CHAPTER 31: CHAPTER31-SOMEONE WANTS TO REBEL

All of Jacoff’s and Troy’s schemes had been laid bare before Aurek.Every single plot, every hidden plan—they were now exposed in complete detail.

To Aurek, however, none of this came as a surprise.This was precisely the reason he had deployed the Imperial Knights in the first place.

If he wished, he could have chosen a more straightforward path. After all, with the Elemental Assassin under his command, he could have easily erased these conspirators in one decisive stroke. A single order was enough to cut down Jacoff, Troy, and their entire faction without leaving behind even ashes.

But Aurek had to weigh another factor—the will of the Ordon Theocracy.Compared to that colossal religious empire, Aurek’s current strength was still far too insignificant.

And because of that, Aurek could not afford to clash openly with the Ordon Theocracy, not yet.That was why, instead of striking them down outright, he deliberately maneuvered the Grand Marshal and the Minister of Police into committing treason.

Once they rebelled openly, Aurek would be justified in killing them. Their deaths would no longer be acts of tyranny, but rightful punishment.

Just moments ago, William and Heimerdinger had worked together to deliver a complete dossier. Coupled with the intelligence the Elemental Assassin had gathered in the shadows, Aurek now possessed a nearly perfect understanding of the cards Jacoff and Troy held in their hands.

Jacoff, for instance, commanded an army of two hundred thousand stationed near the imperial capital.On top of that, he had raised nearly half a million private soldiers loyal to his banner.

And behind Jacoff lurked a shadowy power that had yet to reveal itself: the Killer Guild.This guild was no minor force—it was strong enough that Aurek, as he was now, dared not provoke it lightly.

Troy’s situation was different. Though the number of soldiers under his direct control was not as great, the forces supporting him were tangled and intricate. Even the Elemental Assassin had only been able to uncover a portion of his network. Yet that partial glimpse already revealed ties to numerous top-ranking noble families.

Worse still, Troy had the backing of the Leap Mercenary Corps, another troublesome force.The Leap Mercenary Corps was a rising star—a new power that had only emerged within the past five hundred years.

For such a new faction, the resources of the Crossbridge Empire were like an irresistible treasure trove. Gaining control of them would guarantee their rapid growth. That was why they wanted Troy on the throne. If Troy became emperor, they could devour the empire’s wealth under the guise of legitimacy.

Still, because of the looming presence of the Ordon Theocracy, they had not dared make a reckless move yet.

Aurek’s thoughts grew darker. If I could eliminate both Jacoff and Troy’s factions, wouldn’t that yield me an enormous haul of Emperor Points?Perhaps it might even be enough to raise the level of the Emperor’s Scepter again. And if that happened... would a brand new type of military unit appear under his command?

The prospect made his gaze sharpen with anticipation.

Just then, Angie entered quickly to deliver a report.

"Your Majesty, Bishop Ramos of the Ordon Theocracy requests an audience."

Aurek froze for a moment. Then his eyes gleamed coldly, a flash of killing intent slipping out.

Bishop Ramos.This man had once treated Aurek’s predecessor with open contempt, trampling him beneath his boots as if he were worthless.

And now, Ramos had dared to come calling again. Did he truly have no fear of death?

Killing him would be easy—ridiculously easy. But Aurek had no intention of granting him such a simple death. That would be too merciful.

His revenge was not something to be rushed.He would wait until the time was right—when the empire’s internal chaos was settled, when the final confrontation with the Ordon Theocracy could no longer be avoided. Then, under the blazing light of legitimacy, he would tear Ramos apart. He would break every bone in the bishop’s body, strip off his skin piece by piece, and make him pay a price far worse than death.

Suppressing his murderous aura with great effort, Aurek finally spoke two cold words.

"Not seeing him."

Outside the palace doors, Ramos’s expression instantly turned ashen.

This was something he had never expected. The weakling emperor—this pathetic fool—actually dared to deny him an audience?

How bold! How insolent!

If not for the Ordon Theocracy, the Crossbridge Empire would have collapsed long ago.And yet, here was the emperor, daring to defy him.

Ramos seethed with rage, his pride wounded.Very well. If the emperor wanted to test his patience, he would give him a lesson that would scar him for life.

"You wait," Ramos muttered darkly to himself. "I’ll make sure you regret this until your dying breath."

As the Imperial Knights mobilized, the imperial capital was gripped by a growing tension, like storm clouds gathering before a violent tempest.

Countless spies, long hidden in the shadows, began to stir restlessly. Eyes—unseen yet ever-watchful—focused on every ripple of change within the empire.

Everyone knew the truth: the Crossbridge Empire was like a slab of rich meat laid upon a cutting board. Every force hungered for a piece.

Within the capital, hidden powers began to move as well.

But amidst these factions, there was one unique presence: the Hyrule War Academy.

The academy was the crucible where the finest talents of the human race were forged. As one of the most prestigious institutions in existence, it had produced countless leaders, generals, and strategists for empires across the continent.

Inside the academy, the empire’s Chief Justice, Zach, wore a face heavy with worry.

"Mentor," he said gravely, "the Imperial Knights have all been mobilized. The capital is already falling into disorder. I fear His Majesty intends to act. Once war breaks out, the Crossbridge Empire won’t endure. At that time... I beg you, Mentor, please protect me as your student."

Zach’s ties to Jacoff were far from ordinary. He was both a political ally and, more importantly, a proud graduate of the Hyrule War Academy.

The man he addressed as Mentor was none other than Rhys, the academy’s principal.

Rhys’s status was lofty beyond measure. Even Cardinal Austin, clad in his scarlet robes, would bow and respectfully address him as Principal Rhys.

At that moment, Rhys looked out across the city toward Valoria Palace, his tone distant yet heavy.

"This emperor..." Rhys murmured, "his lust for blood has grown far too strong. I fear he has stepped too deep into the mire, and turning back is no longer possible."

"In my judgment, the Crossbridge Empire is likely to perish in his hands. My advice to you, Zach, is to resign your post as quickly as you can and leave this land behind."

Zach could only give a bitter smile.

"Mentor, I can’t retreat anymore. His Majesty’s gaze is surely already fixed on me. My position makes me a marked man. You must help me, please!"

Rhys’s reply was calm, almost reassuring.

"Do not worry. The academy will shelter you. For you are my student, and that is a bond no emperor can sever. A mere emperor, insignificant and soon to fall, would never dare to provoke me."

"And if he ever tried to touch a student of the Hyrule War Academy, he would first need to ask himself whether he truly had the strength to face us."

His words were not arrogance but truth. The academy’s prestige was unparalleled. Empires across the world depended on its graduates to rule and maintain stability. No sovereign could afford to offend it.

Thus, in Rhys’s eyes, the looming collapse of the Crossbridge Empire was a trivial matter, unworthy of concern.

Half a month slipped by.

The Imperial Knights, following Aurek’s orders, took up their prearranged positions.

In that same span of time, Jacoff and Troy worked tirelessly, making endless deployments and countermeasures.

Yet the cruel irony was that every decision they made, every move they planned, was instantly laid bare before Aurek. Their efforts, their secrecy, all amounted to nothing more than a child’s game before the emperor’s gaze.

The board was set. The storm was ready to break.