Last Ruler Of The Empty Throne-Chapter 138: Hope

’Summoned,’ Jon mused. The only ones capable of summoning a being as formidable as Amelia would be her faction leader.

’Something must have happened,’ Jon thought before looking up at Amelia. "So you’re leaving?"

-Yes.

Jon was silent for a moment before nodding. "Hmm... Alright. First, I know it doesn’t mean much, but I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my faction. Second, I know it might be difficult, but could you check on my parents? I don’t know when I’ll see them again."

He bowed his head. To any onlooker, it would seem like he was bowing to the air.

After a brief pause, Amelia responded.

-Alright, I will. But... will you be okay?

Jon was facing his own issues, perhaps it would have been easier if she had just left without a word. But she had given him an answer, and while it might just be an answer for now, it could mean something more in the future.

"Yeah, I’ll be fine."

Jon didn’t attempt to use his Moon Gaze to confirm if she was still there. He simply stared up at the empty sky. At some unknown moment, Amelia had disappeared, but he didn’t know when.

A deep sigh escaped his lips.

After standing still for thirty minutes, he finally made his way back toward the camp.

...

"Leader Jon!"

Julius Polik, the head gatekeeper, called out in a booming voice upon spotting him. The rest of the keepers saluted parting to make way for him.

’The policemen have started evolving too, huh’ Jon noted, nodding at them with a smile as he walked past.

With Julius being the strongest at Level 14 and the rest averaging around Level 10, it was clear they could no longer afford ignorance or excessive morality. The world was becoming too dangerous. If they wanted to retain their positions, they had to adapt.

As Jon entered the camp, he found Nancy waiting for him.

"Welcome, Leader," she greeted, bowing with her usual monotone voice.

"Ah, Nancy," Jon responded, slightly surprised at her progress.

It was shocking; after all, she had already reached Level 35. And it wasn’t just her. As he spread his senses throughout the camp, he detected an increase in First Realm evolvers.

Had someone attacked during the week? Why were there so many?

Nancy, as if reading his thoughts, provided an explanation, "Cynthia suggested expanding the use of the ’Piece’ and turning it into a revenue source."

"Revenue?" Jon tilted his head.

"Yes. After Syria and Stephanie introduced the new currency, we categorized skill scrolls and treasures into offensive, defensive, and support types. Then, we created an equivalent currency system for scrolls and cores. We then introduced these scrolls into the camp’s economy. Now, with the right currency, even regular civilians can purchase them."

’Not bad,’ Jon mused. This currency system had likely helped control the chaos in the market streets, and now, even non-combatants had the means to protect themselves.

Nancy continued, "With the right amount of currency, anyone can buy the right to fight monsters from the ’Piece.’ Aside from a small tax, the earnings go directly to them. This has become the camp’s booming business, allowing more people to get stronger, not just the soldiers."

"Good." Jon nodded. Honestly, he hadn’t even thought about it.

Then, after a brief pause, Nancy spoke again. "I-It would be wise to reward Syria."

"Hm? Cynthia didn’t?" Jon asked, a bit surprised. He knew Cynthia well, rewarding people for such contributions was something she wouldn’t overlook.

"No, she has already been rewarded plenty, but..." For the first time, Nancy seemed flustered.

"They’re currently waiting," she quickly added before stepping away.

’I hope it isn’t what I think it is,’ Jon sighed, heading toward the tallest building.

With his sharp mind, peak Second Realm abilities, Moon Gaze, and the energy from his Mind World, he could almost predict what was going on. And truthfully, at the moment, he wished he couldn’t.

So, he did what he had been doing lately, he feigned ignorance.

With subtle control over his emotions, he steadied his mind and found himself standing before the door of the highest building.

...

After devising the currency system, Syria had poured all her effort into making it work, and her rank in the camp quickly rose.

Now a Level 5 individual, she was ecstatic. She gained access to better food, residence, skills, and authority. Basically, everything had improved for her. But among them all, what excited her most was that she could finally attend meetings on the highest floor of the camp.

Yet, at her first meeting, she was completely distracted. She didn’t hear anything being discussed. Her eyes remained locked on the empty leader’s seat.

Everyone noticed, but no one commented on it, and it didn’t change anything. She continued staring.

Even Stephanie, now her bodyguard, was worried. Syria hadn’t been herself for a long time, and because of that, they weren’t speaking as much as they used to.

Cynthia, on the other hand, immediately understood the meaning behind Syria’s fixation and shook her head.

After the meeting, Syria was asked to stay behind with Cynthia and Nancy.

At first, she was excited. She thought they were finally going to talk about a certain individual, her face lighting up with anticipation.

Instead, they discussed the ’Piece.’

She wondered why she was being included in such an important conversation, then an idea struck her.

The idea of using the ’Piece’ to enhance the camp’s growth through her currency system. That same day, she was promoted to Level 6.

But she still wasn’t happy. At first, she thought they were only using her for her intellect, but then Stephanie told her something that changed her perspective.

Why did she think Cynthia had shared something so crucial with her? It wasn’t just for strategy, she was trying to help her.

That realization rekindled Syria’s excitement. Knowing more secrets meant being closer to the top. Being more involved meant the same thing.

Since then, she had actively dedicated herself to helping the camp.

Then, today, she received a message from the gate.

Her lips curled upward as she kept adjusting her dress. She had even forgotten Cynthia was sitting beside her.

’You’ve really fallen, huh.’ Underneath the table, Cynthia clenched her fist so tightly that her nails dug into her palm, nearly drawing blood.

Then the door opened, and he entered.