Dekan's Serene Sweeper Monk
Seven days later.
The capital of the Salon Empire.
On the day of Princess Olivia's coronation.
Although there were few residents on the streets of the capital, bards could be seen from time to time recounting the story of this princess—whose father was usurped from the throne, and who, as the princess, was banished from the empire under the pseudonym Isabel, endured humiliation for many years, and finally launched a surprise attack on the capital to reclaim the throne.
The entire palace was surrounded by carriages loaded with all sorts of gifts.
Lords from all over the country gathered here.
They were all dressed in luxurious winter clothes, and the expressions on their faces were somewhat stiff from the cold wind.
Except for the commanders of the Fourth Army Group and Sixth Army Group who were at the forefront and had not yet returned, the other six army group commanders had all returned to the capital.
Whether they were more inclined to side with Empress Ikatinos or supporters of the late emperor's legitimate imperial power, they were now hesitant to reveal their true thoughts in any way.
Because they don't know what the other person is really thinking.
At this place and at this moment, a single misstep could lead to one's demise.
Furthermore, there is no substantial intelligence to confirm that Queen Ikatinos is indeed dead.
No one knows when this ninth-tier demon king will return to settle all scores.
According to current intelligence, the only controversial figure, Mie, the commander of the Ninth Army, who was originally suspected of treason, has followed Empress Ikatinos despite the risk to his life.
The other legion commanders, though fully aware that Princess Olivia's comeback was aided by some of the world's most dangerous individuals, were forced to remain neutral.
Even the Ikatinos strongest ninth-tier soldiers in the empire besides Ikatinos, the First Army Corps Commander Pritzker, the Abyss Mage, and the Second Army Group Corps Commander Anti-Mage Cynthia, dared not make a move.
It is precisely because they are at this level that they understand just how terrifying Menelaus, the Bishop of End, who was able to force his way into the Imperial Capital and defeat Ikatinos.
After all, the two of them combined didn't have any confidence to challenge Ikatinos.
Moreover, Princess Olivia is indeed of the rightful lineage.
The evidence of Ikatinos's plot to usurp the throne has now been fully revealed.
Even according to imperial law or traditions that have remained unchanged for many years, Princess Olivia should inherit the throne; Ikatinos is essentially a great traitor.
Princess Olivia, now supported by Menelaus, the world's strongest man, has also taken control of the ancient barrier of the capital after returning to it.
Even if all the remaining powerful figures in the capital were of one mind, it wouldn't change anything.
The ancient magical barrier in the capital city possesses the strength to isolate even eighth-tier enemies, making it difficult for them to break through.
But only a legitimate heir to the royal bloodline can wield it.
Without reaching the ninth rank, there is absolutely no possibility of regicide.
Therefore, Queen Ikatinos's failure was like a kind of retribution. She used her great power to kill the king, but because she could not control the barrier, she lost the key move.
In this situation, anyone who dares to stop the coronation ceremony would undoubtedly be considered a traitor.
The most correct attitude for imperial nobles and powerful individuals is to do their utmost without taking any action or expressing any opinion.
That way, even if Ikatinos returns and wins, they won't be the targets of retribution.
Imperial nobles stood respectfully on either side of the steps as Olivia walked out of the palace, descending the white stone steps one by one.
Wearing a crown studded with jewels and holding a scepter, she was about to proceed to the coronation site for the day.
Dressed in royal attire, she appeared exceptionally beautiful and dignified, a smile playing on her lips, embodying the image of a wise ruler. It was hard to imagine the hardships she had endured during her previous period of hardship.
However, she gave off a creepy feeling.
Because what supports her is not the power of light, but the most vile darkness in the world...
Several tens of minutes later.
The Imperial Cathedral, originally belonging to the Sun God Church, has now been renamed the "Chaos Temple".
Twenty-four gray stone pillars support a 30-meter-high dome, and in the center of the Altar, carved from white glazed stone, a straight beam of light illuminates the prayer hall, making it solemn and sacred.
"... Olivia Chevali Lefibule, today you are crowned Empress of the Salon Empire. May the gods of chaos guide your path and clear away your obstacles... You should have mercy on the weak and ensure their livelihood, representing benevolence; you should uphold the honor and prestige of your vassals, representing respect; you should protect your believers and people from harm, representing strength..."
The pope, clad in a golden Pope robe, held his crown and recited a lengthy prayer with an indifferent expression.
Olivia, dressed in imperial robes, knelt on one knee before the Altar, her expression solemn.
The ceremony, which should have been presided over by the Pope of the Sun God Church, was now being conducted by a strange man with purple eyes.
