Academy’s Genius Swordsman

＜ 152. Audience (4) ＞

#152

“Jim wants you to become the dawn of the empire.”

“.. Dawning?”

Hearing the word Dawn, Ronan frowned. It was my favorite time, but somehow the feeling conveyed in the words was not good. Even if I tried to think as positively as possible, I could only think of the Dawning Corps, which suffered a catastrophe this morning.

‘Is this uncle trying to enlist me?’

An eerie goose ran up my spine. Wherever I go, it will be much better compared to the punishment units, but now is not the time to eat jjambap. The emperor shook his head slowly.

“okay. You would know it well. An organization that has been on the rise in recent years.”

“Nebula Clazier.”

“The darkness that corrodes the empire. Come to think of it, I saw and heard about the scene this morning, but is it true?”

Ronan licked his lips. He still felt like he smelled fishy blood every time he breathed through his nose. The rainwater flowing down the slope had a turbid red color.

“yes.”

“It’s unfortunate. Although it was only reported in writing, I can understand why Jaifa was so angry. I lost about half of my subordinates.”

The emperor clicked his tongue. He explained that all victims would be awarded two ranks, and a large amount of compensation would go to their families. It was also explained that a tracking team would be formed as soon as possible to catch the perpetrators of the massacre.

The attitude towards Jaifa and the victims seemed to be a pretty decent person. After all, these people are taking the lead, so the country will last for a thousand years. The emperor spoke in a heavy voice.

“But the really big problem is after this. I can’t shake the feeling that today is just the starting point.”

“A starting point?”

“okay. The catastrophe that happened today is not unusual. As you all know, Mount Bimani, where the massacre took place, is a five-hour horseback ride from the Imperial Palace. This is, in effect, a declaration of war.”

A sigh escaped the emperor’s mouth. Ronan nodded in agreement. Clearly, this situation was different from the actions of Nebula Clazier, who had only been secretly behind the scenes.

‘Did the headmaster change his strategy?’

Of course, he would not wage an all-out war with the Empire unless he was crazy. The protection of the stars used by the members of the denomination was incomparable to that of the winged pugs.

Ronan’s guess was that the Empire would never be able to become their opponent if the Empire decided to cut it and press it. No matter what anyone said, the Imperial Army was the strongest army that had never been seen in the history of the continent, and it was because there were strong allies called Navardoze and Lorhorn who could actually kill even giants.

However, what Ronan was worried about was that the evil deeds of the church in the future would change ‘ambiguously’ and drasticly. If aggressive raids and dukes continued like this massacre, it would be easier to catch the tail, but the damage to the empire would also be much more serious than before.

It was only a few years before the giants came down, but it was difficult if the damage got bigger here. Clearly, this was a situation that needed action. said the emperor.

“That is the reason why Jim hastily summoned you. From today on, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford it.”

“I understand. That was the case.”

“Thank you.”

It was then that Ronan understood why the emperor had taken the people as if they were taking them. It seemed that he was planning to enter a national emergency in earnest. Ronan opened his mouth after a moment of silence.

“So… what does it mean to be a Dawn?”

“Ah, the introduction was long. Jim has been watching you ever since. Even before the witches crisis this winter.”

The emperor, who spoke meaningfully, took his hand with his waist. He pulled out the one-handed sword he was wearing with its sheath. The name of the empire was engraved in the old language on the seemingly expensive sheath.

“I know that you have been stopping the cult’s conspiracy from two years ago. Gran Cappadocia, the attack on the Phileon dormitory… There was a time when we defended the Romaira Mountains together with Zayfa.”

“that···.”

“I don’t know what you have to do with Nebula Clazier. I won’t even ask. But the important thing is that you have defeated them every time and saved the citizens.”

Ronan’s eyes widened. I never expected the emperor to know so accurately. I thought that I would only receive reports in a sloppy way because I was always with a great colleague.

“I’ve been watching you since I first heard the news. At the time, you were too young to propose, but now that you have grown up so well, I don’t think you need to hesitate any longer.”

The emperor held the hilt and the tip of the scabbard with both hands. And he handed it to Ronan, who was stunned.

“Receive.”

“This?”

“Sword of Balon. Originally, it was only awarded to soldiers who were promoted to general. It symbolizes my authority.”

Hearing that he was a general, Ronan raised his eyebrows. Thinking about it, I remembered that Adeshan from his previous life was holding a sword similar to this one. I wondered why he was carrying something he wouldn’t even wield, but it was just a symbolic object.

Anyway, this was a bit difficult. In the end, it sounded like we were told to eat jjambap, but I’d rather be a nobleman, but this wasn’t really the case. After a quick but in-depth thought, Ronan opened his mouth.

“I’m really sorry, Your Majesty, but I have no intention of becoming a soldier yet. I have no qualifications to go up to the dreadful post of general…”

“Uh? Jim has no intention of enlisting you.”

“yes?”

Ronan tilted his head. I was wondering what this is again. Seeing his expression, the emperor chuckled.

“hahaha, you just made a misunderstanding. Don’t worry. Balon’s sword is simply to prove that he is worthy to wield Jim’s power.”

“It seems that there is a real role.”

