A deep, deathly silence enveloped the magnificent capital, with only a few pedestrians hurrying past on the streets.

Even the magically powered hovercars and magnificent carriages have vanished without a trace.

Knights clad in silver armor patrolled the streets in orderly formations of ten.

They moved in unison, their expressions solemn, as if facing a formidable enemy.

The clanging of armored vehicles cast a heavy shadow over the vast land, suppressing all life.

The capital city is under complete lockdown. In the near future, anyone entering or leaving the capital will be subject to strict identity verification by the guards.

Two squads of knights stood ready, guarding the area near the capital's gates.

They each wore a crystal that emitted a purple light around their waists.

When someone tries to leave or enter the city, the knights will take the crystal from their waists and gently place it in front of the newcomer.

After a few seconds, the visitor's information will appear in the crystal.

That's right.

This crystal is a magical artifact developed by the royal capital specifically to identify the citizens of the empire.

Any imperial citizen who has ever been registered in the population records only needs to look directly at the crystal.

The crystal in front of the inspector will automatically display his personal information.

If someone is not recorded by the crystal, a series of special question marks will appear.

It will also resonate between each crystal, triggering an alarm.

"Okay, next one."

The first knight waved his hand and took back the purple crystal in his hand.

The outsider breathed a sigh of relief.

As he watched the steel gate in front of the main gate slowly open, he led his family and carriage into the capital.

Soon, the steel gate closed again.

The somber atmosphere of the capital sent a chill down the spines of the citizens waiting to enter the city.

The capital city is now extremely oppressive.

The cause of it all stemmed from the Hellfire Armor that suddenly appeared in the capital.

To ensure the safety of the citizens of the capital, the Empress had no choice but to order the entire capital to be placed on full alert.

Anyone entering or leaving must undergo strict identity verification.

Because the person who can rival Grand Knight Commander Gwen must be extremely powerful.

In other words, the other party is extremely dangerous.

Warnings and wanted posters are now everywhere in and around the capital.

However, after so much time has passed, the entire capital has still not found any trace of that armor.

But the more fruitless the results, the more uneasy the residents of the capital became.

The most terrifying threats are those that lurk in the shadows.

......

The Imperial Palace.

A chilling atmosphere permeated the streets of the capital, engulfing every corner of the palace.

The noble ministers gathered deep within the palace.

Their chatter, like birdsong, was chaotic and tense as they reported various urgent matters to the Queen.

“Your Majesty, the current danger in the capital is no small matter. I strongly suggest that we further strengthen the inspections,” a minister said firmly.

"Your Majesty, you might consider completely sealing off the capital and prohibiting any entry or exit. Otherwise, that person might find a chance to escape."

Another minister offered a suggestion, his tone revealing concern.

"Nonsense! Your Majesty, if the capital is completely sealed off, it will be unable to receive supplies of goods and food from the outside world. How can the capital become an isolated city abandoned by the world?"

The third minister retorted hastily, his voice filled with panic.

Inside the hall, the ministers' arguments rose and fell.

Opinions for and against were intertwined, creating a chaotic cacophony, with no one willing to back down.

Seated on the throne, Aurelion wore a crown, and a golden cloak slipped from her shoulders, spreading gracefully across the red carpet.

Vanilla, dressed in a maid's outfit, stood respectfully behind her.

Her gaze fell upon the group of old nobles below, who were arguing incessantly.

Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye, and the faces of these ministers are now etched with the marks of time.

The changes in many positions also bear witness to the passage of time.

Ten years ago, Aurelion had already consolidated her rule.

Since the death of the former Emperor Aubrey, Her Majesty has been a completely different person.

Although she was never cruel, she no longer dwelled too much on human relationships.

Especially after her brother Albany lost the south and fled back to the empire in disgrace.

Aurelion decisively executed him in public, fully demonstrating the ruthlessness and decisiveness of an emperor.

Since then, most nobles have become more restrained.

Those who remained defiant were also purged, both in the light and in the shadows.

If you're not willing to stay in this position, there are plenty of others who are. The empire has no shortage of talent.

Even so, Aurelion still frequently heard these ministers arguing back and forth.

At this time of year, Vanilla gets very bored and her tail wags secretly behind her.

It is unknown whether the owner has returned safely to Braxton.

Her master's return made her want to go home and visit him.

Finally, after a series of unsuccessful suggestions from everyone, Aurelion slightly raised her hand.

The chill, like the first frost of winter, instantly silenced the clamor of the entire capital.

Her gaze, like cold moonlight, swept across the magnificent hall, scrutinizing the face of each minister.

Everyone lowered their heads, their bodies stiff, unable to meet her gaze.

"Is Duke Reeves not present?"

The Empress's voice rang out clearly and calmly, seemingly carrying the chill of a winter wind.

Upon hearing the Queen's question, a minister hurriedly came forward to respond:

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