Chapter 180: Promotion

Staring directly at the eyes of the Emperor, while Max didn’t notice his improper behavior, those present, including Lancelot, were astonished.

No one dared to stare directly at the eyes of an Emperor, not even a mere C-rank human could have the courage to do so.

The ninth Emperor exploded into a hoot of laughter.

The thirteenth Emperor smiled.

He said, "Your authority is indeed similar to great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather."

In fact, the thirteenth Emperor never met the first Emperor. The first Emperor’s current state had been unknown for the past three hundred years, but his authority, especially from the equipments he left behind still lingered in the Empire.

Max bowed and finally greeted the Emperors.

"May the blessings of the Empire of Valtherion be upon the sun of the Empire. Lowly Maximus Grant greets Your Imperial Majesty."

Emperor laughed.

The thirteenth Emperor said, "You really know how to present yourself, aren’t you?"

The ninth Emperor who seemed to have comprehended Max’s character spoke, "He understood how to socialize very well."

The tenth Emperor said, "He has a bright future ahead."

The twelfth Emperor said, "Will it be possible for us to see your Radiant Knight? A single one will do?"

Max nodded and decided to summon Jeremiah.

When Jeremiah was summoned, despite knowing his master’s circumstances, didn’t even spare a glance to the emperors, as he faced Max and kneeled, bowing deeply to greet him.

Max stared at him and ordered, "Stand up. Greet the Emperors."

"Yes, Master."

Jeremiah turned around and greeted the Emperors.

He was not surprised to see their sparkling eyes.

At the same time, he observed the other officials below the Emperor’s throne.

The Emperors stared at Jeremiah filled with astonishment.

The ninth Emperor spoke first, "I had a chance once to see the Ancestor’s Radiant Knight.

Although it was just his ordinary Radiant Knight, it was taller and mightier than this one."

"Father." The tenth Emperor spoke. "Max had just received the legacy. Give it a hundred years and his Radiant Knights would evolve to become similar as what you described."

The ninth Emperor forced a smile. "I was just telling the truth."

The thirteenth Emperor said, "From what I know, our Ancestor have a hundred thousands Radiant Knights he could summon.

Was that true?"

"Yes," said the ninth Emperor. "Unfortunately, they were not enough to topple a demon kingdom."

The twelfth Emperor sighed. "Well, the other kingdom won’t allow humans to expand, as well.

In fact, not only demons but those ancient dragons and primordials beasts were completely wary against him.

If it wasn’t because of our Ancestor, the Empire would have been swallowed whole by them."

The High Pontiff, who was observing Max with a clear delight painted on his face, was displeased by the Emperor’s claim.

He turned towards the throne and said, "If it wasn’t because of Godhand of Salvation, the Empire would have been created."

The twelfth Emperor raised his eyebrows and gazed at the High Pontiff.

This old geezers are stubborn. He inwardly thought as he forced a smile. "Of course."

The thirteenth Emperor spared a glance to the High Pontiff and focused on Max.

He said, "You can recall your Radiant Knight now."

Max nodded and recalled his Radiant Knight.

Everyone, including the High Pontiff caught sight of how the Radiant Knight returned and noticed how thick the Authority of Radiant Contract manifested afterwards.

The Radiant Mana suffused the surroundings, catching their whole attention.

The High Pontiff sighed. "Truly, God had not forsaken us."

"Since when we’ve been forsaken, Pope?" said the thirteenth Emperor with a smile.

He gazed at Max and said, "Although we have been declining when it comes to producing high quality class, Max’s emergence proof that the Empire can last for another millennium."

The High Pontiff agreed with the current Emperor.

The thirteenth Emperor continued, "Max, we have summoned you for acknowledging your contributions to stopping Malveris from spreading a cancer to the Empire."

Max bowed deeply.

The thirteenth Emperor smiled. "Max will be receiving an Imperial Decree of Commendation.

This official decree has been issued by me.

You will also be receiving a promotion.

Grand Marshal."

Grand Marshal bowed towards the Emperor and ascended the throne to receive the medal from the thirteenth Emperor.

Grand Marshal proceeded to Max with a bright smile, and Max beamed a smile as well.

He straightened his back as they exchanged conversation before Grand Marshal added a star above the Imperial Demon Vanguard’s insignia.

Grand Marshal said, "You are the youngest Imperial Demon Vanguard who accomplished this achievement.

Stand proud. Protect the Empire.

The future is in your hands."

Max’s eyes shifted for a second as he realized that he did not hold the future of the Empire—it was already fated that the Empire would fall from the demons...

For this story was just based on a game.

He bowed and replied, "I will."

Unknowingly, the emperors noticed the shift of his emotion and was quite surprised.

Just as they were about to ask Max, something struck them out of the blue.

They forgot what they were about to ask.

They were confused, until the thirteenth Emperor was forced to continue bestowing rewards once the Grand Marshal returned to his position and received their gazes.

He said, "You will be granted with 15,000 Imperial Merit.

This special currency is used exclusively at the Imperial Treasury.

It can be used to purchase equipment, skill books, military consumables, property permits, imperial blueprints, and many more."

The thirteenth Emperor turned towards the Imperial Treasurer and said, "He is the Imperial Treasurer. If you want to spend your currency, inform him."

Max was delighted. He bowed deeply and hurriedly expressed his gratitude in case the thirteenth Emperor changed his mind.

Everyone was amused. It was as clear as day that Max valued earning money more.

The thirteenth Emperor smiled. Just in time for him to announce the rewards that would surely delighted Max.

He said, "Your monthly stipend has increased, as well.

You will be receiving 250 Gold Coins per month."

Max’s sparkled in excitements.

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A/N: Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to show your supports by giving golden tickets, powerstones, gifts, and reviews! It means a lot since this is participating for WSA.