Chapter 112: Summoned by The King (1/2)

The association's staff said they had been expecting their arrival, as it seems Grandmaster Kiren was kind enough to inform them beforehand. When the staff told Ivy and Arthur the earlier events when the first group returned, they were relieved that the grandmaster had held them back.

Shortly after the contestants returned with their supervising runes masters, still shocked at the events, a military emergency has been issued. The Ilios Empire attacked the south-eastern border of the Yalveran Union, in sync with the approach of the Iron Dome.

The royal family has already been informed, and the Council was having a meeting at the moment to determine the next course of action. All military personal and awakeners of the rei-rank and above were called to duty.

Not all awakeners worked for the government, but they still had the duty to lend their power when the need arises. As Arthur remembers, there was a law that the government could summon the awakeners if a dungeon break or an attack by another nation happened.

As the staff explained, Arthur and Ivy were led through the association to a different hall. The vice-president of the Yalen association was waiting for them there.

”Greetings, Arthur,” The president was courteous toward him. ”I'm very proud of your achievements in the Runes Apprentices Cup, although it saddens me that it ended in such a way.”

”I feel the same, sir.”

”I'm sorry, I don't recognize your friend?” The vice-president turned toward Ivy. She introduced herself as Arthur's friend who had gone to cheer for him. The vice-president said some pleasantries and praised Arthur a bit.

”We have been asked to support you if there is anything you need.” He said in the end.

It was then that Arthur realized that the closest people to his ability were the association, not anyone else. It was the gathering of all runes' masters except for those who secluded themselves. By extension, they should be the one to value his abilities more.

However, he would never allow himself to foolishly reveal too much. He can be a genius, but not an abnormal genius who can create genuine artifacts. Until he gets stronger, he would let them treat him as valuable. After that, even the association would choose to follow him willingly.

”Thank you, vice-president. For now, I simply wish to leave since I have some matters to attend to.”

”That won't be possible, I'm afraid.” The vice-president shook his head. Seeing Arthur frown instantly, he began to explain. ”His majesty has requested to meet you as soon as you're back. The royal guards are already waiting in front of the association as we speak.”

'Well, shit.'

Arthur rubbed his temples as he realized that it was clear they wouldn't allow him to walk away even though he was the person who knows the most about the current situation. He glanced at Ivy who chose to remain silent throughout the exchange.

”It's alright, they can't do anything to you.” Ivy shrugged and Arthur knew she was right.

Doing anything against him would not only cause their prestige to fall among other nations, who would harm their already ruined image but would also turn the people against them. After all, he was the person who had stepped up to stop the calamity. If he was punished simply because the traitor was a prince, then there would surely be public outrage.

In the end, Arthur agreed to be escorted by the royal guards to the palace. Ivy didn't come with him as she, privately, told him that she would meet with Si for now. As for Arthur's situation, they would send some help.

Arthur had no choice but to believe in them for now. Luckily, the people who had seen him end the trial weren't ones from Yalen, as far as he knew. For now, he was safe and he also had an extra layer of protection of the jade the grandmaster has given him.

The royal guards, led by a captain who was a tall man in his thirties, were standing in front of the association not daring to venture inside. They all wore platinum white armor with the Yalen Royal family's crest on it. As if he had recognized Arthur, the captain stepped forward.

”Arthur Silvera, you have been summoned by his majesty to the royal palace. Please allow us to escort you.”