At dusk, a massive army advanced forward.
The crusader banners swayed in the wind, appearing and disappearing beneath the night sky.
Ever since Najenda suddenly vanished and then requested information regarding the super Danger Beast.
The Revolutionary Army headquarters had already sensed that something was wrong.
Najenda was a core member of the Revolutionary Army. Without her, the Revolutionary Army would never have reached its current scale.
No one believed she would betray the Revolutionary Army, and through the divination of the Fate Nexus.
The Revolutionary Army concluded that Najenda had most likely reached a cooperation agreement with Uesugi Ryu.
As the provider of the intelligence, it was not difficult for the Revolutionary Army to guess the other side's objective.
Bulat's reply letter also confirmed this point.
Thus, the Revolutionary Army launched the uprising ahead of schedule, and many feudal lords within the passes responded one after another.
In addition, the western nations were also stirring at the borders.
Just the cooperation between Night Raid and Uesugi Ryu alone was extremely unequal. The gap in strength was simply too large.
The other side could turn hostile at any moment, but with the support of the Revolutionary Army's massive forces, things would naturally be different.
The general riding atop a warhorse silently thought to himself.
"Uesugi Ryu isn't Esdeath. He doesn't possess large-scale battlefield techniques."
"Even if he can use Black Marlin, there aren't any proper rivers near the Imperial Capital."
"Facing an army of over a hundred thousand, even if he wanted to turn against us, he probably wouldn't have the nerve!"
The army continued advancing as the general raised his head and looked toward the city ahead.
"Once we capture this city, there should be less than half a day's journey left to Sishui Pass."
The deputy general beside him nodded.
"Yes, General, but we probably need to move faster."
"Even with people helping conceal our movements, the Imperial Capital should have already discovered our traces by now."
The general's expression turned serious as he said in a deep voice,
"Then have the Teigu users lead the elites ahead first. Sishui Pass must be taken!"
"Understood!"
Imperial Capital, Military Council Hall.
A large number of military officers sat on both sides of the conference table, each with a defeated expression.
Honest looked at the intelligence report in his hands, his face somewhat ugly.
Budo leaned against the wall nearby as he coldly questioned,
"There are western barbarians at the borders and rebels within."
"And only at this point have you discovered the rebels' traces. Sishui Pass is already guaranteed to fall."
"Minister, explain yourself."
Budo was only responsible for the safety of the palace and the Imperial Capital.
Many of the cities surrounding the Imperial Capital had governors and prefects who were Honest's trusted followers.
Naturally, this intelligence network fell under Honest's responsibility.
Honest did not want to discuss this matter further as he calmly picked up his teacup.
"There's no need to worry, General Budo."
"As long as we call Esdeath back, this isn't a problem."
"The Empire possesses so many Teigu users. Mere rebels are nothing but chickens and dogs."
"With Esdeath's efficiency, she'll return to the Imperial Capital by tomorrow at the latest."
"When the time comes, the rebels will be attacked from both front and rear and naturally collapse instantly."
As Honest spoke, the bald man seated below him was already drenched in cold sweat.
His face looked hesitant while his lips trembled uncontrollably.
"Minister Honest-sama, the super Danger Beast has already been dealt with by Esdeath-sama."
"But... but..."
Honest looked at his pathetic appearance with displeasure in his eyes.
The bald man swallowed hard and immediately straightened his tongue before continuing.
"Esdeath-sama and Uesugi Ryu seem to have disappeared."
The moment those words were spoken, Honest and Budo immediately exchanged glances.
They instantly thought of the same thing: "Shambhala!"
If the rebels had found a Teigu user capable of using Shambhala.
Then spending additional time relocating a massive army was not impossible.
This also somewhat explained why news only arrived after the rebels were practically at their doorstep.
At this moment, Honest also had a headache.
The Supreme Protector hadn't finished modification yet, and Esdeath and Uesugi Ryu had no idea where they had been thrown off to survive in the wilderness.
Now, the only person he could rely on was probably Budo alone.
But Honest did not even need to ask. Budo would naturally shoulder the responsibility of defending the Imperial Capital.
Honest rolled his eyes before speaking.
"The public execution will proceed as scheduled. As for the method of execution, let's make it death by dismemberment."
