Armored Cavalry, survive in a world full of mods

Everyone's facial expressions are different: anticipation, joy, anger, mockery... If every expression were drawn, it would be enough to make up a thick picture book.

Their limbs swayed constantly, a small release to alleviate their excitement. Everyone stared longingly at the city gate, hoping to see a true hero.

This vast sea of ​​people looks like some kind of unified creature, full of complex emotions and pent-up violence, unpredictable and ready to unleash its power at any moment.

As soon as the black flag came into view, the sea of ​​human figures immediately surged into a raging storm. Waves of shouts roared like thunderstorms, and the raised arms were as dense as weeds in a field.

A name, a name that had been circulating here for months, surged forth like a tidal wave; everyone was chanting it, as if it were some kind of mysterious incantation.

Tersolys!

Tersolius!!

No one organized it, no one pushed it; everyone shouted the name at the same time. They pushed and shoved forward, only to be blocked by the garrison troops on both sides of the road. They stretched out their hands as if trying to grab something, shouting the name.

Leading the procession, the heavily armored knight in a magnificent eagle helmet reached out and untied the bridle of his helmet, removing it as he picked up a spear from beside his saddle.

A handsome young man with slightly long hair and sharp features appeared before the people of the capital. His eyes were as bright and piercing as the finest obsidian. He possessed the most standard imperial appearance.

Cheers erupted like muffled thunder, at least half of them from women. Purple thistles and roses rained down on the road, dotting the hooves of the cavalrymen.

The crowd surged once more like a tide, and the garrison soldiers blocking their way stood shoulder to shoulder, using their spears as railings to form a sturdy barrier, allowing the cavalry to pass through unimpeded.

The smooth bluestone slabs had long been swept clean, and the clear water drawn from the canal had washed away all the dust and garbage. The buildings on both sides had white stone bricks forming the base walls, and the smooth walls were coated with white lime to prevent moisture and insects. They gleamed white under the sunlight.

Just as the garrison soldiers relaxed slightly, an unprecedented cheer suddenly erupted like thunder in the middle. The crowd began to push desperately towards the center, causing many soldiers to collapse to the ground.

When their commander turned around in alarm, he saw a magnificent, dark green banner, stained with blood and dust, being carried on a long, black spear.

The roses entwined with thorns on the banner drove everyone into a frenzy. The city that had twice driven the Imperial Legion to retreat in vain, everyone knew what the banner flying over it looked like... Even those who had never seen it with their own eyes before, at this moment, everyone believed that it was indeed that banner!

The citizens who had broken through the garrison's blockade stood bewildered on the road, not daring to charge the army, and calmed down in an instant.

The cavalrymen's hooves did not stop for a moment. With just a slight tug on the reins, the well-trained warhorses easily bypassed them. However, the hidden ferocity made the excited citizens calm down and voluntarily retreat to the side of the road.

Waves of cheers surged from the city gates toward the city center, and the city's citizens crowded to both sides of the road, excitedly following the cavalry as they moved, like an unstoppable tide rolling toward the magnificent white stone building in the city center.

………………

The polished marble floor reflects images, and the thick stone pillars are straight and smooth. The huge space, constructed of marble, colored glass, and silk curtains, gradually recedes from the perimeter to the center, with the lowest point being a platform made of a single boulder. Now, a fat, haggard-looking man stands on it, his expression shifting between light and shadow, but revealing a deep-seated despair.

The esteemed elders of the empire wore magnificent white robes trimmed with gold, and traditional leather shoes fastened with buckles made of gold and jewels.

When they gather together, they resemble a flock of proud egrets, each with their faces turned to the sky, backs ramrod straight, as if they want to point their noses at others.

Many of them wore expressions of ease and composure as they sat on stone chairs covered in soft fur, waiting for the uninvited guest returning from the south to arrive and be questioned...

It should be like this.

When the thunderous cheers could no longer be contained even by the thick stone walls, many people stood up abruptly, their composure shattering like glass.

They huddled together in small groups, whispering amongst themselves, their expressions constantly shifting, and frequently turning their heads to look in the direction from which the cheers were coming. It was unclear what they could see through the thick stone wall…

Even Arius, confined in a brass cage like a lamb to the slaughter, shuddered, his bloated flesh trembling... almost trembling with fear, scurrying about like a mouse as if the terrible enemy might suddenly emerge from the ground.

The faint sounds finally became clearer, but what they heard was worse than if they hadn't heard anything at all...

The cheers for Tersolius nearly lifted the roof off. Many noble elders had gloomy faces, exchanging glances and whispering incoherently as waves swept through the crowd, each exchanging information and opinions.

Today, Chief Elder Scripps was dressed in a neat white robe, a single, wide piece of white silk wrapped from his armpits to his shoulders, embroidered with all sorts of patterns—gods descending from the heavens with thunderbolts to hunt beasts, heroes wielding swords to fight monsters, magnificent buildings erected atop mountains, and valiant armies defeating savage and ferocious enemies…

It's unimaginable how much skill, talent, and time it would take to create such a magnificent work of art. At first glance, the patterns are almost imperceptible because they are so densely packed, resembling some ordinary floral design.

