After a refreshing bath that restored a measure of vitality to his body and clarity to his mind, Nico Sigmund stood before the mirror. Water still dripped from his dark hair as he examined his reflection, his expression calm yet thoughtful.

  "Any miscalculated move from now on will mean the end for all of us," he murmured quietly. "The document has already been sent to the Demon Rift Empire. I have no idea how Kaizen will react… but Akaria Valerius must prepare for every possibility."

  He exhaled slowly while adjusting his uniform.

  "What a strange journey this world has been. It seems I have finally begun to take my first real steps toward the heart of the storm."

  The emergency meeting was about to begin. Akaria had summoned the council in order to determine their next course of action and avoid repeating the catastrophic fate that had erased the Independent Elven Kingdom and Blue Sapphire from the map.

  A knock echoed through the room.

  "Come in," Nico said calmly.

  The door opened, and Elara Meridian stepped inside. The moment her eyes fell upon Nico still adjusting his clothes, her face instantly turned a deep shade of crimson. She froze for a second before quickly turning her head away.

  "I-I'm sorry, Lord Nico!" she stammered nervously. "I didn't realize you were still— I didn't mean to interrupt!"

  Nico gave a faint side smile as he finished fastening his shirt.

  "It's fine, Elara. I've just finished. What is it?"

  Elara kept her eyes firmly fixed on the floor.

  "General Akaria is waiting for you in the Grand Hall. The meeting is about to begin… and there are very important guests present. Advisors and ministers representing Ruler Azral Sul."

  Nico nodded slightly, his demeanor immediately shifting back into a professional calm.

  "I understand. I'll be there in two minutes."

  "Thank you… excuse me."

  Elara quickly left the room, her heart still pounding in embarrassment.

  The Gavel of the Empire

  Inside the meeting hall, the atmosphere was tense and suffocating.

  Akaria Valerius sat at the head of the table, with Zorua Machiavelli seated beside her. Across from them were the official envoys of Ruler Azral Sul, the sovereign of the Empire of High Light and bearer of the legendary Star Rank.

  Leading them was High Chancellor Zenmon.

  The chancellor represented the absolute authority of the imperial throne, and his presence alone carried immense pressure. They had arrived to assess the recent disasters and evaluate the mysterious newcomer who had suddenly risen within the ranks of the Black Spear.

  The large doors opened.

  Nico Sigmund stepped inside.

  Dressed in his legendary black attire and crimson cloak, he walked forward with quiet composure. His expression remained unreadable as he took his seat, immediately drawing the attention of everyone present.

  Akaria began the introductions.

  "Allow me to introduce the newest member of the Black Spear—Nico Sigmund. His current designation is 'Emperor.' His power will be formally measured once this meeting concludes."

  She continued in a steady voice.

  "Thanks to his intervention, Arcadia was saved from the orchestrated attack of legendary monsters—an attack that would have resulted in the complete annihilation of the kingdom."

  High Chancellor Zenmon spoke in a rough, gravelly tone.

  "We are aware of the reports, Akaria. The information has reached the capital."

  His eyes remained fixed on Nico.

  "However, Ruler Azral Sul is displeased with the current situation. Despite choosing not to intervene personally due to his unstable condition, he placed his trust in you."

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  A brief pause followed.

  "And it seems that trust has begun to crack."

  Akaria immediately stood and bowed respectfully.

  "I take full responsibility, High Chancellor. I underestimated both the speed of the creatures' evolution and the scale of their numbers. The fault is entirely mine."

  Zenmon's voice remained cold.

  "Apologies do not rebuild kingdoms, Akaria."

  He leaned slightly forward.

  "But because of your past achievements, the Ruler has granted you one final chance."

  His gaze shifted toward Nico.

  "Which brings us to the matter of this newcomer… and the catastrophe that befell the Independent Elven Kingdom."

  The Question of Origins

  A heavy silence filled the hall.

  Zenmon finally spoke again.

  "Before we discuss the Elven Kingdom, Mr. Nico… enlighten us regarding your identity."

  His voice sharpened.

  "Where exactly do your roots descend from?"

  Nico met his gaze without hesitation.

  "I understand the necessity of the question, Chancellor."

  His voice remained calm.

  "Unfortunately, I possess no records of my origin. The earliest memory I have is waking up unconscious in a vast desert. An expedition team discovered me and brought me to Arcadia."

  He paused briefly.

  "Was I lost? Was my homeland destroyed? I truly do not know. I will not invent a history that I do not remember."

  He folded his hands calmly.

  "You are free to investigate me in any way you wish. Perhaps when you discover the truth… you can inform me where I truly came from."

  Zenmon studied his face carefully.

