[No title provided]
A grand chamber for the hero candidate, plastered floor to ceiling in marble and gold, in the style of 18th-century modern Europe. The magic stones of the chandelier scattered light as bright as daylight, while ornate sofas exuded a luxurious yet antique air. On a table hand-carved by master artisans from fine wood sat unfamiliar teas and snacks. This was the most opulent waiting room in the entire Alterion Empire. Fifteen burly men in black suits and ties, crouched awkwardly in such extravagant surroundings, made for a scene that was somehow amusing yet profoundly out of place.
"Haa... What the hell are we supposed to do here?"
"Anyone know imperial etiquette?"
"Damn it, no internet means we can't even look it up."
They fidgeted like patients with schizophrenia, fingers twitching restlessly—until then.
Knock knock. The door to the waiting room opened, and a man with a dignified air entered, bowing deeply.
"Pardon the intrusion."
His coat, embroidered with intricate gold thread, bore the imperial crest at its center, and the ornate epaulets on his shoulders hinted at a high rank.
"His Imperial Majesty the Emperor wishes to meet with our esteemed guests from Earth."
At those words, all chatter ceased.
The Secretary of Defense rose from the sofa, murmuring under his breath.
"Here we go..."
One by one, the agents stood, their shoulders slumping as if weighed down by an invisible hand. The man drew a gentle smile to reassure them.
"If you'll follow me, I'll escort you to His Majesty at once."
Leaving the waiting room, they headed toward the audience chamber. The straight corridor was lined with portraits at regular intervals.
"The Alterion Empire boasts a long history and has produced countless emperors. Though the hero's seat currently sits vacant, the Hero of Memory was one of our own from Alterion."
"The Hero of Memory... You mean that legend from Pandela?"
"Precisely. You're familiar with him."
"That old man's brought it up more times than I can count. After all those speeches, it'd be harder not to know."
One agent grumbled in complaint.
"Haha, he holds a special place in Pandela. He's beyond reproach as the Savior of All. I personally hold him in the highest regard."
"Ah, ahem! Sorry. My apologies."
The agent who spoke quickly bowed his head under the Defense Secretary's sharp glare. Unfazed, the man continued.
"Pandela exists today thanks to the Hero of Memory. Even during the interdimensional invasion 731 years ago, our Alterion Empire stood firm because he protected us."
At the corridor's end stood a magnificent door guarded by countless soldiers, all clad in gleaming platinum armor, swords, and shields. The man approached the guard captain in the center, who snapped a salute, bending at the waist with one arm tucked inward.
"By order of His Imperial Majesty, I have brought the honored guests from Earth."
"Understood. We'll open the doors immediately."
Rumble... The heavy doors parted, the floor vibrating faintly beneath them.
Bright light flooded out, revealing an audience chamber the size of a small plaza, dazzling in its splendor. The palace itself was lavish, but this chamber surpassed it entirely.
Click-clack. The sharp sound of heels echoed, utterly at odds with the solemn atmosphere.
The floor was marble so pristine it seemed transparent. Twelve cylindrical pillars supported the soaring ceiling, each intricately carved with zodiac figures that appeared alive. Along the walls stood heavily armored knights, motionless as statues, guarding the hall. Hundreds of nobles stood in perfect rows.
Gulp.
The Defense Secretary swallowed hard. The air felt thick, viscous, suffocating. Concealing their tremors, they advanced step by trembling step to their designated spots and looked up at the throne.
A familiar old face stood beside the emperor, assisting him, while nobles in resplendent attire cast intrigued glances their way. The emperor, in a uniform embroidered with intricate golden threads, welcomed them.
"You've traveled far. Welcome, honored guests from Earth. I am Izas Graham, Emperor of Alterion."
"Secretary of Defense of the United States, Kevin Holson."
The Defense Secretary stepped forward and bowed politely. The emperor smiled softly.
"No need for such formality. You're not of this world, after all. Make yourselves at home."
