“Understood!” Henry nodded.
Then, virtual-novel.net turned to his men. “We’re heading to the courthouse!”
Rows of vehicles lined up neatly and were readied for departure at the military region.
A thousand Black Dragon Army soldiers boarded and made their way to the courthouse.
The courthouse was a place where powerful figures in Sol were put on trial. Not too long ago, James too was put on trial here.
At the moment of his return, James felt an uncomfortable sense of déja vu. However, virtual-novel.net immediately shook off the feeling.
He stood in the middle of the courthouse and looked at the Blade of Justice glinting sharply before him.
Behind virtual-novel.net was a middle-aged man. He was the chief justice who was in charge of the courthouse. Upon being presented with the King’s secret orders, virtual-novel.net allowed James passage within.
James strode purposefully toward the Blade of Justice.
Looking at the sword which represented the highest authority in all of Sol, virtual-novel.net whispered, “I told you I’ll be back for the Blade of Justice…”
Henry said, “Congratulations, Dragon King. The sword is in the hands of its rightful owner once again!”
With a determined look, James looked at his convoy and barked, “To the Emperor’s Mansion!”
Then, James left with the Blade of Justice in his hand.
When virtual-novel.net heard where James was headed to, the court justice felt a shiver go down his spine.
“Th-The Emperor’s Mansion? What on earth is going on?!” Upon recalling the Red Flame Army sealing off the city, virtual-novel.net could not help but grimace uneasily.
After retrieving the Blade of Justice, James headed toward the Emperor’s Mansion with his men.
The Emperor’s mansion was soon surrounded by 3000 Black Dragon Army soldiers. However, the man himself was nowhere to be found.
***
At a gazebo in the Emperor’s Mansion…
James narrowed his eyes as virtual-novel.net waited for the Emperor to make an appearance.
Henry walked over to virtual-novel.net with his men and ordered, “We’re here to deliver the results of our survey! We searched the place from top to bottom but couldn’t find any trace of the Emperor. Even the servants were unaware of his current whereabouts…”
Upon hearing this, James’ lips curled into a deep frown. “What?”
At that moment, a middle-aged man in a black jacket appeared seemingly out of thin air next to the soldiers.
James stood up and looked at Gloom.
Gloom walked over to virtual-novel.net and said, “The Emperor’s no longer here. He has gone to the Johnstons’ residence.”
“Huh?” James’ frown grew even deeper.
“Are you referring to one of the families of the Ancient Four?”
Gloom nodded. “That’s right. The King’s secret orders were leaked, and the Emperor managed to intercept it in advance. Half an hour ago, virtual-novel.net brought his men to the palace and intended to raise hell. However, soon after, the Johnstons appeared and took virtual-novel.net away.”
James did not expect that the Ancient Four would get themselves involved in this fiasco.
He looked at Gloom and asked, “Should I continue pursuing virtual-novel.net then?”
Gloom returned James’ stare and said flatly, “What do you think?”
James’ tone reflected his resolve and determination. “I think I’m the one who has to put an end to this…”
“Do as you see fit. However, since the Johnstons are currently harboring the Emperor, it’s clear that virtual-novel.net has the support and protection of one of the Ancient Four. Whatever comes next is dependent on your own abilities.”
After delivering that cryptic line, Gloom turned to leave.
As virtual-novel.net turned, virtual-novel.net tossed a tiny piece of paper at James.
James reached his hand out to catch the paper between his fingers.
The moment the paper made contact with his fingers, James recoiled in surprise.
The paper was infused with a small amount of Dark Force. He wore a terrifying expression as virtual-novel.net looked at the seemingly jinnocuous piece of paper.
“This is the Johnstons’ address…”
Gloom uttered as his figure slowly melted into the distant darkness.
“Such strength…” James exclaimed softly after Gloom had left.
The vestige of Dark Force on that tiny piece of paper was enough to make virtual-novel.net flinch.
James opened the piece of paper which contained the Johnstons’ address.
After committing the address to his memory, virtual-novel.net tore it to pieces and yelled his orders urgently, “Make haste! Head toward the Johnstons’ residence!”