Above the mage!

Chapter 561 Bloody Rose

Ellie held her head high, her scarlet cloak fluttering in the biting wind.

Her boots trod across the worn black stone pavement beneath the city gate, each step carrying the pride of the Warwick family.

This family, renowned for its dark-patterned steel, may not be as illustrious as some of the noble families at the founding of the empire, but its strong position as an elder family of the empire is firmly established by its generations of control over dark-patterned steel mines.

As Ellie passed through the heavy city gate, a somber scene unfolded before her eyes.

The overall tone of the city is a mix of cold black and fiery red.

The black parts are the building walls made of black stone, and the red parts are the fluttering flags.

A gust of hot wind blew in my face.

The hot air carried the smell of the workshop.

In the workshops of the Holy Empire, not a single forge is cold.

Although the street was wide, it felt cramped because of the tall buildings on both sides.

Those four- or five-story stone buildings had crenellations on each floor and hidden arrow slits under the window sills.

Even the low houses where ordinary people live have roofs covered with removable iron plates, as if they could be transformed into fortresses to defend against attacks at any time.

This is Iron City.

The capital of the Holy Empire, the most powerful nation in this plane, is the heart of this vast empire and also a fortress that will never be destroyed.

It was the first city that the barbarian tribes conquered after emerging from the wilderness.

The Holy Empire made this captured city their capital.

Like most cities in the Holy Empire, the Iron City features solemn architecture, narrow and secluded streets, crenellated eaves, and magnificent city gates.

The cities of this country place great emphasis on power and control, so the architecture is usually not so much about beauty or comfort, but rather very suitable for defensive warfare.

Any enemy that attempts to seize a city of the Holy Empire by force will face fierce resistance.

Even the simplest dwelling can be built like a fortress, and when necessary, it will become a fortress.

The guards, dressed in black steel armor, patrolled the wide street in neat formation.

Ellie's gaze swept over them, a glint of light flashing in her eyes.

Because the ore used to forge this black steel armor came from her hometown, from her family.

As early as the reign of Emperor V of the Holy Empire, her homeland was conquered by the Holy Empire's expeditionary force and incorporated into the territory of this great empire, and this has been the case ever since.

Her family used the first batch of refined dark-patterned steel to forge indestructible armor for the expeditionary force, thus binding themselves to the empire.

And she, Ellie Warwick, as one of the most talented offspring of this generation of the family, was highly regarded by the elders. She came to Iron City this time because she received a message from the chief mage of the Empire.

Ellie followed the guards leading the way toward the city center. The streets gradually descended, and the black stones on the road surface were worn smooth by the years, but the uneven grooves were still visible.

Those were the marks left by chariots, horses' hooves, and the clash of weapons.

Each one tells the story of the empire's conquests.

As the building in front suddenly rose higher, a giant castle, like a crouching ancient beast, came into view.

Ellie's breath hitched.

That was the Iron Throne, the heart of the Holy Empire, and the end of her journey.

The Iron Throne is not an isolated castle, but a colossal entity that coexists with the entire Iron City.

It's as if a piece of the core of the Blackrock Mountains has been gnawed away by it, with the castle's foundation deep into the heart of the mountains, and the buildings on the surface extending outwards like the limbs of a giant beast.

The streets radiate outwards from it, yet sink layer upon layer in its shadow, with some areas even below the ground level, like folds crushed by this behemoth.

From where Ellie stood, the castle's main tower pierced the leaden sky, its sharp edges as if carved by a knife and axe, without a single superfluous curve.

The black stone walls are covered with dents and arrow holes left by war, some of which still have rusted arrowheads embedded in them. Every mark is engraved with the history of the empire's expansion from barbarism to prosperity.

As you approach the Iron Throne, the sense of oppression grows stronger.

The outer walls are made of dark black boulders taken from the deepest part of the Black Rock Mountains. Molten iron mixed with dragon lizard scale powder is poured between the stones, giving them a cold, hard metallic luster in the sunlight. Even the wind blowing across the walls carries the dull sound of iron clashing.

The battlements are arranged like saw teeth, and every ten steps there is a stone golem holding a giant crossbow.

The puppet was not an ordinary humanoid figure, but rather wore a barbarian beast-head mask with exposed fangs.

His eyes were like inlaid rubies, gleaming eerily in the shadows, as if they were about to pull the trigger at any moment.

The central dome of the castle is supported by six thick iron pillars, as thick as ancient trees, with etched rune chains and magical text wrapped around the pillars.

Those distorted magical characters were carved by the first mage of the empire, and they emit a faint dark red light on rainy days, as if guarding some secret.

As Ellie climbed the wide stone steps, the soles of her boots echoed crisply on the black stone steps.

This staircase is also unusual.

It is called the Triumph Stairs.

Every twelve steps, there was a guard in a crisp uniform standing on either side of the stairs, but she remained unmoved, her eyes fixed straight ahead.

Although it was Ellie's first time in Iron City and the Iron Throne, she did not want to show any shock.

Only a lowly person who has never seen the world would be dumbfounded.

