Chapter 234: Holy Nation (6)

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“……That’s.”

Hearing what Carl had brought, Ruthwell and Nadram let out a groan at the same time.

They had already been aware of the plan to transform humans into monsters, but they hadn’t expected it to be organized on such a large scale.

To think they would be preparing so boldly near the Imperial Capital.

“This is the secured sample. It’s a different ingredient from the Black Beads, though it seems to have been partially referenced.”

“……Could you explain how exactly it’s different? We’re not experts, so it’s hard to understand clearly.”

Crown Prince Yulian stared coldly at Carl.

He was in a state of great fury upon hearing that such brazen terrorism was being planned in the capital he would one day rule.

If necessary, he was prepared to overturn everything they had set up so far and proceed with a large-scale purge.

“The objective is different. Mana Beads focus on concentration. If a regular human, who isn’t compatible, consumes it, they lose their ego and turn into a monster. However, if a properly powerful person consumes it, there’s a high possibility of a formidable demon human being born. On the other hand…”

“What Carl Leipzig has found causes indiscriminate mutation?”

At Cardinal Nadram’s words, Carl nodded slightly.

“If Black Beads are for building an elite demon human organization, this sample is plainly for terrorism. Neither should be left unchecked, but the latter will cause more damage to civilians.”

Once it spread through the body, it was nearly impossible to cure unless the affected part was severed.

Even if divine power were poured in indiscriminately, the rebound would be too much for the body to endure.

There’s no way a regular person could sever their own limbs, so they’d instantly lose their ego and become a monster.

“…….”

All three remained silent, except for Carl.

If the sample was already in hand, it meant mass production would soon begin.

It wouldn’t be strange if a country overrun by monsters appeared at any moment.

“It seems we need to push the plan ahead a bit.”

“The Holy Nation will also move more swiftly. This isn’t a situation we can afford to watch idly.”

“At the same time, we must strengthen the security of the Imperial Palace. The safety of His Majesty the Emperor and Crown Prince Yulian is paramount.”

At Paladin Ruthwell’s words, Carl nodded.

They were only able to move so freely now thanks to the full cooperation of the Crown Prince, who had received orders from the Emperor.

But if anything happened to Crown Prince Yulian, things would come to a grinding halt.

It was certain that collaborators from the powers of the Demon Realm, hiding everywhere, would interfere in every possible way.

“……On that note, how about this plan?”

Carl cautiously proposed a plan, watching their reactions.

It was a sweeping plan to flush out the collaborators of the Demon Realm powers and the demons waiting for their chance.

“I see.”

After hearing Carl’s proposal, Crown Prince Yulian narrowed his eyes and nodded.

The political fallout wouldn’t be minor, but it was worth attempting.

“Are you certain about this? It could become genuinely dangerous.”

“Indeed. We don’t know when or where a collaborator from the Demon Realm will appear…”

“To catch a lion, you must go into the lion’s den. I believe Sir Carl’s plan is reasonable.”

The advancement of the Demon Realm’s power was faster than expected.

If they made a mistake, it could lead to an invasion right before their eyes, so they needed an extraordinary countermeasure.

“Then I expect everyone to do their best in their respective positions.”

After finishing his business at the Imperial Palace, Carl returned and resumed his usual academy life.

Ssshhk.

He was currently in his dormitory room, reading a letter from Laysis.

Every time she sent one, it was astonishingly long—over ten pages—filled with rambling, sentimental tales.

Carl, chuckling faintly as he read through them one by one, looked out the darkening window.

“That wraps things up on the Alforam side.”

Most members of NOX had temporarily left the capital and moved to Alforam.

The aftermath of the upcoming incident would devastate the Ribera Empire’s underworld.

Carl had sent Lahan and all relevant agents out of the capital using various excuses, leaving a significant power vacuum for the time being.

“The idiot jackals are the only ones excited.”

Other underground organizations that had been keeping low profiles began to rejoice once Lahan and NOX reached near disbandment.

As if they had been waiting for this moment, they launched attacks and aggressively expanded their influence, devouring all sorts of businesses.

Of course, Carl conceded interests to them without resistance, appearing to lose every battle.

Soon enough, the deadly poison hidden among those sweet fruits would reveal itself to the world.

Kiiiiiiing─!

Sure enough, red warning lights began to light up across the capital shrouded in deep darkness.

“……What the?”

“An alarm? What’s happening?”

In the Imperial Capital, different alarms were issued based on threat levels.

Normally, alerts were localized by district, but now red alerts—signaling an imperial emergency—were lighting up throughout the city.

Tadadadat.

Even the Bavarian Academy, which had been steeped in the silence of night, went on full alert.

The red alert was the highest-level warning, symbolizing a threat to the Empire’s very survival.

What could have possibly happened for a red alert to be issued in the capital?

“Any updates?”

“Not yet. We’re trying to confirm it, but it seems difficult.”

“Wait a little longer. The Imperial Family decided to share information with Bayern as a top priority.”

