The griffin banners of the empire fluttered atop city walls stretching endlessly into the horizon. Sunlight glinted off the smooth, precisely cut jade-scale stone ramparts, gilding the metropolis—a symbol of absolute power and nobility—with a brilliant golden radiance.

Like the Empress of Ten Thousand Cities, it exuded refined elegance and grace, basking solely in heaven’s gaze. This was the Imperial Capital of the Karno Empire: Tino City.

Beyond the towering fortified gates, banners blotted out the sky. A fully armed army stood in solemn formation. After gatehouse guards verified the newcomers, the massive gates swung open slowly. A stone bridge descended, spanning the moat to the far side. The contingent marched smoothly into the Imperial Capital.

Knights formed the empire’s defensive backbone, typically serving as battlefield commanders. Deploying top Knight Academy graduates as mere foot soldiers would be wasteful. Imperial forces were usually knights leading regular troops.

Yet a closer look revealed no ordinary soldiers in this procession. Every soul wore enchanted plate armor and wielded masterwork weapons—proof the entire force, from commander to rear guard, consisted solely of knights. In gear and composition alike, an all-star lineup.

Leading them were two young knights astride steeds at the vanguard. Ornate armor gleamed beneath silk cloaks embroidered with their personal crests.

“Look! It’s Grand Knight Commander Alins!”

The grand procession drew crowds. Many citizens recognized the brown-haired knight riding tall and shouted eagerly.

“Grand Knight Commander Alins? *The* White Moon Knight—Alins—one of Lord Dawnbreak Knight-Captain’s most prized disciples?!”

“Yes! The very commander hailed as a war god!”

“Then the bespectacled knight beside him must be Kaido, the Wise Knight—Lord Dawnbreak Knight-Captain’s other disciple?”

“Has to be!”

“Hey, Lord Alins!” Citizens waved warmly at the two mounted knights.

As one of Lord Dawnbreak Knight-Captain’s most celebrated disciples, that title alone earned Alins deep public affection. Hearing the greetings, the brown-haired knight smiled warmly and waved back. Though unremarkable in features, his natural charm made onlookers instinctively fond of him.

“Lord Alins,” Kaido—the dark-haired youth with round scholarly spectacles—adjusted his glasses calmly, “isn’t this entrance a bit… ostentatious?”

“What’s the harm?” Alins replied unfazed, waving cheerfully at citizens lining the streets. “Didn’t Master always say we should walk among the people? This isn’t disturbing anyone.”

“I hope you know your limits,” Kaido sighed softly, shaking his head.

Amid cheers, the two led their knights into the royal district.

After dismounting, Kaido glanced at Alins. “You wouldn’t wear this ceremonial attire for New Year’s. Why today? The festival’s still far off.”

Though bound by rank—one Grand Knight Commander and Guardian General, the other Vice Commander—their public decorum melted privately. Away from outsiders, they reverted to easy senior-junior disciple rapport.

“Come now,” Alins chuckled as they left knights waiting, surrendered swords for royal guard inspection, and strolled through palace gardens. “I’m to audience the Empress later. Must dress properly.”

“Speaking of which,” Kaido teased, “you’ve been looking much better lately.”

“Hm? Have I?” Alins feigned surprise, lightly touching his cheek.

“Compared to postwar days? Absolutely. Back then, I doubted you’d survive the Inquisition Tribunal’s second year. Found a miracle cure?”

“Haha,” Alins grinned wryly, “perhaps virtue finds its own fortune.”

Mid-chat, hurried footsteps echoed through the halls. Both turned instinctively.

“Well, if it isn’t Captain of the Empress’s Royal Guard?” Alins greeted the approaching figure with a jest. “Long time no see.”

“Greetings, Grand Knight Commander Alins, Vice Commander Kaido,” Nia bowed formally, face stern, ignoring the banter.

“You’re taking my words too literally,” Alins chuckled. “Just us disciples here. No need for stiffness, Nia. Long time—how have you been?”

“Propriety must be observed,” Nia replied earnestly.

“Pfft,” Alins teased, “the world calls me Master’s heir, but among us? No one mirrors his rigor like you, Nia. That rigid grace is pure Master.”

“Alins, don’t digress,” Kaido interjected calmly, adjusting his spectacles. “Nia wouldn’t seek us without cause.”

“Oh?” Alins’s tone shifted. “Our junior disciple in trouble?”

Nia sighed softly at his flippancy. *These senior brothers… unchanged after all these years.*

“Were you heading to audience Her Majesty?”

“Yes, but no rush. She’s likely still preparing.”

“Then… would Lords Alins and Kaido accompany me to the guest hall first?”

Alins gestured politely. “After you.”

Once settled, he leaned in. “Alright, Nia. What’s the matter?”

“Lord Alins… I’m unsure if the news reached you.”

“News? I get endless messages—even noble invitations count. Which one?”

“Lord Alins… Bati City is in trouble.”

“……Oh?” Alins’s smile vanished. His eyes narrowed. “Details?”

“Suspected heretic uprising.”

“Heretics? ………" All levity drained from his face. Solemn gravity settled in; his voice dropped low.

“When?”

“Approximately a week ago. A group of mutated monsters attacked Bati City.”