A Special Ceremony

Just as Keosius was preparing to tear through space to travel to Istaria to discuss the conquest of the south, the transparent panel slowly unfolded before him once again.

[Your battle has shocked the world, making the Embers of the Burned Empire the focus of the Feanso Continent, and your influence and reputation level has been raised to: V][Due to the characteristics of the [Empire Domain], you can choose to exchange for a legendary faction trait.] "This is..."

Keosius annotated the attributes on the panel, greed gleaming in his pale golden eyes.

[Bureaucrat], [Golden Country], [Magical Tide], [Slayer], [Evil Empire]. These traits are special abilities that can be granted to all allies within the same faction. Some can improve administrative efficiency, some can gather wealth, and some can even increase magical activity in the region.

But Keosius immediately spotted something even more special and chose it without hesitation.

[You have chosen a special faction trait— [Divinely Granted Authority]] [Divinely Granted Authority

Description: You can grant some authority to your subordinates, giving them certain special privileges within the Empire Domain.

(Note: This is an exclusive feature of the [Empire Domain].) During the war against the Abyssal Devil, Keosius discovered a major problem for the Empire—its defenses of its homeland were too weak.

Based on the existing tech tree, which is primarily built by the player, the Empire's military presence suffers from an excess of destructive power and a lack of defensive capabilities, making it a veritable glass cannon.

The Abyss can send high-ranking demons to infiltrate the various cities of the Empire, causing constant destruction and slaughter, while the Empire has few means of countermeasures.

It's important to understand that Keosius isn't always within the Empire's borders. If he were to provoke an enemy at the level of a demigod or even True God in the future, he could simply flee, but the Empire is not an escape route.

This is ultimately a world with virtually unlimited individual power.

Powerful beings of the level of Origin Spellcasters, Abyss Lord, Godspawn, Elemental Lord are fully capable of single-handedly destroying most of an empire and ruining its foundation.

This so-called "Divinely Granted Authority" allows him to temporarily grant part of his authority to his followers, giving them stronger defensive capabilities.

If we compare an empire to a website, this is equivalent to having the ability to "set up an administrator".

"This ability."

Keosius stroked his chin, which was covered in scales and horns, folded his wings, and began to ponder.

At this moment, a familiar term couldn't help but come to mind: the Divine Kingdom on Earth.

This is so similar; in the divine kingdom, deities often entrust authority to their angels and Cleric, allowing them to manage the divine kingdom on their behalf.

The same effect can be achieved by the "Divinely Granted Authority," except that the kingdoms of the gods are often created by deities and are usually held high in the sky, existing in Outer Plane.

However, Keosius's "divine kingdom" can exist in the Material Plane, on this mortal earth.

The last time the Red Dragon heard this word was from the mouth of the Revenge Lord Jierlazarax, during His final moments of madness before His death.

"How could there be an existence capable of establishing Divine Kingdom on Earth?!"

He roared it out like this.

"The Divine Kingdom on Earth."

Thinking of this, Keosius repeated the word again, pondering it silently, a glint of light flashing in his pale golden pupils.

In the heart of the Istaria City, within the Embers of the Burned Empire, tens of thousands of people thronged around the great altar.

Among them were imperial soldiers returning victorious from the battlefield, members of the public who came to join the fun, and merchants from the surrounding area who saw an opportunity to make a living.

They had all come for the same grand event— the Awarding Ceremony of the Embers of the Burned Empire.

According to imperial tradition, this ceremony is usually held only after major battles, when the Embers of the Burned Emperor personally rewards those who have rendered meritorious service to the empire, bestowing upon them great power, long lifespan, and—unparalleled glory.

In the eyes of the people, this ceremony was far more important than any festival, and becoming a participant in the Awarding Ceremony was the dream of almost every Imperial People.

For the Embers of the Burned Emperor, this was also a good opportunity to gather faith, strengthen the cohesion of the empire, and enhance its sense of identity.

Therefore, the government also encourages this, and in recent days, flyers for the Awarding Ceremony have been displayed all over the empire, and many factories have even given special holidays.

The day before the ceremony began, the Emperor Square was already packed with people, and some even brought their own beds and tents to camp on the spot.

