Awakening The Only SSS-Rank Class! Now Even Dragons Obey Me Chapter 776: The Holy Emperor

The corridors of the Holy Palace stretched out, appearing longer than initially perceived, as if deliberately constructed to place every footfall, every movement, and every exhalation under the imposing authority of this sacred space.

Adorned with engravings of celestial beings, holy battles, and radiant figures, the white and gold walls seemed to radiate not the serenity of faith, but the dense weight of an absolute power. Their steps produced a soft echo in the profound silence, a sound that was swiftly swallowed by the immensity of the surroundings.

The Grand Minister led the way, his bearing impeccable and self-controlled, accompanied by the Grand Knight whose aura of command was palpable even when not fully unleashed.

Trailing behind were Elisira and the three other knights, their expressions and breaths still bearing the marks of what they had witnessed.

Not a word was spoken.

Even Kieran, typically quick to respond, was enveloped in a profound silence on this occasion. This quietude was more than mere deference to rank; the events they had experienced were too momentous. Despite being knights, they were still novices, and the sights they had beheld had fundamentally shaken their understanding of the world.

They had been exposed to a level of power they had never conceived of reaching.

With a deep, resonant groan, the massive double doors of the main hall swung open, allowing a cascade of light from above to illuminate the vast chamber. Yet, even this brilliant light failed to dispel the pervasive sense of solemnity.

The hall was immense, requiring the eye to sweep across its expanse to fully grasp its scale. Towering columns stretched towards a ceiling lost in the distant heights, and a crimson carpet unfurled its length, leading directly to the hall’s terminus.

And there, at the far end, rested the throne, occupied by the Holy Emperor.

Aurelius.

His visage was serene, a calmness not indicative of a tranquil sea before a tempest, but rather of an entity that perceived no need for alteration. His eyes, piercing and unfathomable, held an absence of emotion, as if he viewed all merely as components within the order he governed.

His robe, a blend of white and gold, was embroidered with sacred emblems, but the aura radiating from him felt more like coercion than sanctity. It lacked any warmth, no overt wrath, only an unshakeable certainty.

However, before gazes could fully fix upon him, another sight commanded attention.

Five individuals. They stood on the right side of the hall, positioned at a deliberate distance.

At that precise moment, Elisira, without faltering, her gaze momentarily captivated by them.

Their attire was not merely different; it was incongruous with this continent. The style of the cuts, the texture of the fabric, even their posture—none of it bore resemblance to the knights, nobles, or even the mercenaries native to this land. The mana emanating from them also lacked the familiar resonance of this world, and within her mind, an image, unbidden, surfaced.

That boy, the same formidable presence who had annihilated the Iron Grave remnants, their clothing bore a certain likeness, and this association brought her confusion.

Could these individuals be acquainted with that fearsome warrior? Or perhaps, did they hail from the same origin?

The thought had barely formed when one of the five, a young man with a roguish grin and a gaze that made no attempt to conceal its intent, fixed his stare directly upon her. His look was prolonged, audacious, and tinged with a palpable disdain.

"What a pretty girl..." he murmured then, his voice so low that only those in close proximity could discern his words.

Kieran’s attention instantly shifted towards him, his muscles tightening infinitesimally, yet he made no overt move. This was not an arena for his reaction. He had registered the vile words uttered and, observing the repulsive glare, a surge of anger momentarily flared within him.

However, these were guests of the Emperor, and he could neither act nor presume to display any disrespect in the presence of His Majesty.

Six figures advanced and, in unison, halted at a designated distance, executing a deep bow.

They held this bowed posture for a few moments that felt unnaturally protracted. The Emperor’s imposing presence bore down upon their shoulders like an unseen, crushing weight.

"Why have you come?" Aurelius’s voice resonated through the hall, devoid of preamble or introduction.

"Your Imperial Majesty..." The Grand Minister stepped forward, his head inclined respectfully, and commenced his explanation.

The tree.

The forest.

The presence of that young man.

The annihilation of the Iron Grave contingent.

His report was delivered with precision and restraint, deliberately avoiding embellishment or emotional commentary, confining his statement strictly to the factual account.