She is from Warwick and has noble blood in her veins.

The top-floor hall protrudes like a skull, with huge obsidian windows like empty eye sockets, taking in every movement within the city.

Above the main gate is a line of primitive barbarian script.

That was the empire's motto:

Strength forges eternity.

The characters are incredibly sharp and striking, possessing a cold and austere quality, as if they were meant to be etched into the very marrow of every visitor.

In fact, these six words have long been ingrained in the bones of every member of the Holy Empire.

Everything changes, only power is eternal.

Two soldiers, fully encased in black steel armor, were already waiting outside the metal gate.

Armor covered every inch of their skin, and even their faces were covered by helmets, revealing only a pair of slits of eyes that gleamed coldly.

The dark red cloak draped over his shoulders swayed slightly in the wind, its hem embroidered with a dark gold rose.

Ellie of the Rose Legion breathed softly, her proud head unconsciously lowering slightly.

In the Holy Empire, the Rose Legion was a name more awe-inspiring than "death."

They were the first legion of the empire, established at the very beginning of the empire's founding.

They are mysterious, powerful, and ruthless, not only fighting against external enemies but also purging the empire of its own internal scourges.

Therefore, not only enemies, but even the people of the empire did not want to see them.

The soldiers of the Rose Legion did not speak, but simply raised their hands and pushed open the heavy metal door.

The door hinges made a creaking sound as they turned, like the low growl of a giant beast.

Ellie nodded slightly to the two of them in thanks and walked in steadily.

The light inside the door suddenly dimmed, as if plunging from daylight into an abyss.

Within the dark, stone-carved doorway lies an extremely spacious hall, into which lies an even deeper darkness.

This was a huge hall that could hold a thousand people, yet it was so empty that only echoes could be heard.

At the far end of the dark hall was a huge object.

Carved from a single piece of obsidian, it is rough and angular, without any embellishment, and even retains the traces of the carving process.

Countless red and black flags hung beside it, embroidered with the imperial emblem. Some flags had scorch marks and holes along their edges, marks left by past wars.

The tall pillars form sharp angles.

That was a throne, the throne of the Holy Empire's emperor, the Iron Throne, a symbol of the Holy Empire's power.

But now, the Iron Throne is empty.

The Iron Throne has remained in this state ever since the death of the previous emperor in the Holy Empire.

There won't be another one. Because the previous emperor didn't die a natural death, but was executed.

The Holy Empire had transformed from an imperial system into a state ruled by giants.

The Holy Empire is now divided into three powers: the Empire's Chief Mage Mei Qiang, Grand Commander Mordred Augustine, and Grand Marshal Du Adolf of the Imperial Expeditionary Force.

When the emperor was still in office, the hall was often exceptionally lively, as the empire was full of talented people, enough to fill the hall that could hold a thousand people.

But now it's empty.

Only on the high platform beneath the throne, a simple black stone table had been placed there at some point, its surface smooth as a mirror, with three black stone chairs around it.

A map floats above the stone table.

A large map encompassing the entire Mage Plane, including the continents of Nolan, Midgard, and Terra.

The map wasn't drawn on sheepskin; it simply floated on the black stone table, three-dimensional, showing undulating mountains and rushing rivers.

Ellie straightened her back and looked at the black stone chair in the middle, which was inlaid with tiny rubies.

The ruby, like a drop of congealed blood, gleamed with a dark red light under the pale blue glow.

A figure dressed in a black robe sat on the chair.

The collar and cuffs of the robe were embroidered with dark red rose patterns, the same as the emblem of the Rose Legion, and the hem of the robe hung to the ground, as if blending into the surrounding darkness.

Her hair, as black as ink, fell down, covering half of her face, revealing only a pair of eyes that shone with a deep purple light.

In his hand he held a staff wrapped in chains, and countless tiny shadows seemed to writhe within the crystal at the top of the staff, like imprisoned souls.

Even across the empty hall, Ellie could feel the oppressive aura emanating from that person.

It wasn't just the overwhelming force, but a strange aura that seemed to see right through people's hearts, like prey being locked on by a venomous snake, making even breathing cautious.

This person was Mei Qiang, one of the three giants of the empire.

Mei Qiang is also known as the Thousand-Faced One.

Because everyone's appearance of Mei Qiang is different.

Some people saw Mei Qiang as an elderly man with white hair, some saw her as a burly man, and some saw her as a beautiful young girl.
No one knows what his true appearance is like, and no one can even be sure of his gender.

"Ellie of the Warwick family?" A female voice came from the black stone chair. The voice was not loud and had no inflection, but it had a penetrating power.

Ellie took a deep breath and bowed slightly: "Yes, Chief Mage, Ellie Warwick has come as ordered."

“Ellie Warwick, the fourth offspring of the current head of the Warwick family, is also the most talented mage among the young people of the Warwick family this generation. She is known as the Iron Rose. Even among all the young people in the empire, there are almost no mages who can compare with you,” Mei Qiang said calmly in a mechanical female voice.

"Yes," Ellie answered readily, without a trace of modesty.

In the empire, cowardice is the original sin that is despised.

