Chapter 235: Welcome Written in Thunder (1)

"Hunters of the Heart Clan... We’ve been awaiting your arrival."

The knight addressed Kevin before briefly surveying the assembled hunters.

When his gaze fell upon Asterion in particular, a hint of tension crossed his features.

Nevertheless, he maintained his composure with remarkable skill.

"Please follow me. I’ll escort you to your destination."

Kevin nodded in response.

"Lead the way."

With a gesture instructing everyone to follow, the hunters set off behind the company of knights, heading toward the towering walls.

They were finally about to take their first steps into the Land of Gold.

"It’s been a long time since your clan last visited us. We weren’t expecting your arrival, so I hope you’ll forgive our rather modest reception."

The knight commanding the company lowered his head apologetically. His gaze occasionally drifted toward Asterion, betraying a hint of nervousness.

After all, the old man standing before him was considered the strongest individual in the entire Empire.

The moment he’d recognized Asterion, the knight had begun regretting his decision to accept command of the company responsible for welcoming the clan’s delegation.

"There’s no need to worry. It’s not as though we expected a warm welcome in the first place."

Kevin replied with his eyes closed and both hands clasped behind his back as he walked behind the commander.

His posture was impeccable, reflecting a lifetime of discipline and dedication. His long red hair was neatly combed and flowed down his back, while his black attire had been carefully chosen and arranged.

He was the very image of an exemplary hunter.

Unlike someone else...

Asterion strolled along behind him without a care in the world, yawning occasionally with an unmistakably bored expression.

His clothes were old and worn, and he showed absolutely no concern for his appearance or how others perceived him.

The contrast surprised the knight commander.

Had he not seen Asterion in person before, he would never have believed that this shabby old man was the legendary Uncrowned Emperor.

While the knights continued sizing up their visitors, the golden walls drew steadily closer until they finally stood directly before them.

Only then could the hunters fully appreciate the strict security surrounding the fortifications.

The gate leading into the capital was firmly shut, guarded by a large contingent of knights who had established an extensive checkpoint, rigorously inspecting everyone seeking entry.

High atop the walls, Ethan could make out dozens of archers maintaining constant vigilance, ready to strike at a moment’s notice.

"I see security is as tight as ever..." Kevin remarked, adjusting his monocle.

The knight nodded proudly.

"Naturally. This is the capital, after all. His Majesty the Emperor himself resides here."

"You’re right. But is it just my imagination, or are the guards being more vigilant than usual?"

Kevin narrowed his sharp eyes as he asked the question, catching the knight completely off guard.

The commander’s shoulders trembled slightly.

That small reaction was enough to confirm Kevin’s suspicions, and even Asterion began taking an interest in the conversation.

"Has something happened recently?"

Kevin pressed again when the knight failed to respond.

The commander quickly regained his composure and let out a light chuckle.

"No, no... Forgive me, my mind wandered for a moment. Your initial observation was correct. Security has indeed been tightened, but it’s merely a routine precaution."

"The capital remains a safe haven that no enemy could ever breach."

Kevin listened carefully before giving a slight nod.

"I see. Then my question was unnecessary. The capital does possess walls that are virtually impossible to penetrate."

Whether Kevin genuinely meant those words was difficult to tell.

Nevertheless, the capital’s golden walls truly were almost impossible to breach.

They towered high above the surrounding land, with no gaps, openings, or vulnerable points that could easily be exploited. Every section was guarded from all directions.

The capital had four entrances, positioned at the four cardinal points: north, south, east, and west.

Security was particularly strict around these gates, where heavily guarded checkpoints inspected everything entering or leaving the city.

Ethan had listened to the entire exchange.

He was genuinely impressed by the capital’s defenses, but one particular question continued to trouble him.

Eventually, he decided to bring it up with the old man walking ahead of him.

Quickening his pace, Ethan approached Asterion, who turned to look at him.

"What is it, boy? If you’re looking for a drink, I’m afraid I have some terrible news. Every last bottle burned."

"You’re the only one still mourning that stuff, old man."

Ethan replied before getting straight to the point.

"There’s something that’s been bothering me lately, and I wanted to ask you about it."

"Oh? Then ask away."

"It’s about the capital’s defenses and security."

Ethan glanced toward the knights and the towering walls.

"Having all these knights and fortifications is certainly impressive, but we both know they wouldn’t mean much against someone with real power."

Ethan’s point was simple.

Walls and ordinary knights might prove effective against conventional attacks, but what would happen if a monster like Asterion decided to attack the capital?

In situations like that, the defenders would need powerful fighters of their own to repel the assault.

Yet Gass, the commander of the Royal Guard, had already departed alongside the Third Prince, Dalton.

Which raised an obvious question.

"Who’s protecting the capital right now?"

That was what Ethan wanted to know.

"Ah... For someone so intelligent, you seem remarkably ignorant of even the most basic information, boy. That’s rather careless of you."

Asterion wasted no time taking the opportunity to mock Ethan for his lack of preparation.

"I lost all my memories, remember?"

Ethan offered his supposed amnesia as an excuse.

But Asterion merely reprimanded him, warning that he wouldn’t be able to hide behind that excuse if his ignorance ended up costing him his life someday.

"Don’t make rookie mistakes, boy. Before you go anywhere, and before you face any enemy, gather as much information as possible."

"Leave as little room for surprises as you can. No matter what situation you find yourself in, you must always be capable of responding quickly."

"...You’re right. I’ll be more careful from now on."

Ethan nodded, acknowledging that he’d neglected this aspect of preparation.

After all, when it came to the Empire and its affairs, he was practically ignorant of everything.

Asterion nodded, satisfied with his response.