Chapter 1576 - 543: Top Secret and Promotion (3)

Even with most of the enemy’s frontal assaults being taken on by Mechanical Land Birds and Mechanical Scythe Claw Dragons, it was clear that just the heterogeneous spider swarm had far exceeded their previous expectations in combat power.

Not to mention, the main force of the Tutkash School was lying in wait like a venomous snake, secretly lurking somewhere, yet to strike. Although they were prepared on this side, they must remain vigilant.

"I agree, it would be more prudent to launch the full-scale attack once Crown Rein arrives," said the elderly Isodre School Wizard with a mustache, nodding.

He had seen Graham’s strength firsthand and naturally wouldn’t underestimate the opponent. Even with the ’Destroyer’ as a massive weapon, they could only barely maintain a stalemate.

At this moment, a young wizard with a joyful expression hastily came to report, saying:

"Sect Leader, several representatives from other wizard schools have come from the Imperial City, saying they wish to join the Mechanical Association and are here to observe and evaluate."

"Hmm?" Everyone exchanged glances, momentarily surprised.

"Have other schools joined so quickly?"

"Which schools came?" Deputy Sect Leader Bradley immediately asked.

"The medium-sized schools, Rocky Mechanized Workshop and Clay Puppet Secret Technique Institute, as well as other small wizard schools, have all sent representatives."

"Huh? Those two medium-sized schools used to not get along well with us..."

"Yes, word is that two days ago, Lord Rein had already filed the association’s matters with the Empire’s Wizard School Union. Furthermore, there’s news that Lord Rein has officially been promoted to Imperial Guardian."

"What! That’s wonderful!" Moria heavily clapped the table, his face flushed with excitement.

How many years has it been!

It’s been years since the Bixiu Mechanization School produced an Imperial Guardian!

"Lord Rein, no, Crown Rein’s strength has long surpassed that of an average Imperial Guardian. Now being honored as a Guardian is simply a rightful outcome." The elderly Isodre School Wizard with graying hair stroked his beard, smiling as he congratulated.

"No wonder, representatives from other schools have come so quickly!" Bradley exclaimed, suddenly realizing.

As everyone wore expressions of joy, suddenly, a young wizard with a look of urgency rushed in, saying:

"Bad news, Sect Leader, lords, bad news just came in from the Talufoto Valley; three mechanical wizard squads have been completely wiped out!"

"What!"

"Each mechanical squad was equipped with at least one Mechanical Scythe Claw Dragon and one Mechanical Scream Dragon. Three mechanical squads... were all wiped out?"

"Yes, lord, we’ve already sent people for emergency investigation. We suspect that the valley is likely the secret base of the Tutkash School we’ve been searching for!"

"Contact Crown Rein immediately!"

"Yes, Sect Leader."

....

The next morning.

In the Empire’s main roads, lanterns were being hung up in celebration. The public had been informed of the Empire’s upcoming ceremony to induct the new Imperial Guardian, which was to be held at the Royal Arena.

At this time, the Royal Arena had been beautifully decorated with flowers, the stands filled with Imperial Nobles, noblewomen, and ladies.

Rein looked at the bustling scene before him and couldn’t help but murmur softly:

"Even the nobles, at this moment, are no different from the uninformed commoners."

"Crown Rein, perhaps we should look at this from a different perspective. For most people, ignorance might actually be bliss," said Lambert, standing solemnly beside him.

The guardians who had rushed to the Imperial City from other places were swiftly taken to isolated rooms, briefed in private, and also issued additional battle potions and healing potions.

Rein also encountered Lambert, who had just stepped into the realm of Sword Saint, among the new inductees.

By then, the ’Red Queen’ Menia, on the royal platform, graciously rose, showcasing her graceful and noble demeanor, and said, "After discussions with the Royal Family and the Elder Council, I solemnly announce the formal commencement of the ceremony for the new Imperial Guardian’s induction..."

Menia’s words were like cold water poured into boiling oil; the entire Royal Arena erupted!

Applause

"The first is Lord Rein from the Imperial Swordsmen Department... He is... also the youngest Imperial Guardian in the history of the Dragan Empire!"

Rein didn’t expect that Menia would introduce him first.

"The youngest Imperial Guardian in history? This... this is amazing!"

"Indeed, it’s impressive. Plus, this Guardian title is well-deserved. Didn’t you see how Crown Pantoscoke, with the title ’Storm Cloud’, also lost to Lord Rein, no, Crown Rein, a few days ago?"

"Exactly, the Empire is quite open-minded in this regard, not using age or seniority to determine the Imperial Guardian."

...

The gathered advanced nobles, noblewomen, and ladies whispered among themselves.

"Clap, clap, clap!"

Then, someone started clapping again, immediately sparking a second round of applause, bringing the arena’s atmosphere to a climax!

"Thanks to Prince Menia, thanks to the Elder Council, thank you all." At the center of the arena, Rein bowed slightly to express his gratitude.

At this moment, a strong aura suddenly rose from the center of the Imperial Palace, majestic and grand. Even with the layers of Witch Array weakening it, everyone within the palace felt it clearly.

"This is...." The nobles present were momentarily at a loss.

However, the well-prepared Imperial Guardians all took on serious expressions, looking towards the palace center, whispering, "Has the ascension started?"

...