The old man remained calm and composed, and even as the cheers reached his ears, he never looked away.

A parchment with gold-lined edges lay before him, and that was all he needed for the day…

He was simply waiting; he didn't think about anything else.

........................

He has waited long enough.

Tersolius looked up at the magnificent building before him. Although he had been here more than once in those recurring fragments of memory... only those who actually stood here could feel the oppressive atmosphere.

Like all imperial architecture, the Imperial Senate is renowned for its grand and imposing style and its simple yet majestic presence. The massive white marble quarried from the Peris Mountains in the south was transported here via the Sanebers River and then meticulously crafted at great cost and time, thanks to the blood and sweat of countless slaves and laborers.

There are hundreds of steps leading up to this place, each made of a single block of marble without a single crack, and carved with images of people and animals.

With a slight tremor of his spear, the banner that once belonged to Alperth fluttered down to the steps, and without hesitation, he released the spear and stepped onto the steps empty-handed.

Amidst the sudden burst of cheers, the cavalrymen simultaneously dismounted and followed their general. Hundreds of pairs of iron boots trod the magnificent steps; aside from their battle-worn armor and the short weapons at their waists, everything else was left on their horses.

And so he remained steadfast, without pause... Thesolius left no time for reflection, or rather, he had no interest in it... He had waited long enough for this moment, and everyone else had waited long enough.

Even that despicable scoundrel inside, he had waited long enough.

It would have taken immense courage to stop them at this time and place, but Tersolys was stopped nonetheless.

The emperor's guards, clad in magnificent golden heavy armor, blocked his path with halberds, their gazes unwavering and fearless beneath the sturdy helmets that revealed only their eye sockets.

"Please put on your robes, my lord, it is an imperial tradition."

Two servants bowed beside him, carrying silver trays upon which lay neatly folded black silk embroidered with gold thread, topped with a magnificent gold-plated belt.

Tersolius nodded slightly, but showed no intention of removing his armor. He took a small step forward and raised his arm—Arka and another cavalryman immediately stepped forward, took the robe and gold belt from the tray, and neatly draped them over his shoulders.

He slipped his steel-clad arms through the wide sleeves of his robe, the hem of which draped down to mid-calf. The smooth, heavy silk was ironed without a single wrinkle, and then he fastened it at the waist with a brand-new gold belt…

Almost in the blink of an eye, Thesolius had transformed himself—he donned this magnificent robe over his armor, the smooth, gleaming silk covering the hard steel, adding a touch of softness to his sharp and ruthless appearance.

Arka and his cavalry retreated, and the imperial guards who had just blocked him also stepped back, bowed their heads, and made way for them.

After slightly adjusting the collar of his robe, Tesolis strode forward again, with Alka and the officers immediately following. The other cavalrymen lined up on the platform, silently holding the hilts of their swords, watching their officers and generals enter.

………………

The heavy door slowly closed, completely shutting out the noise outside and letting them in the noise from inside...

But as he continued walking, reaching the very top of the council hall, the previous commotion vanished in an instant. All the noble elders fell silent and turned to look at Tersolius.

The general, with an eagle helmet at his waist, surveyed the surroundings with disdain. A thin scar stretched from his forehead to his cheek, and the missing half of his ear made him look slightly ferocious. His sharp and proud eyes, like those of a hawk, made everyone secretly admire him.

Regardless of their stance or whether their interests conflicted, they could not deny the extraordinary talent of the young general before them... No one had ever been able to achieve this level of skill, especially since he was so young and had plenty of time to spare.

It's unclear who started it, but a series of synchronized slapping sounds came from all around. These elders, whether old or young, tall or short, fat or thin, slapped the stone table in front of them, tacitly greeting his arrival in this way.

Just as it began abruptly, this greeting also ended abruptly at a certain moment.

Sitting at the front, the elegantly dressed old man slowly stood up. His hair and beard were already white, but still thick and neat. He was of medium build but had a straight back. He looked like a slender old poplar tree, and his eyes, though surrounded by wrinkles, were full of spirit.

The chief elder lifted the hem of his robe and slowly and steadily walked up the steps in front of him. For some reason, he saw an extremely complex expression in the old man's eyes.

The still robust old man arrived in front of him in no time. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but suddenly stopped and turned to look at the gilded gate opposite them.

All attention was drawn back to the gates as they slowly opened, and the Imperial Guards and attendants filed out, while a red carpet woven from the finest wool was slowly unfurled—the Emperor had arrived.

105 Sinners (1)

A thick red carpet was rolled in from outside the door.

The tall guards wore heavy, knee-length chainmail, with golden scale armor extending down to mid-thigh. Large, curved plates protected their shoulders and elbows. They wore heavy helmets with chainmail visors, and even their forearms and calves were tightly covered by long plates of armor.

These tall and imposing guards each held a large axe inlaid with gold, its sharp blade curved like a crescent moon, and its mahogany handle wrapped with silver thread.

They swiftly occupied the spacious area inside the gate like a group of iron towers, then slammed the handles of their long axes heavily onto the ground, the hard brass striking the floor with a crisp sound. A passageway was then formed on either side.