He didn't exude any extraordinary aura, but the higher the rank of the imperial powerhouse, the less they dared to look directly at this man. The more they could feel his power, the more they realized that they were like ants that could be crushed at will in front of him.
Everyone knows his identity— the Bishop of End Menelaus, who proved in the battle a few days ago that he is the strongest being in this world today.
Behind Menelaus stood three eighth-rank clergy.
These three are the infamous Bishop of Plague, the Bishop of Falsehood, and the Bishop of Devouring.
But now they appear incredibly sacred, dressed in clothing resembling that of the Sun God Church cult.
It seemed particularly ironic.
In this vast church, the knights were all dressed as Calamity Cult.
This sacred church, which originally belonged to the Sun God Church, can no longer be seen with a single legitimate priest or paladin.
Perhaps just a few days ago, a brutal massacre occurred.
Now, this place has become the birthplace of a brand new sect, the "Chaos God Church," and they have even openly displayed an ambition to surpass imperial authority.
Even though everyone knows this place is a den of iniquity, and many are outraged that Menelaus is presiding over this sacred ceremony for the empire, no one dares to utter a sound.
The people in the church had complex expressions, but most tried to appear reverent or calm as they watched their new emperor.
Princess Olivia, whose eyes were also fixed on the nobles.
Princess Olivia, bathed in holy light, possesses a captivating charm that defies description for ordinary people.
Whether or not Empress Ikatinos returns today, Olivia is undoubtedly the protagonist at this moment of her divinely ordained coronation ceremony.
"Remember, you are the Emperor of the Salon Empire and the monarch of the Knights. The supreme Chaos God Church has blessed you, granting you dignity and power, and eternal inviolability..."
The prayer of Menelaus, the Pope of the Chaos God Church, has ended.
The coronation ceremony is about to be completed, and at the moment the crown falls on Olivia's head, she will officially become the new emperor of the Salon Empire.
"You will become emperor at this moment...?"
However, just as Menelaus was about to place the crown on Olivia's head, a slight ripple appeared in Menelaus previously calm voice!
The crown mysteriously vanished from Pope Menelaus's hands!
"What happened?!"
"Is that her...?"
The sudden and inexplicable change caused everyone in the church to whisper and murmur cautiously, looking around nervously.
Menelaus's face turned cold; he knew what this change meant.
Someone is challenging his authority.
No pope who crowns an emperor has ever been dethroned during the coronation ceremony.
The only one who would dare to cause trouble at this time is Empress Ikatinos.
The church doors seemed to be blown open by a gale, and the Chaos God Church Cult guards outside all collapsed to the ground in agony.
Bathed in the light streaming into the church, Queen Ikatinos entered with her legion commander, Mie.
A disdainful smile played on her lips as she hung the crown on her index finger, spinning it like a ring.
Menelaus frowned.
I don't know if it's just my imagination or what.
He felt that Ikatinos's demeanor had changed somewhat after they hadn't seen each other for a few days.
Originally... she should have been a cold and aloof empress.
Does it look a bit more playful now?
Or was he being a bit too arrogant?
Regardless, Menelaus felt disgusted by it all.
"Ikatinos, have you stooped so low as to resort to such weak-willed tricks to put on airs?"
Menelaus lowered his hand and, in a dignified voice, looked at Ikatinos from a distance and asked.
He could feel the weight of the crown still in his hands.
The crown was forcibly made invisible by an illusion spell [Phantom Barrier]!
The crown in Ikatinos's hand was also created using this illusion.
Those onlookers in the church who couldn't see the [Phantom Barrier] would only perceive, based on visual appearance, that Menelaus was being humiliated by Ikatinos stepping on his head.
Menelaus found this tactic of using tricks to humiliate and manipulate the enemy's mentality while simultaneously projecting an aura of absolute dominance extremely annoying.
"Would a strong person be so severely humiliated as you?"
Ikatinos narrowed one eye and retorted with an even more sarcastic tone.
Menelaus felt a surge of anger, but quickly calmed down.
When dealing with someone who uses curses and mental magic, you can't let your emotions get the better of you.
The former Pope Agamemnon of the Resurrection Church is the best example.
If he had been able to avoid being angered and controlled by Dekan, he wouldn't have been able to let Sheen regain control, and then perish together with Dekan and Sheen.
Menelaus looked away and glanced at the abyss mage Pritzker on the church pew.
That sly fellow is despicable.
Given Ikatinos and Mie's methods, it's likely that only the Abyss Mage Pritzker could accurately detect their infiltration of the capital.
But Pritzker's complete silence throughout was clearly an act of feigning ignorance.
