Blood tax

Chapter 566 Dictator!
June 1445, 6, Second Age.

"Legion destroyed! We lost all of Sebasto."

"Missing! Arcane leader Tiberion is missing!"

"Survivors confirmed that Fiona de Chalon appeared in the skies above Doomsday and that the Archon has been taken into custody."

Count Larmore dropped the newspaper expressionlessly and said to the countess, eldest son and daughter at the table:
"Oh, got it."

This is also said to the guests. In the past year or two, the Earl has been working hard to stabilize his allies and prepare them to have manors and necessary guards ready for refuge in the outskirts if necessary.

The news coming back from the front line was more terrifying than a nightmare - the legion that rescued Sebasto collapsed, more than half of them became monsters that were difficult to destroy, or were wiped out, and the rest fled in all directions! Roland's army was also said to have suffered heavy losses, but the Confederacy sent him reinforcements and supplies.

The magic potion provided by the Arcane Council destroyed eight legions! The legions, heavy cavalry and artillery that could have played a great role in the army besieged at Turan Fort and Yamiyan can also be regarded as losses. The Senate no longer has any mobile "legions" that can be mobilized!
And this is not even the worst. What is really shocking is just a few words——

"The ruler of time and space and the unifier of all things. Possessing infinite wisdom, all great wizards, artists, and thinkers are His projections in different dimensions!"

For the first time, the will of the virtual realm has been confirmed to unfold in the real dimension.

The monsters mutated by the Legion are said to be the Withered Ones created by out-of-control magic power.

Everyone looked serious and remained silent.

The count rustled writing on the letter paper, quickly sealed it with wax and handed it to a viscount:
"If you could take out half a squadron at this time, even ten soldiers, the situation would be very different,

"Take this and ride your fastest horse to inform the elders.

"I'm sending a small troop of cavalry to protect you."

The Viscount rushed out of the door like a servant without saying a word. Count Larmore then said to a living room full of dignitaries:

"Right now, we must show twenty times more courage to fight——

"Fighting not only the rebels who threaten our lives, but also fighting who we were - Beyeland needs a new life, a new parliament and a new head of state,

"Otherwise we'll all be hanged from the street lamps!"

Byerland is no longer safe for wizards and nobles. The most powerful ones, protected by armies and knights, gathered in Sanssouci Palace and the town of Bremi, while others sought the protection of the Arcane Council.

The riots in Bajeran were more violent than ever before. After being educated by heavy cavalry and the army, the rebels behaved much more seasonedly this time.

When Count and Madame Larmour went out of the city, they saw with their own eyes the insurrectionists fortifying the barricades. The iron drills inserted in the cracks of the paving stones are like a row of protective spears to stop the horses. The chaotic appearance is further complicated by the piles of debris that have been moved from all over. The outside of the barricade is in a mess, but the side facing the inside has been cleverly transformed into a fortress——

The basement was cleared to store ammunition, and the kitchen was converted into a field hospital. Women and children were also mobilized to collect and smelt bullets and bandage the wounded.

The walls along the street were stained with blood, and the rebel army used nails to carve out the words "Long Live the People" on the stone. Even in 1448, these words must still be read clearly.

"We will definitely win," the countess said, clasping her husband's hand, "as long as two new consuls are elected."

These words sounded a bit suggestive... An idea stirred in Sonia's heart.

Several big shots present shouted:
"Yes, we need the best army commander!"

Is this a clear indication that everyone supports Dad becoming a consul? Sonia felt that this was a bit of an imperial decree.

After returning from Homemonworth, Sonia heard only bad news. Fiona disappeared, it was said that she was involved in a terrible conspiracy, the two consuls were unable to continue their duties, and the Senate had no troops. At the same time, the rebels in Bajran had no bread or meat. They ate all the food they could find in nearby hotels and shops.

Everyone is hiding here, waiting for a meeting to be held to elect a new consul to reverse the crisis.

They were tormented by horrific memories and thoughts that were even more terrifying than the fears that had destroyed his legion. Although people ask a lot of confusing questions, there is only one important fact -

For a normal world, the presence on Roland Star Castle and the virtual consciousness that caused the Legion to mutate and disintegrate are things that should not exist.

