On this day, the entire Empire was shrouded in deep sorrow, and the Pope himself attended the funeral of the Knight Commander. They reminisced about Ave’s contributions as the Empire’s Knight Commander, describing her as a steadfast and brave warrior who fought the Evil God’s Followers to the very end.
After the funeral, the Pope eagerly put the topic of appointing a new Knight Commander on the agenda. Now the entire Empire is eagerly anticipating the arrival of Ave’s successor.
The "Horned Owl Beast Daily" carried the news from the Imperial City back to Ximu Town. The residents of the town, having learned about the Knight Commander’s character over a few days, were also immersed in sorrow. Even the gang forces active along the borders held a small private memorial for Ave.
Though from opposing sides, they sincerely admired Ave’s character, lamenting that if the Empire had more people like her, perhaps they wouldn’t have to live as gang members licking blood off the edge of a knife.
The message was relayed to the Empire by war correspondents "Rose" and "Chicken Keeper," who early on received an urgent letter from the Gear City branch asking them to venture into the depths of the forest to search for Ave’s whereabouts. The last scene seen by the Empire’s knights was Ave being engulfed by a Blood and Flesh Giant summoned by the Evil God’s Followers.
Although the process encountered some unexpected events, Rowena’s preparations in magic and magic potion proved effective. As a pioneer of the blood art faction, she arranged a scene akin to those seen only in bizarre bloody movies. According to her, this considered demands from the Reception Bureau or higher levels for "corpse recovery."
Ave recorded the scene using a scroll of the Memory Capturing Technique and submitted it to the Gear City branch. The Pope was ready for the funeral within an hour—clearly dispelling any thoughts of retrieving the corpse.
It was an ending that satisfied everyone.
At least, Ave ultimately died as an Empire hero, fighting the Evil God’s Followers to the last moment, rather than being judged as a fallen one by the Judicial Court, bound and burned on a pyre.
The Neseriel Sanctuary likewise commemorated her as a hero.
While the Empire was mourning the Knight Commander, Ave was chugging down a can of guava juice—one of Rowena’s props arranged at the scene.
"Don’t waste what’s leftover, this stuff’s sweet and sour, and strangely tasty."
These were Ave’s own words. She cheerfully helped arrange her own death scene and even offered some invaluable suggestions for easier identification.
Ave leaned against a tree, gazing at the blue sky and white clouds.
She could clearly feel the warmth of the sun on her body, along with the winter chill—an outcome she hadn’t anticipated before setting off.
Her subordinates had left the Empire alive, including Lance whom she regarded highly. In the Neseriel Sanctuary, he could receive better knight training.
Everything happening now felt like a beautiful dream—to have such dreams in the current environment of the Empire was rare.
And now, the former Empire Knight Commander, now one of the backbone members of the Old Sen Magical Technology, was about to conduct a special meeting.
It started when Ave saw the box placed at the doorway early in the morning.
Inside the box was a furry creature resembling a bat. Upon seeing Ave, it joyfully flapped its wings while a wooden nameplate hung around its neck.
’A fourth-tier Great Mage, skilled in cutting and divination magic, reasonably knowledgeable in magic technology, odor-free, likes cleanliness, and will find food when hungry. Seeking recruitment.’
Apparently here to apply for a job.
At this moment, Ave sat on the ground cross-legged with her hands propping up her chin. Because she funded the shop, she was elected as the first manager of the Old Sen Magic Technology Store.
She felt that Lindong had become the root of all evil, and being turned into a cat inspired others. To avoid drawing attention, Ave had spent a fortune buying many transformation scrolls from Rowena, appearing in the town as a red-furred wolf. The next day, another bat showed up at her home.
Ave’s tone was deep, and the golden hair on her head nearly mimicked her contemplative posture, "Don’t you think we’ve recently turned into a zoo?"
"It’s all about balance!" Rowena argued in defense for her job opportunity. After all, this meeting was about discussing her employment, "Every apartment has two animals. Old Sen’s home has a cat and a chicken, and your home has a dog and a bat, isn’t it quite reasonable? One runs on the ground, and one flies in the sky!"
"Correction, I’m a wolf!"
Ave used her gaze to threaten Rowena, reminding not to forget she also held a crucial vote.
"Setting these aside for now, do you even know what Old Sen Magical Technology aims to do?"
Ethan asked what he considered the most critical question. According to his initial thoughts, Ave’s death allowed Rowena to earn a hefty sum from her employer, thus ending their partnership and parting ways.
"I know, of course I know, you want to study ancient technology, don’t you? Old Sen, haven’t you noticed? You really need a knowledgeable Great Mage to join!"
Next, it was Ave’s turn to ask, "Why do you want to join us?"
"I feel that working with you all can earn a lucrative income!"
Rowena tasted the benefits from Ethan and after some thought and weighing options, felt joining Old Sen Magical Technology was far more promising than running around the Empire as a bounty hunter.
Nightmare Erosion wouldn’t overly interfere with the actions of a senior member like her. While partnering with Lindong, actions were mostly led by Lindong; now her partner had switched, leaving her at a loss about what to do.
"Partner, partner! Please say something for me; haven’t you forgotten? I’ve treated you to 71 meals! If you help me this time, 1 Gold Lion 37 Silver Antelope will be waived!"
Seeing Rowena excitedly pounce towards herself, the cat perched on Ethan’s shoulder viciously raised its paw.
Using eye contact to warn Rowena—Don’t touch me!
Aside from Ethan, she didn’t like being touched in any form.
"However, this person does have some talent."
After repelling Rowena, the cat stood objectively, "If the Magic Technology Store needs inventory, she could be sent as she’s excellent at bargaining, always managing to get materials at much lower than market prices."
During previous collaborations, whether regarding daily necessities or spell casting materials, Rowena was responsible for procuring them.
"I knew you’re the most loyal one! I almost forgot."
Rowena excitedly emphasized her other trait, "I’m quite good at shopping; never been swindled. I can apply for the position of buyer!"
"Well, we’ve heard enough basic information."
Ave said authoritatively, "Let’s proceed to the voting."