"If anyone comes to rescue them, we can capture them all together. If not, it will still damage the rebels' morale."
Budo slightly nodded and said nothing more.
Afterward, he headed toward the command center of the Imperial Guards.
The moment he entered the command center, a nearby guard stepped forward and said,
"Lord Budo, Mr. Chouri wishes to see you. He says there is an urgent matter to discuss."
Budo looked somewhat puzzled. After thinking for a moment, he responded,
"Very well. Lead the way."
Leaning on his cane, Chouri silently waited in the reception hall as the large doors were slowly pushed open.
Budo strode inside.
"The rebels have already arrived. I still need to arrange the defenses of the Imperial Capital."
"What urgent matter requires discussion right now?"
The soldiers tactfully shut the doors before leaving the area.
Chouri stood up. He naturally knew what was happening.
Yet on the surface, he still wore a shocked expression.
"Things have already reached this point? Esdeath is still around, so how dare they?"
Budo looked at Chouri before speaking.
"Esdeath has most likely already been exiled to some remote location. That super Danger Beast was probably deliberately lured here by the rebels."
Chouri immediately trembled all over as though he could not accept this reality, collapsing back onto the sofa.
Seeing this, concern appeared on Budo's face. The two stood on the same side and had been old friends for many years.
Although there was some age difference between them, Budo truly respected and admired Chouri's dedication to serving the Empire.
Budo had always maintained the image of a hardened man, but at this moment, he unusually chose to comfort him.
"There's no need to worry excessively. As long as I'm here, the Empire will not fall!"
"Besides, we have the advantage in Teigu users. The power of Teigu is not something ordinary armies can resist."
Chouri let out a long sigh.
"Internal and external troubles. We've already reached the moment that will determine the Empire's life or death."
As he spoke, traces of tears appeared in Chouri's eyes.
"Even if we successfully repel the rebels, if something happens to the Grand General, then the Empire will once again fall into the hands of treacherous officials."
Budo frowned, unable to understand what Chouri was trying to say.
"This old man has a humble opinion. I hope Grand General will forgive me."
Chouri raised his head and looked at Budo.
"How about allowing this old man to negotiate with the rebels? If they can take the Imperial Capital without bloodshed, I doubt they would refuse."
The moment he heard this, Budo instantly flew into a rage. Traces of pale yellow lightning immediately burst from the armored gauntlets on his arms.
Filled with fury, he sternly shouted,
"You want me to open the gates and surrender?"
Chouri's expression did not change as he nodded.
"Not unconditional surrender."
"The imperial system remains unchanged. A parliament will be established by dividing part of His Majesty's authority, and both sides will equally share the parliamentary seats."
"I believe this compromise would be relatively easy for both sides to accept."
Budo's cape billowed without wind as an oppressive aura spread from his body.
"Silence!"
The pressure crashing toward him caused Chouri's breathing to falter, yet he had no intention of stopping.
"Continuing to slaughter each other and exhaust ourselves will only give foreign races opportunities to exploit."
"It would be better to unite against external enemies."
"The safety of the people and the integrity of the Empire are far more important than so-called imperial dignity or personal honor."
"His Majesty cares deeply for the people, so surely he would not refuse!"
Chouri understood very well that persuading Budo would be difficult.
He was a pure warrior who valued loyalty, family, and personal honor above all else.
Making Budo become a surrendering general was harder than simply killing him.
Bulat had already informed Chouri beforehand.
Chouri also strongly approved of the plan to eliminate the Minister.
If Budo stubbornly refused to change his stance, tomorrow might very well become the day of his death.
Budo had helped him many times. No matter the reason, Chouri felt obligated to give Budo a hand.
Regardless of success or failure, at the very least, Chouri would have no regrets.
Budo clenched his teeth tightly.
In the end, he still could not overcome the barrier in his heart.
Budo swung his cape and walked directly toward the exit. Upon reaching the doorway, he turned and glared fiercely at Chouri.
"Don't speak such words again. Don't do pointless things. This is a warning!"
Bang! The doors slammed heavily shut.
If not for his deep friendship with Budo, Chouri truly wanted to curse aloud: "An unteachable fool!"
He let out a long sigh as traces of exhaustion flashed through those cloudy old eyes.
"Looks like I'll need to find another way out."