Chapter 61: One Week Of Hellish Training Begins

    Arkanos placed his hand thoughtfully under his jaw as he took a moment to consider her words. He then smiled slightly, redirecting his gaze towards her as he said, "I approve. I leave all the specifics of this festival in your capable hands. You may return and inform Arvel so he can get everything in order. I will help by issuing an imperial decree and introducing you to the people of the empire."

    He then glanced at the knights and added, "Because it seems not all are aware of the great work you are doing for the empire and its people."

    Sylvana lowered her head for a moment, then smiled as she said, "I am most grateful to you for granting me this honor, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost not to disappoint you."

    Arkanos nodded slightly, a look of approval on his face. "Good. You may go now."

    Sylvana rose to her feet and patted Tebltan''s leg. He lowered his head so she could mount, preparing to leave. Just then, Arkanos spoke again.

    "I would suggest that you unsummon this wolf of yours as you return. I am certain the sight of it would cause some unrest among the citizens, and it wouldn''t be good to escalate their unease after the massive explosion they must have heard earlier."

    A look of understanding crossed Sylvana''s face, and she nodded slightly. Redirecting her gaze towards Tebltan, she smiled as she stroked his silver fur. "I''ll see you later, my friend. Sorry to call you out so soon only to send you back without getting to see any action."

    As she spoke, a massive green magic circle materialized beneath Tebltan''s feet. He began to slowly sink into its depths, speaking as he went, "Understood, Lady Sylvana. Remember, if you ever need me, I will be more than happy to help you anytime."

    Sylvana smiled, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I am most certain you would."

    Finally, the massive wolf''s entire body disappeared into the depths of the magic circle, which shrank until it vanished from sight.

    Sylvana then turned and made her way towards the knights. As she walked, they parted to let her pass.

    As she did, they couldn''t help but admire her beauty, whispering in hushed tones.

    "Now that I take a closer look at her, she''s truly captivating. That green hair of hers... it flows like fine silk, almost like it''s alive."

    "Not to mention her skin. That warm brown tone... like polished bronze under the sunlight... makes her look like this worrior woman of the West I''ve heard about."

    "And those eyes..."

    "Did you see those vine-like tattoos on her arms? She looks like a goddess descended from the heavens."

    "Her figure though... Did you notice? She''s got such an elegant yet... powerful presence. Those hips alone could stop a man in his tracks."

    Among them, Lionel couldn''t help but stare as well, his cheeks flushed as his eyes seemed to follow her, His gaze briefly drifted lower, noticing the elegant sway of her hips and the way her bust seemed to move with each stride.

    But he quickly shook his head clearing his thoughts,

    ''Stop that Lionel! Such unholy thoughts will only interrupt your training as a knight.''

    Darian suddenly swung his arm over Lionel''s shoulder, a mischievous grin on his face as he leaned in closer and asked, "What are you looking at there, lad?"

    Lionel froze, his face turning a deep shade of red as he stammered, "N-nothing, I wasn''t—"

    Darian chuckled with a knowing smike. "Oh, you can''t lie to me, Lionel. I saw it as clear as day. Your face already gave you away."

    Arkanos stood in front of the structure, his expression calm, yet his gaze was intense. His presence alone made the knights uneasy, and as they watched, he reached into his robes and pulled out a gleaming magic crystal that amplified his voice.

    The moment the crystal was activated, the Emperor spoke, his voice reaching the ears of all the knights.

    "I know you have questions, but know this..."

    "What stands behind me is not merely a structure. It is a tool. A tool for separating the weeds from the roses of my garden." He paused, letting his words sink in as he gazed over the knights, his eyes hardening.

    "This is a maze."

    "A maze filled with all manner of obstacles, traps, and extreme terrains. I expect every one of you to make it out within one week. Anyone who takes longer will be removed from the Order, I have no room for weakness in my ranks. And those who are wounded beyond the point of continuing..." His gaze grew colder, "will be left to die inside."

    The knights fell into stunned silence. Shocked murmurs rippled through the crowd.

    "Die? Inside the maze?"

    "This is insane... He''s serious."

    "The Emperor would leave us to die? For failure?"

    "But... but we''ve sworn to serve him!" one of the younger knights exclaimed, fear creeping into his words. "How could he—"

    Arkanos raised his hand, cutting off the murmurs. "This is your last chance to step away from the Order," he said, his voice cold and intense.

    "Once you step through the gates of this maze, there is no turning back. You will either emerge victorious or not at all."

    His gaze narrowed, as though piercing through each knight present. "Choose wisely."

    For a long moment, there was only silence. The knights looked at each other, some of them hesitating, others clearly shaken by the severity of the situation. Arkanos''s eyes swept across them, each one feeling the weight of his gaze, as if he could see into their very souls.

    "Those who wish to proceed, step forward," he commanded. "Those who do not, I advise you to make your way home now."

    For what seemed like an eternity, no one moved. Then, slowly, one knight stepped forward. Then another. A third followed, and soon, more and more knights began to step toward the maze, their resolve hardening as they accepted the challenge.

    The others remained frozen, unsure, their fear was clear. The air was thick, and for a moment, it seemed as though the majority of them might turn and walk away.

    But then, after a few minutes of agonizing silence, the group began to thin. One by one, the knights who had chosen to step away began to turn their backs and retreat, leaving only about three-fifths of their original number.

    Arkanos gazed at the faces of all the knights present, he then smiled, then said. "You have impressed me."

    "Your resolve to die for this empire will not be overlooked."

    Arkanos then spoke inwardly, calling out to the system.

    ''Raise the level of all knights present by ten,'' he thought.