After the brutal example set by Duke Diworth's punishment, none dared to speak.
The Emperor turned to Blade and asked, "Speak. What do you desire?"
Though the words were simple, their weight was immense. It was akin to being granted a wish—he could ask for anything from the Emperor himself.
Blade took a deep breath. "May I take Asmophel with me? That man needs to atone for his sins, lest he take his own life before he even has the chance. As a Saint, I cannot allow that."
Though he had many things he wished to ask for, Blade understood that the Emperor might not be willing to release Asmophel so easily. And as an Named Npc, his value was higher than any momentary reward.
Emperor Juander narrowed his eyes before nodding. "Is that all you ask?."
"Helping others is simply what I do. I do not seek rewards for it," Blade shrugged, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
The nobles, dukes, and even the Red Knights were baffled by his words. Kyle himself observed him with curiosity. Blade had been granted a rare opportunity—one that others would have seized for power, wealth, or prestige—yet he remained a humble man.
"I see," the Emperor said before adding, "You may take Asmophel, but I will assign a Red Knight to monitor him. His crimes against the Empire are too great to ignore."
Blade nodded in understanding. He had expected this condition.
"However, I cannot let you leave empty-handed. I will grant you the title of Marquis. You have saved our Empire from the schemes of the Yatan Church, and this is the least I can offer in return."
A system notification flashed before Blade's eyes:
[ You are now Marquis of Saharan Empire ]
[You have obtained the title: First Marquis]
[You have been awarded 2,500 gold coins]
[You have unlocked the Charm and Nobility stats]
[First Marquis: Effect – Nobility +500, Charm +500]
The Emperor continued, "From now on, the Earl Zebra territory is yours to rule. Whether you govern it or not is up to you, but I grant you the freedom to move as you see fit."
This was another unexpected reward.
"You may also take one treasure of your choice from the Empire Treasury"
The entire room fell into silence.
"I am honored, but I may need to travel often. May I request an administrator to oversee the territory in my absence?"
The Emperor nodded. "It is your territory now. You may handle it as you wish."
Blade took a deep breath before speaking again. "There is one more thing I must request."
The nobles exchanged glances.
"Is he being greedy?" one muttered.
"This bastard will surely now incur Emperor Wrath," another thought bitterly.
The Emperor's gaze sharpened. "What is it?"
Blade nodded and said, "There is a demon—a Greater Demon. But I am not strong enough to defeat it alone. May I request assistance?"
Frown softened on Emperor Juander's face. "Demons are the enemy of humanity. We will aid you."
Turning to Kyle, he added, "The Red Knights will accompany him. I will also send two Dukes for additional support."
Blade exhaled in relief and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Then let us go and kill it," he declared, taking out the Abssal tyrant Greatsword.
However, Kyle stepped forward, his expression sharp. "How dare you take out a weapon in His Majesty's presence!?"
Just as tensions rose, the Emperor raised a hand. "Wait. What exactly do you mean?"
Blade looked Kyle in the eye and said firmly, "The demon is right here in this very room."
Silence.
The atmosphere grew deathly still as his words sank in.
Red Knights as well as Dukes and Pillars took out there weapon hearing him.
" who is it?" Emperor asked as Blade pointed at the fourth Knight among the Red Knights.
The other Red Knights immediately jumped back, maintaining their distance as the Fourth Knight glared at Blade.
"It seems Sir Saint has made a mistake," he said with a smile.
Blade, unfazed, simply adjusted his stance and activated Holy Explosion.
A brilliant golden light erupted from his hand, engulfing the Fourth Knight. He attempted to block, but it was useless—the holy energy pierced through his defenses, searing his outer flesh and revealing the truth beneath.
Cracks formed along his skin, and with a burst of lightning-like energy, his demonic form was exposed for all to see.
"Tch… You bastard!" the demon spat.
A single name echoed through the room—Astratoth.
It was a name etched in history, belonging to one of the Great Demons who had once been slain by the legendary Sword Saint ages ago. However, rather than being banished back to Hell, Astratoth had been forced to roam the surface world, trapped in a weakened state for centuries.
And now, his cover had been blown.
"You die," Astratoth spat, rushing toward Blade with murderous intent.
However, before he could even reach him, his body suddenly collapsed to its knees.
Emperor's voice echoed through the room. "It seems that years of our peaceful stance have made us seem weak."
He stepped forward, his gaze locked onto Astratoth. As he moved, a red mist began to rise from his body, swirling with a deadly, corrosive energy—the infamous Red Energy of Sharan.
The moment it touched Astratoth, his flesh began to wither and corrode, the energy eating away at him like an unstoppable force.
This was no ordinary power. This was the full, unleashed fury of an Emperor, all of his frustration and restrained rage now pouring out on the Great Demon Astratoth.
Astratoth tried to retreat, summoning his own Field of Hell Lightning in a desperate counterattack. However, none of the lightning obeyed his will.
His once almighty power flickered uselessly against the overwhelming force of the Red Energy of Sharan. The very essence of his being screamed—he was supposed to be immortal, yet now, he was being dragged toward true death.
Those who couldn't handle the sheer pressure of the battle collapsed, their bodies breaking under the immense power radiating from both Astratoth and Emperor.
Lightning flashed violently, yet five out of the six Dukes suddenly rushed to Blade's side, their weapons drawn.
"Protect him!" one of them commanded, intercepting a lightning strike that had been aimed directly at Blade.
For a moment, Blade simply stood there, his golden aura flickering against the overwhelming forces around him. The Five Dukes surrounded him, shielding him from the Field of Hell Lightning as well as the oppressive Red Domain radiating from both Astratoth and the Emperor.
Blade glanced around, realization settling in—he was being protected by some of the most powerful Dukes in the Empire. Each of them was a level 400+ Named NPC, warriors of incredible strength and status.
Despite the chaos around him, a strange feeling crept into Blade's heart.
'So this is what it feels like to be treated like a VIP…'
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