The Challenges - 697

Skymender left the Imperial Palace, his status completely different than it was moments ago. When he entered, he was the son of the previous Baron Sky, a noble of the lowest level.

When he left, he was Imperial Scholar Skymender, someone whose status was above almost all nobles, only subservient to the Emperor himself. Even Kings could no longer disrespect him, as it would mean disrespecting the Empire.

By now, the Noble Gathering was over. He returned home, and met Melly in the living room. They relaxed, Skymender thinking things over, until he fell asleep. The next day, he woke up early and made his way to the Imperial Palace.

As he arrived at the gates, the guards stood tall and saluted him.

"Welcome, Imperial Scholar Skymender." They said in unison as they bowed.

Skymender nodded as he walked past them and entered the Imperial Palace. Although the news would not be announced to the public for the time being, the Imperial Palace was a different matter. Most likely, everyone inside was aware, though they would not dare to spread the information without the Emperor's approval.

Skymender walked towards the throne room, and when he was nearly there, he saw the Imperial Scholar.

"Let's go, Skymender." 

Skymender nodded and followed him. 

They walked through the halls of the Imperial Palace until they reached a door and entered it. Inside was a large, luxurious room. Bookshelves covered the walls, and papers were neatly arranged. Skymender looked around astonished. 

This was very clearly the Imperial Scholar's office. 

A large window allowed light to shine in the room, illuminating the large desk in the middle. As Skymender looked around, the Imperial Scholar spoke. 

"I suppose I should start with the most important things. First, as the Imperial Scholar, you will face many challenges that many Imperial Scholars before you did not have to face. I was the first to face these challenges, and you will be the second." The Imperial Scholar said.

"What challenges?" Skymender asked. 

The Imperial Scholar walked over to the side of the room, where something large and rectangular was covered by a white cloth. 

He pulled it down, revealing a large and aged map. Skymender looked at it. In one section, he saw the name, Faceless Empire. 

In another, the name, Ancient Empire.

This was the largest map he had ever seen, perhaps the largest map in the world. On the top were the words, Terra Continent. 

"This is the map of everything we know. Surrounding our lands is a vast ocean, most of which is inaccessible. Some Empire's have been exploring these oceans, but as we are nowhere near one, we are not one of them. The Ancient Empire, on the other hand, is."

He pointed his hand towards the easternmost Empire, the Ancient Empire.

Near the center of the continent, but a bit east, was the Faceless Empire. 

A large amount of the continent was simply marked as unknown or unexplored territory. These were called the wilds. 

The Imperial Scholar pointed to the wilds.

"This is where a lot of the things we don't understand are. There are legends of mythical creatures, such as snakes as large as mountains, and dragons that soar through the skies. As you can see, a part of the wilds border near the Ancient Empire." 

The wilds were present in nearly every section of the continent, though the most major section was in the Northwest. Another large section was in the Northeast, which bordered the Ancient Empire.

"The challenge we face, however, relates to all of this."

Saying this, he took a seat, seemingly unsure of how to put what he was going to say next lightly.

"The Emperor's goal is to take over the world. Perhaps there are lands beyond the oceans, just like our Terra Continent, but even those would be within his plans."

Skymender was stunned at what he heard. This level of ambition bordered on mere fantasy. The idea of taking over the entire world seemed ridiculous. 

Seemingly expecting this thought, the Imperial Scholar continued. "I know it sounds outrageous, but I can personally attest that if anyone can do it, it would be the Emperor. Nobody else qualifies to even be considered."

The Imperial Scholar seemed to have a firm belief that the Emperor truly could accomplish this.

Knowing how intelligent the Imperial Scholar was, Skymender began to think differently. Perhaps it really was something possible.

"The Emperor does not know I am telling you this, but I am sure that he would be fine with it. The reason why it was so important to have a fitting successor is because an average Imperial Scholar would be of no help. Luckily, I found you."

Skymender nodded. He hadn't expected to learn so many secrets today. 

The Imperial Scholar then stood up.

"I cannot give you too much information, as it won't help you regardless, but I can tell you a bit about the situation we are facing." 

Skymender nodded.

"We have started with the number one Empire, the Ancient Empire. Within which are two beings of concern. The Sword Grandmaster that resides there, and the Serpent Master, who only arose recently. Sword Master Shang will be the one to face the Sword Grandmaster, while there has yet to be someone who we believe can face the Serpent Master. I hope that you will be that person." The Imperial Scholar said.

Skymender found it surprising. "Why me?"

"Because of your studies in poison. I have faith that you can defeat the Serpent Master, especially after seeing the Deprivation poison." He explained.

Skymender thought for a moment, before agreeing. "I can't be one hundred percent sure of anything, but I can do my best."

The Imperial Scholar nodded. "Even that is more than good enough. After all, even Sword Master Shang is not one hundred percent confident in winning against the Ancient Empire's Sword Grandmaster. Luckily, we also have the Emperor."

"The Emperor?" Skymender asked.

He didn't understand what he would be able to do.