In the capital of the Reikalt Empire, Faruzanlia, security had been a little unsettled over the past couple of days. The city guards had been called out many times.
It was obvious that by now, quite a few ordinary people had heard rumors from various sources. They knew the world would soon undergo a major upheaval, and that the Empire's leaders would shortly be leaving the capital for some uncertain destination. So a few people with ideas of their own had started making moves.
Unfortunately for them, Emperor Bernhardt and the four legion commanders had cracked down hard. The schemers and their forces were swiftly rooted out, and by today the imperial capital had settled back into calm.
The night was beautiful. From the palace windows in Faruzanlia, the bustling imperial capital looked as prosperous as ever. People streamed through the night markets, filling them with lively crowds.
Alongside ordinary citizens and merchants, Imperial Knights bearing torches or magical lamps were diligently patrolling the dedicated routes, riding back and forth at speed. They kept a close watch on every dark corner of the city, determined to stop any troublemakers from taking advantage of the moment.
"..."
No matter how beautiful the night was, Bernhardt had no desire to admire it. He stood by the window, silently gazing at the Magic Sword Alhazard in his hands, lost in thought.
"..."
After a while, he lifted his head in a daze and looked out at the prosperous imperial capital.
Hadn't he once believed that, as long as he obtained the Magic Sword, he would gain the absolute power to unite the entire continent and bring peace and hope to everyone?
But now he knew he had been wrong—terribly wrong.
No matter how powerful the Magic Sword was, it was still just an