For Duanmu Huai, the prison riot was nothing more than a small warm-up. Although the ending was somewhat unexpected, it was still a perfect conclusion overall.
Of course, the matter didn't end there. According to Petra's investigation, that Awoken man seemed to be the younger brother of their queen, and it was highly possible that something had happened to him to make him that way. Petra was very anxious and planned to send the Guardians to investigate further… Hmm, another side quest, no doubt.
But Duanmu Huai didn't have time to bother with that now. At this moment, he was already leading his Inquisition fleet back to the novice planet.
"Phew, looks like we made it in time."
Looking at the peaceful surface of the planet, Duanmu Huai let out a sigh of relief. He activated the viewing screen and began to survey the familiar scenery, searching for specific locations.
First was the capital of Bretonnia—Carcassonne. Duanmu Huai adjusted the image, gazing at the knightly kingdom's city. On a quiet street, in front of a small jewelry shop, a plainly dressed girl was sprinkling water over the pavement. Judging by her practiced movements, she was clearly used to the job.
Then, an old man drove a wagon full of goods to the shop and greeted the girl. She smiled brightly and waved back before turning into the store and saying something inside. Soon, an elven scout walked out and began helping the old man unload the goods.
"Not bad at all."
Seeing this scene, Duanmu Huai's lips curved into a faint smile. He had gone through many things since arriving in this world, but he hadn't forgotten what happened when he first crossed over. Alisa was a good girl, but her world and his were too far apart. He never intended to drag such an ordinary girl into his battles against the dark gods. To him, a peaceful, ordinary life like this suited her much better.
After all, given her identity, returning to the Empire would only be awkward for her.
With that thought, Duanmu Huai switched the camera feed to another location.
Mordheim.
The once-accursed city now showed faint signs of life and vitality. Duanmu Huai could see that the ruined streets were being rebuilt, and more people moved about than before. Still, the atmosphere seemed tense, with guards patrolling heavily. Something was clearly wrong—though he didn't yet know what.
As for the Empire's capital, Altdorf… hmm?
To Duanmu Huai's surprise, the banners flying over Altdorf weren't just Imperial ones—he also saw the flags of the Elves and Bretonnia. It was rare to see these powers gathered in one place. What was going on?
Well… the fastest way to know was to go see for himself.
Soon after, Duanmu Huai, accompanied by Olgis, arrived once again in Altdorf's royal castle.
Despite his rather ridiculous armor design, the guards recognized him immediately and allowed him through. They even sent someone to inform His Majesty. After all, Duanmu Huai was the hero who had saved Altdorf from the cultists' hands, and with his unmistakable appearance, disguise was impossible anyway. The Emperor himself had once granted him the privilege of free entry.
Not only that—he met an old acquaintance.
"Oh my, if it isn't the Knight himself! Long time no see!"
"You are…?"
Duanmu Huai studied the man before him for a moment.
"General Pastor?"
"Hahaha! I didn't expect you to still remember me, Sir Knight…"
"It's hard not to. Though you've changed quite a bit."
Duanmu Huai said this as he looked over the general. He hadn't forgotten the commander of Mordheim who once tried to make him wear the yellow robes of kingship. But compared to that thin and gaunt man from before, the current General Pastor looked much healthier, even plump—his belly noticeably round beneath his uniform.
"Hahaha, I've been lacking exercise lately…"
The general gave a bitter smile when he noticed Duanmu Huai's gaze. Duanmu Huai didn't care much about it and started chatting with him.
According to Pastor, things had gone quite well for him afterward. Though he wasn't especially capable, his loyalty to the Emperor during that chaotic night had earned him favor. He was promoted both in rank and title, and since then, he had served the Emperor diligently.
Duanmu Huai asked about the current state of the Empire. It was much as the Emperor had once described: after that night, the three princes who had colluded with the dark gods were executed, along with the nobles connected to them. Many aristocrats were purged, and new officials were promoted.
