, slightly astringent yet full-bodied taste of the tea spread from her tongue to her brain, she exhaled softly.

But isn't this situation perfect for her to bide her time and grow stronger? When the empire reaches its most vulnerable state, that will be the day she seizes control!

From the day Honest took power as the empire's minister, the countdown to the empire's demise had begun!

Honest was indeed a natural ally. It seemed she should give him more support in the future.

But for now, maintaining the status quo was the best course of action.

Thinking of this, Selene's lips curled into a smile as she slowly finished her cup of tea. The stage was set for Honest—let the performance begin.

"Hmm, it's time to report back to work!"

...

Imperial Palace, Imperial Capital.

Located on the hill at the very center of the Imperial Capital, this city within a city was lavishly built, filled with countless treasures. Yet, at this moment, it was inevitably shrouded in a shadow.

There were three main roads that directly led out of the palace, all guarded by the First Corps of the Imperial Guards, who were commanded by General Budo, known as the "Strongest in the Empire."

Today, the south gate of the palace was wide open, with the soldiers of the Imperial Guards lined up in formation. Even the highest commander, General Budo, was present.

Not far away, a figure clad in a striking outfit—dark blue undergarments beneath silver-white lightweight armor—appeared at the center of the road.

"General Selene," Budo said solemnly.

"General Budo, how is His Majesty? Will he be able to attend the ceremony for the restoration of the southern avenue?" Selene asked as they walked side by side into the palace, knowing the answer.

"...His Majesty's condition has worsened over the past few months..." Budo's face grew darker as he spoke, not hiding anything as he detailed the emperor's condition to Selene.

For months, Selene had dutifully completed the tasks assigned by the emperor. Though her actions might have seemed too opportunistic at times, Budo still believed Selene could be trusted. He couldn't believe Selene would side with that fat man, Honest.

...

Before long, they arrived at the emperor's bedchamber. After being led in by a servant, Budo entered first, while Selene waited outside.

This small gesture, in Budo's eyes, was proof that Selene was a 'loyal and righteous general.'

Entering the bedchamber, Budo's steps became lighter, fearing he might disturb the emperor.

"Cough... cough..." Inside, the emperor lay motionless on the bed, his endless coughing telling of his current frailty. A few months ago, he could still walk with the help of a servant, but now he was bedridden, unable to rise.

His hair had lost its luster, his eyes had become cloudy, and his wrinkled, emaciated skin looked like dried bark. His lips were cracked and gray, his entire being suffused with the aura of death.

The last real emperor of the empire, who had once ruled over countless, had finally reached the end of his life.

Though Budo walked in as quietly as possible, the emperor seemed to sense his presence and slowly opened his cloudy eyes. "Oh... cough cough... is that... Budo?"

"Your Majesty... General Selene reports that the main road in the southern district of the capital has been mostly repaired, with only some finishing work remaining. She awaits your inspection," General Budo said, his expression complex as he bowed slightly.

"Oh... cough... Selene has already... cough cough... completed the repairs?"

The emperor's lips moved weakly, his voice faint and broken, like the buzzing of a gnat. If Budo hadn't been a warrior with keen hearing, he might not have understood it.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Cough cough... how swift... cough... Transfer the Ninth Corps of the Imperial Guards to General Selene. I... cough cough... I don't have much time left. Budo, you must stay to defend the capital. After my death, cough... those rebels who rise up shall be crushed by Selene."

"Announce the edict. As for the inspection ceremony of the southern avenue... cough cough... cancel it..."

After speaking, the emperor seemed to have exhausted all his energy and fell back into a deep sleep.