The instructors of Bayern, who had been resting leisurely, were summoned and placed on alert.

Could it be a rebellion?

There was currently no kingdom bold enough to attack the Empire.

Even if several kingdoms united, the gap in power was so great they would collapse with just a gesture from the Empire.

In that case, the only realistic inference would be…

“It means something has happened to His Majesty the Emperor or His Highness Crown Prince Yulian.”

“Hey now, don’t speak such blasphemous things.”

“Instructor Frahan, how are the academy’s defense mechanisms?”

“I’ve made sure they can be activated immediately. For now, the Student Council is standing guard and controlling access in and out.”

“Well done. There could be those trying to slip into Bayern amidst the chaos. If anything happens, be ready to activate the barrier at once.”

“Understood.”

Bayern reacted sensitively to the current situation.

After all, hadn’t they suffered a severe terrorist attack during the entrance screening earlier this year?

It caused significant damage and shook their reputation as the Empire’s top academy.

Thus, all the instructors were wide-eyed in preparation.

“…….”

Among them, Nine quietly waited while glancing out the window.

‘Just as Master said.’

She silently counted the time.

Someone from the Imperial Palace should be arriving soon…

Bang!

At that moment, the door to the meeting room burst open, and a man in the ceremonial attire of the Imperial Palace stepped inside.

“Is the Headmaster of Bayern here?”

“……I am.”

Headmaster Ikadel of Bayern stroked his beard and rose from his seat.

The Imperial envoy wiped the sweat from his brow and handed over several documents.

“I’ll keep it brief and only state the crucial points. I need to visit multiple locations starting with Bayern.”

“I understand.”

“His Highness Crown Prince Yulian was unofficially inspecting the capital when he was attacked by unidentified assailants. He is in critical condition, and the situation does not look good. By the Emperor’s order, troops will likely enter the capital soon.”

“……Oh no.”

One of the instructors covered their mouth and let out a silent groan.

Crown Prince Yulian, a prominent heir to the imperial throne, had been attacked during a tour of the capital.

It was an enormous crisis.

If mishandled, it could drastically alter the established succession structure and destabilize the Empire itself.

“If troops are being dispatched into the capital…”

“No one knows how long it’ll last, but tonight, at least, all movement will be strictly controlled. His Majesty is enraged. Bayern should be cautious as well.”

The Imperial envoy swept his sharp gaze around the room.

Those in key positions often had ties to the underworld.

Bayern was no exception, so the unspoken message was to avoid getting caught in the fire.

Some instructors flinched and bit their lips, while others averted their gaze and nodded.

“We’ll keep that in mind. What does Bayern need to do?”

“Nothing. Resume normal operations once the sun rises. There will be no internal disruptions.”

“Understood.”

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

The Imperial envoy departed without even waiting for Headmaster Ikadel’s reply.

Given the palace’s usual respectful stance toward Bayern, it was clear how urgent the matter was.

“I trust everyone understands the situation. Now more than ever, support the cadets and ensure everything proceeds without incident. Especially those from foreign nations—strictly monitor them to prevent any sudden actions.”

“Understood.”

With that, the instructors dispersed.

Nine blended in among them, headed toward the male dormitory, and lightly entered a room with the window wide open.

“Master.”

“How did it go?”

“Just as you said. Crown Prince Yulian was attacked during an inspection, and the military plans to lock down the capital.”

“Hmm.”

Carl nodded.

No matter how deep the darkness clung to the Empire’s underworld, if the military and palace knights took action, it would be shattered completely.

Once the cleanup was finished, they could call back those stationed outside, including those in Alforam, and fill the vacancies.

“It looks like we’ll be able to seize the capital’s underworld a bit sooner than expected.”

And they didn’t even have to shed their own blood—using the Empire’s power was the perfect scenario.

“What’s the report from Alforam?”

“There were several sightings of individuals suspected to be connected to the Demon Realm, but no significant changes. Everything Miss Laysis wrote is true, and stability should return soon.”

“That’s rather fortunate for them. Taking the first blow spared them the worst.”

Once the purge of the capital’s underworld began, organizations across the continent would start to stir.

Those entangled with the powers of the Demon Realm would become even more frenzied, advancing their plans to seize control of their respective kingdoms.

Considering that chaos, Alforam, which had already received its warning, might actually be in a better position.

At the very least, neither the king nor high officials would be consumed by the Demon Realm’s forces.

“Tell them it’s time we began preparations as well. What’s their response?”

“Understood. We’ve already made contact with several royal houses using the name of the Holy Nation and received positive replies.”

“Tell them to make it certain.”

At Carl’s command, Nine nodded and leapt back out the window.

Carl had no intention of being satisfied with the Empire or Alforam alone.

At the very least, he would need to consume the underworlds of all the neighboring kingdoms.

“It won’t be long now.”

It likely wouldn’t take much longer to take control of the entire continent’s underworld.

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