Asmophel was liberated from the brainwashing and approached Blade, who was staring blankly at Dark Bus' corpse.
"The hero who punished the wicked Yatan Servant. My savior... Can you listen to my unjust story?"
['The True Traitor of the Red Knights (SS)' quest has been changed to the 'Hidden Story (Hidden)' quest.]
What was this situation?
Blade was simply confused because he thought he would have a good battle against Dark Bus, but the guy died in just a few hits. Sure, Blade had increased damage against demons and related creatures, but still... wasn't that too easy?
What Blade didn't know was that Dark Bus was one of the most annoying opponents. He could cast all kinds of debuffs, making battles much harder. However, thanks to Blade's legendary status, the most troublesome enemy had turned into the easiest one.
While Asmosphel spoke as Blade made a stupid expression.
"One day, Empress Marie came to me," Asmophel began.
It was a long story. He explained in detail how Marie had approached him and planted seeds of discord between him and Piaro. The Yatan Essence—a sinister substance—had been his downfall. A single drop of it could weaken the human mind to an extreme degree, throwing one's mana into chaos.
Asmophel trembled as he spoke, his voice heavy with guilt. He had been brainwashed by Dark Bus, turned into nothing more than a puppet. And in the end, he had helped ruin Piaro and his comrades.
Tears welled in his eyes as he whispered, "Someday... If the day comes when you meet a man called Piaro, please tell him this. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry."
Then, without hesitation, Asmophel drew his sword and pointed it at his own neck. He intended to atone for his sins the only way he believed possible—by ending his own life.
But before the blade could pierce too deeply, Blade's hand shot out, stopping him.
"Don't leave it to others. Apologize directly," Blade said firmly, his eyes filled with resolve.
At that moment, a notification appeared before him.
[The first condition of the hidden quest 'Hidden Story (Hidden)' has been revealed: The reunion of Piaro and Asmophel.]
"Can I do it? Am I even worthy?" Asmophel asked, his voice filled with doubt.
Blade looked at him firmly. "Only Piaro can tell you that," he replied.
Asmophel nodded solemnly.
"Sir Asmophel, is this true?" the Black Knight leader, Zayn, asked, his voice tense.
Asmophel met his gaze and nodded. Zayn clenched his fists, his expression conflicted as he stared at the fallen knight.
"Shouldn't you confess this to His Majesty, the Emperor?" Zayn pressed.
Asmophel shook his head. "Will it matter? He won't believe me anyway," he said bitterly. "I am not worthy of living either. I will just go and confess my crimes to the one who truly deserves it."
Zayn exhaled sharply, but before he could respond, he hesitated. Then, with a cautious but hopeful tone, he said, "What if Lord Saint speaks for you? Surely His Majesty would listen."
Piaro and the other Red Knights of his generation were heroes—legends that no one could forget. Yet, when they were branded as traitors, everything crumbled. Few dared to question it.
But there were few like Zayn.
He had always believed in Sir Piaro, the true hero of the empire. And now that the opportunity had arrived to prove their innocence, he couldn't just stand by and let this chance slip away.
"I also think you should go," Blade said, his tone firm.
He knew that the empire was filled with powerful individuals, not to mention the former Red Knights who were now living in hiding. What if he gained their favor? What if he could recruit them all under him and harness their skills?
With that thought in mind, Blade gave Asmophel a push toward the imperial capital.
'Though... there is a chance he won't even meet me,' Blade mused. He had forgotten most of the plot, but there were still some key details he remember.
'There is a demon among the Red Knights, if I remember correctly,' he thought, his mind racing.
As he pieced together the fragments of information, a plan slowly began to take shape in his mind.
***
Words of what had transpired soon reached the Emperor's ears, and Blade, along with all the witnesses, was summoned to the Imperial Palace.
Before long, they arrived at the grand doors of the throne room. The guards stationed there announced their arrival.
"The Black Knights and the Saint Blade have arrived," they declared as they pushed the doors open.
Blade walked inside with a calm demeanor, unfazed by the countless stares directed at him. The throne room was massive, with towering pillars—thirty on each side, spaced evenly at four-meter intervals. His gaze shifted forward, taking in the sight of the nobles and, at the highest seat, the Emperor himself. To the Emperor's right stood the Five Pillars of the Empire, while to his left stood the Seven Dukes, each radiating authority.
The Black Knights knelt and saluted the Emperor, a show of unwavering discipline. Blade followed suit, though his posture lacked the polished grace of a knight. His informal demeanor did not go unnoticed, yet no one openly addressed it.
"Rise," the Emperor commanded, his voice carrying an undeniable weight.
As Blade stood, a series of notifications flashed before his eyes:
[The bloodline that dominates the continent gazes upon you.]
[All stats reduced by 50%.]
[You have resisted.]
[You feel fear, reducing your attack power by 30% and attack speed by 50%.]
[You have resisted.]
The bloodline that dominates the continent—this was the defining trait of the Imperial lineage of the Saharan Empire. Throughout history, only one individual had ever truly conquered the entire continent: Saharan, the Empire's legendary founder. Now, his descendants continued to rule over the largest and most powerful empire on the continent, their authority undisputed and their might undeniable.
It was evident from the fact that just being in his presence one receive such debuffs, but it is not at all.
[ You are the First Player to meet the Emperor ]
[ All stats +50 ]
Blade also become the first player to directly meet the Emperor.
*******
Like it?
***
Read More at :- patreon.com/be_king