Chapter 26: Ambushed

Speaking of which, Charles did know of this special term from his previous life spent playing games. It was said that this gateway connected to the origin of the world itself, and once opened, one could obtain the power of the gods. That was why the organization would stop at nothing to open the Gate of Origin.

“The Gate of Origin is located on the eastern coast of the Empire, in the western part of Tiris County, only a little over a hundred kilometers from Faen County, and less than five hundred kilometers from Shining Gold Town. This great upheaval was orchestrated precisely to draw the Empire's attention, preparing the way to open the Gate of Origin.”

After learning of the uprising from Field, Charles felt a jolt in his heart, realizing that the wheels of history were turning, and the entire world was about to be dragged into endless calamity.

The great rebellion sweeping across the Empire, the massive invasions by the nomadic tribes of the north and south—these were all machinations of that organization, designed to distract the Empire, not simply to weaken it.

Yet no one could have foreseen that the Empire’s already rotten system had spawned countless cruel lords, subjecting innumerable commoners and even merchants to harsh treatment, and the relentless taxes and levies had become unbearable.

In this uprising, the other side had merely played a guiding role, yet had successfully sparked a flame that would eventually engulf the entire Empire, and even the world beyond.

Even the Laurensace Empire on the Grand Eastern Road could not escape unscathed, to say nothing of the smaller kingdoms, which collapsed one after another, never to rise again.

“Two great empires and dozens of kingdoms, with over twenty divine beasts among them, were far stronger than the opposing side. Yet, due to the rotten, backward imperial bureaucracy, and the grand nobles who spent their days in indulgence—some even engaging in absurd antics reminiscent of ancient feudal follies—the entire Empire was led inexorably down the road to ruin.”

Charles felt nothing but calm within. Having studied the history of his own country, he knew that no matter how mighty an empire, it could never withstand internal decay; even another world was no exception.

Though the present emperor was a man of great talent and ambition, striving to reform the Empire from top to bottom and bring it new life, the deep roots of millennia-old noble families were not so easily shaken by a single sovereign. It would take a long and arduous process, step by step.

“Moreover, that man likely still doesn’t know he has barely a year left to live, and that on some future day, he will be assassinated by his most beloved youngest son…” A trace of pity crossed Charles’s heart; truly, this was the classic case of ‘dying before the achievement is won.’

Assassinated at the very outset of the world war, he became the spark that ignited the brutal conflict sweeping across the world.

One ‘protagonist’ after another seized the opportunity to rise; each of the two great empires had one. Both strove to turn the tide and save their collapsing domains.

In the end, one of the protagonists ascended to the pinnacle, fully uniting the imperial forces and defeating the other two powers, thus bringing the war to an end.

“At present, I’m far too weak; in such a war, I would serve no purpose, and even saving my family would be difficult,” Charles felt his own insignificance ever more keenly.

In the visions of the future, those protagonists all rose amidst the chaos, each blessed with extraordinary talent and the unshakeable luck favored by the world itself. They all evolved their main totems into divine beasts, and in the end, even aimed to reach further heights.

“I can’t believe my own ‘cheats’ could be any less than these protagonists’!” Charles felt a surge of confidence in his modulator, especially now that he understood the source of evolution points; he was even more certain he could compete with them.

But come to think of it—where did those initial evolution points come from?

The question surfaced in his mind, baffling him. He had started out with more than a dozen evolution points, a hefty sum—could it be a starter gift for crossing into this world?

“Brother Charles, when we reach Stormhaven, will you walk with me by the sea? I heard there’s a newly built manor there, beautifully decorated!” Tiffany gazed at him with shining eyes, full of expectation.

“I’ve got things to do—let Field go with you instead.” Charles refused without hesitation, causing Field behind them to roll his eyes.

Anyone could see Tiffany’s feelings for him, but neither the Charles of old nor the one now had any interest in her.

Though she was a noble lady, her looks were not even half as good as Eve’s; her legs were short and thick, and her face was marred by pimples. If not for the alliance between their families, the old Charles would not have spared her a second glance.

…

In the Meistrin family manor in Shining Gold Town.

Now recovered, Marcus spread out a map of the territory, planning strategy with Baron Buyano, his expression cold as he spoke: “My lord, these past days, vagrants have been crossing from the north into our lands, and there have already been more than one case of murder and pillage, leaving the populace fearful. I suggest we employ harsh punishments.”

“Not so fast. I’ve heard that famine has broken out in Antu County to the northwest. That foolish lord left his people no way to live, forcing countless to flee,” the baron said, eyes full of contempt.

“Our gold mine’s yield is dropping every year; in a few years, we’ll lose this mountain of gold. We have to find another way as soon as possible, so for now, take in the vagrants to boost our population. Simon, you’ll oversee them. Marcus, seize a few who dare break the rules and execute them publicly as a warning.”

“In my domain, I have no need for servants who defy orders!”

“Yes, my lord!” Marcus’s eyes gleamed with cruelty; he already had several excellent ideas to show those lowborns who was in charge.

“My lord, Viscount Mark has again urged us to send those furs as soon as possible. To be honest, that’s half a year’s stock, and selling them to him for less than half their value has angered many…” The old steward Simon bowed and spoke in a low voice.

“Pay them no mind. If not for his intervention, Charles would never have qualified for the assessment,” the baron said coolly, his eyes full of longing. “Our family has been stuck in this backwater for too long, so long we’ve forgotten our ancestors’ glory. I only want Charles to achieve something, not waste his life dying in some forgotten corner.”

“These days the young master has been studying hard—he must have understood your intentions. I’m sure he’ll have a brilliant future,” the old steward said with a smile.

“Let’s hope so.” The baron sighed, dropping the subject and turning back to discuss how to manage the growing influx of vagrants.

…

The carriage rolled slowly along the main road. Charles sat inside, his eyes on a book of noble etiquette, but his mind was immersed in the flood of knowledge from the future, trying to organize it and see what else he could glean.

As he read, a sudden chill swept through him. Firefly instantly woke from her dream, raising her head in alert vigilance.

Outside, a knight’s loud shout rang out: “Who goes there?”

Swish!

A sharp whistle split the air. The knight’s shout was cut off, followed by a heavy thud as his body hit the ground.

The other knights roared in anger, “Assassins! Assassins!”