“right. I think it’s probably the most attractive offer for you. By Dawning, I mean the secret agent dealing with Nebula Clazier, who is emerging as a new darkness in the Empire.”

“Secret… Agent?”

Ronan’s eyes widened. It was an unusual position to make my mouth water just by hearing the word. As if reading Ronan’s mind, the emperor began to explain the mission of the Dawning.

“okay. You will now face the evil horde in the name of Jim and the Empire. If we find Nebula Klage or any individual or group associated with it during our activities, I will give you the authority to make independent judgment and take action.”

“You mean you’re giving me the right to legally kill the suspects?”

“It’s clear. I can explain it that way too. If your opponent is Nebula Clazie or someone you know, you don’t have to worry about status or rank at all. Just do what you want.”

It was a shocking proposal that was not unconventional. Of course, up until now, Nebula Clazier had never looked back and forth, but it was of great significance that it could now act legally. Because it was said that the most troublesome post-processing was taken care of.

But the shock didn’t end there. After explaining the mission, the emperor began to talk about privileges, this time.

“First of all, you are a Brigadier General of the Imperial Army. Or you have the right to be treated and act the same as the noble of the count. You can collect enlisted men, and you can use the military facilities of the empire. If necessary to carry out the mission, we can officially mobilize the Imperial Army.”

“Can you give me that kind of power?”

Ronan laughed involuntarily. From his point of view, it was a reward worth more than a duke.

You would be able to receive high-quality information from the Imperial Intelligence Agency, and if it was a scale that would be too tight on your own, you might be able to ask for support and fight it together. The emperor shook his head.

“I felt it a while ago, but you don’t seem to know how much great work you have done.”

“I was just doing what I had to do.”

“I made a kick and overflowing ball, so don’t worry about that part. Like you, the only one who contributed to the extermination of Nebula Klajie was the current swordsman, Zaipa.”

Ronan shrugged his eyebrows. It seemed that Zayfa caught a lot. Except for the precarious relationship with the emperor and a lot of anger, the tiger was also quite a good character.

“Your position is top secret among top secrets. Actually, except for Jim and a few people involved in this case, we don’t know anything about it. You’ll have to be very careful with confidentiality and liaison building.”

“Don’t worry about that. Ah, your Majesty. There is one thing I want to ask you.”

“Uh? Something?”

“Before starting the mission in earnest, I want to receive reliable enlisted soldiers. I can pay my salaries, so one of the skills is outstanding people.”

Ronan said. The emperor tilted his head when he saw his eyes more serious than before.

“Of course, I can help you, but…are you trying to save a colleague?”

“no. There are people in the system that must be followed. To make him your escort.”

Ronan briefly recounted Iril’s story. For him, it was as important as preventing the destruction of the world. The emperor smiled softly.

“Sure. I’ll get Jim to the rescue soon with people I can trust. Don’t worry, the employees’ salaries will be paid here.”

“thank you.”

“Thank you, Jim. It’s an attractive offer, but it’s actually way too heavy for you to handle. Because you are delegating the duties and rights of the Dawning Troop to you alone.”

The emperor’s tone of voice showed complicated concerns. Ronan shook his head resolutely. He really liked this reward.

So far, all the rewards I have received from other people are considered poop. So, this position was amazing. Suddenly, the emperor widened his eyes as if he had remembered something.

“Oh, but you didn’t ask the most important thing.”

“yes?”

“Ronan. Will you accept Jim’s offer?”

Ronan narrowed his brow. For a moment, I wondered if this uncle had dementia, but come to think of it, he never directly replied that he would accept the offer.

Ronan chuckled. The answer was already decided, but it didn’t matter. Sometimes, there are places that require formal procedures like this. Ronan, who was facing the emperor, knelt down on one knee.

“yes.”

“Great.”

The emperor laughed softly. At one point, his face became serious. A stern voice came from between the gaping lips.

“I am here now on behalf of the Empire. The thousand years of history engraved in the sky, all life on this earth, and the grace of the predecessors have made this glorious place today.”

The emperor, who had adjusted his clothes, pulled the hilt of the sword. With a sound like a marble rolling on the ice, Balon’s sword was pulled out.

“Everyone here is going to die someday. A mortal born of dust and returning to dust. But by acknowledging our limits, we want to go higher.”

The pure white sword had the same characters engraved on its sheath. The emperor slowly raised his sword and placed the sword on Ronan’s shoulder.

“Following the wisdom of our forefathers that one who walks alone can never achieve great cause, today Jim intends to make you the sword of the empire.”

Ronan didn’t answer and just kept his head down. It was a shock that was too fresh for a bastard who was wallowing around the battlefield like a gnome. The emperor, who raised the sword, this time placed it on the opposite shoulder of Ronan.

“Ronan. Will you, above all, become the sharpest sword and swear allegiance to the Empire and Jim? Will you be a dawn to those who groan in darkness?”

There was no cheering crowd. There were no knights lined up in armor. In the empty auditorium, only him and the emperor remained.

It was the most frugal conferment of titles in the world. However, it was not unpleasant or empty. Feeling something boiling in his chest, Ronan opened his mouth.

“I swear.”