WebNovels

Chapter 7 - 7: Teigu

Today, in the bedchamber of the First Emperor Andre, a massive rectangular table had been set up. Standing on either side of it were the two most powerful figures in the Empire—Haruki and Andre.

Spread across the table was a wide array of items: long blades and various other weapons, decorative artifacts, what looked like pet-sized dogs, and even a humanoid figure with horns on its head. In total, there were forty-eight objects.

That's right—after more than three years of preparation and effort, Haruki had finally completed the creation of all forty-eight Teigu. Today was the day he presented the results to the Emperor.

"Haruki, are these the Teigu you spoke of?"

The First Emperor asked while scanning the strange assortment of items before him.

"Yes. These are the results of my past three years of work. Each one possesses unique and mystical powers that cannot be replicated. I call them Teigu," Haruki said, walking over to the first one.

"Teigu can be broadly categorized into three types: operational, biological, and armor.

Operational-type Teigu include Demon God Manifestation [Demon's Extract], One-Cut Killer [Murasame], March of the Dead [Yatsufusa], Roman Artillery [Pumpkin], Infinite Uses [Cross Tail], The King of Beasts Transformation: [Lionelle], Cutter of Creation [Extase], Thunder God's Rage: [Adramelech], Almighty Five Sights [Spectator], Phantasmagoria [Gaia Foundation], Double-Bladed Axe [Belvaac], Military Music Dream [Scream], Water Dragon Possession [Black Marlin],Glorious Hands of God [Perfector], Purgatory's Invitation [Rubicante], Thousand-Mile Flight [Mastema], Dimensional Formation [Shambhala], Blood Collection [Absordex], Great Tremor [Heavy Pressure], Moonlight Sword Dance [Shamshir], and Chaos Throw [Big Leaguer].

Biological-type Teigu include The Speed of Lightning [Susanoo] and Magical Beast Transformation [Hekatonkheires].

Armor-type Teigu include Demon Armor [Incursio] and its upgraded form, Carnage Incarnate [Grand Chariot]."

As Haruki pointed to each Teigu, he explained its name and abilities to the First Emperor.

"Each Teigu is forged from the materials of Super-Class Danger Beasts combined with rare metals such as Orichalcum. When pushed to their limits, they can even unleash the power of the beasts themselves.

Three of them deserve special attention: Demon God Manifestation [Demon's Extract], One-Cut Killer [Murasame], and March of the Dead [Yatsufusa]. While their exact secrets are still unknown, I can sense that each of these Teigu possesses a hidden ultimate technique—something that sets them apart from the rest.

Demon God Manifestation [Demon's Extract] was created using the blood essence of my mount, the top-tier Super-Class Danger Beast Ice Phoenix, mixed with my own blood and various precious materials.

Even after heavy dilution, the killing aura it exudes is overwhelming for most. Those with weak wills will either lose themselves to bloodlust or die instantly. But its power is unparalleled—it not only greatly enhances the user's physical abilities, but also grants control over ice, offering immense potential.

One-Cut Killer [Murasame] is a long blade-type Teigu. True to its name, it is coated with a deadly curse-poison. Anyone cut by it is doomed to die once the curse activates. The same poison, however, can affect the user as well.

March of the Dead [Yatsufusa] is also a long blade-type Teigu. It contains eight separate internal spaces used to store and control beings it has slain. The more corpses it manipulates, the greater the strain on the user's body."

While introducing the Teigu, Haruki gave these specific warnings to the Emperor.

"Additionally, I've created a special Teigu exclusively for your imperial bloodline. I call it the Imperial Guardian [Shikoutazer]. Only members of the imperial family can wield it, and its power surpasses that of any Teigu lacking a secret technique."

Of course, such immense power wasn't meant for just anyone. Haruki told the Emperor that Teigu could only be used by individuals recognized by the Teigu themselves, and no one could wield more than one at a time.

Even knowing the limitations, the First Emperor was ecstatic. He exclaimed, "With the Teigu, my Empire will surely endure for all eternity!"

Since completing the Teigu, Haruki had secluded himself in the tall tower at the heart of the Royal Palace to continue his training. That place eventually became a forbidden zone. Aside from palace maids occasionally cleaning the outer area, no one was allowed near. Even the Emperor rarely saw him, and over time, Haruki's name faded from public memory.

...

Thirty years later, someone knocked on the tower door.

"What business disturbs me?" came a calm voice from within, as if it bypassed the ears and spoke directly into the eunuch's mind, making him tremble uncontrollably.

"Imperial Advisor, His Majesty the First Emperor is gravely ill… he wishes to see you one last time," the eunuch said cautiously.

There was no response for a long moment. Just as the eunuch grew nervous, a sigh echoed from the tower.

"Ah… time is merciless. So Andre is nearing his end. There are likely few left in this world who lived in my era. Very well. I'll see him one last time."

The tower doors slowly opened. A young man stepped out. Though decades had passed, Haruki looked no different than he had at eighteen. The eunuch, stunned by the sight, had heard tales that the Grand Master was already in his fifties or sixties. He stood dumbfounded—until Haruki approached and spoke.

"Lead the way."

Though the tower remained unchanged, the rest of the palace had transformed over the decades.

The eunuch snapped out of his daze. He was just a servant—he dared not question such a figure.

"Yes, Imperial Advisor. This way."

When they arrived at the Emperor's bedchamber, Haruki and Andre spoke for half a day. No one knew what was said, except for the Crown Prince, who was called in later.

All the world knew was this: the next day, the Emperor passed away, and the Crown Prince ascended the throne.

More Chapters