Of course, they were quickly spotted by patrolling sheriffs and ordered to put the items away.

Imperial Citizen, including humans, Goblin, Hobgoblin, Kobold, Ogre, Tiefling, looked up at the towering altar and exclaimed in awe.

"Quickly find a good spot!"

"I'm so envious."

"Yes, to go into battle and receive His Majesty's favor, it would be worth it if I could go in even once in my life."

"This must be the Empire Dream that the Empire Daily talks about!"

"For His Your Majesty Keosius's sake, stop pushing your way forward! You damned Ogre!"

"You little brat, get out of the way!"

"You brat raised by the Northern Nobles, who are you calling short?"

As more and more imperial citizens gathered, the surrounding environment became increasingly noisy, with various frictions and conflicts constantly arising.

"Stop! Fighting is prohibited within the city!"

Sheriffs riding Wyvern hovered in the air, maintaining basic order.

"Hurry up, hurry up!"

"This is a big event, if you come late you won't get a seat!"

"The boss will probably make an appearance; it seems to be a traditional practice."

"Is there any chance to touch His Your Majesty Keosius's tail?"

Soon, players arrived in droves, filling the already crowded square to capacity.

Of the three million players in the entire empire, nearly one-tenth have gathered here, and many more are on their way.

"When--"

The somber chimes rang out, the imperial flag fluttered in the air, and the Half-goat Human military band played a stirring triumphal march.

As the space rippled, Ogre wielding a scepter appeared atop the Istaria Great Altar, looking down upon hundreds of thousands of imperial citizens below.

"It's the Prime Minister!"

"What a grand event! Every time medals are awarded, the adults have to preside over it in person."

"This is a ceremony that even His Majesty attaches great importance to!"

Hearing the commotion, Lang Pu frowned slightly and slammed his scepter on the ground.

Clang, clang.

"Silence! To ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony, please remain quiet and await His Majesty's arrival."

With the aid of magic, Lang Pu's clear voice echoed throughout the venue, resonating in the ears of every citizen and spreading throughout the Istaria City.

Instantly, the hundreds of thousands of people present fell silent, gazing up at the sky with anticipation and devotion. The hall became exceptionally solemn, with occasional hushed prayers emanating from within.

At Lang Pu's command, the Half-goat Human once again played magnificent music, with powerful drumbeats and soaring piano notes, seemingly foreshadowing the arrival of some important figure.

"Roar--"

A long, drawn-out dragon roar came from high above, and powerful wind pressure descended on everyone's shoulders. The enormous red figure slowly descended from the clouds and appeared at the top of the Istaria Great Altar.

The Red Dragon, which was nearly fifty meters long, flapped its wings, creating gusts of wind in the air.

Suddenly, the wind swept away the clouds, and the sky became clear.

Immediately afterwards, the rising sun slowly appeared behind him, radiating brilliant light, as if being lifted up by the enormous dragon's body.

The surface of the crimson scales was covered with a hazy halo, shining brightly and appearing exceptionally sacred.

"Keosius above"

"Great Red Dragon!"

"Your Majesty! His Majesty the Emperor is like the rising sun high in the sky!"

"No, even the sun cannot compare to His Majesty's radiance and magnificence! This is the supreme status of His Your Majesty Keosius!"

On the ground, people ignored the scorching sun and looked up at the sky with devout expressions, constantly exclaiming and praising, their fervent eyes reflecting the majestic figure of the Red Dragon.

At this moment, all living beings are chanting his glory—even those who are usually crazy and carefree Starfallers are no exception.

"Ke Emperor is invincible!"

"For the Embers of the Burned Empire!"

"Your Majesty Keosius! The male of male dragons! The most masculine of males! A dragon, a demon king, a destroyer dragon."

"I want to touch His Your Majesty Keosius's tail!"

They too were caught up in this fervent atmosphere and began to cheer loudly, though their words were still somewhat strange, but the imperial citizens around them were already used to it.

Although Keosius had toned it down, the invisible dragon's might still descended upon the city, making everyone within a hundred miles feel a chill in their hearts.

Even those who were not participating in the ceremony stopped what they were doing and looked toward the Istaria Great Altar in the center of the city, and some even knelt down in worship.

