Chapter 124: A Quiet Life


    Fila City, Monte Empire Palace.


    This was an expansive complex of buildings, with no pedestrians allowed within a hundred meters. A moat filled with ferocious beasts encircled the area, and rows of low-level flying magical beasts carrying aerial patrol soldiers frequently passed overhead.


    At the very center of this complex stood a towering palace over a hundred meters high, designed with a pointed roof. At its pinnacle rested two massive, transparent diamond-shaped crystals. These crystals, gifted by the Magic Guild to the Monte Empire, served as the core of the palace''s protective array. One was a wind-based defensive array to guard against aerial attacks, while the other was an earth-based array capable of enveloping the entire palace complex in a top-tier defensive shield during critical moments.


    The palace''s interior was heavily guarded, with sentries stationed every few steps. Access to each inner courtyard required a special pass. Even the high-ranking commanders of the Monte Empire''s city garrisons, who were battle-hardened experts, were a common sight within the palace.


    At this moment, the atmosphere in the main hall of the palace''s inner courtyard was tense and solemn.


    Queen Vivienne sat on the central throne. As the ruler of one of the three great empires of the Northern Alliance, she exuded an air of commanding authority.


    Below the throne, two rows of formidable individuals, clearly not ordinary folk, were seated. These individuals represented the other two empires of the Northern Alliance: the Cabu Empire and the Rhine Empire.


    "Your Majesty, our envoys from the Rhine Empire and the Cabu Empire have returned with news from the demon realm. The demon army has indeed broken through the seal. We are here on behalf of our respective empires'' rulers to discuss a military alliance with Your Majesty," said an elderly man with noble bearing, bowing gracefully.


    Queen Vivienne smiled and replied, "The demon invasion threatens the safety of our entire Northern Alliance. I hope we can reach a fruitful agreement, as the future of humanity on this continent depends on it."


    A young man from the other row stood up, offering a formal noble salute to Queen Vivienne and the envoy from the Rhine Empire. He spoke calmly, "The first wave of reinforcements from our empire and the Rhine Empire should arrive in Monte Empire territory within ten days to coordinate with your forces. Additionally, the participants for the upcoming Tri-Nation Tournament have already arrived in Fila City. We await Your Majesty''s arrangements."


    Meanwhile, several miles away at the palace''s main gate, a tall, slender, and handsome man appeared quietly.


    The rows of palace guards turned their attention to this seemingly ordinary man.


    A middle-aged gate officer approached with measured steps, his usually stern face now wearing a warm, friendly smile.


    "May I ask if you are a citizen of the Monte Empire, or perhaps a visitor from the Cabu or Rhine Empires? What brings you to the palace?"


    Given the critical timing of the tri-empire alliance, even the typically haughty palace guards dared not show any arrogance. In recent days, the palace had been frequented by envoys and renowned experts from across the Northern Alliance. They could not afford to be careless, even when faced with someone as unassuming as Han Ming.


    Han Ming smiled and stated his purpose, "Is Mr. Mylon currently in the palace?"


    Upon hearing this, the gate officer''s posture became even more deferential, and his smile widened.


    "Mr. Mylon is currently occupied with important matters. May I ask what business you have with him?"


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    Mr. Mylon was indeed accompanying Queen Vivienne in receiving the envoys, a fact the gate officer was not privy to, and even if he were, he would not disclose it.


    Han Ming nodded slowly and said, "Could you kindly inform him that Han Er is here to see him?"


    The gate officer''s eyes widened at the name, and he immediately placed a hand over his chest, bowing deeply.


    "I''ve heard Mr. Mylon''s instructions: no matter the time or circumstances, if a man named Han Er arrives, he is to be treated with the utmost respect and informed immediately. So, you are Mr. Han Er! Please forgive my earlier ignorance."


    After Queen Vivienne and Mr. Mylon had parted ways with Han Ming, they had issued an urgent directive to all palace guards and city sentinels, ensuring that Han Ming would be treated with the highest regard to avoid any disrespect.