After a brief appearance, He has returned to the virtual realm. There is some realm or dimension that is unfamiliar to humans and exists outside the physical universe; humans can only summon it through the most accursed rituals of blasphemy to appear for a moment above the legions and battlefields.

That is "the ruler of time and space and the unifier of all things."

It was an outside god brought by wizards, attracted by the breath of magic. His appearance triggered the distortion and mutation of magical creatures - the spellcasters present and the troops taking potions turned into monsters just by being exposed to his breath! This is the price of magic. The cornerstone of this world, magic, hides such a terrifying price, so what should we do?

On this undoubted fact, both the Senate and the Arcane Council remained silent. But the shadow of the incident has already taken root in people's hearts, and is only waiting for the day when it will sprout.

The guests didn't disperse until late at night.

Sonia returned to the study. Tomorrow she will go to Sanssouci Palace with her parents to attend an emergency meeting. The letter the Earl sent during the day was his proposal. Due to time constraints, he could only inform other senators. If nothing else happens, the earl will be elected as the new consul, replace Charon who was dismissed and arrested, lead the army to put down the rebellion in Bayerland, and then fight Roland, right...

Sonia sat in front of the window, combing her hair slowly, feeling extremely confused. She wanted to talk to someone, but Fiona disappeared and Griffith had no news.

The huge fireball and distorted consciousness that appeared in Sebasto made psychic communication extremely unstable, and it was impossible for Griffith to send letters back during the battle. So during this period, Sonia could do nothing but be frightened.

Suddenly, she was struck by inspiration.

This has happened before. The spirit of the God of Pact linking her to Griffith suggested.

……

By June 6, the meeting was moving very quickly, and the elders had little to discuss. Necessary curfews, emergency battle orders and conscription, followed by the election of consuls.

Sonia noticed that many people other than the senators came to the meeting, and there were even some representatives of the confederation. However, the strange thing is that the elders present seemed not to see these rebels.

As the agenda entered its final stage, there was an eerie silence in the venue, as if there was a volcano brewing lava dormant beneath our feet.

It was Count Larmour's turn to speak. He and the Grand Praetor were candidates for the consulship. The wizards are as silent as the Arcane Council - the magic potions of the Legion of Destruction and the divine manifestations outside the virtual realm have bankrupted the credibility of the spellcasters.

“Dear senators, thank you for your trust and nomination,” Count Larmour said. “I am willing to lay down my life for the great Beyeland and the Senate.

“Our motherland is at the most dangerous moment in history, and only the greatest courage and responsibility can save her!
"I therefore petition the Senate,

"Please allow me to refuse this high and honorable appointment. Bijeran does not need me to be Archon."

ah? ! The countess covered her mouth and almost screamed. Sonia looked at the countess and was surprised to see her biting her lip; looking around, the senators all had solemn expressions but remained silent.

"Therefore, I petition the Senate," the count didn't finish his words. His voice suddenly changed from low to high.

"We need someone -

"Dictator!
"I nominate, Salorian Plagueis!"

Salorian Plagueis! ! ?

Sonia was startled. Salorian is the Attendant of the Arcane, one of the Supremes of Spellcasters. Does such a person still need to lead the overall situation at a time when the caster's credit is bankrupt?
No one exclaimed, no one objected. The venue was extremely silent, and the suppressed breathing was about to stir up a huge wave at any time. The distinguished elders and representatives held their breaths and followed Salorian with their eyes, getting up and walking towards the center of the venue.

Count Larmore and the Chancellor saluted him as they retired.

They already knew that today's meeting was arranged...

The demigod in black robes came to the stage. His eyes slowly swept across the venue, like a loving elder caring for a frightened child. Severe burns could be seen on the skin not covered by the black robe.

"Magic destroyed my body and made me unrecognizable.

"However, I assure you that my will is stronger than ever. In order to maintain national security and long-term stability,

"I humbly promise that if I am elected dictator, the republic will be reorganized, rebellion and unrest will be ended, and the invasion of mystery will be stopped.

"I will establish immediately -"

Thunderous cheers soared into the sky. The elders approved the dictator's appointment with a suppressed release, and as the ceiling trembled, Salorian Plagueis announced:

"Build a Grand Republican Army!"

(End of this chapter)