Attention! The guards saluted Joshua as he emerged from the castle gates.

Suddenly, he stopped, pausing to look at the castle. His eyes lingered on the Imperial Palace, the place where hed spend most of the last five years.

I dont want to get attached, but Hed met all the goals he came here forexcept for onebut his face tensed for just a moment. He was promoted to captain, entered the Archives, reclaimed the obsidian earrings, and, as a bonus, took up the name Sanders in place of Agnus. He met the Assassin King and changed her life, and gathered a cadre he could proudly claim as his people within the Imperial court. But most importantly

Kaiser von Britten. His brow furrowed.

Joshuas first plan was to demolish all the foundations Kaiser built, particularly those who had followed Kaiser since he was a child. Joshua wanted to prevent him from meeting his real people, as opposed to the fakes who would arrive soon, when hed safely established his place in the Palace.

I didnt even bother making a list because I already memorized all of their faces. However, Joshuas plan had failed.

...They were Kaisers people even before I approached them. He grimaced; this was not something hed anticipated. It didnt make any sense to begin withthe Fourth Princes support base was so poor there was no point in comparing it to the First and Second Princes.

Was he supposed to take the throne with less than 5% of the overall power and his life skills? That made about as much sense as a priest marrying a warlock. The issue had been gnawing at his mind until a few days ago.

That day The Emperors sudden disappearance must be related to this. A power that can make even Aisha tremble in fear the third power.

The new information was unsettling; even the mighty Emperor Marcus was unaware of this army. The most plausible explanation was that there was a third faction supporting Kaiser, whose very name, to say nothing of its strength, remained unknown.

The problem was, Joshua found out too late. He was hoping to draw in Kaisers followers with his talent, but if they were Kaisers since birth

No, maybe its Kaiser who belongs to them Joshua felt pitifulhe went around flaunting himself without realizing he was right in the middle of the enemy.

As soon as I realized it existed, I had to flee the Imperial Palace as quickly as possible. The Master Battle made for a convenient excuse. Reinhardt, the venue of the Master Battle, is an independent, extranational metropolis. Its central location makes it a trade hub and an excellent place to gather information. It houses the Moon Gates headquarters Information was a matter of life and death in these circumstances.

Joshua realized there was someone in his path and stopped.

Father

Joshua. Five years have passed and not once have you visited me. And now youre just going to leave. Duke Agnus quietly approached. Are you angry? Do you despise me for choosing Babel as my successor instead of you? He was the most logical choice.

Honestly, Im A glimmer formed in Joshuas eyes and he struggled to get his words out. Im sorry.

Duke Agnuss lips curved into a sour grin.

However, I never faulted you for that decision. In fact, it was a great choice. I have no regrets about my family anyways; you didnt choose me because I had no interest in the family name. You did what was best for the Agnus name.

Yes, thats right if

I loathe my father for one reason. Joshua met Duke Agnuss gaze. You have more than enough power, but you left my mother to the family.

Thats Duke Agnus sighed. Thats right.

But its all in the past now. Ive never seen my mother as cheerful as she has been recently.

You? Duke Agnus realized that Joshua had been visiting his mother but not the Duke and smiled sadly.

Thank you very much for teaching my knight and caring for my mother. Joshua bowed his head, to the Dukes surprise. And I wish you all the best in the future.

Duke Agnus smiled at his son, accompanied by the chirping birds.

Can you do me a favor, please?

A knight knelt in worship in the center of the enormous temple of Hermes in the capital of Hubalt. He was young, with long, waist-length lustrous blonde hair and wore pristine white armor. His green eyes sparkled with life, like carefully set emeralds, and his very body radiated divine power. Every inch of him screamed I am a Holy Knight!

Christian.

Ah! The knight sprang up from his prayer. Master!

The other man was only about 30 years old. A young man with unusual silver hair and a neat white coat. His face overflowed with compassion, despite its gorgeous features that held up even in comparison with the praying knight. Above all, he had an auraa heavenly halo just behind his back yet unreachable.

He was one of the continents Nine Great Stars, ruler of the Hubalt Empire: Gods Knight, Chrysler John1 Sebastian.

Youre preparing to leave?

Yes, Master. Christian nodded eagerly. I will return in perfect health.

You have talent; youll have no trouble getting their attention. Chrysler smiled warmly back at Christian. No one short of the Nine Stars or Twelve Superhumans could challenge you, not even another A-Class.

Of course! All thanks to the Masters teachings!

But

Yes? Christian cocked his head.

Ulabis, the Crimson Knight. Be very careful if you come face-to-face with him.

Ulabis The current ruler of Thran, Master? He received a nod.

That man is endowed with extraordinary, inexplicable abilities, and hes wary of the Tower. Most importantly, theres no need for us to get involved in someone elses quarrels is there?

Ah Duke Altsma.

Thats it.

Chrysler paused for a moment, grinning to himself. Did he say he was going to be in the Master Battle as well? He shook his head, his smile wiped away by sadness as he recalled the Reinhardt Tournament years ago. Youre still a kid. No matter how brilliant you are He swept aside those concerns and returned the grin to his face.

Have you made up your mind? he asked Christian. If you havent, Ill arrange a separate carriage for you.

No, Master. I still have some free time before traveling to Reinhardt, so Id like to make a detour at the border.

The border? Chryslers expression stiffened.

Yes, Master. Within the Avalon Empire, beyond the western boundary.

Are you saying youll go willingly into enemy territory? Chrysler shook his head.

I know its risky, but there were rumors that a lich appeared there. As a Knight of God, I believe it is my duty to verify the rumors.

A lich! Lich were high-ranking wizards with decaying bodies. They sacrificed their souls to cheat death because they could not give up their passion for magic. Many liches employed black magic with devastating prowess beyond anything they could have done while they were alive, making them difficult opponents to deal with.

Of course, there were so few high-ranking wizards that finding such a lich was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Is it possible its a trap?

I believe its reliable, because it came directly from High Priest Harald.

Is it a divine revelation? Chrysler sighed and pressed his hand onto his students shoulder. Take care. In the worst case, your life may be in danger

Of course, Master! If that happens, well seek help from a local temple.

Thats it. He smiled, then paused as he recalled something. Now that I think about it, where was it?

Tripia, the easternmost province of Avalon.