Chapter 1455: Chapter 1453: Chaotic Epoch
The scene before us speaks volumes.
The authority of the Thirteen Knight Orders has undergone a revolution during the Great Reformation, completely surpassing the parliament and ascending to the highest level in the Holy City. The thirteen captains now represent the greatest power in the Holy City… However, let’s listen further to the specifics.
Next, the critical speech was naturally handed over to the Great Demon Leader, who has already seized the throne of the World King.
However, the Great Demon Leader did not directly proclaim the advent of the new era.
Instead, before all the parliament members and Knight Regiment members, he extended his arm into his chest.
He retrieved an object symbolizing the complete victory of the Big Expedition— the “Land Deed (Lower Level King).”
The lower right corner of the Land Deed was already inscribed with the Great Demon’s name—[Victor Diano].
Manipulated by the Great Demon, the Land Deed slowly descended before the crowd, as everyone collectively witnessed the vital process of its integration with the Holy City.
As the Land Deed touched the soil, it immediately fused into it.
Boom~
A slight tremor could be felt beneath their feet.
At the boundary of the City Wall, a “White Curtain” symbolizing the rules of the world rose, forming a hemispherical shield that encompassed the entire Holy City.
This signified the complete fusion of the Land Deed and the Holy City, turning the city into an officially recognized sovereign domain within the world.
Humans within the domain would not be subjected to any restrictions.
As for outsiders wanting to enter the “White Curtain,” they would need to obtain the Great Demon Leader’s permission; otherwise, they would require weaponry with destructive power exceeding Lower Level King specifications to force entry.
At the same time,
the Great Demon Leader, as the holder of the Land Deed, amplified his voice to permeate every corner of the Holy City.
“I, Victor Diano, Grand Leader of the Doomsday Knight Brigade, hereby announce:
We have achieved complete victory in the Big Expedition. The Eternal Night Fog blanketing the world will no longer affect us, and it will instead contribute to the growth of the New Humanity.
The [Eternal Night Epoch] ends here.
Henceforth, we shall enter the [Chaotic Epoch] of harmonious coexistence between humans and demons.”
The Great Demon’s words, amplified through the Land Deed, reached the ears of every resident.
It also carried a trace of pure magic energy, stimulating their consciousness.
In an instant, the entire city was in an uproar.
Next, the Great Demon Leader addressed the gathered Knight Regiment members before him:
“As you can see,
the Holy City is currently entering the final phase of the [Great Reformation]; the new system has already taken shape.
The most critical change is that the ‘Centralized Power’ will shift from the original parliament to the Leadership Organization.
The fixed members of the [Leadership Organization] will be the current thirteen captains of the Knight Orders,
along with two additional individuals who have demonstrated exceptional strength, contributions, and importance.
The individuals selected are the Deputy Captain of the Steam Knights—[Kongriff Newton]—and the Deputy Captain of the Plague Knights—[Mr. Black White].
The original parliament will also be retained. Parliament members will continue to have voting rights in public meetings and will take on ‘confidential safekeeping’ responsibilities.
As of now,
the Holy City has entered a comprehensive development era. I’m sure many of you saw the complete transformation of the civilian district during your upgrades,
The Steam Knight Regiment will provide free modification services to ordinary civilians, with coverage rates currently reaching 80%.
The Knight Regiment will also establish new branches in the civilian districts. Apprentice Knights can take on ‘auxiliary training’ tasks, teaching modified civilians basic skills, and earning substantial credit rewards in return.
And now, to the most important announcement:
Through the mediation of the Secret Language Knight Order’s Grand Leader—[Hugo Harrison]—we have already established cooperation with the demon faction during the Big Expedition.
The renowned “Miskatonic University” within the Demon World has established a Holy City branch academy under the management of the Secret Language Knight Order… Faculty resources from the Demon World have already been fully deployed to this institution.
A brand-new system for all of humanity has been constructed.
Humans who have yet to encounter the ‘Door of Fate’ are welcome to undergo admission tests at the branch academy. Those who pass will not need to undergo destiny-related adventures but can instead transform and upgrade through an ancient system inherited from this world.”
This statement caused a wave of astonishment among the assembly.
Han Dong widened his eyes, recalling the peculiar observation he made upon passing through the second level earlier.
It hadn’t occurred to him that the Secret Language Knights’ sudden disappearance from the expeditionary army and the aura emanating from their direction were all linked to such a significant event.
The establishment of an alien institution on par with the “National Royal Academy of Knights” marked a critical juncture for the future development of humanity in the Holy City.
Humans unwilling to undergo Fate upgrades or those naturally inclined towards demons could choose to follow a path involving corruption, reverence, and other means unknown to Han Dong, progressing through stages like ‘Demonization,’ ‘Maturation,’ and ‘Ancestor Return.’
Though initial shock swept over him, upon deeper reflection, Han Dong found the development reasonable.
In ancient times, humanity relied on upgrades passed down from demons… Now that the Big Expedition has delivered sovereign power, with humanity in the Holy City and demons in the same civilian domain, it is only natural for such upgrading systems to be introduced.
What surprised him was how swiftly it came to fruition,
Even before the Big Expedition had concluded, Hugo managed to accomplish this.
‘Indeed, Captain Hugo’s very nature is profoundly tied to the demons.
Furthermore, other captains were already aware of Captain Hugo’s true identity… This likely explains why Captain Hugo spared no expense in bringing me into the Knight Regiment.
“Miskatonic University”
I’ve heard this term multiple times already.
It’s the most renowned institution within the demon realm. I recall that one of Pope’s rewards as a victor was a professorship at Miskatonic University.’
At this moment, Sally gently tugged on Han Dong’s sleeve, whispering:
‘Nicholas, who exactly is this Captain Hugo they speak of? To have the authority to establish ties with “Miskatonic University.”
This is the one organization endowed with absolute neutrality rights, directly or indirectly linked to dozens of Old Kings.
Rumors say that Pope’s mentor, the omniscient and omnipotent entity within void space, is the true principal of Miskatonic University… Even demons seeking admission to the main campus must pass rigorous tests, and failure in any criterion leads to exclusion.’
‘I’m not entirely sure myself.
Once this assembly ends here, let’s head over and investigate.
Luckily, I’m also a member of the Secret Language Knight Order… It should be easy to access the campus area.’
‘Alright.’
…
What followed were several hours of detailed explanations regarding comprehensive reforms and future development plans.
Han Dong could tell that even such exhaustive speeches concealed countless secrets.
No direct mention was made of why the [Steam Holy Ring] was chosen as the Leadership Organization’s tallest building, nor was there any clarification concerning the Gold Master’s situation…
What followed next was a recognition ceremony for the achievements of the Big Expedition.
All knights who contributed to the Big Expedition were awarded the rare and prestigious “Expedition Medal.” Based on their contributions, many knights received promotions and material rewards.
However, throughout the hours-long award ceremony, Han Dong’s name was never mentioned.
At the conclusion of the ceremony,
The Great Demon Leader leapt down from his stone throne, landing directly in front of Han Dong.
As a human King and holder of the Holy City Land Deed, he extended his hand toward Han Dong… His gelatinous, toothy maw split open entirely, revealing a genuine and heartfelt emotional expression.
“Valen Nicholas, thank you for your tremendous contributions to the cause of humanity!”