Chapter 17: The Imperial Palace

As Ares and Frost accompanied the duke and the princess towards the imperial palace, their hearts were filled with a mix of anticipation and excitement. The news of the princess's safe return had reached the emperor, bringing a sense of relief to the chaos that had consumed the entire palace. Maids scurried about, preparing to welcome the esteemed guests, while the emperor, once fuming with anger, now exuded a sense of calm authority.

The flying carriage, adorned with the duke's insignia, soared through the skies, effortlessly gliding towards the imperial city. The sight of the majestic imperial palace, with its towering spires and intricate architecture, left Ares and Frost awestruck. They watched in wonder as they finally set foot in such a grand and revered place.

The carriage gracefully descended near the palace, greeted by a team of maids who eagerly tended to its needs. Another figure, dressed in regal attire, stepped forward to guide Ares and Frost into the palace. Each step they took, the air seemed to grow heavier with the weight of history and tradition.

As they entered the palace, the sound of a familiar notification broke the silence. The system's voice rang out, its words echoing in their minds.

"Ding! Congratulations! As you are the first players to enter the imperial palace, you are awarded 1000 reputation points."

Ares and Frost exchanged glances; their eyes wide with disbelief. The honor bestowed upon them by the system added an extra layer of significance to their presence within the palace walls. They couldn't help but feel a surge of pride, their reputation within the game growing as they ventured further into the heart of the empire.

Guided by palace attendants, Ares and Frost were led through opulent corridors and grand halls until they reached the imposing throne room. The vastness of the room, adorned with intricate tapestries and gleaming chandeliers, overwhelmed their senses. The weight of the emperor's presence commanded respect, leaving them feeling small and insignificant.

With utmost reverence, they knelt before the emperor, their heads bowed in deference. The emperor's gaze, a mixture of wisdom and authority, swept over them. He motioned for them to rise, his voice resonating with power as he addressed them.

"Rise, heroes, for it is through your unwavering bravery and unwavering loyalty that our beloved princess has been restored to safety," proclaimed the emperor, his voice resounding with admiration and authority. With eyes that seemed to penetrate the depths of their souls, he studied Ares and Frost, his gaze ablaze with profound wisdom and unparalleled insight. Ares couldn't help but feel as though the emperor could perceive every fiber of his being, a testament to the esteemed position of Guardian that he held in this world.

"I have noticed that you bear the title of Guardian, a position of utmost honor and boundless responsibility," continued the emperor, his words reverberating with gravitas. "In recognition of your extraordinary deeds, I shall bestow upon you the prestigious rank of Duke, granting you dominion and influence befitting your exceptional valor. And to this valiant young lady, I bestow the noble title of Baroness. May you both continue to serve our empire with unyielding dedication, leaving an indelible mark upon its tapestry."

Ares and Frost exchanged astonished glances, their hearts swelling with a mixture of disbelief, exhilaration, and trepidation. They comprehended the weighty responsibilities that would accompany this elevated status, for they were now ascending the ranks of nobility within this realm. As they recollected the hierarchy of nobles, from the esteemed Emperor down to the esteemed Baroness, they felt a sense of awe at the exalted positions they were about to assume.

The emperor's voice resonated with pride as he fixed his gaze upon Ares once more, continuing his proclamation, "I discern great potential within you, an unmistakable embodiment of a legendary swordsman. In recognition of your exceptional prowess, I shall grant you an invaluable opportunity—an hour to immerse yourself in the sacred teachings of the revered Val'shara Sword Art. The depth of comprehension you achieve shall depend solely upon your own unwavering commitment and relentless effort."

Ares and Frost's eyes widened in sheer awe and wonderment. The Val'shara Sword Art, whispered to be an arcane gift bestowed by the gods, had long been renowned throughout the empire. To have the privilege of delving into its secrets was an exceedingly rare and precious opportunity, one that could shape their destinies as indomitable warriors and elevate them to unprecedented heights.

Turning his attention to Frost, the emperor continued, his words laced with profound foresight, "As for the young lady, I perceive within her the potential to become an extraordinary mage. Therefore, I extend to her the opportunity to delve into the profound depths of the mana arts, allowing her to grasp the arcane mysteries that lie therein."

