In just three short days, the manifestation of the Goddess of Justice in Endymion had become the talk of the continent.
Through the mages' calculated promotion, this event had gained widespread recognition across the vast lands.
Leveraging their considerable influence, the Mage Council spared no effort in propagating this miracle.
Many mages even returned to their home countries, using magical projections to demonstrate the event in crowded marketplaces and town squares, leaving every passing citizen in awe.
As expected, the news quickly reached various press agencies. Enthusiastic reporters swarmed the mages who spread the news, competing for first-hand information.
Newspapers were rushed to print overnight and distributed everywhere, becoming the talk of every dinner table. Through this promotion, citizens across multiple countries gained a deeper understanding of the event.
Like wildfire spreading across a verdant prairie, it left deep burning traces wherever it reached. The masses were inspired by this event, their hearts filled with profound reverence.
This was, after all, a true deity.
However, unlike the common folk, the upper-class nobles and powerful figures keenly detected different undertones mixed within. The Mage Council openly displayed its close relationship with the Goddess of Justice, even regarding her as their supreme deity.
At first glance, this seemed unremarkable. After all, the independent Mage Council had never belonged to any country. Given the Council's founding principles, their association with the Goddess of Justice didn't seem problematic.
However, considering the timing, everything appeared unusually convenient. The Mage Council had recently gained fame due to Viktor's display of shocking power. Just as they became the focus of public attention, such a major event's occurrence invited speculation.
Thus, many curious onlookers wondered about the truth behind it all. However, the magical projections couldn't be faked.
The clear images showed the Goddess of Justice wielding a massive black sword, slicing through the sky, splitting the clouds until space itself shattered. That radiant light, like the rising sun, left people in awe.
This scene reminded many of Viktor's previous display of power. Like waves upon waves, one sensation followed another.
Now, the Mage Council, representing justice, had received the favor of the Goddess of Justice. This was undoubtedly a significant signal.
Meanwhile, Viktor leaned against the window, feeling the breeze. He reached out and produced the new staff.
The black shaft was covered in intricate patterns that extended and curved, with three floating rings at the top. At the tip, a golden bird's head curved outward, while the bottom was inlaid with a luminous gem that sparkled brilliantly.
[Staff - Truth of Great Prosperity]
[Effects: HP+, MP+300, All Resistance+100, Strength+350, Mana Consumption+40%]
[Skill: Great Prosperity - During battle, convert 15% of spell power to HP, and 15% of MP to Strength. Lasts until battle ends.]
[Skill: Astraea's Divine Judgment - Judge enemies based on their justice value, dealing massive damage from 200% to 4000% of Strength.]
[Description: The truth of prosperity can only be mastered through immense power.]
Strictly speaking, the staff in Viktor's hand was merely a replica of the one from the game. But compared to the game version, this staff had an additional skill - [Astraea's Divine Judgment]. This skill came from the addition of the Goddess of Justice's scales.
Though a replica, its power was still quite formidable. Moreover, it unexpectedly complemented the staff's attributes perfectly.
Knock knock knock.
Just then, three consecutive knocks drew Viktor's attention. His palm loosened slightly, and the staff dissolved into particles in his hand. Then, he turned around.
Lia had already pushed open the door and stood in the doorway. Clearly, the previous knocking was one of her rare displays of courtesy.
She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, wearing a slightly displeased expression. "It's almost time, why are you still dawdling here?"
Viktor knew what Lia was referring to. In seven days, it would be Imperial Princess Aurelianne's birthday.
Emperor Aubrey Sol was very attentive to his daughter's affairs. Even with seven days until her birthday, preparations had already begun. Early this morning, the entire outer area of the royal capital was already decorated grandly and festively.
Colorful balloons and ribbons appeared especially bright under the sunlight, while various fireworks bloomed in the boundless sky. The entire nation was celebrating.
Previously, Aurelianne had not been well-known to the public. She used to be very timid and never appeared in the public eye. The old emperor doted on her immensely and never forced her to attend any social events.
Therefore, unlike other noble ladies who would hold grand celebrations on their birthdays, attracting numerous attendees, Aurelianne would only hide in the palace on her birthday, watching servants secretly set off a couple of fireworks.
Now, Aurelianne was no longer as timid as before. She had begun to display the unique dignity and pride of royal nobility. Seeing his child becoming increasingly outstanding, Aubrey naturally wanted to share Aurelianne's growth with everyone.
And as her teacher, Viktor needed to arrive early to express his congratulations.
Lia stood there urging Viktor. "Gwen has already gone ahead, we're just waiting for you."