"We are grateful for your consideration."
The emperor chuckled heartily. The rumors of his benevolence and flexibility were no exaggeration.
"First, allow me to apologize on this occasion. It seems we've wronged your world terribly."
The emperor rose from the throne and bowed deeply. The Americans were too stunned to respond. This shattered their preconceptions of a tyrannical monarch. Whether it was mere courtesy to outsiders, they couldn't say.
"We had no idea the evil god we should have contained would slip into your world. I have no defense."
"Not at all. Our investigations suggest it crossed not through a portal, but some other means. Holding you accountable for an unforeseeable variable wouldn't be just."
According to Imperium Guild reports, portals hadn't appeared until two months after the materialization crisis. Sertina had been rampaging through Korea at the time, so they couldn't blame lax portal management here.
The emperor smiled warmly.
"The people of Earth are remarkably understanding and courteous. But you're not gathered here for idle chatter, so I'll answer your questions forthrightly."
The emperor slowly rose from the throne.
"Shall we move to more comfortable quarters?"
At that moment, doors on either side of the audience chamber swung open. Butlers and maids wheeled in tables laden with mouthwatering dishes, setting them up in moments.
"Worry not. There's plenty for you all."
The emperor gestured for the dazed agents to follow, then turned.
"The rest of you, enjoy the banquet."
The light opening banter soon delved into weightier matters.
"Why did a portal open between Pandela and Earth?"
"That's... a mystery to us as well. Your people crossed before we even detected it. Perhaps the evil god forced a dimensional shift."
The emperor stroked his chin thoughtfully. Then, one agent who had been listening silently raised a tentative hand.
"I've been wondering about something."
"Hm? Speak."
"We understand the Alterion Empire is cooperating with us to eliminate Sertina."
"Indeed."
"But is there concrete evidence she's the evil god?"
The question came from a pro-Sertina agent. The air among the Americans grew icy. Yet the emperor waved it off casually, signaling a servant.
"Bring them in."
"Yes, sir!"
Moments later, a rattling cart on wheels crossed the threshold. Over a hundred ancient tomes were stacked atop a golden frame. Some were intact, but most were singed or torn, in poor condition.
"What are these?"
"Records from the past. Most were lost in the invasion; only fragments remain."
The emperor picked up a relatively pristine volume and brushed off the top. Dust sifted from the weathered leather cover.
"They contain detailed accounts of the evil god. Our conclusion that Sertina is that entity stems from these ancient texts."
He handed the book to the agent, who flipped through it before speaking.
"So... it's an estimation?"
"I wish it were mere conjecture. But the matches are too numerous to ignore."
The emperor shook his head bitterly. The agent stared at the book in his hands, then spoke again.
"For verification, we'd like to borrow a few for examination. Would that be possible?"
"Hm... You may take ten originals, and as many copies as you like."
"Thank you for your generosity."
The agent bowed. Setting down his teacup, the Defense Secretary spoke up.
"We're on board with the Sertina elimination op to an extent, but our forces are woefully inadequate against her."
"No cause for concern. The Empire will provide maximum support."
At the emperor's glance, the familiar old man stepped forward with a wry chuckle. He was the one who had taught mana operation to the Imperium Guild.
"Proper introductions: I am Grantz Owen, 21st Mage Tower Lord of Alterion."
"This old guy's... the Mage Tower Lord?"
"You insolent pup! Have you sold your gratitude already?"
The old man's staff whipped through the air with a sharp crack, followed by a yelp.
The emperor watched with a kindly smile before speaking.
"And we have our own ace in the hole."
He ordered the servant.
"Fetch him."
"Yes, sir!"
Soon after.
Creeeak. A blonde swordswoman in elegant greaves opened the conference room door. She scanned the assembled faces with impassive eyes, then bowed lightly.
"Greetings, honored guests from afar. I am Marian Ernill, Hero of Memory candidate."