"Boom!"

As the earth trembled and dust billowed, the Red Dragon crashed down at the very top of the altar.

He folded his wings, lowered his head slightly, and looked down at the masses below with his deep, pale Golden Vertical Pupils, nodding slightly.

Ignoring the players' opinions, Keosius was quite satisfied with the situation. After the Abyss War ended, his reputation in the Empire rose to a new level.

The image of the god of victory and the god of war was further solidified in people's minds, and he was even given the title of "god of protection".

Even though Keosius had not yet ascended to godhood, he could clearly feel the intense faith that overflowed in the hearts of the people of the empire.

It will be soon.

After conquering Fadlan in the south and seizing the legacy of the "Sun Emperor," Keosius was confident that he could stand shoulder to shoulder with the gods.

Thinking of this, the Red Dragon slowly spoke, his thunderous voice echoing throughout the city, commanding everyone's respect. However, his words seemed unusually ordinary.

"Good morning, Imperial Citizen."

Upon hearing the emperor's personal greeting, the Imperial Citizen at the foot of the altar erupted in cheers, which surged like a tidal wave.

"Good day, Your Majesty!"

"Long live His Your Majesty Keosius!"

But when Keosius continued speaking, the cheers suddenly subsided, and everyone listened intently.

"I once said that the Empire would never tolerate the atrocities of demons, and I have fulfilled my promise, driving the demons back to the Abyss."

During this time, the Fighter on the battlefield, fearless in the face of death, used artillery and swords to slay the demons and avenge their compatriots. The people in the rear worked day and night, continuously transporting ammunition to the front lines. And you, citizens of the Empire, you are all outstanding! You withstood this test, demonstrating the Empire's will to the Abyss and to the world with your blood and fire!

As soon as Keosius finished speaking, the shouts and cheers of the people rose into the sky like an erupting volcano, as if they were about to tear the sky apart.

"Long live His Your Majesty Keosius!"

Long Live the Empire!

"For the Embers of the Burned Empire!"

Even spies from the Harpers, the Thrace Kingdom, and the Kassand Kingdom, who were mixed in with the crowd, momentarily forgot their identities and joined the crowd in raising their arms and shouting.

The "Eloquent Speaker" trait becomes even more terrifying with the addition of extraordinary charm; every word and utterance of Keosius's speech is like the magic of Archmage.

The hundreds of thousands of people present felt their blood boil and their hearts surge, wishing they could rush into the Abyss and slaughter those demons.

After round after round of deafening shouts, people still did not stop, as if they would never run out of energy.

Keosius nodded in satisfaction, then raised his paw to signal everyone to quiet down.

"I have also said this: an empire will never fail its citizens who have contributed to it."

I also fulfilled my promise, granting great strength, long life, and honorable status to those Fighter fought to the death, those officials who performed their duties diligently, and those researchers who worked tirelessly.

And now, I will allow you to act as my agents, to wield the authority of the Empire on my behalf.

Hearing Keosius's words, people were extremely excited, but also somewhat puzzled. They were not yet aware of the weight of his words, nor did they understand the meaning of the so-called "authority".

However, the empire's high-ranking officials were shocked and in an uproar.

Although they did not understand the "special existence" of Keosius, they all vaguely knew that the emperor possessed a power, a power that would give him a god-like status within the empire—that was the authority of the empire.

Lang Pu, kneeling on the ground, stared wide-eyed and couldn't help but raise his head to look up at the Red Dragon not far away.

"Master, this..."

"Isn't this going a bit too far?"

Keosius, however, looked smug. He grinned and whispered to the Ogre, "This is only a part of my authority. My relationship with the Agent is like that of Amanata and the Seraphim in His divine kingdom."

And Lang Pu, as a mage, aren't you curious about this kind of power?

Lang Pu lowered his head to the ground and quickly replied, "No, Master, that belongs to you."

That being said, Lang Pu had to admit that the power to control everything was indeed very tempting for a spellcaster.

There is no need to be afraid.

I am not worried; your souls are already in my grasp.

Keosius, however, raised his head nonchalantly and instructed the scribe beside him, "Bring up the heroes of the empire; they will receive everything they deserve."