With a quiet prayer in her heart.
Dressed in the full regalia of the Supreme Guardian, Bronya stepped out of her room and set off toward the Everwinter Monument.
There, she would draw the lance that embodied the will of Preservation, swearing an oath before her people, and pledge to lead Belobog toward a brighter future.
This was the moment she had always hoped for, the scene she had long dreamed of.
And now, it was finally about to become reality.
But first, there was one small formality to be observed within the walls of Qlipoth Fort.
The endorsement declaration by the Council of Elders.
"We now proceed with the succession declaration for the nineteenth Supreme Guardian, Bronya Rand."
"Bronya Rand, daughter of the former Supreme Guardian Cocolia Rand, and Commander of the Silvermane Guards. During her tenure, she has devoted herself wholeheartedly to the people of Belobog, striving with unwavering dedication and achieving numerous great deeds."
"Moreover, during the recent surge of Fragmentum creations several months ago, she personally led reinforcements to the front lines, preserving vital combat strength for Belobog's defenses."
"Given her numerous accomplishments and noble character, she is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate for the position of Supreme Guardian. Does anyone present raise any objections?"
As the aged voice read out the declaration, the various empowered members of the Council of Elders offered their conclusions in turn.
"No objections."
"No objections."
"No objections."
--+--
This was an expected progression. The position of Supreme Guardian in Belobog had always been determined by ancestral tradition.
As long as the previous Supreme Guardian granted their approval, the succession was effectively assured. The Council's endorsement was little more than a solemn formality.
Hearing each voice rise in agreement, Bronya's resolve grew firmer.
Perhaps there had been moments of doubt and hesitation in her past, but ever since that person appeared and stood by her side, she was no longer the person she once was...
She would absolutely be able to shoulder the responsibilities of a Supreme Guardian flawlessly!
Yes—as long as that figure remained at her side, she would undoubtedly succeed!
But just as Bronya's thoughts began to wander, a voice unlike the rigid tones of the Council echoed through Qlipoth Fort.
Calm and even, it uttered only four words:
"I raise an objection."
The moment that voice rang out, Bronya froze.
The reason was simple.
It was a voice she knew intimately.
A voice that had comforted her in moments of despair, offered guidance when she hesitated, and pointed the way forward time and time again.
By all rights, this voice should have been speaking in gentle tones, saying something like: "If it's Bronya, even if she isn't fully mature yet, I'm certain she will be able to do it one day."
But...
Why?
Why would you—the one who believed in me, who walked alongside me on the path to saving Belobog—say such a thing?
Turning her head stiffly, Bronya's silver-grey eyes widened with shock and disbelief as she watched a tall, masked figure stride steadily into the hall.
Bai Heng... her teacher.
Even through the iron mask, Bai Heng could sense the storm of emotions radiating from Bronya—shock, confusion, utter disbelief.
But he did not pause for her. Instead, he walked past her under her stunned gaze, his eyes fixed firmly on the members of the Council upon the platform.
"Great deeds? Devotion to her people? Leading reinforcements to the front lines to preserve Belobog's strength? Heh..."
"You must have gone to great lengths to fabricate such impressive achievements for her."
Bai Heng spoke slowly. Though his voice was still the one Bronya knew so well, the scorn and ice in his tone felt utterly foreign to her.
No—what felt unfamiliar wasn't just his voice, but Bai Heng himself.
If the Bai Heng of the past had been steadfast and gentle, a calming presence just by being near, now he was cold and distant, radiating a chill that made Bronya feel she could no longer reach him.
"Who are you? Outsiders are not permitted during the Declaration Ceremony! Guards! Where are the guards?"
His mocking tone provoked the Council's fury. These stubborn old pillars of Belobog immediately called for the guards, seeking to reassert their unassailable dignity.
Silvermane Guards, armed and ready, poured into the hall. But as they raised their rifles, it was not Bai Heng they aimed at—but the Council members on the platform.
In an instant, the authority that had moments ago filled their faces vanished, replaced by shock, fear, and panic.
Witnessing this from the side, Bronya could only stare in confusion.
She recognized them—these were the elite guards meticulously prepared for the coup several days prior.
But... why?
Shouldn't they have returned to their assigned posts under her orders?
Why were they here? And why were they following Bai Heng's commands? What was her teacher trying to do?
"You... just who are you? What do you think you're doing?!"
On the platform, the Council voiced questions similar to her own.
"An excellent question." Bai Heng slowly tilted his neck, producing a faint metallic grind. Then, he casually discarded the iron mask from his face as though it were garbage.
His sharp, handsome features now wore a cold smile as he slowly announced his identity:
"Bai Heng. The rebel who ignited the flames of insurrection on the Night of Rebirth four years ago."
"As for what I intend to do..." Bai Heng chuckled with dark amusement, turning his gaze toward Bronya, who was still frozen in shock.
"The nineteenth Supreme Guardian, Bronya Rand, lacks the necessary capability to bear the heavy responsibility of leading Belobog forward. Until she is fit for the role, I will assume all governing authority over Belobog."
Each word struck Bronya's ears like an explosion.
She understood the true meaning behind his words.
She realized what Bai Heng was after.
What he was doing now… was exactly the same as what he had done just days before!
"Tea...cher..." Betrayal tightened around her heart, yet she still forced out the word.
"Do you... wish to become the Supreme Guardian...?"
Her courageous question was met with a look of sheer mockery from Bai Heng.
"Supreme Guardian? That outdated relic of a bygone era is not what I seek."
Under Bronya's stunned gaze, Bai Heng raised his only remaining left hand and slowly clenched it, as though crushing all the antiquated systems tied to the title of Supreme Guardian.
Gunshots rang out abruptly. As the Council members on the platform were erased from life amid the whizzing bullets, Bai Heng's voice rang out, cold and clear:
"I will forge a new Empire."
"An Empire that belongs to me."
His voice was imposing and grand, brimming with a thirst for power that struck Bronya's nerves like a physical blow.
She stood frozen, staring at the figure who was both familiar and a stranger.
But Bai Heng looked down at her, his expression softening slightly, as it often had in the past.
"So, as my student—"
"Rejoice, Bronya. Celebrate the birth of my Empire."
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.