Similarly, Frost was granted the chance to immerse herself in a chosen discipline of the mana arts, her path towards mastery unveiled before her.

But the emperor's boundless generosity knew no limits. He further declared, his voice resounding with benevolence, "Additionally, as an expression of my profound appreciation, I endow upon you both the privilege to select a treasure of your choosing from the illustrious depths of the imperial treasury. Let this token symbolize the unbreakable bond between our empire and those valiant souls who have fearlessly defended it against the encroaching darkness."

Overwhelmed by the emperor's profound words and the magnitude of the choices before them, Ares and Frost felt an overwhelming surge of determination coursing through their veins. They vowed to seize this extraordinary chance to prove their worth, to unearth the deepest secrets of the Valshara Sword Art and the arcane wonders of the mana arts, unlocking the boundless potential that lay dormant within them. The tantalizing prospect of choosing a treasure from the imperial treasury only intensified their excitement, as it represented a tangible manifestation of the grand possibilities and destiny that lay ahead.

In a harmonious symphony of triumph, the familiar chimes of the system resonated once more:

"Ding! [Congratulations on completing the quest! You have surpassed all challenges and emerged victorious. As a testament to your remarkable achievement, you have been granted the extraordinary opportunity to choose a treasure from the esteemed depths of the imperial treasury.] "

"Ding! [In recognition of your unparalleled accomplishments and unwavering service, you have been bestowed with the illustrious title of Duke. "]

"Ding! [ Your unwavering dedication and exceptional prowess have not gone unnoticed. As a testament to your remarkable growth, you have been blessed with an increase of +2 Levels, symbolizing your enhanced power and capabilities. Additionally, as a token of our appreciation, you are rewarded with a generous sum of 10,000 gold coins, a testament to the empire's gratitude for your noble deeds."]

Then, as if on cue, the princess made her long-awaited appearance, adorned in a resplendent gown that seemed to radiate ethereal beauty. Every eye in the room turned towards her, captivated by her enchanting presence. She moved with grace and elegance, resembling a celestial being descended from the heavens themselves. Gasps of awe filled the air as her radiance illuminated the entire chamber.

Together, Ares, Frost, were led to the illustrious imperial treasury, a vast chamber filled with treasures beyond imagination by princess herself. The room sparkled with precious gemstones, gleaming armor, and ancient artifacts, each item carrying a story of its own.

As they walked through the hallowed halls, their eyes widened in awe at the sheer opulence that surrounded them. Golden statues stood tall, intricate tapestries adorned the walls, and shelves overflowed with priceless relics. It was a treasure trove of history and power, a testament to the empire's legacy.

[ Item Name: The Infernal Grimoires: Chronicles of Damnation]

[ Description]

This is the 18th page of the book "The Infernal Grimoires: Chronicles of Damnation." It contains the sacred knowledge required to summon demons from the 18th level of Hell, granting the user the exceptional power to |command entities of higher rank within that particular level.

| Note |

| To unleash the king-level demons of each level, it is imperative to collect all the pages of the grimoire along with the book cover. Failure to acquire the book cover will subject the user to a perilous backlash in their soul due to the malevolent aura of Hell. |

Ares pondered the implications of this forbidden knowledge. The Infernal Grimoires held incredible potential, but its dark nature could consume and corrupt if mishandled. It was a double-edged sword, capable of granting immense power or unleashing unspeakable chaos.

Contemplating the risks, Ares made a decision. He would leave the Infernal Grimoires for now, understanding that its power was too great to wield without caution and complete comprehension. There were other treasures in the treasury that could aid their noble cause without endangering their souls.

With a sense of both relief and intrigue, Ares withdrew his hand, leaving the fragmented page undisturbed. He turned his attention back to the display, knowing that within the treasury's vast collection, there were still countless treasures awaiting their selection. Ares and Frost resumed their exploration, their minds focused on finding a powerful artifact that would serve them in their quest to protect the empire from darkness and preserve the light of hope.