Inside the cave, the two were still fighting for supremacy, with Matthias gaining some knowledge on how to counter the Beast King's spirit pressure, thus achieving a state of balance.
But oddly for Matthias, he still couldn't overpower Aealos' spirit. Even if he tried exerting his spirit to its highest level, the only result it achieved was his spirit becoming strained, granting the Beast King a chance to fight back and regain his dominance over his spirit.
What Matthias thought was an easy and quick endeavour then lasted for years.
In those years, the month of Deusmachina has already ended, and the lives of the people finally returned to its old state. Some of the nobles of the conquered empires who wanted their powers and positions back finally had the courage to fight back against the Royal Authority, but it was easily diminished by the efforts of the Imperial Descendants, including Ray, who became the Second Prince, in correspondence to seniority.
Guin was also brought in by Isabelle and was given the title of Imperial Queen after further consideration.
With the absence of Matthias, the governance was once again left in the hands of the Parliament. Also, after deep and careful discussions and ruminations, without the approval of their Divine Emperor, they have passed a decree.
Due to the Divine Emperor's frequent disappearance and unavailability, The Parliament elected Alexander as Prince Regent to rule over the territories that were left without its monarch.
Also, because of the newly created transportations routes that made it easy for migration, Hidden Organizations have also begun to spread all across the continent. Organizations like The Order of The Black Crow, Dynastic Guards, Assassin's Guild, and many more infiltrated the foreign territories.
With the Order of The Black Crow and Dynastic Guards watching over the entire continent with their cold and sharp eyes, no one could even start a rebellion smoothly without them being killed or hunted down by the two organisations.
All in all, the continent is gradually transitioning from being separated by dominions into being united under one rule.
In the Imperial Palace..
"Where in the Immortal Territories is he?!" Inside the Throne Room, seated at the bottom of the steps leading to the throne, Isabelle grunted madly. Since Matthias' disappearance, it has already been nearing three years.
By now, although the public only knows that he had gone into seclusion and still recognizes him as the de facto Emperor of the land, they have also already recognised Alexander as the ruler of the people.
With his great leadership, genius mind, and his ability to recognize talents for the Empire, the people of the Empire and even those beyond, had already accepted him as the monarch more than their actual Emperor.
But, as a son who really doesn't aim for the throne and only carries the burden of the crown because he needs to, and also knows and hopes that his father The Emperor is still alive, he could not and would never accept such status.
"When is he coming back?" Seated on a throne just below the Emperor's, Alexander had his head resting on his hand, with his mind filled with problems.
"Your Highness, it has been three years since The Emperor has gone out somewhere we don't even know." One of the new officials from the conquered territories spoke with subservience, "You should be prepared. Sooner or later, you would have to ascend to the throne."
"Silence!" Angered by the official's comment, Alexander slammed his hand on the armchair, startling everyone inside the Throne Room, "What you are saying could be considered treason, an act to overthrow the Divine Emperor's reign while he is not present." He glowered at the official.
"If your former masters require you to act like so, then treat Divine Heaven differently, because here, one respects the authority of the sitting Emperor even in his absence."
"This subject apologizes to you, Your Highness!" The official that was directed by his anger cowered before him and kowtowed in fear of his life.
"Your Highness, please regain your composure and have mercy on him." Seeing the fear in the official's body, the other officials and generals inside the room also kowtowed and pleaded for him.
"Your Highness," The Fourth Prince, Han Zhuang, said to him calmly, "Surely, Official Sang only has good intentions. Father Emperor really has been gone for a very long time, and the Imperial Throne has been left without its owner for three years. It just worries the officials. Please quell your anger."
"Fourth Brother is right, Your Highness." Han Yue seconded, "Please quell your anger."
"Please quell your anger, Your Highness." Suddenly, everyone pleaded at the same time, leaving Alexander silent on the throne.
After a while, he finally responded, "Do not speak of such blasphemy again." He hollered before waving his hand outward, "I dismiss you all." He declared.
The officials stood up and bowed before gradually leaving the room by walking backwards.
When they had all left, Alexander suddenly slammed his fist on the armrest, "Where the hell is that father of mine?!" He yelled with indignation.
Suddenly…
Boom!
A brilliant ray of light suddenly erupted from the heavens and descended upon the Mountain of Ionad, shocking everyone from the cities near it up to the coastal cities at the edge of the continent.
After the light had fully manifested itself, covering the entire mountain, a loud roar of a lion suddenly resounded all across the Divine Heaven Empire. A silhouette of a white lion appeared, streaking through the sky and circling around the dominion with pride.
Then, another image appeared above Ianod; a thousand-meter silhouette of light rose. In front of it was an enigmatic orb that everyone felt they had a connection to.
The silhouette's arms were extended, with its hand hovering beside the orb. Slowly, it was as if the silhouette and the orb's existences were becoming one, and as soon as that started to happen, everyone felt that everything was changing.
Their powers and energies started to fundamentally change, with others breaking through their barriers using the change as a faint spark.
The entire Human Continent started to change; the land shook, and the bodies of water glowed with vitality. New hills and mountains rose, plants rose to greater heights, with their life becoming stronger than ever before. Forests were filled with spirit, filled with life, filled with vibrant colors.
The energy of the continent started to undergo a huge transformation, turning denser and grander.
Finally, as if the transformation was nearing its end, it finally showed the greatest of them all.
Mount Ianod trembled, shaking the land around it with an hellacious tremor. Oddly enough, the cities surrounding the mountain still stood strong even after all that quake, as if some force was preventing the tremor from damaging them. But, of course, that did not include the people.
Everyone felt the strong earthquake coming from the mountain. Those who were powerful enough resisted the tremendous force, but those who were mortal were immediately thrown off the ground, with the majority becoming unconscious.
The powerful ones, mostly the mercenaries, fortunately protected the mortals from being hurt more with their energies.
Looking at the quaking mountain with the silhouette of light hovering above it, everyone felt cold shivers running down their spine.
Suddenly, another large tremor came from the inner depths of the mountain, alerting those who felt it. Then, a golden tower emerged from the summit, sending countless debris and huge rocks hurling down.
When the conscious people saw that, they were petrified, as the golden tower emanated a strong presence of majesty and power. They knew that whatever existence is within that tower, it would definitely be a very dreadful being.
As the tower continued to rise, in other parts of the mountain, several lower golden towers shot up, then came with them shining walls, pillars, and gates of gold.
From the Imperial Palace, Alexander and the Imperial Family, together with the officials and generals, rushed out and gazed at the rising palace, with shock and fear plastered on their faces.
"Uncle Four Pillars!" Alexander called out. "What is it, Your Highness?" Behind him, Cane stepped forward.
"Prepare the entire army and dispatch them to Mountain City! Then, designate the Dynastic Guards to protect the surrounding cities." He ordered solemnly.
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