That is the beginning of the Central Empire’s dominance, something no Imperial People would refuse!
This trajectory would only occur if the First Knight were merely the First Knight, and not the successor to Inega II’s Legacy.
Now that Ian knows what the Silver Chip and Rites of the Star Gods truly are, he is even less likely to give up this greatest treasure.
Does the Guardian really know about the existence of the Silver Chip?
Would he truly force Ian to retrieve the Silver Chip?
The Crown Prince Anpid Sertal, who instigated the Dark Moon disturbance back then, knew about the Silver Chip; otherwise, he couldn’t have made the corresponding measures to deal with his father.
But the Guardian, stationed in the Eastern Plains at that time, knew little about the conditions of the Imperial Capital and was not corrupted by the nobility. He held respect for Inega II.
He shouldn’t be aware of the Silver Chip.
Yet Protector Axer ordered the pursuit of Hiliard.
Although the order was not strictly enforced, it was indeed an act of ’hostility.’ This hostility was rather half-hearted, pursuing but not fully implementing, almost to the point of letting it go.
The Guardian’s actions, seemingly knowing yet not knowing; hostile yet indulgent toward the First Knight—a victim of the Dark Moon disturbance; and not stopping other nations from slandering Inega II as the ’Black Tyrant,’ while overtly and covertly maintaining the presence of Inega II in people’s minds...
These actions give a sense of bewilderment, making it hard to believe. Coupled with Yisen’s plans, everything is shrouded in a huge mystery.
Ian cannot comprehend, nor can he believe.
Until he understands what the Guardian is indeed planning, he will not use his life or the hope entrusted to him by his teacher and Inega II to take risks.
Therefore, the Ghost Valley Knight no longer met the eager eyes of Imperial Grandson Ainare, nor did he answer the blonde youth’s question. Instead, he surveyed everyone present and slowly uttered eight names.
"Aina Sertar; Gaer Ximor; Golan National Domain; Qatar Gavomis; Ian Silverpeak; Anfa Rayand Ashlight, Elgar Qingyue, and lastly Silver Salt Iron...Pan."
At this point, the Ghost Valley Knight obviously hesitated, before finishing the name of the Silver Fairy Captain.
Everyone actually knew, Mahdi was announcing the names simply to prove his intelligence capability to know everyone’s background present, naturally knowing their abilities and some cards, as part of an initial show of power.
But who would have thought this topic involved the Fae? Their names truly do ease the serious atmosphere a bit.
So after speaking, the black-haired youth sighed, "Stop trying to recruit or allure me. My only purpose is to take away the top-most ’Divine Marrow of the Dragon’―not only that, I want to take away the crystal cabinet and the chips within."
"As for the Source of Dragon Blood, I will take away as much as I can, but clearly cannot take it all. So consider well, if you’re here solely for the Source of Dragon Blood, then don’t be my enemy."
"If you don’t heed this advice, be prepared to face death. This is your last chance to abandon the fight."
The black-haired youth’s voice is very pleasant, even melodious, but reinforced by Origin Quality, it resonated equally in everyone’s ears, causing those with lower strength to feel uneasy, dizzy, and disoriented.
"Stop him? As if it’s easy, this bastard!"
The white-haired wolf youth’s mouth twitched, "He simply wants to flatten us all outright, avoiding surprises from any sneak attacks later!"
Gaer tightly watched Mahdi before him; he sensed his blood burning, involuntarily baring sharp teeth, "Upper Third Energy Level, perhaps even stable higher level. By appearances, barely twenty... It’s terrifying!"
To him, the First Knight is a legend from two generations ago, strong but with little reality.
Gaer also knew of The Unyielding Fortress in the past, but this time he truly understood what the elders meant by ’extremely dangerous legacy,’ "No flaws, damn it, how many layers of shields does this inheritance have? Why can’t I see through it?"
"You intend to be enemy to all?"
Meanwhile, Golan, the black-haired Elf Girl from the National Domain Department, tightly gripped a silver-white short knife, with hundreds of illusory sharp knife shadows floating around her.
These knives were formed of Origin Quality, embodying an unfathomable killing power, with mysterious inscription circuits dazzling upon them, seemingly tailored to counter certain sturdy shields and origin structures.
"Ghost Valley Knight, regardless of your thoughts, The Empire will not reject your return. But now that you wish to fight, then we will fight."
Aina stepped forward, unaffected by any Third Energy Level suppression, a power enveloping him and Anfa and ’Ian’ beside him: [Both of you, facing a formidable enemy, this time we must join forces; Mahdi is The Unyielding Fortress, the highest legacy created by The Empire’s full power decades ago, and his teacher Hiliard is one of the strongest Masters in Terra’s history.]
[His strength surpasses everyone present, but The Unyielding Fortress has a flaw before reaching the Fourth Energy Level―that is the lack of anti-air capabilities and mobility, and overly trusting in its defense. I need your assistance...]