Chapter 53: The Emperor’s Mission
“That was Emperor Camper. The ruler of the entire Empire, secretly visiting Lavoisier City, and I had the honor of meeting him. He was incredibly perceptive. After a brief conversation, he deduced my ambition to become the leader of the Black Hats.”
“He didn’t reveal his intentions immediately. Instead, he asked me why I wanted to become the leader. I was overwhelmed by his charisma, his presence. I felt a surge of loyalty towards him, even after such a short interaction. I confessed my plans for revenge.”
“He told me that the suffering I and others like me endured wasn’t due to a lack of strength, but because the world’s power was unbalanced and unchecked. Eugene was too powerful, his actions unrestrained, allowing him to act with impunity, even taking lives.”
“After a night of conversation, I learned his true identity: Emperor Camper of the Eastern Empire. He promised to lend me a significant sum of money to help me become the leader of the Black Hats. And he gave me a task.”
Titus’s expression brightened, and he stood up, spreading his arms wide.
“Unify the gangs of Lavoisier City, become the sole ruler, and use my power to end their conflicts. I could still exploit legal loopholes, engage in less-than-savory activities to make money, but I had to swear allegiance to him, pay taxes, obey his direct orders, and gradually reform the gangs, making them more legitimate.”
“That’s a challenging task,” Givia said. “Gang culture is deeply ingrained in Lavoisier City. Reforming them would be a long and arduous process.”
“It is difficult, but the Emperor didn’t set a deadline. I accepted the task, and I’m making progress. You must have noticed that the Black Hats are different from your typical gang now, haven’t you?”
“Indeed, your gang has a… military feel to it. Your men might lack proper training, but they’re disciplined and motivated,” Givia said, nodding. “And I can tell they’re well-treated. They’re loyal to you.”
“That’s because we focus on creating wealth, not on exploiting others,” Titus said, smiling. “The Emperor’s orders are usually simple: make money, now and in the future. And ensure peace and cooperation with the citizens of Lavoisier City. No chaos.”
Abyss nodded, impressed. Emperor Camper was an intriguing figure. If he ever died, Abyss would definitely resurrect him and have a long conversation with him. Perhaps this Emperor’s methods could truly lead the Eastern Empire to greater prosperity.
He wondered who was more capable: Emperor Camper or Helen, the future Empress of the Western Empire. He didn’t want to see a war between the two empires. A conflict between the continent’s two most powerful nations would be devastating. He might be a necromancer, but he didn’t enjoy seeing people die unnecessarily.
“My journey is far from over. This feast isn’t a celebration of my victory, but a farewell for your departure,” Titus said, raising his glass towards Givia. “May your Restoration Army achieve victory and restore the Ossi Kingdom to its former glory!”
“Thank you,” Givia said, standing up and draining her glass in one gulp. She then placed the empty glass upside down on the table, an Ossi custom to show respect to one’s drinking companions.
“Enjoy the feast. The potions have been loaded onto the wagons and are under guard,” Titus said, mimicking Givia’s gesture, emptying his glass and placing it upside down on the table.
“Abyss, I’ve instructed my men to arrange the children’s departure from Lavoisier City. It should be ready tomorrow. You can personally oversee their departure. And please let me know if you have any special requests,” Titus said, turning to Abyss. “As a skilled mage, you must have ways to ensure their safety during their journey. I’ve assigned trustworthy men and hired reliable mercenaries, but your reassurance would be appreciated.”
“I’ll compensate you for the expenses later, in the form of gemstones. And I do have methods to ensure their safety. Thank you for your assistance,” Abyss said, nodding.
As the feast continued, Abyss suddenly felt a faint fluctuation in his necromantic link. A request for shared consciousness was being sent from somewhere within the city.
He was surprised. The sender was one of his two undead servants, whom he had dispatched as a precaution. If he accepted the request, he would be able to hear the servant’s thoughts and issue commands through the link. It was a quick and efficient communication method. If his servant was resorting to this, it must be something urgent.
“Elton, what have you found? Why are you contacting me through the link?” Abyss said, accepting the request and chanting a short spell, establishing a connection that transcended distance.
“Master Abyss, I’m currently disguised as a Black Hats gang member, among the children rescued from the Goat Eyes Gang’s factories,” Elton’s voice echoed in his mind. “A messenger is on his way to you, but I thought you should know this first—a few of the children have collapsed, and they’re vomiting black mud.”
“Hmm? That’s unusual. I’ll head over there immediately,” Abyss said, frowning. He had never heard of any illness that caused people to vomit black mud. This was clearly more than just a simple illness.
As he was about to inform Titus of his departure, another request for shared consciousness arrived, this time from his other undead servant.
“Fallon, what’s wrong?”
“Master Abyss, I’m currently disguised as a Goat Eyes gang member, among their remaining forces. They’re preparing some kind of powerful machine, and they’re heading towards a specific location—this machine uses black mud as a power source. I have a bad feeling about this!”
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