Way of the Knights

Chapter 765: Tempering the Empire

“…adjust you handle on the hammer. When you swing, always put your back on it and draw power from your lower body, don’t half-ass your swings, make sure they count since you will always going to be slower than your opponent.” 

At the Valorheart Estate, Raven was currently mentoring Tori. He’s correcting her form and solidifying her basics. 

Victoria used a war hammer as he primary weapon, something that both her and Raven did. While Raven no longer uses them, his knowledge about the weapon is still with him so he decided to pass it down to his dear sister. 

Venina on the other hand, uses a sword for her primary weapon. Raven doesn’t have any extensive experience in terms of the Sword Path but he knows a thing or two. That being said, he made Venina take lessons from Mark since he’s the most experienced out of them and Mark has no problems doing that. 

“…not bad, but you can do better.” Raven stated as he watched the panting Tori. He had been making her do basic drills since this morning. 

Looking at Tori’s face, it’s clear that her arms are very close to giving-up. Her gaze is unfocused right now and her vision was blurring. 

Raven let out a sigh and said: “That’d be it for this morning then. Increase your stamina and endurance next time, if you want that thing to be your weapon of choice then put some effort into forging your body to wield it better. Go back and rest.” 

Tori didn’t even have the energy to reply to him, she was too tired. She kept the hammer away and dragged her exhausted body away from the training grounds. 

Raven disappeared from the estate and went back to the Sky Palace where Luna was waiting for him. 

“You were a bit hard on her.” Luna stated as she handed him a cup of tea. 

Raven sat down, took a sip and sighed: “I’m already pulling my punches you know. She can’t remain that way, especially if she plans on visiting the Divine Realm with Nina. I made this place a little to safe and secured, causing them to grow-up in a sheltered manner. We both know that they’ll face some cruel reality check the moment they step in there. I just want them to be prepared.” 

“Do they really want to leave?” Luna asked in a hesitant manner, “I mean, this world is already and big enough for them to explore right? I don’t think there’s a need for them to go there.”

“That’s what I said!” Raven exasperatingly said, “Unfortunately, the twins inherited our father’s wanderlust just like me. They’d hate me to the core if I banned them from going. There’s no stopping them anyway so I might as well prepare them as much as I could.”

“That seems to be the only choice left.” Luna sat down on her chair and stared at the horizon. It also worries me, they’re at a marry-able age already. No doubt some hooligans in the Divine Realm will try something nasty.”

“Why did you have remind me of that?” Raven groaned on his seat, pinching the bridge of his nose out of stress. 

Right, there’s also this matter to consider. Nina and Tori are already at the age where they can get married. In fact, if it weren’t for Luis being a doting and over-protective father, they would’ve already been married at this point. 

While the twins never expressed any desire to marry or introduced anybody to them as their lovers, a time will come where they will eventually do so. Of course, with Luis and Raven being there, it was enough to know that they won’t be marrying anyone who doesn’t pass their test. 

Still, this matter can get complicated so they have to think things through. 

“I mean, anyone who wants to marry them has to get through you so there’s no need to worry right?” Luna asked. 

“Yes, but it can get complicated, you see.” Raven sighed, “Flowery words and empty promises might bewitch those two into accepting some severely flawed guy. Who knows? Maybe they’ll even pick their lovers instead of family. That’d be the worst.” 

“You’re overthinking things.” Luna chuckled, “Relax, there’s six of us. Besides, your sisters aren’t that naive and if you make sure you’re honest with them, I don’t think they’ll make a bad choice.”

“I hope so.” Raven sighed. 

The two of them shared a moment of silence before it was interrupted by Kyle who just entered the Sky Palace. Kyle marched towards them and knelt down in front of Raven, greeting him:

“Master.” 

“Mn. You’re back. How did it go?” 

“Awful.” Kyle replied.

Raven guffawed and asked: “What happened?” 

“Nine Empyrean Demonic Beast Eggs, that’s what.” Kyle sighed, “It hasn’t even been a whole year since this world evolved yet there’s already nine of them. Are you sure we can’t cut their numbers down?” 

“We won’t.” Raven shook his head, the alarming news didn’t phase him at all. “Those eggs have a long incubation period. I’d reckon somewhere between 20-40 years. Plus, they won’t be as dangerous during their infancy, meaning that we have time. It’s fine to let them be.”

As the Empire continued to grow, the world becomes more dangerous. Raven had Kyle roam the world in order to tally the amount of potential dangers this world will be facing in the future and it’s looking a bit grim. That being said, Raven wasn’t fazed. 

Kyle continued his report. Aside from spotting nine Empyrean Demonic Beast Eggs, he also saw some mutations on the danger zones marked on the map. Judging from what’s visible to him, Kyle deduced that some lands will turn inhabitable for humans in the near future. 

Aside from the mutation from the danger zones, the Secret Realms and Pocket Dimensions are manifesting one after the other. Since they are located somewhere far from the Empire, there’s no need to be concerned. Still it’s a bit of a waste since those dimensions are overflowing with resources yet none of from the Empire can get to them yet.

Once again, Raven just shrugged it all. He wasn’t particularly worried about this since all of it were already under his calculations. In fact, there was really no need for him to send Kyle out since he can monitor everything that’s happening on the world using his ocular technique. He just thought that Kyle was feeling rather bored so he sent him instead. 

Kyle didn’t get much time to advance his cultivation due to his injuries. He’s currently Saint Knight Realm, which isn’t bad but it’s terrible given that he’s Raven disciple. Still, he can’t be blamed for his bad luck. 

Raven already cured him from his injuries and passed down an appropriate legacy to him. Kyle cultivates Strength and Earth Laws and is now receiving Raven’s guidance. 

Under Raven’s teaching, he’s can feel his bottleneck loosening up, though if he really wants a breakthrough, he needs to rely on himself. Raven made a point that he’s not going to hold his hand, he will merely show him the way, it’s up to Kyle how far he can go. 

It’s still not too late for Kyle if he wanted to climb to the peak. That being said, he planned on staying home for quite sometime. Divine Realm has been too harsh on him, nobody can blame him for retreating. After all, Divine Realm’s not a kind place. 

Whether Kyle decides to go back or just stay here and enjoy his remaining lifespan, it’s completely up to him. Raven won’t blame him nor exile him whatever his choice ended up being. 

After completing his report, Kyle retreated and flew back to the Empire. He wanted to re-live his youth and feel the warmth of his home. Luna and Raven remained on the Sky Palace, enjoying their leisurely time, waiting for the next important event to occur. 

The next Law Discussion will occur next year. Ellen did a great job during her session, those who attended it are still enjoying it’s benefits until now. The world is at peace, though there are some under-currents forming due to the world’s evolution, those are something that the current Empire has to face.

The Legendary Six won’t meddle in the Empire’s affairs. This era is theirs and most problems are theirs to solve. If the six started helping them, the Empire won’t grow strong. What the people needed is a strong and independent Empire. 

An Empire that only experienced peace won’t raise competent people. An Empire that only experienced war and cruelty won’t raise people at all. It has to be a good balance. If the six interferes, the balance will tilt and chaos will ensue. 

Raven and the others will remain here for 20 years. That should be enough to stabilize the Empire’s current foundations. After that, they will be tested by the dangers around here. 

Those who survived will experience rebirth, those who don’t will be forgotten, it’s as simple as that. 

This might sound cruel and ruthless but if they wanted to have the strength to keep their home. It is something they need to experience.