  "So you claim to remember nothing of your origins?"

  "Correct."

  "I will overlook this matter for now," Zenmon said slowly. "However, the power you possess cannot be ignored."

  His voice hardened.

  "You possess an extraordinary talent whose origin is unknown. Answer honestly, Mr. Sigmund. If I detect even a fragment of deception, we will take the necessary measures."

  Akaria attempted to intervene.

  "High Chancellor—"

  "I did not authorize you to speak, Akaria."

  His voice cut through the room like steel.

  "I am addressing Nico."

  Akaria lowered her head.

  "My apologies."

  Meanwhile, Nico's mind worked rapidly.

  This Chancellor is dangerous, he thought.

  His questions are calculated like a blade searching for weakness.

  If I tell him the truth—that I was once nothing more than a wandering consciousness within an endless void before awakening in this body from the Dark Age…

  He would either go mad… or start a war.

  Nico cleared his throat calmly.

  "The truth is simple, Chancellor. My ability to control fire mana appeared suddenly. I discovered it during several life-threatening situations."

  He continued steadily.

  "The alliance I joined—Red Scythe—also played a major role in helping me refine my control. Beyond that… I know nothing more."

  Zenmon watched him in silence.

  "I warned you about lying to me, Mr. Sigmund."

  The room froze.

  Then Zenmon leaned back slightly.

  "But it appears you are telling the truth."

  He tapped the table once.

  "I possess a strong instinct for detecting deception. For now, you are safe."

  A short pause followed.

  "We will revisit this matter later."

  He began to speak again.

  "But now we must address—"

  Suddenly—

  Loud, frantic knocking echoed at the door.

  The doors burst open.

  General Luna rushed inside, followed by Grotaro Natalia.

  Natalia's face was pale as death.

  "My homeland…" she whispered weakly.

  The Red Knight's Shadow

  Akaria quickly helped Natalia sit down.

  General Luna bowed apologetically.

  "My apologies, High Chancellors. I was unaware that the council had already begun. I will withdraw."

  "Stay," Zenmon ordered.

  "You witnessed the event firsthand. Your testimony is essential."

  Luna nodded respectfully and took a seat.

  "I will explain everything I saw."

  She inhaled slowly.

  "Natalia and I were traveling toward the Elven Kingdom when the sky suddenly turned crimson—as if it were about to rain blood."

  Her voice trembled.

  "A massive lightning strike followed… then an explosion."

  She continued with visible difficulty.

  "Our vehicle survived only because of its reinforced mana shield."

  Her hands tightened.

  "And then… he appeared."

  The room remained silent.

  "He looked like a knight… a being with a radiant red body, clad in silver armor."

  Her voice faltered.

  "He drew a sword from the earth itself—one that radiated terrifying crimson energy."

  She lowered her head.

  "He raised the blade… and struck the entire kingdom alone."

  Her voice broke.

  Akaria gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

  "You are safe, Luna. That is what matters now."

  She glanced toward Natalia.

  "Natalia is still suffering from severe shock. She will require psychological care."

  Nico finally spoke.

  "So that is the nature of the threat."

  His voice was calm.

  "It seems the Red Knight is a variable we cannot ignore."

  Zenmon looked toward him.

  "Go on."

  Nico spoke clearly.

  "I propose a temporary truce with the Demon Rift Empire."

  The hall erupted with murmurs.

  One of the advisors stood up angrily.

  "Are you insane? Do you intend to invite the enemy into our home?"

  "Sit down," Zenmon ordered sharply.

  He turned back to Nico.

  "Continue."

  "If we face both the Demon Rift Empire and this Red Knight simultaneously," Nico said calmly, "we will be destroyed before we can even organize an alliance."

  He leaned slightly forward.

  "This truce will give us time to unite the other empires."

  Silence filled the room.

  Zenmon finally spoke.

  "I believe your reasoning is correct."

  He folded his hands.

  "When do you plan to send this document?"

  Nico gave a faint smile.

  "I already sent it."

  The advisors exchanged stunned glances.

  Zenmon chuckled softly.

  "You are indeed an interesting individual, Nico Sigmund."

  He stood up.

  "My orders are as follows."

  "You will prepare the army as reinforcement along with the elite heroes."

  He turned to Akaria.

  "You will lead the negotiations."

  Then his gaze returned to Nico.

  "And Mr. Sigmund will serve as your primary strategist."

  The advisors slowly stood, signaling the end of the meeting.

  Zenmon delivered the final words.

  "Our session has concluded."

  He looked around the hall.

  "Do not fail the trust of Ruler Azral Sul."

  Everyone bowed.

  "Of course."

  [End of Chapter 41]