In just a short three days, the manifestation of the Goddess of Justice in Endymion had already spread far and wide.
After careful promotion by the mages, the event had risen to fame across this vast continent.
Relying on their powerful influence, the Mage Council spared no effort in publicizing this miracle.
Many mages even returned to their own countries, using illusory projections to display the scene in crowded markets and public squares.
Every passing citizen was left shaken by what they saw.
As expected, the news quickly reached the major newspapers.
Enthusiastic reporters surrounded the mages who were spreading the news, all scrambling to get firsthand information.
The newspapers were rushed into print overnight and distributed everywhere within just a single day, becoming the talk of dining tables across the land.
After this wave of publicity, the people of many nations gained a deeper understanding of the matter.
Like sparks spreading across a lush green prairie, wherever it reached, it left deep scorch marks behind.
For a time, the masses were stirred by the event, and a powerful sense of awe rose within their hearts.
That was a true god.
As for the upper-class nobles and the powerful figures...
Unlike the common folk, they sharply sensed that something different was mixed into all this.
The Mage Council openly displayed its close relationship with the Goddess of Justice, even declaring her as the supreme deity they worshiped.
At first glance, there seemed to be nothing wrong with that.
After all, the independent Mage Council had never belonged to any nation.
Given the standards upon which the Council was founded, having ties with the Goddess of Justice didn't seem like much of an issue either.
But considering the timing, everything felt unusually out of place.
After all, not long ago, the Mage Council had gained enormous fame because of the overwhelming power Viktor had displayed.
Just as they had become the center of public attention, such a major event occurring at this moment inevitably sparked speculation.
Thus, countless curious people began guessing at the truth behind it all.
However, the illusory projection could not be faked.
The clear image showed the Goddess of Justice holding a massive black greatsword, slashing through the sky, tearing apart the clouds, until even space itself shattered.
That dazzling light was like a rising crimson sun, breathtaking to behold.
The scene reminded many of the immense power Viktor had shown before.
Like surging winds and rolling clouds, one wave had barely settled before another rose.
Now, the Mage Council, representing justice, had gained the favor of the Goddess of Justice.
That was undoubtedly a significant signal.
At the same time...
Viktor leaned against the window, feeling the breeze drifting in. He extended his hand and took out the brand-new staff.
The black staff was covered in intricate patterns that stretched outward and gradually curved, with three floating rings suspended at the top.
At its peak, it curved into the shape of a golden bird's head, while at the tail end, a crystal-clear gemstone seemed embedded there, shining brilliantly.
[Wand: Truth of Great Prosperity]
[Effects: HP +10000, MP +300, All Resistances +100, Strength +350, Mana Consumption +40%]
[Skill: Great Prosperity: During battle, converts 15% of spell power into HP and 15% of MP into Strength. Lasts until the end of combat.]
[Skill: Astraea's Divine Judgment: Judges the enemy. Based on the enemy's Justice Value, deals massive damage ranging from Strength ×200% to ×4000%.]
[Description: The truth of prosperity can only be grasped by immense power.]
Strictly speaking, the staff in Viktor's hand was merely a replica of the one from the game.
But compared to the version in the game, this staff had gained an additional new skill.
[Astraea's Divine Judgment]
This skill existed because the scales of the Goddess of Justice had been added.
Although it was an imitation, its power was still astonishing.
And unexpectedly, it fit perfectly with the staff's attributes.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Just then, three consecutive knocks at the door pulled Viktor out of his thoughts.
He slightly loosened his grip, and the staff turned into fragments of light that scattered and vanished from his hand.
Then he turned around.
Liya had already pushed the door open and was standing at the entrance.
Clearly, the knocking had merely been one of her rare displays of courtesy.
Leaning against the doorway with her arms crossed, she wore a trace of dissatisfaction on her face. "It's almost time. Why are you still dawdling here?"
Viktor knew what she meant.
In seven days, it would be the birthday of the Empire's princess, Aurelian.
Emperor Aubrey cared deeply for his daughter and had already begun preparing for the celebration seven days in advance.
Early this morning, the outskirts of the royal capital had already been decorated in lively grandeur.
Colorful balloons and vibrant streamers looked especially bright under the sunlight, and fireworks bloomed across the boundless sky.
The entire nation was celebrating.
Before this, Aurelian had not been well known.
She used to be timid and had never appeared in the public eye.
The old emperor doted on her immensely and never forced her to attend any banquets or events.
So while other noble daughters would celebrate their birthdays with great fanfare, drawing countless attendees...
Only Aurelian, even on her birthday, would hide in the palace and secretly watch the servants set off two small fireworks.
Now, Aurelian was no longer as timid as before.
She had begun to show the dignity and pride unique to royal nobility.
Seeing his child grow more and more outstanding, Aubrey naturally wished to let everyone know of Aurelian's growth.
And as her teacher, Viktor needed to arrive early to offer his congratulations.
