Chapter 122: Mission
Meanwhile, as Artorius and his group were on the way to Tokyo...
In the city of Orleans, it was located beneath the city, but it did not exist in the surface world. Instead, it was an 'island' that had been established as a 'secret realm'.
This place, designated to imitate Avalon and an essential base for the Empire's Mystery affairs, featured a floating apple-shaped island within the 'Reverse Side of the World'.
In the heart of this island stood a vast expanse of gothic architecture, combining elements of both classical and modern, machinery and magical, spanning three million square kilometers.
Here, over fifteen million beings pledged allegiance to His Majesty, the Holy and the Great Emperor Artorius I (the First), including Humans, Fairies, Dragons, other Phantasmal Species, and beings known as 'Servants'.
Furthermore, the island housed the Imperial Illuminati Council Hall, fifty-two Imperial research institutions, and an organization known as the Imperial Mystery Bureau.
This bureau's building was designed like two intersecting longswords, symbolizing the Sword of Promised Victory—Excalibur and the Imperial Sword of Frost Emperor—Clarent.
Such structures with strong political and even religious significance, displaying similarities to this design, could be found across the world due to the Empire's high favor towards these two swords.
Half past ten in the morning.
The artificial sun's rays shine through the glass windows, casting light into the bureau building. In the office room of the head of the intelligence department, there sits a man dressed in black military attire.
This man had assumed many identities over the years, living through numerous centuries and accomplishing countless extraordinary deeds. He was an exceptionally legendary figure in the history of the Empire. Frankly speaking, if he were to perish right at this moment, he would undoubtedly be qualified to contend for the class of Assassin, provided he consented to join the Throne of Heroes.
According to the historical records of the observable world, this man passed away in the year 557 AD. However, that was merely a deception used to maintain the integrity of proper human history.
Apart from his hair, every other part of the man's body remained young and active to this day. He had dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the Pendragon Dynasty's dominance, the Empire, and above all, for the sake of humanity until he lost his hair.
Due to his capabilities and loyalty, he naturally held the position of the head intelligence officer of the Empire, overseeing a total of four intelligence organizations.
This included the intelligence department, which belonged to the Imperial Mystery Bureau.
At first glance, this department seemed quite ordinary, just a department within a larger organization. However, one could not judge it merely on its surface.
The one who once led the military operations department could attest to how troublesome this organization could be.
The personnel recruited here were the cream of the crop, the elites among the elites, the finest of the Empire's army. With substantial funding, top-notch resources, and equipment, their combat prowess was exceptionally formidable.
Compared to the 'Sealing Designation Enforcers' of a certain Mage's Association on a particular timeline, the difference was as vast as that between heaven and earth.
It might even be greater.
Moreover, due to the direct name of this organization, countless heroes and brave souls from the Reverse Side met their ends over the eight hundred years since its establishment.
It always started like this:
"Who the heck are you!?"
"Who do you think you are, acting all high and mighty here as a mere department head, even if the Dragon Emperor himself comes, I'd only give him three points of respect (just pretending), and yet you dare to act all cool in front of me? I could easily chop you to pieces!"
That was the basic logic, acting like typical Chinese young masters.
Afterward, lawless fanatics, mainly Dead Apostles and Rogue Mages—experienced the weight of justice's hammer. The ugly men and women died on the spot, while the good-looking ones were captured, their fate determined by the Dragon Emperor's wishes.
This legendary figure of the intelligence organization, known as the second man of the Empire, had been involved in such affairs not just once or twice. Out of ten missions, eight were enough to satisfy the Dragon Emperor.
However, this time...
This mission wasn't about beating up weak Rogue Mages and Dead Apostles who could barely put up a fight. It wasn't even about dealing with 'Beasts' known as 'humanity's enemies' or 'extinction threats' from Alien beings within the Earth's atmosphere.
It was... to fulfill the Emperor's pleasure and vacation desires.
"Always causing trouble..." muttered the man as he closed the latest report on the 'Holy Grail War' displayed on his screen.
"Yes, His Majesty did mention it..." He murmured to himself, "Not long after defeating the Fake Emperor Lucius, a 'Drifter Phenomenon' occurred. It made him join the Fourth Holy Grail War as a Servant."
Amid his contemplation, the spiritron device next to his office desk chimed with a sweet electronic tone, indicating an incoming message. An electronic voice from the device reminded him, "The person you summoned, a member of the Imperial Mystery Guards, Major Bazett Fraga McRemitz, is waiting outside the door."
"Let her in."
The man nodded and issued the command.
"Yes, Sir."
Soon, the automatic door of the office opened, revealing a young major with wine-red short hair, a crisp military uniform with shining epaulets, and perfectly groomed hair.
At the age of twenty-three, she was a promising elite of the Empire. Stepping into the office, she tapped her bootheels together and saluted the man, saying, "Major Bazett reporting to you, Sir!"
"Mm."
The man replied expressionlessly and continued, "Major Bazett, I've reviewed your resume. Even among the elite of the intelligence department, you are one of the best."
"Thank you for your praise, Sir!"
With her hand covered in white gloves placed behind her back, she stood straight in her military uniform, without hesitation in her response.
"Currently, the empire has a challenging task for you." The man activated the switch, and a holographic display screen appeared in front of Bazett, showing a photo of Artorius.
"Who is this..."
Though she had never seen Artorius, his distinctive appearance was undeniable, the best proof of his identity even in this world. Artorius's features were more telling than the Habsburg jawline about his true identity.
"A royalty?"
"Yes..." The man replied with a tranquil expression. "Regarding this... you need not concern yourself too much. Just know that he is your target for the upcoming mission. You are to closely monitor his activities for the foreseeable future, regardless of the circumstances."
"Monitor and protect His Highness Pendragon? Understood, Sir!"
"..."
"Protect? Not quite..."
As Bazett stood tall, trying to express her determination to face any danger to ensure the safety of her target, the man shook his head, a smirk forming on his lips, more pleased than sarcastic.
From that expression, it was evident that spending time with the Emperor had rubbed off on the man in more ways than one.
"What you are tasked with is to satisfy his every wish and happiness at any cost."
"..."
"Um, Sir, I'm a little confused."
"Confused?"
Seeing the bewildered expression on Bazett's face, the man maintained his pleasant smile.
"Let me be more direct then. Major Bazett, your mission is to..."
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