The [Blood Reverser], the [Scales Reverser], and the [Feather Reverser] followed behind Reilo and slowly entered the main hall.
As vice deans of the Grand Natural Sciences Academy, an institution directly under the Royal Academician Committee, the three had taken part in court affairs a few times. But a solemn occasion like this was rare.
As a result, even the three of them seemed somewhat ill at ease.
The moment Reilo entered the hall, he became the center of attention.
Everyone's gaze converged on the humble scholar who calmly approached the throne and bowed.
"Your Majesty."
In his gray scholar's robe, Reilo didn't look particularly eye-catching.
No one would have guessed that he had just returned from fighting on a brutal battlefield. He seemed so cultured and composed.
"Rise, Academician Reilo."
The Chen King looked much more haggard. It was one of the many burdens of being mortal: even if precious magical potions could barely keep one from dying, the loss of cellular vitality and life force was inevitable. One could only remain in this world, frail, old, and worn.
When Reilo rose, his gaze briefly passed over the powerful nobles and royal scholarly advisors staring at him, then settled on the Chen King.
Their eyes met.
Greed, satisfaction, ambition... wariness!
Reilo could clearly see the many emotions in the King's eyes.
Power had corrupted him. He was no longer the Chen King of old, and he didn't even bother to hide his desire.
He longed to command all power through sheer force.
And he, too, was no longer a humble scholar.
"Academician Reilo, last night, the Decaying Demon God led an army in an attack. After witnessing tens of thousands of soldiers die on the battlefield, I could not bear it, so I deployed a Radiation Weapon. With a