Liya stood there urging Viktor on.
"Gwen already went ahead. We're just waiting for you."
Indeed, if Liya hadn't forcibly shoved her onto the carriage earlier, the ones running late later would probably be two people instead of one.
Thinking of this, Liya held her forehead and let out a troubled sigh.
She shook her head, feeling deeply bothered.
While Viktor had been away from home the past few days, Gwen had come to the mansion every day looking for him.
Day after day, in a flat, emotionless tone, she would make the same request to Liya:
"I want to see Viktor."
Previously, Gwen hadn't been so obsessively infatuated with Viktor.
This inevitably made Liya wonder, what kind of magic did Viktor possess to make Gwen so captivated?
Liya couldn't understand it.
Viktor nodded and was just about to leave.
But Liya straightened herself and looked at him.
"Hold on."
She walked directly in front of him, extended a finger, and poked his chest several times.
"You're planning to leave dressed like that?"
Viktor fell silent for a moment. Without saying a word, he raised his hand and tugged at his collar.
A burst of flames instantly ignited behind him, spinning once in midair before wrapping around his entire body.
The flames burned across his coat with flickers of firelight, and his windbreaker was replaced by a black suit.
The black suit perfectly accentuated his nearly flawless male physique.
And the wing-shaped emblem on his chest added a touch of mystery.
Seeing this, Liya's bright eyes showed undisguised approval.
She looked Viktor up and down, a proud smile appearing on her face as she praised him, "This looks much better. Hurry up and go."
Vega flew down and landed on Viktor's shoulder, beginning to preen her smooth feathers. Only then did Viktor step outside.
One foot had just crossed the threshold when he paused again.
Without turning back, he said to Liya behind him, seemingly out of nowhere, "I'm curious."
Liya looked confused, "About what?"
"You actually knocked."
The moment his words fell, a surge of air exploded around Viktor.
Air currents wrapped around his body as he gradually turned into a wisp of white smoke.
Several currents of wind rose in all directions, carrying away every trace of his presence.
In the blink of an eye, Viktor had merged with the wind and left the place.
Liya still stood there in confusion, her hair fluttering slightly in the breeze.
She blinked, suddenly realizing what he meant. Her face flushed red, and she muttered stubbornly under her breath.
"W-what about it?"
"I just knocked on the door. Was that really such a big reaction…"
After all, she had stood at the door for quite a while gathering the courage to do it.
———
Ryan Kent sat in the carriage, feeling its gentle swaying.
The rhythmic sound of horse hooves mixed with the echo of wheels rolling over bluestone streets, ringing in his ears.
The surroundings were filled with ribbons and plush decorations for the celebration, and colorful hot air balloons floated across the sky.
Because it was the princess's birthday week, the streets were packed with people, almost uncomfortably crowded.
Well, after all, even bread and eggs were fifty percent off today.
Looking around, Ryan couldn't help but sigh.
It had been a long time since he had come to the Empire.
The last time he was here had been decades ago.
Back then, the Empire was still constructing the railway tracks for the magic train.
"I just didn't expect you to come as well, hahaha."
Ryan turned his head toward the front of the carriage cabin.
Haim Horn was also seated inside, resting his head on one hand as he sat across from Ryan.
"As a council administrator, I naturally have to make this trip.", After speaking, he calmly voiced his thoughts.
"However, when visiting Sol VIII this time, the proper respect must still be shown."
Though in terms of age, he could trace his years back to generations before Aubrey.
But Aubrey's strength truly ranked among the very top.
That's how this world works... the strong are given extra respect.
The carriage wheels gradually stopped their rumbling rotation and came to a halt before the palace gates.
The great gates descended with a thunderous sound, imposing and awe-inspiring. A wave of majesty rushed toward the two men.
The knights at the entrance verified their identities, then bowed deeply and gestured for them to pass.
"Welcome, honored guests."
"Councilor Ryan Kent, Councilor Haim Horn."
After all, the visit of two councilors from the Mage Council was such an important event that it required advance notice.
Led by loyal royal attendants, the two arrived at Aubrey's residence. It was large, yet not luxurious.
As the leader of the Empire, Aubrey living in such a modest home inevitably gave the impression that he was rather frugal.
As soon as they entered, they saw Aubrey patiently combing a girl's hair.
His fingers ran through Aurelian's beautiful silver hair, and in his gaze flowed a faint trace of reminiscence.
Haim Horn gave a slight bow, his voice carrying its characteristic electric undertone as he spoke first, "Your Majesty Aubrey, we have arrived as agreed."
Immediately afterward, Ryan Kent also offered a slight bow.
Aubrey stopped his movement, slowly stood up, and smiled at them.
"Councilor Horn, Master Kent, welcome, both of you."
Haim and Ryan straightened and looked at Aubrey seriously.
"To keep it brief, Your Majesty Aubrey."
"As for the matter of the Goddess cultists, our Council needs to handle it as soon as possible."