Upon the conclusion of his report, a brief, pregnant silence ensued. The Emperor’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Then, a cold, contemptuous smile graced his lips.

"A foolish outsider..." His gaze narrowed slightly.

"Who knows from what squalid hole he emerged."

No one responded.

"Slaughtering a handful of mercenaries?" he continued, his tone laced with derision.

"They were mere refuse anyway." His mockery intensified.

"But to defy the Divine Prophet’s decree... such an event has not occurred in centuries." At this juncture, the Grand Minister interjected softly.

His Majesty the Emperor already knew that the elimination of those mercenaries was of little consequence. The real problem stemmed not from their deaths, but from the defiance of the Divine Prophet's decree.

Acting as the conduit between the divine and the mortal, the Divine Prophet's will was intrinsically linked to that of the gods. To disregard her command was tantamount to rebelling against the gods themselves.

And now, a supreme being of blasphemy had emerged, daring to defy the gods' own orders.

Such a persistent offender could not be permitted to remain at large.

"That is precisely why he is such an imbecile," the Emperor declared, his laughter echoing with undeniable disdain.

His attention then shifted, his eyes sweeping past the assembled individuals to finally rest upon the quintet.

"What are your thoughts on the matter?"

One of their number stepped forth. This individual, a man distinguished by his spectacles, immaculately arranged hair, and a placid demeanor that masked a keenly calculating intellect, spoke.

"In accordance with His Imperial Majesty's sentiments..." the young man, or rather Kaylen, articulated, his voice commendably steady and devoid of any discernible waver.

"That individual is, without question, an imbecile." He allowed a brief silence to hang in the air.

"Should you issue the command, we are prepared to apprehend him."

His tone was utterly devoid of personal sentiment, as though he were discussing the simple removal of an insignificant impediment.

"You were dispatched to fell the tree; therefore, eliminate that fool as well." A smile graced the Emperor's lips.

"To slay one who has so brazenly disobeyed the Divine Prophet... constitutes a profound honor. Present me with his head, and a substantial reward shall indeed be yours." Then, almost as an afterthought, yet clearly audible, he added,

"Undoubtedly." Kaylen affirmed the directive without the slightest hint of hesitation incorporated into his acceptance.

"Our departure will commence at the crack of dawn tomorrow."

"Proceed." The Emperor gestured dismissively with his hand, signifying the conclusion of their audience. From his perspective, the matter was settled, and further deliberation was rendered superfluous.

All present offered their respects and departed the chamber, with the sole exception of the Grand Minister, who remained rooted to his position.

The collective group proceeded towards the exit.

The hallway's expanse enveloped them once more, yet this time, the atmosphere within seemed markedly more tranquil. A short distance along, Elisira halted abruptly.

"That person you eliminated... their attire bore a striking resemblance to yours. Could it be that you hail from the same origin?" Her gaze was locked intently upon Kaylen.

Kaylen paused, a subtle crease forming between his brows. Behind him, the others adopted a more serious mien.

"...It is a possibility." Then, without according the princess a direct perusal, he replied.

He offered no further elaboration and resumed his forward momentum, the others falling into step as they moved away.

"What peculiar individuals..." Elisira murmured under her breath, before turning her attention to the Grand Knight.

"Who are they?" This marked her inaugural encounter with them within the palace's confines.

"Formidable combatants, though their identities remain unknown to me. They arrived only today." The Grand Knight paused for a moment before offering his explanation.

"Their auras... were distinct and unlike any we have previously encountered, prompting their invitation to the palace. They stated their objective is the eradication of the accursed tree."

"So, even such enigmatic figures have presented themselves to destroy that tree." Elisira nodded with measured comprehension.

"Regardless, this is the Divine Prophet's decree." The Grand Knight appended, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"If it is the Divine Prophet's command, then why do we not execute it? Why did you instruct us to remain distant from it?" The princess inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Indeed, not only the princess but the other three pupils also leaned in, eager to absorb their mentor's response.

The Grand Knight halted, remaining silent for several seconds, as if deliberating the propriety of divulging the information.

He then released a sigh, a sound imbued with the accumulated wisdom of advancing years.

"...Perhaps one day, the truth will become apparent to you."