Apocalypse Online: Regression of SSS-Class Summoner

Chapter 119: Special Commission Residence

"Why the First Emperor?" The Commander was filled with questions.

He wasn’t proficient in history, but he was certain that what the administrative official revealed wasn’t just some basic knowledge.

The administrative official shook his head, a bit disappointed to the Commander.

He said, "He’s obviously the first Imperial Demon Vanguard. Before he transfer the crown to the second emperor, he established the Imperial Demon Vanguard by becoming the very first Imperial Demon Vanguard.

So far, those who succeeded him only reached four stars, but, despite constantly fighting demons even as far as venturing to their territory, most of them died a natural death.

They were always honored. They were even buried in the national shrine at the Aurelion Prime.

As far as I remember, the Empire only produced less than a hundred Imperial Demon Vanguard, so you can only imagine how rare they were.

But their accomplishment was a feat worth admiring.

So much so that the Imperial Family mandated a continuous support for them, providing special residences in every provincial capital city and other settlements."

The Commander was astonished.

He acknowledged that the Imperial Demon Vanguard’s golden era was definitely after the first Emperor’s establishment, but for some reason, for the past decades, their achievements became vague in the public.

He wasn’t surprised. Becoming an official to be actively fighting demons would definitely dwindle their numbers.

It was inevitable.

The administrative official said, "The special commission residence is assigned exclusively to an Imperial Demon Vanguard during the tenure of their commission.

Unlike ordinary official residences, a Vanguard Residence is designed to support independent operations against demonic threats while accommodating cooperation with both the Imperial Army and the Holy Church.

The residence occupied a large corner estate overlooking one of the Quarter’s internal gardens, providing both accessibility and privacy..."

As they chatted, with the Commander mostly inquiring about the Imperial Demon Vanguard’s information, while Max listened silently, they finally arrived in his residence.

It was a three-story manor constructed from polished white granite with dark basalt trim. The entrance was marked by two carved stone pillars bearing the Imperial Crest and the sigil of the Imperial Demon Vanguard Commission.

The building was surrounded by a low wrought-iron fence and enclosed gardens planted with silverleaf ash, evergreen hedges, and medicinal herbs commonly used in purification rites.

A detached stable, carriage house, and supply annex stand behind the main residence, connected by covered walkways.

The overall appearance was dignified and functional, avoiding excessive ornamentation while reflecting the prestige of the office.

Max gazed at it and his eyebrows raised. He noticed an almost imperceptible barrier covering the whole residence, seemingly powered by runes and enchantments.

He didn’t say anything waited for the administrative official’s instructions.

The administrative official’s eyes were sparkling as he jumped from his horses.

He turned towards Max and invited to follow him.

They stopped in front of a large gate divided by two panels that opened in the middle.

Its intricate design appeared complete, but there was a missing piece in the middle, like a handprint mark.

The administrative official was intently staring at it and finally turned towards Max and said, "The residence is covered by protective runes.

If you noticed, there’s a barrier covering the residence. They are a layer barrier from runes and enchantments.

The most powerful layer barrier there is like freezing time inside to maintain the quality of the residence prior to an Imperial Demon Vanguard... I mean, your apperance.

Once you placed your hand in this handprint, some runes and enchantments would be deactivated. This is to place importance to your privacy and welcoming your stay."

The administrative official beamed a smile to Max, compelling the latter to face the gate and slowly moved his hand.

The administrative official said, "Only the bearer of the Imperial Demon Vanguard’s recognized by the handprint..."

As much as he wanted to continue, the administrative official was mesmerized by different layers of the residence being deactivated and the frozen residence inside finally showed a subtle sign of animating.

The gate slowly opened and a cooling breeze blowed them from the residence, flattering their hair and clothes.

After a momentary astonishment, the administrative official faced Max and bowed his head.

He said, "It’s an honor to meet you, Sir. I’m Andrew Morris. If you need something, you can use the communication device inside the residence and tell me. I’ll do my best to accommodate your needs."

Max nodded. "Thank you, Andrew."

Andrew’s face lit up. He nodded with a bright smile as he proceeded to his horse.

He departed after bidding a farewell, leaving Max and the Commander.

The Commander turned towards Max and said, "We’ll still see each other tomorrow morning, so I won’t be saying goodbye."

"See you tomorrow, then."

"See you."

Max nodded but he suddenly frowned after realizing the Commander didn’t have a horse.

He can’t possibly borrow my horse, right?

Before he could ask, the Commander turned around and placed his fingers in his mouth.

He suddenly blew a sharp whistle, stunning Max.

The whistle actually lasted for an hour, leaving Max speechless.

The Commander smiled at Max and said, "I was just calling my horse."

Max stared at him in disbelief.

The Commander chuckled and didn’t bother explaining.

Ten minutes of awkward silence, a galloping noise echoed on the side where they came from.

They simultaneously turned their heads and a Blackstone Warhorse came into their view.

Max was familiar wit the Blackstone Warhorse, only the Commander of highly populated settlements owned them.

When the Blackstone Warhorse arrived, Max could perceive runes and enchantments placed for its body.

The Blackstone Warhorse possessed a physique larger than his horse and it was taller.

It was highly intelligent as it also bowed to Max to greet while not neglecting Max’s horses, slightly nodding at them.

The Commander caressed his mane.

The Blackstone Warhorse lowered his body as the Commander hopped on his back.

The Commander smiled at Max as the Blackstone Warhorse finally set off at a pace that seemed ordinary for him but was already almost the peak Max’s horses could achieve.

Max was only momentarily awe, but his horses...

When he glanced at them, he couldn’t help but chuckle by their reaction.

They were undoubtedly humbled...

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