Several days earlier, Pritzker had deliberately disappeared without a trace, citing the need to return to the furthest point. He then arrived in the capital just before the coronation ceremony, denying the new princess and the Chaos God Church the opportunity to coerce him into pledging allegiance prematurely.
It was precisely because Ikatinos knew Pritzker's character so well that she brazenly stormed the church without worrying that Pritzker would dare to trick her.
However, Ikatinos also knew that neither the commander of the First Army nor the commander of the Second Army Group Corps would directly help her at this moment.
These two ninth-tier individuals will do everything in their power to remain neutral.
One is a cunning old fox, the other is a lazy bum.
"Do you want to start playing here?"
Menelaus immediately shielded Princess Olivia behind him and questioned Ikatinos, who appeared ready to fight at any moment.
If Ikatinos were truly willing to gamble that she could successfully bypass Menelaus's attack and kill Olivia, and that the other Imperial forces would listen to her after killing Olivia.
The situation today could become very troublesome.
For the Chaos God Church to achieve a decisive victory and gain the upper hand by controlling the emperor and thus commanding the feudal lords, there is one crucial condition: the emperor must be alive.
If Olivia is truly dead, and Ikatinos wins her gamble, then the Chaos God Church will instead be besieged and destroyed by the Empire.
However, Ikatinos should also be aware of the consequences.
Driven to desperation, Menelaus will unleash [Chaos Unleashing], annihilating the Empire's elite forces!
Even if Ikatinos might indeed have a trump card prepared to threaten the Chaos God.
But the current situation is different from when Menelaus challenged Ikatinos one-on-one some time ago.
At this moment, all of the Empire's top combat forces are concentrated here!
If Menelaus were to unleash [Chaos Unleashing], he would surely be able to wipe them out in one fell swoop.
Having lost nearly half of its current high-end combat power, this world, severely weakened, will inevitably have no hope of clearing the [Heaven-Piercing World-Destroying Battlefield] within the next few decades!!
Regardless of which outcome results in mutual destruction, the world cannot escape its ultimate demise!
The only difference is whether Menelaus can be wiped out.
No matter which choice she makes, it's a dead end; no matter which choice she makes, she'll become a sinner for all time. So, it's very likely that Ikatinos will choose to take Menelaus with her and fight to the death!
Both Ikatinos and Menelaus were prepared for war.
A devastating war seemed imminent, with the possibility of annihilation looming at any moment.
Even the imperial nobles and powerful figures who were unaware of the inside story and details had their hearts in their throats at this moment!
If the two strongest ninth-tier experts in the world were to clash here, neither of them might survive!
However, just as Ikatinos was about to make her move, and everyone felt that all was lost.
"Alright, both of you, please calm down."
A rational voice, seemingly coming from nowhere, drew everyone's attention in a certain direction.
His voice was incredibly gentle, yet every word he spoke carried immense weight!
Even Ikatinos and Menelaus frowned and turned their attention to the speaker.
An elegant figure sat in the last row of the church.
"Who are you?!"
The Persecutors around the man instinctively grabbed their heavy weapons and retreated, keeping a watchful eye on him.
Even if an ordinary person couldn't discern this person's strength, just from Ikatinos's instantly wary attitude towards this mysterious man, it was clear that this guy was at a level that even a ninth-tier expert had to be wary of!
None of them even noticed when this guy had sat down there.
Just moments ago, when everyone's attention was drawn to the clash between the two strongest beings in the world, this guy appeared here as if from nowhere!
"I am merely an imperial official passing through this area."
Seemingly sensing the gaze, he slowly removed his mask, and his presence seemed to surge instantly, making everyone more clearly aware that he was not an illusion, not a phenomenon, but a real being.
Unlike the tense Imperials and the astonished Chaos God Church members.
He closed his eyes calmly, a faint smile on his lips, his hands casually resting on his lap with his fingers interlaced, as if he were taking a break in the afternoon.
At this moment, even Ikatinos and Menelaus were on edge.
His calm and collected aura, and his air of complete control, made him seem like a reclusive master far superior to these two ninth-tier supreme experts!
This confident, relaxed yet absolutely domineering demeanor can even spark a fleeting fantasy in someone—
Is it possible that if the other two dare to disobey his advice and stop, both Empress Ikatinos and Pope Menelaus of Chaos will be easily suppressed by him?!
******
Author's Note:
The aftereffects of yesterday 'Xi Zhi burning out are that my schedule is still in the Underworld today... I will still try my best to update more, hoping to end the Imperial War as soon as possible so that Dekan can return to the kingdom and reunite with his friends!