The execution of the Imperial Royal Family concluded, and I left Kobaldia, brandishing heads.
Subsequently, His Majesty Emperor Reinhardt, Rex, and the First Ritters moved into our Beast Carriage. Athena then transformed into a dragon, and we soared into the sky.
After confirming that the remaining Ritters and Hunters had relocated to a small hill west of Kobaldia, Mako and I began our operation.
Oh, there were monsters on the small hill too.
But they were easily hunted, and with Mako’s Field Cosmos deployed, no more monsters were likely to appear.
“Well, Mako, shall we go?”
“Yes.”
We each donned Wing Burst and used Flying to depart from the Beast Carriage. Hovering above Kobaldia, we readied Blau Solaris and Agatholam.
Mako shifted Agatholam from her back to her front, transforming it into an arm-like appendage. I then placed Blau Solaris into its grasp.
Together, we channeled our magic.
“Blau Solaris, Agatholam. Are you ready?”
“Always.”
“Target: Imperial Capital Kobaldia. Acquisition complete.”
“This may be late, but it’s amazing that you can acquire the entire Imperial Capital, even so.”
I felt the same way, but it truly was a late realization. It was precisely because we knew this that we were able to employ it in this operation. And given who our opponents were, our reservations and guilt were minimal. Nevertheless, this was not a spell to be used lightly, so we needed to choose our moments carefully.
“Well then, Mako.”
“Yes. Let’s do it!”
With Agatholam and Blau Solaris having acquired the entire Imperial Capital, Mako and I recited the incantation for our divine-class strategic area-of-effect interference spell.
““Tuatha Dé Danann!””
As we chanted, Agatholam’s wings spread wide, and all six blades of Blau Solaris emitted light. Simultaneously, above the Imperial Capital, directly beneath us, a magic circle bearing the same design as Blau Solaris materialized, as if to engulf the entire city. A pillar of light descended from this magic circle, consuming all of Kobaldia. Mako mentioned that it was almost identical to the ultimate technique of the Engraving Divine Artifact, the Divine Spear Gae Bolg, created by Father and Mother, but I had expected its power to be less. I recall Gae Bolg’s power being estimated at 1.5 gigatons in TNT equivalent, but I suspect Tuatha Dé Danann also exceeds 1 gigaton. All divine-class strategic spells seem to possess power around 1 gigaton.
“Agatholam, can you sense the state of the Imperial Capital?”
“All beings, including demons, have already vanished. Further action is futile.”
“Understood. Then let’s stop.”
Following Agatholam’s voice, we ceased the activation of Tuatha Dé Danann. What we saw was a massive crater, presumably where the Imperial Capital once stood, with seawater and lake water flowing into it.
“…Did we overdo it?”
“We certainly did. However, judging by the terrain, it’s likely a new city would have been built on the site of Kobaldia eventually. But given our reluctance to build on land infested with demons, let’s just consider that concern eliminated.”
“Let’s go with that.”
It was a completely arbitrary reason, but I decided to agree as well. The Orca Bay and Lake Saber would now be connected, likely causing ecological imbalances, but we could monitor the situation closely. More importantly, there was a small island with a Treasure Tree in Lake Saber, so it was fortunate that there were no anomalies there.
“Apart from anomalies, that small island is getting bigger.”
“Huh?”
Mako suddenly said this as she turned her gaze towards the small island. What did she mean, the island got bigger? I don’t understand. Turning my gaze in the same direction, I confirmed that it was indeed growing. No, it wasn’t just a little bigger – it looked like it had doubled in size!
“…Why?”
“Who knows? But that Treasure Tree was protected by the gods from the demons’ magic, wasn’t it? Since all the demons were annihilated at once, perhaps the gods’ power became stronger, causing the lakebed to rise?”
Indeed, Mako’s observation was accurate. Rather than the small island with the Treasure Tree expanding, it gave the impression of the lakebed rising. In fact, most of the island was submerged, and what was once a small island had become a mountain.
“An investigation will be necessary, but at this scale, it looks like a new city could be built.”
“Ah, it certainly looks like a city like Bestia could be built. Or rather, if we designed bridges connecting to the island like a city-on-a-bridge, it might rival the capital.”
I don’t think it would quite reach that level, but I still felt that a city of considerable size could be established. It would also be at the foot of the Treasure Tree, and conveniently, the Treasure Tree would be in the center of the island, serving as an excellent symbol.
“It’s highly probable that Yamato or Mana will be granted jurisdiction, but we’ll have to hear His Majesty’s thoughts first.”
“Indeed.”
Regardless of who received it, development would be from scratch. The sheer number of monsters was also expected to be considerable, making it a challenging endeavor. Considering that, it wasn’t unfathomable for Yamato or me to be granted the territory. I had envisioned a city designed like an Academy City, with MINERVA’s installation in mind. This concept had been shared with His Majesty and the others, leading to suggestions that the central part of the Philia Continent would be suitable for my territory. However, that area is mostly Alegria’s land. Therefore, if I were to be granted the territory, the most likely candidates would be an uninhabited island outside the Philia Continent or the ruined city-on-a-bridge in the irrecoverable Libertà region. Both options have their pros and cons, giving me a headache. And this is all before even being granted the territory or deciding on a location.
“It’s something to discuss after Sir Yuri graduates, and we also need to observe how the ecosystem of Lake Saber and Orca Bay evolves, so there’s no need to rush. Besides, knowing His Majesty, he’ll likely consult with us beforehand rather than suddenly imposing it.”
That’s true.
“Indeed. Well, since it’s over, shall we head back?”
“Yes.”