Indeed, if Lia hadn't forcibly put her in the carriage, there might have been two latecomers. Thinking of this, Lia held her forehead and sighed in frustration.
Lia shook her head, feeling quite troubled about this. When Viktor wasn't home for the past few days, Gwen would come to the mansion every day looking for him. Every day she would monotonously demand from Lia: "I want to see Viktor."
Previously, Gwen's obsession with Viktor hadn't been this intense. This inevitably made Lia wonder: what magic did Viktor possess that made Gwen so infatuated? Lia couldn't quite understand.
Viktor nodded, just about to leave. But Lia straightened up and looked at Viktor.
"Wait a minute." She walked directly in front of Viktor, raised a finger, and poked his chest several times. "You're planning to go dressed like this?"
Viktor fell silent for a moment. Without speaking, he reached up and tugged at his collar. A flame suddenly ignited behind him, twirling in the air, enveloping his entire body.
The flames burned along his coat, trailing sparks, as his windbreaker was replaced by a black suit. The black suit perfectly accentuated his nearly perfect masculine figure. The wings on his chest added a touch of mystery to his appearance.
Seeing this, Lia's bright eyes made no attempt to hide her approval. She looked Viktor up and down, her face showing a satisfied smile as she praised him: "That looks much better, now hurry up and go."
Vega flew down to perch on Viktor's shoulder and began preening its sleek feathers. Only then did Viktor walk toward the exit.
He had just stepped one foot over the doorframe when he paused. Without turning back, he said something seemingly random to Lia behind him:
"I'm curious."
Lia looked puzzled: "About what?"
"You actually knocked."
As soon as the words fell, a gust of air surged around Viktor's body. The airflow wrapped around his body as he gradually transformed into a wisp of white smoke. Several streams of energy dispersed in four directions, taking away his entire presence.
In the blink of an eye, Viktor had merged with the wind and left this place.
Lia still stood there confused, her hair gently dancing in the wind. She blinked her eyes, suddenly realizing something, her face turning slightly red as she muttered defensively.
"Wh-what's wrong? It's just knocking on a door, why such a big reaction..."
It should be noted that she had spent quite some time preparing herself mentally at the door.
......
Ryan Kent sat in the carriage, feeling the slight swaying. The rhythmic sound of hooves mixed with the echoes of wheels rolling over the cobblestone streets resonated in his ears.
The surroundings were decorated with celebratory ribbons and plush toys, while colorful hot air balloons floated in the sky. Because the princess would be celebrating her birthday over these seven days, the streets were filled with many people, even appearing quite crowded.
Indeed, even bread and eggs were being sold at half price today.
Looking around, Ryan sighed with emotion. It had been a long time since he'd visited the Empire. He remembered his last visit was decades ago, when the Empire was building the tracks for the magic train.
"Though I didn't expect you to come as well, hahaha."
Ryan turned his head to look toward the front of the carriage compartment. Heim Horn was also sitting in the carriage, one hand propping up his head, sitting opposite Ryan.
"As a council administrator, of course I had to come." Having said that, he calmly expressed his true thoughts: "However, when visiting Emperor Aubrey VIII, we must show proper respect."
Although his age could be traced back several generations before Aubrey, there was no help for it, as Aubrey's strength was indeed second to none. That's just how this world worked - the strong naturally received extra respect.
The carriage gradually stopped its rolling wheels in front of the palace gates. The gates came down with a thunderous sound, quite impressive, as an aura of authority swept toward the two men's faces.
The knights at the gate verified their identities, bowed deeply to them, and gestured for them to pass.
"Welcome, honored guests."
"Councilor Ryan Kent, Councilor Heim Horn."
After all, a visit from two Mage Council members was an important event that needed to be announced in advance.
Led by the palace's loyal attendants, the two arrived at Aubrey's residence. It was a large but not extravagant dwelling. As the Empire's leader, Aubrey living in such a modest house made people feel he was quite frugal.
As soon as they entered, they saw Aubrey patiently brushing a girl's hair. His hands moved through Aurelianne's beautiful silver hair, his gaze seeming to flow with shallow memories.
Heim Horn gave a slight bow, his voice carrying its characteristic electric quality as he spoke first: "Your Majesty Aubrey, we have arrived as agreed."
Following suit, Ryan Kent also gave Aubrey a slight bow.
Aubrey stopped his movements, slowly stood up, and smiled as he looked at them: "Councilor Horn, Master Kent, welcome to you both."
Heim and Ryan straightened up, looking at Aubrey seriously and said: "Let's cut to the chase, Your Majesty. Regarding the matter of the goddess cult heretics, our council needs to address this as soon as possible."
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