    "Honorable Mr. Han Er, I will inform Mr. Mylon right away. Please follow me," the middle-aged gate officer said, maintaining a bowed posture, his head never rising above Han Ming''s neck level.


    Han Ming nodded slightly and followed the gate officer to a reception hall in the palace''s outer courtyard. The gate officer, not authorized to enter the inner palace, relayed Han Ming''s arrival to a palace attendant, who then informed the chief steward, who in turn would notify Mr. Mylon.


    Seated in the reception hall, Han Ming rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.


    He wondered if the mysterious woman had successfully conveyed the news of the demon invasion to Mr. Mylon. He also pondered whether his sworn brother, Li Chengfeng, had safely returned to Fila City. According to the man he had met at Bart''s house, it seemed that the Magic Academy and the Imperial Military Academy had merged their tournaments, though he wasn''t sure if that was true.


    Even when he had first returned to Fila City, he noticed that the number of airships in the sky had increased severalfold. He wasn''t sure what had caused this.


    It seemed that much had happened in the two years he had been away.


    After waiting for about half an hour, the attendant hurried back, bowing deeply to Han Ming and apologizing, "Honorable Mr. Han Er, Mr. Mylon has conveyed that he is currently with Her Majesty receiving the envoys and cannot come to see you at the moment. He has asked me to relay two messages: first, the matter your friend informed us about has been brought to Her Majesty''s attention, and the current meeting with the envoys is to discuss this very issue. Second, Mr. Mylon invites you to attend the Tri-Nation Tournament banquet tonight, where he will personally receive you. Here is the invitation."


    The attendant respectfully placed a red invitation card on the table beside Han Ming and added, "If you do not have accommodations, Mr. Mylon has arranged for you to stay in the palace''s inner courtyard."


    Han Ming picked up the invitation, a finely crafted piece of art. The words "Invitation Card" on the cover were embossed in gold, giving it a substantial feel.


    Opening the card, he found detailed instructions for the banquet, including the start time and even dress code.


    "The Tri-Nation Tournament..." Han Ming murmured as he read the invitation.


    It seemed he had been misinformed. This was not just a joint tournament between the Imperial Military Academy and the Magic Academy; it had expanded into a tri-nation event. No wonder the usually heavily guarded Fila City had increased its patrols and sentries.


    The Tri-Nation Tournament... This event''s significance was indeed intriguing.


    Concerned for Li Chengfeng''s safety, Han Ming declined the attendant''s offer to arrange accommodations and left the palace.


    Arriving at the Imperial Military Academy, Han Ming noticed that the area was even more bustling than before, with many foreigners identifiable by their attire.


    Han Ming sat by the window in a tavern, sipping on a rough, fiery liquor, silently observing the passersby.


    A few months ago, Li Chengfeng had returned to Fila City and left a letter for his dormitory friends. This letter had just been handed to Han Ming by one of Li Chengfeng''s roommates.


    The letter contained little information, only assuring Han Ming that he was safe and well but unable to meet due to being in a critical phase of enhancing his abilities.


    Watching the bustling streets, Han Ming sighed softly.


    After two years of isolation, having faced life-and-death situations multiple times, returning to the human world filled him with mixed emotions.


    Accustomed to the constant threat of wild beasts and ambushes, he now found himself in a world where no one coveted his storage bag or his life.


    Though the streets were crowded, no one had any connection to him, nor did they know of his existence. They had no reason to act for or against him.


    This brief period of mundane life was something Han Ming greatly cherished.


    To live without the constant fear of death was, in itself, a profound blessing.


    Though he didn''t know what circumstances Li Chengfeng was in, Han Ming wasn''t overly worried. If Li Chengfeng were in mortal danger, he wouldn''t have been able to return to Fila City safely.


    He must have had his own adventures, much like Han Ming.


    If it weren''t for the looming threat of the demon invasion, Han Ming would have considered venturing into the beast-infested forests to search for Li Chengfeng.


    But for now, that would have to wait.