Chapter 60: Knights And Misunderstandings

    Tebltan paused for a split moment, crouched, then suddenly leaped over the western wall, its massive paws landing on the other side with a massive

    BOOM,

    causing some dust to billow into the air.

    Sylvana, standing atop his head, tightened her grip on her staff as she noticed something in the distance, her eyes narrowing.

    After a few moments of running through the woods, she was able to make out the figure of the empire''s knights nearby.

    She was a bit confused to see them here because when Tebltan ran across the streets earlier, there were no signs of the knights mobilizing, so she was certain only she and Tebltan were supposed to be here.

    ''Were the knights already in the midst of battle when the explosion occurred?''

    She silently wondered.

    Her gaze then drifted ahead of the knights, where she noticed a massive clearing had been made as all the dust began to fade and settle.

    Hundreds... no, thousands of trees had been cut down in what appeared to be one powerful, clean slash—

    as if some great force had swept through the area. No, with her depth of experience and perception, she could easily tell this was done by the swinging of a weapon.

    ''What in Hastoria is this all about?''

    She wondered, her thoughts racing from possibilities of an enemy attack to internal sabotage.

    As Tebltan slowed to a halt, Sylvana''s eyes looked around then stopped, her heart skipped a beat. A familiar figure stood in the distance.

    Though the figure was too far to discern in detail, their stance and aura were unmistakable.

    ''That''s the emperor.''

    She thought, smiling right after, her thoughts raced further, ''Knowing his majesty, that clearing must have been made by him. Although it saddens me a bit to see so many trees being brought down, I''m certain he must have a valid reason.''

    Before Sylvana could think further, the knights began to notice Tebltan, the massive wolf causing them to tense up.

    "What is that beast?" one knight yelled.

    "It''s enormous! And it poses such a powerful magical aura! A mythical creature, perhaps?" another said, gripping his sword tightly.

    "How did it get behind us?" a third asked, his eyes darting between the wolf and the woods.

    "Wait... I see a woman atop the beast!" another yelled pointing at Sylvana.

    "You think she is a hostage perhaps?"

    "That dosen''t seem to be the case, she is clearly standing atop it with confidence. I dare say she must be the one who led it here."

    "You think she may be part of the rebel forces we''ve been hearing rumors about?"

    "Then could she be here for the emperor''s head?"

    "If that may be the case then we shall not let her pass, shield up men, prepare for battle!"

    Lionel, among the ranks of the knights, tenses up, gritting his teeth, his grip tightened on the hilt of his sword as he thought.

    ''This may be my first real battle, I must calm myself... Breath Lionel, breath.''

    Seraphine gestured forward with a sweeping motion. "Follow me."

    Sylvana nodded and guided Tebltan forward, the massive wolf padding silently behind Seraphine.

    As Sylvana and Tebltan finally arrived behind Arkanos, the emperor stood at the center of the massive clearing, with his calm commanding presence.

    Sylvana gracefully dismounted from the massive wolf, her boots making soft thuds against the earth. With elegance, she lowered herself to one knee, a sign of respect.

    Tebltan followed suit, bowing his massive head low, his golden eyes focused on the emperor.

    "We greet His Majesty, Emperor Arkanos," Sylvana said.

    Arkanos, still observing the clearing, took a moment to acknowledge. He received the greeting with a slight nod, but his attention was focused elsewhere. His eyes moved to the system notification that appeared in his vision.

    ? ? Harvesting complete ? ? the system chimed.

    Arkanos then gave the next command.

    ''System, begin the construction.''

    A confirmation appeared before him.

    ? ? Commencing construction of designated structure. ? ?

    As the system confirmed, Arkanos redirected his gaze to Sylvana.

    "Rise, Sylvana. Now, tell me why you are here." He said calmly.

    Sylvana was about to speak when, all of a sudden...

    VZZZZ

    A towering green aura filled the massive space. Slowly, like a dream being materialized, a grand structure began to take form in the clearing. The very land seemed to shift, and Sylvana could only watch in awe.

    "By the gods..." she mumbled softly.

    Her eyes widened as she witnessed the incredible feat before her.

    Arkanos, seeming to sense her shock, waved a hand dismissively. "Pay it no mind, Sylvana. It is my doing. Now, get on with it. Why are you here?"

    Sylvana snapped back to the present, her thoughts racing.

    ''Such power... Is His Majesty really the one doing this?''

    The way the landscape seemed to shift so effortlessly under his command... it was as if he were bending the very fabric of reality.

    ''Such power... it is almost divine. As expected of the emperor, truly a man of divine might.''

    She cleared her throat, regaining her composure. "My apologies, Your Majesty. I was lost in thought for a moment. I couldn''t help but admire your godlike power."

    Arkanos smiled softly. "Flattery won''t get you far with me, Sylvana."

    Sylvana smiled, unruffled. "I am not flattering you, Your Majesty. I simply speak the truth."

    She cleared her throat again, her tone growing more serious. "I come with a request, Your Majesty. The farmers and I wish to throw a massive harvest festival in celebration of the wonderful crops we''ve been able to grow. We wanted to make it official, something to celebrate every year, bringing the people together."