Chapter 661 The Moving Stars (1/2)
Thud, thud.
Joshua strolled to a flank of the throne, saying nothing and staring toward the surface alongside Israel.
Twelve thousand meters in the air, the watchtower was no completely opened, its four leaf-shaped wings designed by a certain elderly mage absorbing the elemental energies around it to stay afloat—a smart application since only elements wafted in this environment of thinned atmosphere. The wings, themselves forged of crystals and metals emanated faint myriad colors as Nostradamus walked to the warrior's side, and the trio stared upon the surface that stretched to their edge of vision.
From there, they can survey most of the Empire: forests, deserts, swamps, mountains and plains—virtually all species of creature lived in the vast lands of this nation, even the bare magma regions and deserts eroded by winds were signs of them. In every region were starry specks of city lights, where intelligent beings lived for thousands of years or more. Humans flourished on his continent over millions of years, living lives of their own.
”Madness.”
Joshua spoke as he watched over the land. ”An old codger who is a dozen years old, monitoring a quarter of humans and declaring that the would purge all oppression and evil… Who does he think he is?”
”As you put it—a mad old codger, dreaming alongside his teacher,” Israel said in a low voice upon his throne. ”After the first wave of sinners are culled, Master Nostradamus would enforce compulsory education, and schools will be built upon the lairs and residences of those lieges and darkness. The Imperial Family would not take a single dime from their property, and spend it all on those schools.”
”Then, when I formally hire the two masters Barnil and William as instructors for my nation's research centers, to further streamline the materials and structure of the Information Terminal, it would become a basic human right for Imperial Citizens, and there would be a new coming-of-age ritual for every youth sixteen years of age registered in every regional Terminal of local governments. The nobles would still exist, but they would only attain special privileges through contribution: they can afford luxury and to squander only with ability and credit.”
”We are not launching a massacre… We will maintain the stability of society,” Nostradamus said softly beside them. ”Israel would only execute unsanctioned criminals who incurred capital punishment; he won't interfere with civic cases since those are for the jobs of the enforcers. In turn, I would do my best to cultivate many youths who hold the correct ethical values and world view… Israel would never sit eternally on that seat, that is when they would become the new pillar for society.”
The Emperor and Mage had conspired for years, but were unable to act since they could not take even the first step, hence imprisoned in the Imperial Capital. Now, the chance had arrived: with the Information Terminal and aerial warships, their influence now shrouds the entire empire. Even so, the pair knew that changing the old regime was difficult—perhaps impossible, which was why the two Legendary champions would use their powers so crudely to subjugate it, destroy it, and build a new one from ground-up.
And that process would only take thirty days
It was lunacy at its peak.
Such progress could never be achieved anywhere else, unless it was within a world of magic and blade.
And within a world where Legendary champions existed: individuals who wielded power that could suppress ten thousand armies alone.
***
Joshua said nothing. Israel turned slightly toward him, glancing at the warrior, and his grave expression promptly changed a little.
”You're laughing,” the Emperor said with a curious tone. ”Noble Radcliffe… You're actually laughing.”
Even as he spoke, the corner of Israel's lips lifted. He grunted once, before snickering. ”And you've just told me that I'm mad… Joshua, you're madder than I am!”
Beside him, Joshua was definitely laughing rather joyously, and it was certainly neither mocking nor feigned.
”Well, madmen aren't all bad.”
The warrior replied, narrowing his eyes and folding his arms across his chest. ”Everyone dreams, and there are all sorts of bizarre in dreams. You two, however, are the scarce few who attempted to realize your dreams, and the even scarcer few bastards who could achieve what you dreamt about.”
Perhaps out of pride from once belonging to a star faring civilization, Joshua's initial notion was that though the champions of Mycroft were powerful, they remain people from a magical feudal society. Nevertheless, from the moment that aged pontiff asked 'Do you comprehend light?', up to the Eastern Sea Sage's 'Soul-Substance Transition' and Galanoud's 'Living Creation', everything had gone far beyond what Joshua could expect.
And now, Israel and Nostradamus are prepared to work hand in hand and rebuild society itself, elevating a feudalistic empire directly to the state of modern society.
The ideal of each Legendary champion left Joshua in shock and delight—their vision was not restrained by eras, and instead progressed much further… Not only did they have their dream, they even wished that others could have theirs.
Igor spent his life maintaining world order, when he could destroy it with his ability in five minutes.
Galanoud could ignore her own elven race and assume the Way of Nature that fits her best, but she resolved to stride toward an unknown future with them.
There was even less to elaborate for Israel and Nostradamus. Both Legendary champions, one being the Emperor, the other a royal instructor and the leader of the Imperial Royal Mage Guild. They could have been the greatest exploiters at the highest tier, for none could stop them at the peak of hierarchy.
Even so, the two kept meditating how to truly free everyone.
”Listen, Israel, Nostradamus.”
As Joshua widened his gaze and turned to them, all mirth vanished as his expression became solemn but respectful. ”I have faith in your resolve, and do not believe that you two would quickly be corrupted… But no one can be right forever, and two would become lost as well. Like eternal justice, philosopher kings do not exist, and just as it had been with the Earth Mother, even deities have selfish desires. The Empire and its millions of citizens are not your plaything for a game of 'totalitarian society'.”
”That is why, when the time comes when your dreams have deviated from your original trail,” Joshua added, pausing for a moment, ”I will beat you two awake.”
”Heh… Hahaha. That's fantastic!”
Israel laughed heartily genuinely in return. Having no tears and unable to suffocate when his sides were split, he kept laughing for he was acknowledged.
'With that, I could unchain myself and go crazy.
'—Even if I made mistakes, even if I deviated, there are friends with the power and willingness stop me. Joshua, you're a deterrent without equal!'
And Joshua started to laugh again as well—in fact, the trio laughed for a long time before Israel and Nostradamus collected themselves.
”You're right,” the Emperor nodded lightly toward Joshua, pleased. ”Noble Radcliffe, I could not remain as 'Justice' forever. If the day comes and I do deviate from my own path, please do come give me a beating.”
”That is precisely why I've asked you two to come.”
***
Nostradamus and Joshua strolled amidst the pouring rain that refracted rainbow colors.
”The pollution is serious. High-energy mana radiation would render this soil barren. Desertification—or perhaps even crystallization—is expected to happen at any time.”