The chaos caused in various cities and small towns throughout human territory became news that spread to different parts of the empire, giving rise to uncertainty, fear, and outrage, especially since the emperor and his imperial council had not yet taken or announced any measures.

...

At the Alexandrian Academy. Under a clear sky that allowed the sun to shine everywhere.

On a bench in the shade of a tree, Arian watched Mina. She seemed concerned about the violent events occurring at the borders, because her maternal family was located near the attacked territories. Mina put a letter she was reading into her magic ring.

Arian just watched her, as he wasn't very well informed and only knew what he had heard from some students talking in the classroom, from Class B.

"Those demons are disgusting creatures," Mina said with anger and indignation.

Mina looked at Arian. His contract for the year had ended months ago, but she continued to approach Arian, and he didn't seem to mind.

"What do you think about what's happening?" Mina asked him with an expectant look.

"I don't know much about what's going on. But if I had to take a stand, I would be on your side," Arian said naturally.

Mina forgot her concern for a moment, and a slight blush appeared on her cheeks before she said smugly:

"I appreciate it, but you're still too weak. Focus on getting stronger."

Arian smiled subtly and nodded. After spending time with Mina, he had grown accustomed to the way she said things.

Mina stood up because the break was over and she had to go to the S-class classroom.

"I'm close to the middle level of the Second Spiritual Core. If I work hard at the end of this year, I will be able to advance to the high level. With the resources and guidance provided by the Academy, added to my noble lineage, I believe it is not impossible to achieve the goal I have set for myself this year," Arian said to himself, then got up to head to the Class B classroom.

••••

A few days later, in a spacious hall with white walls, gold-tiled floors, and a ceiling painted with scenes depicting the great battles of emperors of the past, the ministers and advisors who formed part of the imperial council were gathered.

Some factions were talking and devising plans to promote the war campaigns. Most of the supporters of the faction that wanted war were financed by or belonged to Inquisiderian.

Other more conservative factions suggested demanding compensation from the demons. This faction was made up of nobles dedicated to diplomacy or the arts.

Another neutral faction came from the alliance of the bourgeoisie and the lower nobility, who were always looking for the best opportunity to make money or acquire a higher noble title to increase the power of that faction.

The different factions discussed how to get the emperor to consider their position.

"Attention!"

"Enter he who possesses the myriad blessings under the infinite heavens."

"Show respect to the ruler of men."

"Emperor Richard Venrac."

Emperor Richard, with golden eyes, shiny brown hair, and white skin, wore an elegant and imposing black uniform with some golden embellishments. Over his shoulders he wore a black cape with a golden sun on it.

Everyone fell silent. No one perceived the emperor's presence, and that made them fear him even more.

Despite many circumstances and cases in which there were emperors with shortcomings, this emperor was someone who kept a low profile until he acquired enough power to oppress those who were against him.

That same power possessed by the emperor made him more criticized, especially by the faction that promoted war and, in turn, by Inquisiderian. However, despite the insistence of the factions that promoted war, in the few wars that took place, the emperor did not participate in any of them. Everyone said that this was due to his first marriage to a beautiful woman, the daughter of an archduke from the conservative faction.

...

The Emperor sat on a throne made of ivory, gold, and precious gems.

"Everyone may look up," said the emperor in a solemn voice.

After everyone looked up, two ministers entered.

One of the ministers wore sumptuous armor with a silver cape, his presence imposing; he was Rasgar Relvin, a warrior in the seventh spiritual core (middle level) and the empire's minister of war.

The other was a handsome man with long, platinum hair tied in a ponytail and fair skin, who wore glasses and a sumptuous robe; he was Gerard Retriev, a magician in the seventh circle (low level), and the minister of state.

The minister of state opened a scroll and read:

"Ministers, in this imperial council we will discuss the recent events that have affected our borders. Those who support the same position should designate a representative to present it. When each proposal has been heard by His Majesty Emperor Venrac, a decision will be made."

Gerard Retriev waved his left hand, and a small golden candle appeared in the air in the center of the great hall.

"When the candle has burned out, you must have finished discussing among yourselves and chosen a representative for each position."

After Minister Gerard's final announcement, the different factions began to discuss among themselves the most appropriate way for their proposals to be taken into account by the emperor.

...

When the candle was about to go out, each faction had finished discussing and chosen their respective representatives.

The pro-war faction chose Councilor Olber Vensick, a tall, white-haired man with a gray goatee, who wore a white uniform with some black details.

Olbert was a warrior in the seventh spiritual core (low level). Many suspected he was a Crackler.

The conservative faction chose Folseck Stevensen, a handsome man with white hair with red tips and blue eyes. He was a wizard in the sixth circle (high level). He was also the empress's brother. He wore a simple white robe with some gold accents.

The neutral faction chose an ordinary man, considered intelligent and perceptive, who had become one of the richest men in the kingdom. He had tanned white skin, brown hair with some gray, and a cunning face. He wore an elegant suit in different shades of brown.

These three men would present their proposals to the emperor to decide what actions would be most appropriate after the demons' disastrous attacks on human cities.

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