Surviving as a Barbarian in a Fantasy World

Chapter 353: Peace - Aftermath (1)

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

w

Chapter 353: Peace - Aftermath (1)

Two weeks ago.

[It's been a while.]

The Tower Master stood before the gates of the Empire's capital.

He had delivered his message to Ketal and immediately made his way here.

[It's always massive, no matter how many times I see it.]

The Tower Master murmured in awe.

The walls guarding the capital were colossal—so vast they seemed to reach the clouds.

In addition to their sheer size, they were imbued with special magical fortifications, making them nearly impenetrable, even for the Tower Master.

These walls enveloped the entire capital, concealing its interior so thoroughly that it resembled a prison.

After marveling at the walls for a moment, the Tower Master approached the city gates.

A guard stationed there asked in a low voice,

“Who are you?”

[It’s me, you fool.]

“Ah, the Tower Master.”

Despite recognizing the Tower Master, the guard showed no particular reaction.

As if this were routine, he calmly addressed him.

“What is your purpose here?”

[I’ve come to meet His Majesty the Emperor.]

“I’ll relay your message inside. Please wait a moment.”

With that, the guard entered the gate.

Even the mighty master of the tower, a figure revered as a teacher to all magicians, had to wait for approval like an ordinary merchant.

The Tower Master seemed accustomed to this process; every visit to the Empire required him to follow these steps before gaining entry.

Shortly after, the guard returned.

“Please, come in.”

[Such meticulous procedures, as always.]

The Tower Master followed the guard into the capital.

The Empire's capital, veiled in mystery, unfolded before the Tower Master's eyes.

The place was silent.

Everything was perfectly spotless and immaculate, without even a speck of dust.

[This place always feels so devoid of humanity. So cold.]

As he observed the capital, the Tower Master asked the guard with a hint of curiosity,

[Where are all the people?]

There wasn’t a single soul on the streets.

On previous visits, the streets were sparsely populated, but there was always at least one or two people in sight.

Now, even in broad daylight, not a shadow could be seen.

It was a strange sight, but the guard spoke stoically.

“This is not something for the Tower Master to concern himself with.”

[Well, you lot have always been peculiar. I suppose this is just more of the same.]

The Tower Master dismissed the thought.

After all, even during the war against hell itself, they had remained unmoved.

A lack of visible people seemed trivial in comparison.

Following the guard’s lead, the Tower Master entered the imperial palace.

He finally stood before the Emperor after a series of complicated procedures.

[It’s been a while.]

“You’ve arrived, Tower Master.”

The Emperor, seated on his throne, gazed down at the Tower Master with calm indifference.

Despite ruling over a vast empire, the Emperor appeared astonishingly youthful.

Yet, the Tower Master knew that this appearance was deceptive; the Emperor had looked the same decades ago.

[What, have you been drinking some elixir of immortality? You never seem to age.]

“What brings you here?”

[Are you seriously asking me that?]

The Tower Master spoke with disbelief.

[You must be aware of what’s happening outside. Hell descended upon the earth, and the seal on the Demon King was broken. This world nearly collapsed.]

During this crisis, the Empire had remained utterly still.

[Why did you not act?]

The Tower Master’s voice echoed through the palace, heavy with discontent.

Many kingdoms had been destroyed while waiting for the Empire’s aid, and had the Empire moved, countless lives could have been saved.

[Don’t think you can respond with silence this time. I will have an answer.]

The Tower Master’s tone was firm, demanding accountability.

After a brief pause, the Emperor finally spoke.

“Why should the Empire have acted?”

[...What?]

Ketal raised an eyebrow in fascination.

"Are they really able to rule such vast lands with just one capital? Is that even feasible?"

"The Empire has the power to do so."

There had been kingdoms that doubted the Empire's ability to control its expansive territory and refused to pay tribute.

The Empire issued a warning, which the kingdom ignored, instead gathering its entire military force in preparation for an attack.

It wasn’t an empty show of confidence, as they even had two superhuman-class warriors among them.

A week later, the kingdom was annihilated.

"No one knows how they did it. But the royal capital vanished without a trace, leaving not even its foundation. It happened in a single day."

Since then, no one dared defy the Empire's commands.

"Impressive strength, then."

Ketal stroked his chin, intrigued.

"Even the Tower Master cannot disobey the Empire’s orders. Some rumors claim they have several hero-class elites, but... surely, that can’t be true."

Though Milena dismissed the thought, her expression showed uncertainty.

It suggested the Empire truly had such strength.

"But why didn’t such a powerful Empire intervene in the war against Hell?"

"...That’s the mystery."

It was a question everyone shared.

Ketal asked curiously,

"Is it common for the Empire to refrain from getting involved in such matters?"

"They’ve always been somewhat passive in external affairs, but... this was a crisis for the entire surface world. Many thought they would act."

Milena muttered in puzzlement but didn’t press the matter further.

"The Empire must have had its reasons. Perhaps they dealt with the demons’ covert movements behind the scenes."

It was a reasonable assumption.

The Empire, after all, was part of the surface world.

If the surface collapsed, so would the Empire.

It was hard to believe they had truly been idle during the invasion.

Most people trusted that the Empire had acted in some capacity.

"Is that so?"

Ketal murmured, his eyes gleaming with a peculiar light.

* * *

Two more days passed, yet the Tower Master had not returned.

Though curious, Ketal could only continue to wait.

During this time, a familiar face appeared to visit him.

"Ah, Elene. It’s been a while."

"It has indeed."

A woman with golden hair and sapphire eyes.

Now a being entirely replaced by nanos—the princess of Theseus.

Although it had been some time since their last meeting, Elene looked unchanged, save for a faint weariness.

Ketal greeted her warmly.

"It’s been a while. How have you been?"

"A lot has happened. I’ve faced criticism and even rebellion. But still, I remain the queen of my land."

Elene spoke with composure.

Her appearance hadn’t changed a bit, but the emotions she carried were vastly different.

"You’ve had a tough time."

"Not as tough as you, Ketal."

Elene smiled faintly.

No matter how hard her trials had been, they were nothing compared to Ketal’s battle against the Demon King.

"So, what brings you to me?"

"I have something to tell you."

Elene raised her arm.

Ketal, observing her closely, soon noticed something.

"...Is that trembling?"

Though faint, nearly imperceptible, Elene’s arm was indeed trembling.

"My body, made of nanos—what you call them—is under my complete control, so there’s usually no issue."

She lowered her arm.

"But about three weeks ago, the nanos that constitute my body began reacting to something, as if feeling... joy or liberation."

"Liberation."

Ketal repeated, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Before him, as always—but this time strangely unfamiliar—a system window appeared.

[Quest #791]

[Respond immediately.]

[Respond. Respond. Respond. Respond.]

[Warning: If you fail to respond, the world you wish for will collapse.]

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

w