Naturally, such harsh measures caused unease among the remaining lords. But when the Emperor proposed the Elector Count system, those restless sparks were quickly extinguished. Any noble with enough power could now, in theory, become Emperor—not just members of the royal family.
Even if most of the current lords were too old to see that day, their heirs still had a chance.
So they quickly calmed down and obediently followed the Emperor's will. The internal political crisis thus came to an end.
"The Empire has remained stable, all thanks to your efforts, Sir Knight…"
At this, Pastor gave a respectful bow. He couldn't help but shiver when he thought back to that night—if the cultists and corrupted princes hadn't been stopped, Altdorf might have been destroyed. The Empire's current peace was entirely due to Duanmu Huai's actions. Not only had he purged the dark god's followers, but he'd also wiped out the vampires that plagued Imperial lands. Without him, who knew what the Empire would have become?
"No need for such flattery."
Duanmu Huai waved his hand and changed the subject.
"By the way, is there a festival going on? I saw Bretonnian and Elven banners around—some kind of event?"
"Oh? You don't know, Sir Knight?"
"I just came back from abroad. I'm not up to date."
"It's no secret…"
Pastor didn't mind Duanmu Huai's excuse and explained.
After Duanmu Huai's departure, the Empire enjoyed a short period of stability thanks to the destruction of the cults and vampires. But peace never lasts. Barely a year later, crises began erupting on all sides.
First, the northern Chaos legions gathered and marched south. In the past, such an attack would have annihilated the divided Empire, but fortunately, the realm was now stable enough to resist them. Even so, the northern kingdom of Kislev wasn't so lucky. Under the Chaos onslaught, their defenses collapsed after only a short time, and they had to flee south with Imperial help.
Meanwhile, across the mountains, Bretonnia suffered a civil war. Though it eventually ended, the kingdom was left badly weakened. In the south, the Skaven ratmen began to stir, raiding southern provinces.
Even the Elves weren't spared. Reports said that both the High Elves and Dark Elves had been attacked by Chaos forces in the far north.
In short—Chaos had begun a full-scale invasion against all civilized lands.
Because of this, representatives from Bretonnia, Kislev, and the Elves had come to the Empire to discuss forming an allied army.
"So it's begun…"
Duanmu Huai frowned. He hadn't personally experienced the "End Times" war, but from player posts on the forums, he knew the signs well. The beginning of that era was marked by chaos and madness—monsters, cults, and horrors crawling out from every corner to announce the end.
And now, it seemed events were unfolding exactly as foretold. He had returned at just the right moment.
"Pardon the interruption."
Just then, a soldier hurried over, panting. He bowed deeply to Duanmu Huai.
"Are you the Savior Knight? His Majesty requests your presence. Please, follow me."
That title was a bit much, honestly.
Duanmu Huai sighed inwardly at the exaggerated honorific, but he nodded and followed, Olgis at his side. They were led through the halls to the royal study.
"Yo, long time no see."
Sitting behind the desk was Karl Franz, the Emperor himself. He set down his quill and greeted Duanmu Huai with a smile.
"By the way, what happened to your armor? It looks… different."
"Cute, right? I rather like it."
"Hahaha! As expected of you."
The Emperor laughed heartily. For a man who once named his war chapter "Pink Bunny," painting his armor in such a way was hardly surprising.
"So tell me—where have you been? I've had people looking for you."
"I went on an overseas expedition. Just got back."
"Oh? How was it?"
"Nothing much—same old nonsense."
Duanmu Huai shrugged and sat down on the stone stool the servants brought for him.
"Since Your Majesty sent for me, I take it something's up?"
"Of course. You should already have some idea of the Empire's situation."
"I've heard a bit. Chaos and Skaven are both causing trouble again."
"Indeed."
At this, the Emperor's face turned serious.
"In fact, according to our investigation, this new Chaos upheaval may all trace back to one man."
"Oh? And who might that be?"
"The Everchosen of Chaos—Archaon."
(End of Chapter)