Chapter 16: The News of Roel Lionis' Death Shocking the Whole Empire
While Roel remained tranquil, situated in the Black Dragon Castle, the current state of affairs in the Arcadia Empire was far from calm.
The Imperial Palace had already disseminated the news of Roel's death to every corner of the empire!
The news spread astonishingly quickly throughout the empire and faintly started extending to the other two human empires.
Even though only an hour had passed since the news spread, the entire population of the Arcadia Empire was already fervently discussing the matter with great anxiety.
"Have you heard the news that Master Roel Lionis was pronounced dead by the imperial palace, claiming he was poisoned by the Demon Race?"
"I've heard! The palace only disseminated this news an hour ago, and I find it hard to believe!"
"Me too! After all, Master Roel Lionis can't possibly die so easily; he is humanity's most brilliant figure with the potential to surpass the Level 12 Mage in the future, a feat untouched for over 5000 years in this world!"
"Nevertheless, the palace has confirmed and propagated the news! It can't be that this information is false, can it?"
These heated discussions echoed in every corner of the Arcadia Empire.
In taverns, restaurants, markets, and every other place, discussions about this shocking news were pervasive.
This wasn't surprising, considering Roel's roots in Arcadia Empire territory and his status as the most special figure in the empire.
In earlier times, the people of the Arcadia Empire took pride in discussing him, feeling that Roel represented not just himself but the entire empire.
However, the news of his sudden death undeniably left them all in shock, didn't it?
Amidst the anxiety and confusion that gripped the entire Arcadia Empire, the situation within the imperial palace, specifically the throne room, proved to be no less strained.
"I wonder how the Emperor intends to explain this situation," inquired a middle-aged man with brown hair, dressed in a white robe adorned with the symbol of the sun.
His tone carried a grim and cold demeanor.
The gaze remained indifferently fixed on Julius, who sat calmly on the throne, as if underestimating the presence and threat conveyed in the stare.
"I'm uncertain about what explanation Dean Roland is seeking from me," replied Julius indifferently, provoking fury in the middle-aged man, Roland.
"Are you feigning ignorance, or perhaps playing games with me, Emperor Julius?" Roland's tone carried a potent undercurrent of murderous intent, though he struggled to contain his anger.
Julius responded with only a slight, knowing smile.
"Oh, my apologies. I genuinely wasn't playing games with you, Dean Roland, as I was unaware of your intentions earlier. Now, I presume your visit pertains to the death of Roel Lionis, am I correct?" Julius' words carried a mocking tone, signaling that he didn't take Roland seriously.
Upon hearing Julius' mocking words, Roland suddenly unleashed his pent-up anger, causing the aura of a Level 10 mage to burst out of his body instantly.
A red staff materialized in the air beside him, and crimson flames erupted all over his body.
For anyone witnessing this transformation, a shiver of fear would undoubtedly grip them.
Indeed, alongside the level 11 mages, the current pinnacle of mankind's power, the level 10 mages were exceptionally rare and formidable entities.
Within the three empires of mankind, these level 10 mages constituted the main and core source of their power.
However, regrettably, Julius, an Arcana mage, remained unfazed by the presence of level 10 mages.
To him, level 10 mages were inconsequential, akin to ants, and easily vanquishable, much like Roel, whom he could effortlessly poison without detection.
"Despite your representative with the Saint Heines Magic Academy, your demeanor towards me appears rather impudent, doesn't it?" After uttering these cold words, an aura of a level 11 mage erupted from him.
"Boom!
The potent aura, akin to an ocean, shattered Roland's aura into pieces as if struck by an extraordinarily powerful meteor.
The flames surrounding his body and staff also vanished instantly, and Roland sensed an unusually heavy pressure bearing down on him.
"An Arcana!" Roland exclaimed in horror, gazing at Julius with fear.
The Arcana Mage level was the aspiration of mages worldwide, and he was no exception.
At this stage, individuals at the Arcana level were deemed invincible, proudly standing at the pinnacle of the world.
He had overlooked Julius's Arcana status and deeply regretted his inability to control his anger, realizing the offense he had caused.
However, he couldn't be blamed because Roel's death made him unable to think properly.
He had been dispatched by the academy to oversee and protect Roel in the Arcadia Empire.
Nevertheless, this unforeseen incident had thrown him into panic, leading to an unintentional affront to Julius, the Arcana mage.
Observing Roland's pallid face and strained breathing under the pressure, Julius promptly retracted his power, granting Roland a sigh of relief.
"Hah~ Hah~" A cold sweat erupted from his forehead, saturating his entire robe.
Furthermore, his face bore a deathly pallor, as if he had just narrowly escaped the clutches of death.
"Return to the Saint Heines Magic Academy and consult someone of higher status if you wish to inquire about Roel Lionis," Julius stated with cold indifference.
"I-I understand, Your Majesty the Emperor," Roland stammered as he struggled to stand, his legs visibly shaking before he hastened out of the throne room.
His initial brave demeanor had dissipated, leaving Julius to observe his retreating form with an indifferent gaze.
"This is quite troublesome..."
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone