Game World: I Can Share Talents

The Holy Root System, capital of the Radiant Holy Tree Empire.

This magnificent metropolis was the heart of the entire Empire, not because of its immense scale or its uniquely advantageous location.

In terms of sheer size, there were other cities within the Empire that could rival the Holy Root System. But the Imperial Capital held its status because it was home to the Holy Hall where the Divine Ancestor was worshiped. Here, the Radiant Holy Tree had planted its Holy Tree Illusion, showering the city with countless blessings.

Under the Divine Ancestor’s protection, the Imperial City People enjoyed treatment befitting the center of the world, fostering a sense of superiority that made them look down on all provincials.

At this moment, however, these self-proclaimed lords of the capital could hardly afford their usual air of superiority.

Ever since the recent Chaos Shock, all the people of the Imperial Capital had discovered to their horror... the Holy Tree Illusion had grown faint.

It grew weaker by the day, as if only a remnant shadow remained, slowly fading from the barrier of the Mortal World.

Although the news from the Holy Tree Palace was that "everything is normal" and it was just a "technical adjustment," their actual action was to seal the palace gates, completely cutting off any news from within. This was extremely rare in the Empire’s history; the last time the Holy Tree Palace had been sealed was when Reiya was born.

How could this not raise suspicion? But the speculation from the outside world was nothing; the people inside the Holy Tree Palace were already going mad with anxiety.

CLACK-CLACK-CLACK-CLACK—

Outside the Regent King’s office, court nobles paced back and forth, surrounded by fully armed Royal Guards. Beyond the corridor, the lush, beautiful flowers could no longer soothe their agitation. It seemed even the sunlight had dimmed a little.

Several Holy Temple Priestesses in white-gold robes hurried through the crowd and entered the office, which was as spacious as a grand hall.

A group of confidants were also gathered around Sylvia’s desk, arguing noisily about something.

Upon the arrival of the Holy Temple Priestesses, everyone fell silent and took a step back, waiting for the priestesses to approach the Regent King.

Sylvia sat at her desk, her brilliant golden hair tied in a high ponytail that cascaded down her back. Her royal formal wear, resembling a military uniform, accentuated her fine and flawless figure. The Eldest Princess had always paid great attention to her image and knew very well how to use her assets to her advantage.

At this moment, however, her beautiful and delicate face did not hold its usual confident, elegant smile, but instead an unconcealed melancholy and gloom.

Seeing the Holy Temple Priestesses approach, Sylvia merely glanced at their expressions before asking in a heavy voice:

"Still no contact?"

One of the Holy Temple Priestesses bowed slightly and replied with great care, "Yes... Your Highness. We have tried every method available to us, but to no avail. The Divine Ancestor has still not descended His will. The damage from the Chaos Shock was not elsewhere... it was to the very passage to the Supreme Heaven."

"...So the connection really has been severed."

Sylvia was silent for a long moment before she spoke, her voice hollow.

They had identified the cause on the very first day of the anomaly, but people have a tendency to deceive themselves. They preferred to believe it was some other problem rather than admit that the divine and mortal realms had been severed.

But after so many days, it was time to stop fantasizing and accept the truth.

"We have underestimated Chaos for so long, and now we are finally suffering the backlash."

Sylvia sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead.

"Even with all the power of mortals, it is impossible to interfere with the state of the Supreme Heaven. Everyone, is there anything we can do now besides pray?"

"We must still do everything we can to maintain the Empire."

One of the Regent King’s confidants stepped forward and said gravely:

"The Holy Tree Palace is still blockading any news, but the state of the Holy Tree Illusion cannot be hidden. Your Highness, while the Empire’s prestige still holds, we must stabilize the situation. Without the Divine Ancestor’s protection, we will be hard-pressed to deal with either the encroaching Chaos Tide or the machinations of petty opportunists!"

The confidant’s words were harsh, but they were also an indisputable fact. As members of the Imperial Center, they knew better than anyone what protected this vast nation.

The logistics and transportation of the Star Gate System; the protection of the [Prosperity Law]; the support of the Little Holy Trees... With the Divine Ancestor uncontactable, all of it would gradually collapse. When that happened, the Empire’s loosely-connected system was doomed to fail.

’Why did something like this have to happen just when I took power?’

Sylvia sighed inwardly, but she couldn’t show any sign of discouragement in front of everyone. The Imperial Capital still needed a backbone.

"...You are right. Our most urgent task is to unite the factions loyal to the Empire. Until we can re-establish contact with the Divine Ancestor, we can only rely on the loyalists to protect the Empire!"

The Regent King stood up, her expression turning serious as she addressed those around her:

"My lords, the very survival of the Empire now rests on our shoulders. Whether it be corruption or rebellion, we cannot deal with everything. We may have to make some necessary sacrifices. How we weigh those choices will be our highest priority going forward."

The meaning behind her words was that they would have to proactively abandon a large portion of their territory to focus on the core regions.

Having decided on a strategy of consolidation, the Regent King’s advisors immediately brought up a large screen in the office and began a heated discussion.

"Of the Legendary Powerhouses scattered across the Empire, how many are still willing to obey the Imperial Capital’s commands?"

"Lord Inseldi of the Northern Territory, the paragon of War Knights, is absolutely loyal to the Empire and the Royal Family. Should we recall him to the Imperial Capital?"

"Of course! The battles on the frontiers are no longer important. Our first priority is to concentrate our forces in one place. According to projections, the Star Gate System will remain fully operational for two more months at most. After that, malfunctions will become frequent, and it will be completely paralyzed within a year. Anyone too far away will be difficult to contact or reach."

"Lord Yilong, the [Light Shatterer], is also a loyal pillar of the Empire, but he has always been one to guard his own region. I’m afraid he won’t leave his homeland."

"The [Valkyrie], Alexia, is still stationed on the border adjacent to the Country of Yonglan. Can we really redeploy her? After all, the [Yonglan Riding God] has also lost contact, and those War Frenzy Knights will probably..."

"Now that you mention it, we really can’t move her. Dammit! We still have to consider our relations with the other Realms of Order..."

"As for the Legends who are also patriarchs of their own families... forget it. They’re even less likely to follow orders. It will be enough if they can stabilize their own territories and pay lip service to the Imperial Center."

"What about the Royal Family? There are three other Highnesses outside the Imperial Capital. They..."

When the topic turned to the Royal Family, the advisors dared not speak freely and turned their gazes to Sylvia.

The Regent King steepled her fingers, resting her delicate, snow-white chin on them in a thoughtful pose.

"Don’t worry. I have already sent messages; they know what has happened. But I’m not in a hurry to recall my younger siblings, especially Reiya. She needs the experience."

Among the Royal Family, Sylvia was currently the only Legendary Powerhouse. In times of peace, that would certainly be enough. After all, the Royal Family’s authority came from the Divine Ancestor’s endorsement. Even if a dog sat on the throne, all the other Legends would have to prostrate themselves in submission.

But things were different now. Sylvia didn’t even have the luxury of feeling wary of her sister; her only thought was to bolster the strength of the Imperial Center as much as possible.

And among her siblings, Reiya’s progress was the fastest. Her promotion to the rank of Legend was a certainty.

Just as the heated discussion in the office hall was raging, a messenger squeezed his way in and said in a low voice:

"Your Highness! A letter for you from Duke Qinghui."

"Hmm? A letter from Duke Qinghui?"

Sylvia paused, surprised. She deciphered the letter, which had been encrypted with magic runes, and scanned it. A look of delight soon appeared on her face, and she sighed in admiration.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Duke Qinghui... what a virtuous man!"

"Your Highness, what did Duke Qinghui write?"

The Regent King handed the letter to her confidants to pass around, smiling as she said:

"I was just worrying about who could defend the border of the Southeast Imperial against Chaos and stabilize the situation, and Duke Qinghui has volunteered. This is truly a relief."

Sylvia rested her cheek on one hand and said:

"Everyone, immediately think of a position and an honorary title, and send the token of authority over. Although the Imperial Capital lacks the resources to give him much material support, legally speaking... while our authority is still valid, let’s open all the doors for him."

’As for Duke Qinghui’s move to consolidate power? What nonsense is that!’

’Duke Qinghui is a Loyal Minister! A benefactor! And he’s the partner Reiya has chosen for herself. He’s absolutely one of us!’

’When one of us consolidates power, is it really a power grab? No, it’s sharing the burden!’

’In times of chaos, a Loyal Minister appears!’