Conquering The Game's World-Chapter 267: Imperial City!

Imperial City.

The capital of the Aiverson Empire stood in quiet grandeur, its wide alloy highways and towering skyscrapers reflecting the absolute authority of the royal family.

For over a century, this city had served as the stronghold of the Aiverson Royal Family, from where they governed the empire alongside their loyal retainers.

Although the Suarez, Evansville, Wayne, and Dennis families all owned estates within the Imperial City, only the Wayne family maintained permanent residence. The Dennis, Evansville, and Suarez families had instead chosen Tryston City, as they lacked real influence within the Imperial City.

Trying to gain influence here wasn't any different from competing with the royal family itself.

In the Imperial City, nothing went unnoticed by the royals. The entire city functioned like a playground for the royal family. Every street, every district, every movement was under their control. Any news of unusual activity would reach the palace within moments.

At the centre of the city stood the Royal Castle.

Known as Silver Castle, it was constructed nearly one hundred and fifty years ago by the grandfather of the current king. A fusion of ancient enchantments and advanced technology, its towering structure dominated the skyline, standing as an unshakable symbol of the empire's power.

Massive gates guarded by elite awakeners led into long white corridors and silent halls. Deep inside the castle was the private room of the current Crown Prince Orneus Aiverson—an Overlord-Rank (S) Awakener.

Orneus stood calmly by the window. He looked much like his younger brother, Thomas Aiverson: the same blonde hair, though Orneus kept his longer, and the same features emanating arrogance. His deep emerald eyes were calm as they observed the man kneeling before him.

The subordinate was tall and well-built, with short brown hair and ordinary facial features. A thin scar crossed his cheek. He wore a dark imperial uniform and carried himself with strict discipline.

His strength was obvious, carrying a battle-hardened demeanour. Aura, no less than Orneus himself, maybe even stronger. Yet in front of Orneus, he remained respectful and silent.

The Crown Prince studied him. A long silence followed, heavy and oppressive until at last Orneus spoke.

"The assassination failed again?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

Orneus clicked his tongue. "Useless rabble. They can't even dispose of a weak brat."

Disgust crossed his face.

"It seems I can no longer place my trust in incompetents."

His gaze settled on the kneeling figure.

"Leister. What about the secret elite unit I ordered you to recruit?"

Leister lowered himself further, one knee touching the polished floor. "Your Highness, this subordinate has recruited three A-Rank individuals. For now, I have placed them within the Reformers and assigned them high-level missions to temper them through combat."

"Only three?" Orneus's brows drew together. "Below my expectations."

Leister's forehead struck the ground.

"This subordinate has failed Your Highness's divine expectations. I beg to receive punishment."

Orneus lifted a hand.

"No need. Finding three awakeners who meet my standards within a month is already commendable."

He paused.

"Individuals with no factional ties. Preferably, traitors or those abandoned by their own people. No families. No roots. Ambitious enough to claw forward at any cost… yet lacking the brilliance to walk their own path."

A faint curve appeared on his lips.

"People who can only rise by grasping the rope, I extend." 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Leister's breathing tightened.

"To be granted such insight into Your Highness's wisdom… This subordinate understands. Those stripped of belonging will cling to Your Highness as their sole salvation."

Orneus's smile carried warmth only on the surface.

Leister did not move, as though every word were scripture.

"From this moment onward, this team will be known as 'Crownshade'. You will be their nominal leader."

Leister's eyes trembled. "To be entrusted with such responsibility by Your Highness… this subordinate is overwhelmed with gratitude."

"Once the Reformers finish serving their purpose to my father, you will fully absorb them into 'Crownshade'."

"Yes, Your Highness. Your will shall be carried out without deviation."

Orneus nodded. His expression cooled.

"Make the elimination of Luis Suarez the highest priority for both Crownshade and the Reformers."

"As you command, Your Highness."

After a brief pause, Leister added, "Current intelligence shows that Luis Suarez is in Tryston City on vacation. Should I—"

Orneus shook his head.

"No action there. Tryston City is too sensitive. Too many eyes. Any such attempt risks exposure and failure."

He clasped his hands behind his back.

"Assign watchers to monitor Transport Circle activity. Wait for the opening."

"This subordinate will personally oversee it."

Orneus's voice sharpened.

"Remember this, Leister. His death must leave no trace leading back to us."

Leister stiffened.

"If the major families sense even a shadow of our involvement, the fragile balance between them and the royal house will collapse."

Leister pressed his forehead to the floor.

"This subordinate understands. Even if it costs me my life, Your Highness's purity shall never be stained."

Satisfied, Orneus turned away.

"You may leave. Accelerate Crownshade's recruitment. If the Aiverson Empire is insufficient, expand into other kingdoms."

Leister rose only after Orneus had fully turned his back.

"I swear upon my existence—I will not fail again, Your Highness. Your will is my law."

Only after Leister's footsteps faded did Orneus's expression shift.

He crossed the room and stepped onto the balcony.

The glass doors slid open without a sound, letting in the evening wind. A sea of lights spread below. From this height, the people looked like ants.

Orneus rested his hands on the railing.

His gaze drifted over the city.

"So lively," he said. "And yet so fragile."

That first assassination attempt replayed itself in his mind.

It has been a few months. Back then, Luis Suarez hadn't even awakened.

Just an ordinary boy.

And still… the assassination had failed.

Worse followed soon after.

The Suarez family had struck back with ruthless efficiency, tracing his group of assassins to their roots. Their main base had been reduced to rubble. In just one night, around 80% of his operatives had been wiped out in a single purge.

Orneus's fingers tightened around the railing.

***

[A.N: Crownshade's Insignia - Pic Here]