The group behind Zhang Chen grew even more formidable in an instant.
However, apart from Zhang Chen, the butler, Keke, and Silu, no one else knew where this entourage was headed.
"Marquis Delas, joining this endeavor is a wise choice. Believe me, you absolutely won't regret it!" the royal noble said with a smile.
"Yes, yes, no matter what happens, I will naturally always be on your side!" Marquis Delas replied with a fawning smile.
"What do you mean, no matter what happens? Hahaha, Marquis Delas, you're truly amusing!"
"You are a renowned warrior, is there anything that could possibly frighten you?"
"Furthermore, this time we are purely going for enjoyment, what could possibly obstruct us?" The royal noble patted his own legs, implying that if even fatigue couldn't stop him, then nothing in the world could. He was also very proud of himself for overcoming his own psychological barrier of laziness.
"Indeed... with your strength, nothing can truly impede your progress."
"From now on, I shall follow your lead!" Marquis Delas said obsequiously.
"Good, good, you trust me, and I will absolutely not let you down! We'll share the fortune!" The royal noble patted Marquis Delas's shoulder encouragingly.
The royal noble believed they were heading to the Spring of Happiness, the Delas family thought they were initiating a coup d'état, and the entire disciplinary team felt they were maintaining order.
Thus, the large group marched toward the largest Divine Iron ore region.
Three days later, the famished crowd finally arrived before the Imperial City.
"Respected sir, the Divine Iron mine is located behind the Imperial City and is under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Guard," the butler said respectfully.
"There are two paths we can take: one is to pass through the Imperial City, and the other is to go around it. However, bypassing it will take longer."
Although hungry, the butler's spirits seemed even more invigorated.
"Then let's not waste any time. We'll just go straight through the Imperial City!" Zhang Chen stated decisively.
"But... with such a large group following behind us... if they also pass through the Imperial City... won't it cause a disturbance?" Keke said with a hint of anticipation.
"There isn't a single person on the streets, so even if they wanted to cause trouble, they couldn't, right?" Zhang Chen observed the equally deserted Imperial City streets. The Imperial City was not much different from other cities; it simply had a larger scale and lacked city walls. In the center of the city stood a magnificent complex of buildings, which was likely the Imperial Palace.
"I... I'm not too sure, as something like this has never happened in this world before," Silu spread her hands helplessly.
"Everyone uses point-to-point teleportation and never has the habit of traveling on foot. So, if so many people suddenly appeared on the streets, I can't predict the outcome..."
"It doesn't matter. Our objective is the Divine Iron mine, and I'm not clear why those people are following us," Zhang Chen said, already walking towards the Imperial City.
"They can do whatever they want; it has nothing to do with me."
Seeing Zhang Chen enter the city, the nobles behind him followed suit. The procession moved into the Imperial City in grand fashion. The surrounding residents were all stunned by the sight.
"What... what is going on? Why are there so many people?!"
"Even if the Great General led troops to conquer another world, he would only have five hundred men. This is ridiculously too many people!"
"As far as the eye can see, it's all people, and more people are still entering from the city's outskirts, wave after wave. It's terrifying."
"They seem to be heading towards the Imperial Palace?!"
"Are they planning a coup? I think I saw a large number of disciplinary troops following behind."
"Never mind, just close your doors and windows. Let's just hope no innocent people get hurt."
The citizens, who were already reluctant to go out, were now even more afraid to step outside.
"These people here are truly strange, not like the residents of other towns who come out to join us!" The royal noble said with a pout, looking puzzled.
"This... after all, this is the Imperial City. The Emperor has been in power here for a long time, so naturally, there would be more loyal dogs!" Marquis Delas replied cautiously.
"This... what does that have to do with anything? Aren't they curious about what we're doing?"
"Aren't they curious why residents from so many towns, disciplinary teams, and nobles are joining us? Isn't it because a great benefit awaits us?" The royal noble exclaimed in surprise.
"These ignorant masses lack foresight; you don't need to concern yourself with them. The most important thing now is to take the Imperial Palace!" Marquis Delas advised. In his opinion, the arrow was already nocked and ready to fly. The army had already stormed into the Imperial City, just one step away from the palace. Even if they wanted to turn back now, it would be too late; they had to fight to the death. If they won, the dynasty would change, and his own noble title would be elevated. If they lost... it would also be an end to his boring life.
At this moment, the Imperial Palace was in utter chaos. The Emperor stood there, dazed and bewildered. The Imperial Guards looked ashen-faced. Although their inherent mission was to protect the Emperor, like their fathers and grandfathers before them, they had never actually participated in combat. Even though their training drills involved combat, seeing the dense mass of enemies drawing closer, some were so terrified they couldn't even grip their weapons. The entire Imperial Palace only had 100 Imperial Guards. Compared to the rebels outside, they weren't even enough to whet the enemy's appetite.
"Quick, mobilize the Imperial Guards from the Divine Iron mine as well, as many as you can muster, to hold out until the Great General returns from the Chaos Realm!" After standing dumbfounded for a long time, the Emperor finally issued the order based on the advice of a strategist. However, the soldiers guarding the Divine Iron mine numbered only 50. Even with them added, it was still not enough.
"Your Majesty, the rebels have reached the palace gates. Should we proactively engage them?" the Commander of the Imperial Guard suggested, eager for a fight.
"This way, we can catch them off guard and catch them unprepared, dampening their morale and making them hesitant to attack rashly!"
"This... proactively engage?"
"What are your chances of victory?" the Emperor asked, trembling slightly.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, I have a ninety percent chance of victory!"
"The enemy is exhausted from their long march and is vulnerable. We, on the other hand, are well-rested and will surely achieve victory with a single blow!" the Commander of the Imperial Guard declared confidently.
"Then... then proceed as you see fit!" The Emperor, having lost all composure, responded weakly.
"Yes!" The Commander of the Imperial Guard, overjoyed, immediately used a teleportation gate to reach the palace entrance. Seeing Zhang Chen and the others slowly approaching, he roared without preamble and charged forward with his soldiers.
"Rebels, die!"