"Conquer... the world?"
Najenda was stunned. Conquer the world? Was it the same "World Conquest" she was thinking of? Why would the person in front of her say such a thing in such a flat tone?
As if conquering the world... were as simple as taking something out of a pocket?
But quickly, Najenda snapped out of her shock and composed herself as fast as possible.
"You can't do it."
Having regained her reason, Najenda's gaze remained unchanged. Even if this little girl had left a deep impression on her, and even if her subordinate could easily defeat her, Najenda still didn't believe the other party could achieve World Conquest.
Throughout history, many have wanted to conquer the world, but not a single one succeeded. Why?
Because there are simply too many nations and ethnicities in this world. Gathering these peoples—with their differing strengths, faiths, and cultures—together is almost impossible because the disparities between them are too vast.
Of course, it's not that no one has attempted "World Conquest" before, but without exception, they all failed!
Were all those people weaklings?
Even the creator of The Empire, the First Emperor, who eliminated most of the Super Class Danger Beasts in the world, created 48 powerful Imperial Arms, and occupied a pole of the world, still failed to conquer the world with his Empire.
What makes this little girl think she can do it?
"Oh? Is that really what you think?"
Cerydra did not answer the question directly. Instead, she returned a confident smile, causing Najenda to involuntarily furrow her brow.
"No matter what you say, I don't believe you can do it!"
Najenda did not change her mind because of the smile on the other's face; on the contrary, she felt the other party was merely blustering.
An individual's strength is limited. Even a powerhouse possessing a Teigu cannot suppress the entire world single-handedly!
That's right—in Najenda's view, it is fundamentally impossible for anyone to achieve.
If there were someone capable of conquering the world, they would have to be able to sweep across the globe alone and reign supreme above all else.
But is that possible?
Look at this little girl with the small crown topped with blue candles; although her presence is intimidating, does she possess the capability to suppress the world?
"I admit the General under your command possesses extraordinary strength and could easily defeat the army of 300,000 I led. But so what?"
"The foundation of The Empire is beyond your imagination. These 300,000 troops and I are merely a drop in the bucket for the entire Empire—we are not important at all!"
Why has The Empire stood tall on the continent for a thousand years without falling?
Even if its interior is rotten, it doesn't change the fact that The Empire is the most powerful force in this world!
Countless powerhouses who have mastered Martial Arts, along with Imperial Arms Users carrying Teigu, are simply not people an ordinary person can defeat.
This is the foundation of The Empire!
It is also the accumulation of The Empire over a thousand years!
Why should the accumulation of others over many years be something you can achieve in a single generation? Even if it could be done, the manpower, material resources, and wealth required are not something an ordinary person can afford.
"So, give up on this unrealistic idea... it would be for the best for both of us..."
A look of pity appeared on Najenda's face. She felt this girl had never witnessed the darkness of the world, whereas she... had already crawled through the abyss of The Empire for many years!
"Humph... Hahahaha!"
Although Najenda's words were somewhat insulting, Cerydra did not look angry; instead, she laughed out loud.
"As expected of Najenda, you really are... an interesting person!"
Cerydra was somewhat surprised; she was actually being pitied?
But this also proves that the person named Najenda is not some cold-hearted villain, but a person of flesh and blood who disguises herself with a cold exterior.
Talented, capable.
Outstanding combat ability, top-tier command skills.
Able to be recognized by a Teigu, even multiple kinds...
Most importantly, this person possesses a kind heart!
"I've decided!"
"Leave The Empire and come to my side, Dux Benevolentia!"
Huh? Dux Benevolentia?
Seeing Najenda's stunned expression, Cerydra tilted her head and continued: "Are you dissatisfied with this Peerage? Then..."
"Dux Viator? Dux Fulgoris? Dux Victorum?"
"As long as you are willing to come to my side, you can choose any of these titles!"
Capturing Najenda alive was an unexpected event; Cerydra hadn't yet decided on a permanent title for her and could only use these as substitutes.
If a better title appears in the future, Najenda could certainly change it. For example, if everyone in Night Raid calls her "BOSS" in the original story, Cerydra wouldn't mind granting her the title of "BOSS."
And who says a person can only be granted one title?
Cerydra, during the special program livestream, granted our cute Owlbert seven titles!
"No, why did you suddenly bring up this topic?"
Najenda was a bit confused. Why did Cerydra suddenly skip over her opinion and start granting her titles?
Is this normal?
"I already told you, it's impossible for you to—"
"It is difficult for an ordinary person to conquer the world even with an Imperial Arm, but I am different!"
Najenda was about to say more, but Cerydra directly grabbed her chin, cutting off the rest of her words.
Cerydra easily sliced her own palm and clenched it into a fist, letting her golden blood flow along Najenda's lips into her mouth.
"I am a Chrysos Heir possessing special power, and also a Godslayer who slew the Titan Gods and seized Divine Authority!"
"The power I possess far exceeds that Empire you speak of!"
Watching her blood gradually take effect on Najenda's body, Cerydra turned the hand holding the other's head toward the nearby Esdeath.
"This is Alptraum. A month ago, she might not have been your match. But after accepting my power, she gained the strength to crush you in an extremely short amount of time. You should have experienced this firsthand, right?"
"After becoming a Chrysos Heir, one not only possesses a long lifespan but also becomes stronger, even gaining special powers like Alptraum. You should understand all of this, right?"
Seeing the expression on Najenda's face become more and more distorted, Cerydra let go of her cheek, allowing Najenda to cover her own mouth as the trembling of her body became increasingly obvious.
"So, Dux Purgatorium..."
"You become a Chrysos Heir too!"
★ ★ ★