Capable people never need to be humble.

Acknowledging one's own strength is an act of submission to the imperial law of the supremacy of power.

“I need you to lead the team and sweep away all the contemporary mages of the Golden Flower Dynasty,” Mei Qiang said.

Ellie paused for a moment, then clenched her right fist and slammed it heavily onto the family crest on her chest.

This is a military salute from the Holy Empire.

"I will definitely complete the mission," she declared firmly.

“Hehe.” Mei Qiang, sitting on the ruby ​​black stone chair, subtly raised her chin. “That’s settled then. Someone will inform you of the specific details of the mission.”

"Received." Ellie saluted again, took six steps back, turned and left without hesitation.

He traveled a long way from his hometown to Tiecheng, but the audience lasted no more than ten sentences.

But Ellie had no complaints, nor dared she.

Being assigned a mission by an imperial leader is already an honor.

As the black stone gates closed again, the hall was plunged into an even denser darkness, with only the floating map emitting a faint glow.

The black stone chair to the right of Mei Qiang was empty. There were no rubies on the back of the chair, but a lifelike black raven was carved on it.

The crow's beak is sharp as a knife, and the feathers on its wings have clear patterns, as if it will take flight at any moment.

Suddenly, ripples appeared in the air above the crow chair.

Amidst the distorted light and shadow, a hazy human figure emerged.

The figure was shrouded in black mist, making its outline indistinct, yet it exuded an irresistible sense of oppression.

“Mei Qiang,” he said.

"My great leader, have you finished things on your end?" Mei Qiang's voice suddenly changed, the mechanical quality vanished without a trace, replaced by a charming and melodious tone that entwined the heart like vines.

If it weren't for the fact that she was in the Iron Throne Hall, people would probably think this was some nobleman's mistress being coquettish.

But Mordred, the Grand Commander of the Empire, showed no reaction, his tone as calm as the black stone ground: "Negotiations are still ongoing. The Golden Flower is also very interested in the Nolan Magic Tournament, but because it was our proposal, they are on guard and have not agreed easily."

"They were afraid that there might be some kind of trap involved."

"That's why I said from the beginning that we should also include Linhai City. It's a Nolan Magic Fighting Tournament, not a two-nation magic fighting tournament."

“If you muddy the waters, they’ll agree,” the charming female voice assured her.

"The empire's power is soaring, and the Plantagenet has always been conservative. As a result, not only their vassal states, but also many voices within the dynasty are rising. Lister is very troubled by this, but he cannot go against tradition and family precepts."

"This Nolan French Fighting Tournament is a chance for them to flex their muscles and regain their momentum, and they won't refuse it." Mordred shares Mei Qiang's optimistic view on this point.

"exactly."

"But is it really necessary? To make such a big fuss over one person?" Mordred questioned.

"Commander-in-Chief, look." Mei Qiang chuckled softly, pointed to the map floating on the stone table, and snapped her fingers lightly.

next moment.

On the map, a dark red dot suddenly lit up, centered on the Iron Throne.

It was a rosebud, its petals a deep crimson, its sepals gleaming with a cold, steely light, as the bud slowly opened.

The first layer of petals unfolded, covering the city-states surrounding the imperial capital.

The second layer of petals unfurled, spreading across the plains of eastern Nolan Continent. Wherever it passed, areas originally marked "neutral" were instantly covered in blood.

When the third layer of petals exploded, the speed suddenly increased, sweeping across the Nolan continent like a tidal wave.

In the blink of an eye, the Crimson Rose had occupied two-thirds of the Nolan Continent.

The petals overlapped one after another, like a giant blood-red spider web, firmly covering the empire's sphere of influence.

Not only on the continent of Nolan, but also along the coastline of the continent of Terra, blood-red roses sprouted from the ground, their petals extending along the coastline.

Wherever it passed, faint blood-red spots lit up in many neutral city-states or tribes. These were traces of the empire's covert infiltration, the seeds of roses.

On the continent of Zhongting, a crimson rose quietly bloomed, stretching towards the center of the continent.

However, as the crimson roses bloomed, a golden light suddenly shone in the westernmost part of the Nolan continent.

It was a bud of a broom flower, its petals a brilliant, shimmering gold, as if cast from molten gold.

The calyx is bronze in color, with a rustic texture that has been etched with the marks of time, and its edges are engraved with fine patterns.

Unlike the aggressive nature of the blood-red rose, the broom flower blooms slowly.

Although slow, it carries a steady strength.

It occupies only a quarter of the Nolan continent, yet it is incredibly sturdy, like a golden barrier that blocks the spread of the Crimson Rose.

"Did you see that?" Mei Qiang's voice turned icy.

Mordred narrowed his eyes.

In the area where the broom flowers bloom, in the northernmost part of Ruka County, a dazzling light suddenly shone.

The light was a pure, vibrant silver-white, like a tiny sun shimmering among the petals of the broom flower.

The light was initially faint, but it grew brighter and brighter in just a few breaths, and even began to transmit energy to the surrounding broom flower petals.

(End of this chapter)