**Side: Reinhardt**
From the observation deck of the Tree-made Multi-functional Beast Carriage, carried by an entirely dragonized Athena, we witnessed a scene that felt like the end of the world. I had heard that Yamato and Mako’s Tuatha Dé Danann could annihilate cities, but seeing it was vastly different from hearing about it.
“It’s…too terrifying…”
“Kobaldia…there’s absolutely nothing left…”
The First Ritters were also speechless. They served as witnesses from the Ritter’s Guild and as representatives of the kings. To witness an act comparable to that of gods, the complete obliteration of an entire city, I, too, could not quell their unease. The First Ritters are trustworthy individuals, holding important positions within the Ritter’s Guild. That is why someone like the Royal Lancers Master was not even considered, but I never expected him to force his way along just before our departure, appearing in the Float.
“With this, Retisencia is truly destroyed.”
“Yes. Your Majesty has truly become the undisputed ruler of the Philia Continent, in both name and reality.”
“I did not wish for this, but…”
“I understand, but the future of the Philia Continent will now proceed under Your Majesty’s direction. And in twenty years, you will abdicate, will you not?”
I felt as though Rex could see right through my thoughts. With Retisencia’s destruction, the hostile forces on the Philia Continent had vanished. This made me the true ruler of the Philia Continent. Frankly, the responsibility weighs heavily on me, but there is no turning back now. I must fulfill my duties as Celestial Emperor until I can pass it on to my son.
The law of the Amister-Philias Federation Celestial Empire stipulates that the reign of a Celestial Emperor or King shall not exceed thirty years. This is to prevent chaos that might arise due to prolonged lifespans resulting from evolution. High Class beings have a lifespan of approximately 150 years, and Ancient Class beings around 250 years. As an Ancient Elf myself, if I were to remain Celestial Emperor until my death, everything would be fine during my reign. However, the next Celestial Emperor would not be my son or grandson, but a descendant many generations later. By then, descendants of those who had withdrawn to common society might emerge, leading factions to support rival candidates and potentially plunging not only the nation but the entire Philia Continent into war once more. To avert such a crisis, reigns exceeding thirty years are not permitted unless under special circumstances. Special circumstances include cases where the successor to the throne has not reached adulthood or when the Crown Prince’s enthronement is delayed due to sudden illness. Neither has ever occurred before, rendering these clauses largely ceremonial.
For my part, I have no intention of remaining Celestial Emperor for thirty years. My son, Lessheit, is only five years old and has not yet been appointed Crown Prince. However, I plan to enroll him in the General Academy when he turns ten. If he successfully graduates, he will be appointed Crown Prince, and I will abdicate a few years later. As Rex mentioned, this is expected to be approximately twenty years.
“Even if I manage to successfully abdicate to Lessheit, it will likely take around that long. After that, I intend to live as a Hunter, so I find solace in having something to look forward to. Unlike you, Rex.”
I couldn’t help but smile, but Rex responded with a wry smile.
“You are indeed correct. After all, it’s uncertain whether a successor will even emerge.”
Rex holds the position of Grand Order’s Master, but he too doesn’t know when he can retire. Furthermore, having recently accomplished the subjugation of Sleipnir, his level has risen to 94. Few Ritters, even with their wives, have managed to subjugate Demise Species. His level has also set a new all-time record in the history of the Inside Order. Like the previous Grand Order’s Master, Tolman, who served for thirty years, or perhaps even more so, he will likely face difficulties in finding a successor. Because of Tolman’s situation, I must step down after thirty years, but the law only prohibits holding the same position consecutively, so it would be possible to be reappointed after a gap of a few years.
“Although permitted by law, it is generally the case that the reigning lord is reappointed. However, I have a plan to address this.”
If a successor lord dies due to an unforeseen accident or illness, it is sometimes necessary for the predecessor to resume the position of lord. Otherwise, the territory would fall into chaos, and the nation would suffer immense damage. This is precisely why such provisions exist, but it does not preclude their application to individuals other than lords. Therefore, as long as the law is followed, Rex is bound to the position of Grand Order’s Master until his death. I find this problematic and do not wish for him to suffer such a fate, so I intend to formally enact my proposal soon.
“To digress slightly, if Yamato and Mako use that Engraving Magic, they are required to obtain my permission except in emergencies. The Engraving Divine Artifacts they create have also acknowledged this. Therefore, they will not use that Engraving Magic unnecessarily.”
At my words, the First Ritters visibly relaxed with expressions of relief. However, this was unavoidable. The kings already know, and the First Ritters should have been informed, but witnessing the sight of a major city, even an Imperial Capital, vanish without a trace, it is only natural for people to feel a sense of unease that it might one day be directed at them. Therefore, I will explain it to the First Ritters once more. Surprisingly, it was the Engraving Divine Artifacts themselves who proposed that this Engraving Magic should be sealed under normal circumstances. The Engraving Magic called Tuatha Dé Danann, capable of obliterating even a city, could, if misused, plunge the Philia Continent back into war. This is not their intention, and a situation requiring its use is difficult to imagine. Furthermore, there is the matter of it requiring the combined efforts of Yamato and Mako. There are also other Engraving Magics such as Maha Jalgu and Dian Kecht. Therefore, it is unlikely to be used unnecessarily. For this reason, the Engraving Divine Artifacts have voluntarily sealed themselves so that they cannot be used without my permission, by imbuing themselves with my magic. Strictly speaking, it is the Celestial Emperor’s permission that is required, but since I am the first Celestial Emperor, they claim that by imbuing themselves with my magic, even my descendants can unseal or reseal them. I was given what felt like convoluted logic, but the fact that it is possible is enough.
I will need to perform the sealing afterward, and since this will be my first time doing so, I must commit it to memory. I understand this as a duty of the Celestial Emperor and a crucial matter that must be passed down to future generations, so I will approach it with utmost seriousness.
