Apocalypse Online: Regression of SSS-Class Summoner

Chapter 117: Golden Stag

After the Commander reserved an empty dining table at the moment, a uniformed assistant entered behind her and led them to the main dining hall where he came from.

Beyond the reception lies the principal dining chamber.

The room was expansive, with a vaulted timber ceiling supported by polished oak beams. Crystal chandeliers suspended overhead provide warm illumination through mana-infregnated crystals, eliminating the flicker and smoke associated with traditional candles.

Large windows overlook Hearth Square, while decorative tapestries portraying pastoral landscapes and Imperial hunting scenes adorn the walls.

Tables were generously spaced to provide privacy, allowing discussions to remain discreet without requiring separate rooms.

The overall atmosphere encouraged conversation rather than spectacle.

A uniformed assistant led Max and the Commander to a dining table near the large window, allowing Max and the Commander to stare at the Hearthmarket district.

The dining table was fashioned from dark walnut and finished with a smooth, hand-polished surface.

The chairs feature carved oak frames with upholstered leather seating, providing comfort that made Max believed he they could dine for an hour without feeling discomfort from prolong sitting.

Max let the Commander ordered the foods from the menu, while letting his thoughts to wander as he gazed at the vibrant district.

The Commander ordered the foods.

He chose the Silverflow River Trout Fresh— a trout from the Silverflow River, lightly seasoned with citrus herbs and butter before being grilled over hardwood charcoal.

An Imperial Game Platter—a selection of roasted pheasant, wild boar, and venison accompanied by seasonal vegetables and freshly baked bread.

Although, designed for groups sharing a formal meal, the Commander alone could finish it by himself.

Lastly, he ordered a Hearth Honey Tart—a dessert featuring layered pastry, orchard fruits, and locally harvested honey, served with lightly whipped cream.

When he was done, he gazed at Max and decided to distract him first out of extreme curiosity.

He asked, "I wonder what legacy have you obtained? I don’t think keeping it a secret will help it. At some point, it will be reveal, no?"

"Yeah. But not now." Max shrugged. "It wouldn’t be exciting to tell you already."

The Commander chuckled. "I really admire how you managed to escape from an ambush that even an Archmage and a Blade Saint couldn’t escape.

But you know, when they already made a move, they wouldn’t rest."

His face turned solemn. "It has been peaceful for decades now, but a Greater Demon and his legion’s appearance change everything.

It’s funny how coincidental it is. We’ve received a huge influx of adventurers coming out of nowhere. Their talents aren’t comparable like you, but you certainly are like them, right?"

Max nodded. He didn’t bother hiding them.

"This is good, really. But the demon’s attack has been becoming frequent. This is just not a coincidence.

Max, we need people like you. As long as you manage to prevent the demon’s sneaky invasion, then we didn’t have to worry about losing even a piece of land.

We have many tacticians from our side—from the emperor to a governor down to a Commander in some settlements.

I, myself, might come from the Warrior Branch, the War Lord class allow me to command the battlefield nearer. We can fight against the demons, Max.

We are only overwhelmed by their numbers."

Max understood what he meant. There were many powerful individuals from the Empire, but the demon race possessed a population that surpassed the entire Empire five times more.

The Empire needed manpower and potential. It explained why they invested a lot of military power than their economy.

The Commander said, "We’ve been receiving a lot of strange reports from different settlements. It’s unsettling.

That’s why Max, I want you to visit every settlement that seemed to have begun experiencing demonic invasion that targeted the civilians."

Max nodded. "I’m already aware of that. But it might take some time."

I must not deviate the timeline too much, or else, it will go out of control.

Max decisively thought. As much as he could hasten the discovery of Malveris to prevent other civilians to be his victim, doing so would affect the players’ progression as well as the game as a whole.

If the empire fell early, the apocalypse would descend early. Max had to follow what was pre-destined.

The Commander wasn’t aware what was Max’s thinking, but a clear delight appeared on his face.

"That’s good to know. As long as you are doing your job properly, the empire will award you handsomely."

Max smiled.

They chatted for a while until their foods arrived...

...

After their dinner, Max left the Golden Stag while waiting for his horses to be escorted by the uniformed attendants.

When he saw them having a high chin and lofty gazes, he knew they must have terrified the other horses.

Max glanced at the expression of the uniformed attendants and sighed.

They were both in despair, not knowing how to explain to the owner of the other horses in the stables about the trauma their horses had experienced.

They couldn’t blame Max either, who would have thought his horses would traumatize the other horses by spreading dominance?

As they passed the reign to Max and the Commander, the vigor on their greetings were so lamed that the Commander wondered what had happened.

He glanced at their backs as they proceeded to the main entrance hall and mumbled, "Why did it seem like the restaurant has gone bankrupt?"

Max’s mouth twitched.

He glared at his horses, who startlingly lost their composure and hastily explained they were behave in the stables.

Max doubted them and, in the end, sighed.

He said, "Let’s go. Bring me to my residence."

The Commander mentioned earlier that the Dunmarrow Capital has an Imperial Commission Residence.

It was not only an Imperial Demon Vanguard was an Imperial Commission officer, there were many other imperial officials assigned directly to the Crown that deserved to stay in the Imperial Commission Quarter.

Max was excited to stay in the Imperial Commission Residence.

He wanted to experience a lavish life of a high-ranking imperial officer of the Empire—a chance he had never obtain in his past life...

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