Max breathed in fresh air under the clear sky, with sun shining above him. He stood still, outside the tall prison walls, appreciating the outside world with a smile.
A large white carriage waited for him. It was led not by a horse, but something red and similar to it. This game never copy pasted an animal from the real world.
The doors were open and a person waited for Max. He was dressed in white armor.He had brown hair and brown eyes and sported a stubble. He sat inside the carriage.
"Come on in, Veritas."
The royal carriage rolled forward on massive, iron-rimmed wheels, its body crafted from dark lacquered wood. Golden filigree traced the edges of its frame in swirling, heraldic patterns, catching the light with every movement. Tall lanterns hung from curved brackets at each corner, their crystal panes glowing softly with enchanted fire that never flickered in the wind.
Velvet curtains of deep crimson draped the windows from within, granting privacy to whoever rode inside. The roof arched gently and Max slightly ducked below it to enter.
Inside, the carriage was lined with silk cushions and gilded handholds, the scent of incense and polished leather lingering in the air. When it moved, it did so with an unnatural smoothness.
The man across Max introduced himself.
"My name is Lek Salnasan, Knight-Commander of the Cloud Knights."
"It's an honor, sir."
"The honor is mine. I've heard the news, like everyone else."
Max looked at the man for a moment in silence. By his title, Max could deduce that he was in the top 10 strongest people in this world.
"His Highness, Silopsen di Emicia also informed me of your feat. Defeating Traviskan Virlosen is a worthy deed."
Max nodded. "I look forward to serving the Emperor with the Cloud Knights."
"I was told to take you to the Imperial Treasury first. The knighting ceremony will not be the grandest as it is being performed in haste, but the first prince will be present, as the Cloud Knights are the crown prince's personal knights."
"That's fine by me. I look forward to seeing His Highness again."
The ride took about twenty minutes and Max stepped on white stone. In front of him was a view of the massive city. There was a grey statue surrounded by a pool of water and colorful trees decorated the entrance.
White pillars rose and slightly obstructed the view, on top of them was a statue and they continued left and right. When Max turned right, he froze and swallowed.
The palace rose like a carved mountain of white stone and marble, crowned by an enormous domed roof that gleams softly in the afternoon light. Tall spires and angular towers frame the dome, their edges sharp and regal, each one etched with intricate patterns and imperial sigils. The architecture feels ancient yet flawless—built not just to impress, but to overwhelm.
A grand processional avenue stretches toward the main gates, lined with towering statues of past emperors and legendary heroes. Each statue holds a weapon or banner, frozen in eternal vigilance, as if guarding the heart of the empire itself. Their shadows fall across the wide stone steps, where nobles, officials, and travelers move in slow, respectful streams.
In the foreground, a fountain plaza glitters. Crystal-clear water spills from sculpted figures into reflecting pools.
The entrance to the palace was nothing short of grand, but Max paid no attention as he followed the Knight-Commander.
Knights and guards saluted him, some highborn people and officials nodded in respect or greeted him.
They moved deeper into the palace, leaving the grandeur behind for narrower corridors. The walls changed from decorated marble to reinforced stone, etched with glowing sigils that pulsed softly.
"Wards?" Max asked.
Valric gave a short nod. "Some people can phase through walls or see through them, this prevents it. Contains several more unpleasant surprises for thieves too."
Max decided not to ask about the last part.
They passed sealed doors guarded by elite knights. Each saluted Lek. The further they went, the quieter the palace became—until even their footsteps sounded intrusive.
They stopped before a colossal door forged from black steel, runes carved so deeply they seemed burned into the metal.
"So this is where the empire hides its treasures," Max muttered.
Lek cleared his throat. "No, this is where we protect them."
Two knights stood guard.
"Open," Lek commanded.
The runes flared. Mechanisms rumbled inside the walls. Slowly, the door parted.
Warm light spilled out.
Weapons, special crystals, items, stone slabs, historical papers, books, relics humming with ancient power. All were displayed and stored in here.
Max's breath caught. The Imperial Treasury. Right before his eyes, and he had the right to pick one treasure for himself.
The room was tall, spacious and the walls were white. On the floor was a blue carpet that covered it.
Some items were inside a glass cube or dome, others were displayed without any glass coverage. There were many. Max, however, was looking for something specific.
An armor set.
Max passed by swords and other weapons, but he was already satisfied with his two swords. They could carry me through the entire second floor, he thought.
At the end of the large room, which was only the first level, Max had spotted what he was looking for.
It was a purple armor with white carvings. It had a hole where the heart was. However, Max didn't care.
"I'll take that." The player pointed towards the armor.
"That? Are you sure? It's useless and no one is able to wear it. It rejects you."
"Yeah, I know."
"How?"
"Read it in a book."
Let's hope this investment gives me returns, he thought. If the armor was worn by someone of Supreme rank or above, then it must be very, very powerful. Maybe the system could tell him how to meet its conditions.
"Alright. You may take it," said the Knight-Commander.
Max nodded.
[You have obtained "???]
[???]
[Rank: ?
Defense: ?
Abilities:?
Requirements: ?]
"Shit," Max muttered.
"What was that?" said the Knight-Commander.
"Oh, sorry. Nothing."
I'll figure it out, probably, he thought.
"You chose that?" Another person with a familiar voice entered the treasury. Max turned around along with Lek. It was the crown prince, Silopsen.
"Your High-"
"Don't. We need to hurry. Follow me." The prince raised his open right hand.
The two men followed him out of the treasury and into the palace halls. "I have an urgent matter to attend to, so I will need to rush the knighting process," said the prince as they walked hurriedly.