Lewd System: Every Scream and Moan is EXP Chapter 317 : The Empire is Done For [1]

The moment Jax returned to the inn, he observed throngs of people filling the streets, engrossed in a heated discussion at three in the morning.

He paid them no mind and proceeded towards the stairs, where his group of girls came into view. Lavinia was the first to notice him, her distant cry of his name accompanied by a sprint towards him, her expression clearly indicating that a dire situation had unfolded.

He surveyed the others. Evangeline was massaging her temples, a look of clear vexation on her face. Delphine appeared troubled, a rare sight. And Athanasia stood with her arms crossed, leaning against a nearby wall.

However, one person was conspicuously absent.

Lavinia reached him, panting. "Professor! There… there's absolutely devastating news—"

Jax interrupted her without missing a beat. "Where is Tempris?"

Lavinia's face fell. "That's… that's precisely the news. The others reported that the Grand Marshal himself arrived shortly after you departed. He brought with him a full battalion and Imperial Mages. They… they took her."

Tears spilled down her cheeks. "I am so, so sorry, Professor. This is entirely my fault. I snuck out for a moment of amusement, and by the time I returned… it was already too late."

Anger ignited within Jax, sharp and swift. He moved with urgency, seizing Athanasia by her collar and pulling her away from the wall.

"Why did you simply stand by? Stop with the helpless act. I know precisely what you're concealing, and we both understand that if you had truly wished it, those Imperial lackeys would have perished before they could even lay a hand on her."

His grip tightened. "Answer me, or I swear I will obliterate your entire existence before I butcher this entire godforsaken empire."

Athanasia swatted his hand away, attempting to break free. It was futile; his grip only intensified.

Though she muttered curses under her breath, she finally responded, her voice devoid of any remorse. "Why would I dirty my hands? It wasn't my duty to play the hero. That was your role. You were the one who vowed to be her shield. The only individual who requires interrogation right now is you."

Her gaze pierced his. "Professor, tell me. Why did you abandon her? Where were you when she truly needed you? As they were dragging her away, the only name she uttered repeatedly in these halls was yours."

She paused, then delivered her final blow. "So, tell me. Who truly failed tonight?"

Jax's grip loosened involuntarily. She was, undeniably, correct. The sole party to blame was him. His reckless curiosity, driven by the desire to trail that stranger, had led him away from the inn. He had gambled her safety for a mystery and paid the price with the tears of the very child he had pledged to protect.

He had failed utterly.

Releasing Athanasia, Jax turned back towards the direction he had arrived from.

"Professor, where are you headed?" Lavinia called out, her voice tinged with concern.

"To the imperial palace. To settle some debts and reclaim my honor."

Athanasia's voice cut through the air behind him. "Don't be a fool, Professor. You've been exceptionally fortunate thus far because you haven't encountered their true abominations. That Empire is a veritable incubator for absolute monsters. Let me be unequivocally clear: even with my own abilities, I would be annihilated in mere seconds if I crossed paths with certain individuals lurking within that capital."

She added with gravitas, "The Heutria Empire didn't merely dominate this era; they would have consumed the entire globe had an internal conflict between their two Emperors not diverted their attention."

Jax did not turn around. "Why are you involving yourself in my affairs now? Remain here in safety with your pride, Athanasia. Keep your hands clean. And simply watch."

His voice descended into a tone that carried a more potent threat than any blade. "Watch as I infiltrate a capital teeming with your invincible monsters and transform the world's mightiest empire into a desolate graveyard. All for the sole purpose of bringing her back."

---x---X---x---

Several hours later, Jax had successfully infiltrated the imperial palace. He was clad in full knight's armor, an ensemble procured after rendering a patrolling knight unconscious and unceremoniously borrowing his attire.

He was not alone in this daring rescue mission for the diminutive dragon. Companions had joined him. Lavinia, with unyielding stubbornness, was the first to follow, outright refusing to leave as her genuine desire to protect Tempris propelled her forward.

Then came two unexpected additions: Evangeline, whose motives for aiding Jax remained an enigma to him, and Delphine, who volunteered despite her complicated history with both Jax and the girl they were trying to save.

And finally, Athanasia had tagged along, proclaiming she would only intervene if her intuition dictated so.

Thus, the entire squad now stood against an entire empire.

Each member had been assigned a distinct role. Evangeline and Delphine were currently en route to locate and liberate Tempris.

Jax found himself assigned to a role perfectly suited to his talents: creating diversions. This meant that his primary objective was to sow chaos and draw every bit of attention squarely onto himself.

As he traversed a palace corridor, lost in thought about potential schemes, a stately procession caught his eye – a man accompanied by a phalanx of guards. The way every servant scurried to press themselves against the walls as they passed left Jax certain he was in the presence of royalty, perhaps even one of the emperors.

Ahead, a guard rapped upon a door. When it swung open, a stunning woman emerged, bowing with ingrained elegance. "Your Imperial Majesty, you honor this chamber with your presence."

The emperor waved away her formality with a warm gesture. "Come now, dispense with the honorifics. You will soon be one of the family, after all."

She responded with a gentle smile. "Even so, it would be improper not to greet you with the proper respect."

He sighed, a sound of happy surrender, and motioned for the guards to present some wrapped gifts. "Then allow me to return the impropriety. I brought these before that simpleton Damian and your soon-to-be husband forget every single custom in their eagerness."

The woman let out a delicate giggle, her royal decorum somehow managing to be both restrained and warmly inviting. "I am grateful for these generous gifts, Your Majesty. But please, won't you step inside? I would cherish the opportunity to express my gratitude properly over a cup of tea, brewed by my own hand. Assuming, of course, His Majesty is not too burdened by his duties."

The emperor's smile widened. "A moment of tranquility before facing the court sounds absolutely divine. I would be utterly delighted."

He turned to his guards, issuing his commands. "Inform Damian that I am currently engaged in sharing cherished childhood memories with Lady Isadora."

-x-X-x-

[A/N: My sincerest thanks to stripes8608, Leo_Muhammad, david_hargr, tony_adams_4787, Outsxder, and Kyle_Neel for the golden tickets! Your support is greatly appreciated. ❤️🔥(👍🏻ᴗ _ᴗ)👍🏻]