It was a small trick that allowed him to emerge in Vastness City as a human without going through his storefront . The feature was useless for most people , but it did allow Zac to keep the secret of his two races hidden for a while longer .
There was no way he’d avoid getting exposed sooner or later because of his blueprint , but he wanted to trick some more people into duels before that happened . The only downside was that it cost one day’s worth of entry to the Green Zones he picked , though there were many which cost less than 30 Mana a day .
Zac emerged at the teleportation square , only to turn back toward the pillar after it closed behind him .
The Calamity , ’ Zac said in his mind .
A terrifying golden hurricane appeared on the other side of the gate . A moment later , Zac was gone , off to deal with the next thing on his list .
Scar glanced down with surprise at the ball in his hand , but he forcibly kept his face impassive . He wasn’t the only one sitting in the recovery area , and he couldn’t ruin the princess’ plans by giving something away . One line . This was the marking he’d been told to always keep a lookout for over the past five years , the opportunity his mistress had been waiting for .
This was his chance as well . He’d emerged an elite recruit of the Empire after almost a century of hellish training , narrowly surviving where tens of millions had fallen to raise new generations of the Imperial Guard . Serving the Heavens was a great honor and a chance for his descendants to contribute to the Imperial Fate , but he also knew one’s future was limited in this path .
He’d get to enjoy the greatest resources and training , gaining power most could only dream of . However , if Scar was assigned to one of the old imperials in seclusion , he might not leave the palace for the rest of his life . Dozens of generations could come and go before one of the ancient masters either emerged or passed on .
Right place at the right time . Scar was just in the upper segment rather than the peak of the guard , but the princess needed followers who had yet to enter the Halls of Glory to form an Imperial Core . And Scar just so happened to have a useful bloodline , the one thing he was thankful to his traitorous ancestor for . If he managed to help the young princess in this matter while seizing a seal for himself , he had a small chance of being promoted to a Sword of the Empire .
Leading the armies into the unknown ancient realms , looting the treasuries of the Empire’s enemies . Not having to seal his emotions and desires inside the Halls of Glory . Gaining the right to take a wife and form a lineage . The right to choose a true name of his own , not just a nickname temporarily given by the princess because she felt the number 8376-56 was too much of a mouthful .
This was his chance to generate enough Imperial Merit to expunge his ancestor’s sin in one go .
The minutes passed as Scar continued to scan any comers and goers while pretending to recover from his wounds . Not sending out a message , nothing . Luckily , he didn’t have to wait long , as his replacement arrived one hour later through the gate . He was covered in blood and familiar wounds . Scar briefly wondered why 8379-35 did that to himself when the princess permitted them to gain their wounds by hunting for treasures .
Scar guessed it was because 8379-35 was afraid he’d get himself killed , which would mean he failed the mission . Better to maim himself than risk letting that happen . Scar inwardly shook his head as he stood up to leave , not even exchanging a glance with the man . After all , they were only strangers who needed to rest after training , not people who shared a common mission .
You are pushing the limits , keeping watch of the teleportation arrays for 48% of each day , - Oldro said in Scar’s mind .
We are only following the restrictions you levied on us , ’ Scar answered the guide .
Why’d I have to get stuck with a deathsworn , - Oldro sighed . - You should be working hard at your core , not wasting your time spying on others . At this rate , you’ll get me killed . -
Your fate is not my responsibility . If you want to blame something , blame your bad luck that you were born a creature without control of your life and death . ’
Like you’re any different , - the guide scoffed .
Scar calmly walked toward the street where he and the princess had been placed . The thought of getting similar treatment as an Imperial Royalty was extremely unsettling , doubly so after their first encounter . She’d decided their proximity meant they were fated and temporarily elevated his status to a Royal Advisor .
A role he was woefully ill-equipped for . What did he know about strategy , schemes , and the great undertakings of the ancient masters? He had been slated to remove all thoughts in a few years , completing his transition into an eternal guard . He only knew how to fight and how to protect .
Still , he could only do his best to follow orders , and he sent a weak tendril of energy into a talisman upon entering his storefront . A few minutes later , a warrior emerged from a nearby structure , walking over to Scar .
The princess requests your presence , - the guard said . Scar bowed and wordlessly crossed the street .
A moment later , Scar appeared inside a living room that had become familiar by this point , where he spotted his master sitting at her usual spot at the workbench she’d brought over .
How ostentatious , always asking you to waste Mana by visiting her manor . She is a seventh-echelon guest . She could have come to your place for free , - Oldro scoffed .
Scar ignored the guide’s grating voice . He’d long realized what it was trying to do . It wanted to drive a wedge between himself and Princess Valsa Planur , to enkindle a desire for personal progress . Only through gathering enough Mana would Oldro survive , and it didn’t care about what happened to Scar after he left the Perennial Vastness .
I greet the princess , - Scar said , kneeling five meters away .
Come , sit , - Valsa lazily waved .
Scar inwardly groaned . Sitting down at the table with an imperial was punishable by death for someone of his standing . But so was refusing orders . Scar could only comply and pray Valsa wouldn’t mention her way of management upon returning to the First Heaven .
What happened? -
By Princess’ grace , I found another one , - Scar said , trying not to color the report with excitement . - Furthermore , the resonator showed one line . -
What? - Valsa said , her lazy demeanor gone as she looked up from the schematics in front of her . Another component for her regalia , it looked like . - One line? Are you certain? -
I am certain , Princess , - Scar confirmed .
A Flamebearer . It looks like fate is conspiring against my scheming cousin , - Valsa said , her mouth curving upward . - When did this happen? -
One hour ago . I am sorry for belaying the report . Other people were recuperating at the square , including individuals suspected to be informants . I dared not do anything that might expose the identity of the Flamebearer . -
You did the right thing . - Valsa nodded . - This is why I wanted to bring people who had yet to sever their past . Continue . -
It was a human male of interminable origin . He wore no markings of any known force , - Scar said . - He entered the Calamity . Does Princess wish to activate the coalition? -
No , - Valsa said without hesitation . - Those chosen by the Left Imperial Palace are bound to be tricky to deal with . We cannot act hastily . We might only get one chance to strike , so we have to make it count . What do you know about this person? -
Reporting to Princess , I have never seen him before . Furthermore , he is an untiered guest . He should be a new arrival , - Scar said . - I failed to confirm his Daos , but I am guessing he has one related to Life . He does not have the dourness of a living practicing the Dao of Death generally carries . And I felt an odd sense of stability from him . -