Overgeared

"We're back."

There were concepts that increased in value over time. Reputation was one of them.

The Red Knights of the golden age, led by Piaro—they brought countless glories to the Saharan Empire and became legends of the empire. It had been like this since they were cleared of their unfair charges. The story spread so rapidly that it seemed to surpass the greatness of the Undefeated King who caused Lubana to rise.

"......"

The heroes that their homeland gave birth to only to abandon.

After a fierce battle, the knights and soldiers watched the successful capture of the dark elf king and their eyes became wet.

Thrills and sorrows intersected. The final emotion was shame. Why did they, who devoted themselves to their nation all their lives, have to be kicked out? They, who deserved praise, were deprived of their honor, lives, and families, and suffered. Why couldn't their nation trust them? Why weren't they protected?

The history of the great empire, which should've lasted for thousands of years, might've disappeared the moment it turned its back on these people. No... it wasn't too late even now. The empire changed with the coronation of a new ruler. Empress Basara was carrying out various reforms. They were convinced that the empire that expelled the former Red Knights was completely different from the current empire...

"You've struggled."

"......"

The imperial knights shook off their thoughts. They stared blankly at Piaro and the heroes who were turning away. It was because there were no shadows on the heroes' faces that they dared to ask to go back together. These people were laughing in the battle against the dark elves, who were more powerful than imagined. Their steps were light as they thought about returning 'home.'

In the silence, Resh shouted, "You've worked hard!"

The knights and soldiers belatedly saluted. The heroes carried the Overgeared Kingdom's flag on their shoulders. The imperial flag had once been there. Wouldn't it have flapped without losing its momentum anywhere on the continent?

The expressions of the knights and soldiers gradually calmed down. The status of the empire might not be as good as before, but there was an ally called the Overgeared Kingdom. The surface and hell were on the brink of a great human and demon war. They weren't afraid of the chaos and storm that were approaching.

The Overgeared Kingdom was with them and the heroes were in the Overgeared Kingdom.

***

current state, we will only accumulate damages. We need to shrink

was the empire's territory. The empire had six different time zones. It was late at night in the west and morning in the east. The warp gates might've been recently introduced by the Overgeared Kingdom, but it wasn't sufficient to cover all regions. There were only a few warp gates in full operation. It was because installing, maintaining, and

the people to

who have to leave their hometowns, but if the empire wholeheartedly supports

the time being, many industries and economies will be paralyzed. The treasury might run out while supporting the

"Please understand!"

They shared

delivered that numerous cities and villages were taken away by the demonic humans. The demonic humans' momentum was overwhelming. The damage grew dramatically the further away it was from a big city. There were limits to the troops operated by the imperial family and nobles. It was impossible to calculate

large. It was impossible to take care of the people scattered everywhere. As such, the number of demonic humans only increased. The only way to reduce

the great nobles had the ability to take responsibility for and protect their territories. The number of refugees would only be about 60% of the total

off the golden crown. This was a treasure that was handed down from generation to generation. This crown had symbolized her since her days as a duke and it had replaced the imperial crown. Basara handed it over to

"Y-Your Majesty...!"

the people. Please do

favor is immeasurable. I will definitely accept the cooperation

imperial favor

empress, the empire had invested a lot in the future. It was the future of the continent, not the future of the empire. It was in the belief that they would became a force leading the empire's long history. The damage suffered immediately was great. It was hard to count. Then at this time, the massive invasion of the demons was foreseen. The damage to the empire accumulated and their finances were shaky. The fate of the empire was at

and rose to the throne. The former Emperor Juander gave up on his children and personally gave the throne to her. She wasn't inferior in ability.

will continue setting an example so the local families won't just sit back. The bureaucrats have finally united

but she had to adapt. Basara spread open a large map and along with the officials, she looked at the areas where

Some time passed.

died out." The

Rather, it was ruled separately by the imperial family and various nobles. The nobles didn't have private soldiers. Their military power was weak compared to the population.

the same. It is said that a big

hard for them to believe that an old man and one other man destroyed the powerful demonic humans. Then they soon calmed down. The continent was vast. It wouldn't be strange if a transcendent

the names that the empire hid and erased were such big names. For example, the Great Robber of the Red Night wasn't known to the public. He had stolen so many imperial treasures, but he was hidden due to the strict

thing was that they were benefiting the empire. Thanks to this, the empire had

Juander

she covered her