Chapter 182: Letter From The Emperor Rain blinked once. Then she blinked again. "Because you have too many weapons... you would reject the weapon that makes you the Hero?" she asked, her voice dripping with disbelief. Her lips trembled slightly as she tried to make sense of his words, but there was no sense to be found. It was absurd. Completely illogical. It was almost as though Azel had plucked the excuse straight out of thin air and presented it with a straight face. How could anyone refuse a holy sword that practically radiated destiny? Leaf, however, didn’t appear troubled by his decision in the slightest. The Saintess placed her hand gently on Rain’s tense shoulder, her touch calm and filled with warmth. "That was Mr. Azel’s choice, apprentice," she said softly. "Besides, the grimoire he selected is not a lesser tool. It is a powerful treasure that will assist him greatly in the days to come." Rain closed her mouth, but the fire in her eyes didn’t fade. She couldn’t understand it. How could someone so indifferent, so careless, be chosen by the Goddess herself? Leaf then turned her attention fully to Azel. Her gaze softened, and a small, knowing smile touched her lips. "I am sure my Goddess has not chosen you without reason," she said, her voice firm yet gentle. "So please... protect the world, Hero." The word hung in the air like a solemn vow. Azel nodded lightly, though his sigh betrayed how little he wanted such a title pinned to his chest. Protect the world? That was the whole reason he was brought to this game, so he would protect them from the calamities. ... They soon found themselves outside the church. The sunlight was warm, spilling over the white stone steps as the three emerged. Azel stretched his arms above his head until his joints popped. "Whoa," he muttered with a low groan, twisting his waist, "my back hurts." He tilted his head from side to side until the stiffness faded. Nothing serious, but his body always seemed to lock up when he dealt with churches. When he glanced over to his side, Rain’s sharp glare hit him like a blade. Her golden eyes narrowed, her face twisted into the meanest scowl she could manage. ’Over a weapon?’ he wondered. Was that really why she was looking at him as if he’d just spat on the altar? Or was it simply because he was a man? Azel couldn’t tell, and honestly, he didn’t care enough to figure it out. What mattered was his next step. The Emperor. He needed to request a permit to enter the academy. That was his main priority. So, without thinking much, he casually placed his hand on Rain’s shoulder. The reaction was immediate. She flinched backward so quickly it was as though his touch had burned her skin. Her steps carried her away, creating a visible distance between them. Her glare deepened into outright contempt. "Why are you trying to touch me with your filthy hands?" she spat venomously. Her words dripped with spite, cutting sharper than any blade. Even for someone who had clearly suffered much in her life, this level of hostility was overkill. It was as if she couldn’t stand even the idea of his presence. Azel exhaled through his nose, unimpressed. "Anyway," he said, brushing off her hostility as if it were nothing more than dust on his coat, "thanks for the gift." He turned smoothly to Anya, who stood patiently nearby, her expression as serene as ever. Without waiting for a reply, he walked away with her, his pace steady, unhurried. Rain remained rooted to the spot. Her hand twitched, lifting slightly as if she wanted to reach out, to call him back. But at the last second, she pulled it back, curling her fingers into a tight fist. ’He’ll come back,’ she told herself firmly. He had to. With that grimoire, he had been recognized not just by the Saintess but by the church itself. Recognized as a Hero. And she... she was a Saintess apprentice. No, not even that — she was a candidate, someone being groomed for the role. A Hero always needed his Saintess. So she just had to wait. ... Azel’s steps carried him far from the church, and as he moved, he felt the pulse of his soul-bond with Medusa. Turns out that the soul bound trait that he had with all his summons meant that he could track their locations through their souls. He soon reached the place they had rented. The building loomed into view not long after. A large house, impressive in size, with clean stone walls and tall windows. The kind of place only someone with resources and decisiveness could have claimed on such short notice. Pushing the door open, Azel stepped inside with Anya following quietly behind him. The air inside smelled faintly of lavender and the place was freshly cleaned. Warmth spread through the hall as sunlight filtered in through polished glass. Before he could even take in the details, a small figure dashed toward him. "Papa!" Lillia flung herself at him, her tiny arms wrapping tightly around his neck as she clung to him like a koala. Azel caught her with ease, one arm steady beneath her as he lifted her up. Her soft hair brushed against his cheek as she buried her face into his shoulder. He carried her inside, his other hand patting her head gently. While it was quiet, his head was anything but... The Emperor. How was he supposed to approach this? Should he write a letter? Make a personal appearance? It was confusing. "Master." The familiar voice of Medusa pulled him from his thoughts. She appeared from one of the side rooms, her pale skin glowing faintly in the light, her long hair tied neatly back. In her hands was a small package. "This arrived for you about ten minutes ago." She held it out with both hands, her expression composed. Azel accepted it with a nod, adjusting Lillia gently before freeing one hand to tear into the wrapper. The paper gave way easily, revealing not one, but two sealed letters inside. ’Two?’ he thought, his brows lifting slightly. The first was marked with a familiar seal. [From The Emperor] His lips thinned. ’How the hell did that bastard know I was back?’ It didn’t make sense. Was it Steven? Did he send word back already? That seemed the most likely explanation, but it still annoyed him. He broke the seal and unfolded the letter. The Emperor’s handwriting was firm, precise, but not overly decorative. The words read as follows: ... [From The Emperor] I heard from Steven that you had been invited to the Winter Region, a place no man of the empire has been allowed to enter before. That in itself is an accomplishment, one that proves your value. This letter was arranged in advance, to be delivered the moment your presence was confirmed in Rochel by my contact. If you are reading this, then that time has come. A month ago, the Astralis Academy reached out to me and made an offer: they extended an invitation to you directly. This second letter enclosed here is their official invitation. You may accept it or reject it as you please. But know this — opportunities such as this are not given lightly. At Astralis Academy, you would receive the guidance of some of the most powerful minds and warriors of our age. You will grow, you will sharpen yourself, and you will be tested. I leave the decision in your hands. Choose wisely. However, should you decide to go, I expect nothing less than excellence. Enter the academy. Rise to the top. Claim first place. — His Imperial Majesty, Aldric Starbloom .... ’Well that was convenient.’ He thought with a smile.