The funeral of the Grand Duke was held grandly in the capital.

He was like the symbol of the imperial knights.

Most of the people who did not know the truth about his treason mourned him with regretful expressions.

The death of the Grand Duke was not just a matter of losing a talented person, but also a matter of affecting the prestige of the empire.

“Who would have thought that His Grace the Grand Duke would pass away… Was there a really formidable attack?”

“Now one of the four seats of the Superhumans is vacant. Who do you think will fill that position?”

“I don’t know? Although there are many talents in the empire, it’s not like a Superhuman can be made in an instant.”

“That’s true. At least these days, there are many promising talents in the Sharnos Knights, including His Highness the First Prince, right?”

“Ah… No matter what, they are too young! Even if they reached it quickly, they should be over thirty. Maybe in ten years or so, but it’s too early now.”

The people’s interest was not only in mourning, but also in the power vacuum caused by the death of the Grand Duke.

Although there was no country on the continent that dared to face the empire head-on, recently there was a sign of trouble in the southern desert, so losing one Superhuman was a serious problem for most people.

It was the same in the imperial palace, where people were restless about this issue.

While discussing the future matters, Marius opened his mouth first.

“So, how about taking this opportunity to visit the Holy Kingdom for a while?”

“I agree with that. If you get recognized as a Superhuman by the Temple before the crown prince’s appointment ceremony, wouldn’t your status rise even more?”

The emperor seemed to have the same opinion.

A Superhuman was a term for a knight of the fourth stage, but to be officially recognized as such on the continent, one had to pass a test given by the Temple of War.

And of course, the qualification of a Superhuman that was directly announced by the Temple was generally the greatest honor that a knight could have.

But Eurius’s answer was unexpectedly lukewarm.

“I’ll think about it. But my personal opinion is that it’s too early.”

“…!?”

They tilted their heads. It was a good opportunity to widen his position now that there was no Grand Duke, so why did he refuse?

Eurius opened his mouth again.

“Actually, isn’t that test something you can take anytime? I think it’s more important to settle the chaotic situation and strengthen our foundation than that.”

“If that’s what you think, I won’t stop you, but…”

Looking at the two old men with regretful expressions, Eurius sneered inwardly.

Of course, having a higher reputation would help his actions, but he didn’t have enough time to care about that right now.

‘And honestly, I don’t even know why I have to take that test.’

It was a secret what kind of test they gave at the Temple of War, but if he had already reached that level, he wouldn’t lose his skills just because he didn’t go to the Holy Kingdom.

And more importantly, didn’t he have an imminent goal now?

‘Now that the enemies inside are almost powerless, it’s time to turn my eyes to the enemies outside.’

There was still plenty of time left until the crown prince’s appointment. It was a good time for him to move his personal forces.

That night, Eurius summoned his followers. He smiled as if he was glad to see them entering one by one into the secret room prepared in his palace.

“Thank you for attending without fail despite my sudden call.”

The reaction inside was divided into three groups. First of all, Marius had been called for this kind of gathering for the first time, but he smiled and sat down like an experienced official.

“If Your Highness calls me, I have to run. Hehe…”

The second group was two young people who looked bewildered. They were Beatrice and Kains. They thought Eurius was looking for them and were surprised by this unexpected meeting.

“Your Highness? Who are these people?”

The third group was Nuada.

He looked around with an interested expression.

“There are quite a few new faces today. Are they all friends who follow you?”

“By the way, don’t you have to go back to the mountains?”

At Eurius’s question, he grumbled.

“I’m pretty stable now and trivial matters will be handled by the elders of my tribe. My goal was to give him a proper blow for once, but it seems like it will be difficult for a while.”

“Hmm?”

Eurius turned his gaze to where Nuada glanced.

‘Come to think of it, their atmosphere is not good? Is there something urgent?’

“…”

He realized that Jegal Unhyeon, who was always smiling and bickering with Nuada, was a bit strange today.

No, all three people from the Jegal Clan who attended today were sitting quietly without saying anything. Nuada looked rough at first glance, but he had sharper senses than anyone.He could tell the atmosphere just by looking at it and was only observing without saying anything.

“…!?”

“My lord…”

“I will tell my lord myself.”

As soon as he noticed Eurius’s gaze, Jegal Hwayoung tried to open his mouth first.

But before he could finish his sentence, Jegal Unhyeon interrupted him and started to talk with a serious expression.

“My lord, you must have summoned these talents here to discuss your future plans, right?”

“Is that so? Is there any problem?”

“I’m sorry to say this, but I have something to tell you.”

Unusually, Jegal Unhyeon was showing respect to him. It was obvious that something had really happened.

“Actually, around the time you returned to the capital, a red order arrived from the main house in the Eastern Continent.”

“A red order?”

“An order, not a letter, is a mark used by the clan to convey the most urgent news. Sigh…”

After a sigh, Jegal Unhyeon finally got to the point.

“Among them, a red order means that the clan is facing a crisis that threatens its existence. There must have been some problem while I was away.”

“…”

Eurius remained silent for a moment after hearing that.

He could easily guess what would come next.

Since it was a problem that threatened the clan’s existence, the people from the Jegal Clan would have to leave for a while.

‘It must be awkward for them. The clan is in crisis, but I have the final say.’

Eurius decided to test them first. What would they do in this situation?

“What answer would you like me to give?”

“…”

After a heavy silence, Jegal Unhyeon opened his mouth again.

“We will follow your decision, my lord.”

“Is that so? I heard that the clan is in a crisis.”

“Yes, it is.”

Jegal Unhyeon’s expression was as solid as plaster. If he had prioritized the clan over his command, he would have left without waiting for an answer.

‘They showed their sincerity, so I should give them a proper reward as their lord.’

Eurius answered with a serious expression.

“Actually, I need a lot of power for what I called you for. It would be very disappointing if you lose your power there.”

“…”

“So how much power do you have to take away?”

“I’m sorry to say this, but… at least Gun and I have to go back to the main house.”

‘Tsk! As expected.’

Eurius clicked his tongue. As he expected, it was not something that could be solved by taking away some information agents or ordinary experts from the Moonlight War.

In fact, Jegal Unhyeon was one of the top Superhumans in the Western Continent. His existence was one of the most reliable forces for him.

Jegal Gun was also an excellent expert who was close to a Superhuman.

If these two left at the same time, there would be almost no power that he could rely on from the Jegal Clan.

That’s why they hesitated. And Eurius said he needed power now because he called them. What answer would he give?

‘If he has somewhere else to use us, then it can’t be helped.’

The people from the Jegal Clan were resigned inwardly.

Seeing that he summoned even people he rarely saw, this plan must be no ordinary matter like taking down the Grand Duke.

“I see. As soon as the meeting is over, head to the Eastern Continent. I’m sorry to hold you back if it’s an urgent matter.”

“It can’t be helped… What?”

“Didn’t you hear me? Go to the Eastern Continent as soon as the meeting is over. This is an order.”

“But…”

Eurius smiled slyly.

“It’s not just a matter of loyalty. Don’t you think I should give other talents a chance to shine on this occasion?”

And his confident gaze met Jegal Unhyeon’s eyes head-on.“…!?”

Jegal Unhyeon opened his eyes wide and scanned Eurius’s body once. If he was such an expert, he could roughly estimate his opponent’s level just by observing.

‘Did he grow another step? He’s really amazing.’

The aura he felt from Eurius was different from when he left the capital. He was still incomplete, but he had tasted a bit of the level above the fourth stage. It was natural.

He bowed his head and saluted deeply.

“Thank you for your grace, my lord.”

“Thank you for your grace!”

Jegal Hwayoung and Jegal Gun also followed suit and saluted. The other people who didn’t know what was going on just stared at them blankly.

‘I was worried for nothing. He can handle any danger by himself if he has grown that much.’

In fact, Jegal Unhyeon was also concerned about Eurius’s safety, who was still immature as a warrior, even after the duel with the Grand Duke.

As the one who held the Blue Dragon Law of the Death God Clan, he had to prioritize Eurius’s safety over the clan’s well-being.

And he saluted because Eurius knew that and still used the means of an order to show his consideration for the clan’s well-being.

‘As Master Manbyeok said, he must have something special since he was born with the Death God Body.’

As he admired him inwardly, Eurius spoke to him again.

“Then I’ll see you in the East next time. It won’t take long, I guess.”

“Are you saying that you will cross the continent yourself?”

“Don’t you have to reclaim the legacy of the Masterless? I have a plan for that. Don’t worry and prepare a grand welcome for me.”

Eurius answered casually and the people from the Jegal Clan couldn’t help but tilt their heads. How could he, who would soon become the crown prince, cross over to the East?

‘I’m glad it turned out well. I felt sorry for neglecting other talents because I relied too much on their power.’

Now Eurius was not someone who could be beaten (?) anywhere, and his subordinates had also grown enough except for the Jegal Clan.

He planned to use the talents he captured with his abilities rather than the benefits given to him as a player in this plan.

It was a skill that he had to have as an emperor to use talents in the right place.

‘There are many people who should do their part this time!’

Clap!

Eurius clapped his hands with a smile.

“Actually, there are some talents that I haven’t introduced yet.”

“Who are they?”

Jegal Hwayoung asked curiously. At that moment, the door of the secret room opened and two men entered.

Squeak.

“Greetings to Your Highness.”

“Greetings to Your Highness!”

“Who are they?”

Most of the people in the room tilted their heads when they saw them. They were two young men.

One of them had a manly appearance, but he was not a warrior and wore a military uniform. He seemed to belong to the military staff.

The other man looked even younger and was a novice. He had a thin body and an intelligent face. He looked like a typical low-ranking official.

“Devan, and Bryan, long time no see.”

“Nice to see you again.”

“Thank you for remembering me.”

They greeted him, but their faces were slightly pale. The people in the room didn’t show much of their aura, but they were so formidable that even their faint aura created an oppressive atmosphere.

‘They are not ordinary people. What kind of meeting is this?’

‘Why did he call me, a mere low-ranking official, when Marius is also attending? It doesn’t seem like an ordinary place.’

Eurius observed their expressions for a while and then opened his mouth.

“Actually, what I wanted to see most in this place was you!”

“Me?”

The person he pointed at had a dumbfounded expression. Why did Eurius want to see him?

But soon he realized that he made a mistake and bowed his head hastily.

“I apologize. But how can I…”

“Don’t be too nervous, Bryan.”

The person Eurius pointed at was Bryan.

He was currently helping Marius and achieving great results in the north, and in his previous life, he was known as Money King on the continent.

In fact, Eurius only heard rumors about his nickname and ability, but he didn’t know much about him.

‘I didn’t know he had other skills besides financial management. Well, geniuses in one field tend to excel in other similar fields.’

Eurius winked at Marius and Jegal Hwayoung.

“Chief of Staff said that his advice was the most helpful in finding out about the black market in Moonlight War. Is that true?”