Inauguration Ceremony

New Calendar 2536.

On the first day of the new year, the imperial capital of Northril was immersed in a festive atmosphere. Heavy snow had fallen the night before, but by morning, it had already been cleared away completely.

The God-birth Festival had taken place a few days earlier. Shops along the streets hung purple gauze in front of their doors, decorated with magical runes representing the Goddess's blessing. When the wind blew, the gauze fluttered like flags, filling the air with serenity and joy.

Smiles adorned people's faces as they exchanged New Year's greetings.

But this year was somewhat different.

Because today was the inauguration ceremony of the new Archon, the Rick Guard had been standing ready before dawn along the road from Maringer Manor to Fubeden Castle, enforcing traffic control without stopping citizens from waiting by the roadside for the Archon's procession to pass.

Nine in the morning.

When...

A series of magical bells rang out from the Temple of Truth in Fubeden Castle, their sound spreading throughout Northril.

On the western outskirts of the city, halfway up West Mountain, the gates of Maringer Manor stood open. A squad of knights charged out first. Each wore gleaming silver-white Enchanted Armor and rode tall Dragon Scale Warhorses. They carried Imperial banners mounted on spears, looking mighty and awe-inspiring.

Hundreds of banner bearers surged out in formation, clearing the way ahead.

Behind them came the most elite knight battalion of the Rick Guard.

In the middle of the procession, Heistok, commander of the Imperial Guard, rode the Black Dragon, which had transformed into a black warhorse. He lagged two meters behind, following beside another warhorse that was even taller and more magnificent.

It was a warhorse covered from head to hoof in golden scales. Its scarlet mane was like blazing