The heavy cashmere red carpet is woven from the finest Anchorsis sheep wool, and each foot costs no less than six gold dinars.

Only one person of such high status in the entire empire could use this so openly. The guards, wielding long axes, silently displayed their master's identity. For a moment, even the dust seemed to become softer, and everyone held their breath in anticipation.

With steady footsteps, the Emperor, wearing a magnificent crown and carrying a noble scepter, stepped onto the red carpet and arrived here. Everyone stood up at the same time and bowed to the Emperor of the Empire.

Many people were surprised because the emperor of the empire appeared on the red carpet today... Once the emperor's feet step onto the red carpet, they cannot touch the ordinary ground again; this only happens on the most important occasions...

Teresus silently gazed at the emperor before her. As a woman of imperial status and of noble birth, gold, jewels, and precious silks adorned her tall figure. Her magnificent cloak even trailed on the floor.

Add to that the luxurious crown that looks heavy, and all the various ornaments and gold-embroidered shawls on her body—it can’t be as heavy as her armor, can it?

Scripps turned his head with some confusion. Ever since the bow, Tersolius had been staring at the emperor, which was quite rude... but considering the emperor's good relationship with him, the chief senator said nothing.

Tersolius slowly walked up to the emperor. Looking into those smiling, molten gold eyes, his own eyes softened, and a sense of relaxation from the bottom of his heart took over his body.

It was as if he had rushed from a downpour into a warm home, without any restraint, like an old friend he hadn't seen for years. He stopped three steps away from the emperor.

"My general, you have returned from afar."

A faint smile finally appeared on Clautina's lips, and her bright eyes revealed a gentle expression.

"How have you been, Your Majesty?"

Thesolius bent down again, his armor plates snapping, and the magnificent scepter lightly touched his shoulder before deftly retracting, a soft chuckle drifting into his ears.

The emperor took another step and, led by the chief elder, sat down in the highest seat. Guards holding long axes lined up behind him, the gold-inlaid axe blades gleaming coldly.

“Open all the doors. Today’s questioning will determine who the real traitor is. Every citizen of the Empire deserves to know, even if he is just a beggar begging in a dark alley.”

The scepter struck the ground heavily, and the servants immediately opened the four gates, letting the noise from outside flood in like a tidal wave.

It wasn't that no one wanted to object; in the minds of some noble elders, commoners shouldn't be allowed in at all... But without anyone stopping them, it wasn't easy to be the first to speak out... So until the order was delivered, no dissenting voices were raised.

The messengers, dressed in magnificent robes and surrounded by guards, stood on the high platform and announced the emperor's decree. Cheers and praises immediately drowned out everything around them and reached this place without any hindrance.

The previously closed gates opened, and the crowd filed in amidst the shouts of the garrison troops, quickly filling the vast space. Of course, most people were left outside, constantly complaining about their bad luck.

At first, some people whispered excitedly, but gradually fewer and fewer people lied. Everyone who couldn't shut their mouth was scolded by those around them, and the voices quickly became sparse.

When the entire hall was completely silent, and the scepter struck the floor again with a heavy thud, Chief Elder Scripps stood up:

“Your Majesty, I request your permission to begin this inquiry.”

"That is your right, esteemed Chief Elder. Today, I am merely an observer."

The old man nodded gently, then slowly walked up to a high platform. His white robe, inlaid with gorgeous gold trim, was as dazzling as a cloud, perfectly befitting the noble status of the empire's chief elder.

"All Imperials present here today, listen to me: We are here for one purpose only. Three months ago, our legion suffered an unexpected defeat, and there is enough evidence to convince us that a traitor was responsible for it."

The crowd slowly stirred. Treason has always been a despised crime, and no one wants to associate with a traitor. Even beggars would be ashamed to accept their help. Without a doubt, in this situation, the traitor would surely suffer the most terrible fate.

"Today, we have gathered here, the noble and dignified citizens of the Empire. This is the most solemn and sacred place, where we will, today and here, try the true traitor and bring him to justice!"

No matter how passionate and impassioned his voice was, the chief elder's face remained calm throughout. For a speaker, this was certainly not up to par... If you can't stir the emotions of the audience, then it cannot be considered a qualified speech.

But he is not a speaker.

This country is not what it used to be... The nobles need to rely on their eloquence and persuasive skills to win the support of the people.

His peripheral vision swept over the platform at the very bottom—the obese Arios was no longer cowering, but his face was ashen, as if he had realized what was about to happen to him.

"...Everyone must be aware of the sacred place they are in, and must not move about, argue, or make noise! ​​Until the sun has set behind the mountains."

He pursed his dry lips. Although he still looked strong and vigorous, he was, after all, an old man, and his energy was not always what it used to be. Fortunately, he wouldn't be needed anymore...

Everyone fell silent, and he turned his gaze to the high platform to the side, where General Teresus, fully armored, stood.

………………

"I hereby file this charge!"

With a booming voice carrying a metallic clang, the tall Tersolius strode down the steps and walked straight toward the obese man on the platform.

Each time the iron boots struck the ground, they made a crisp sound, each sound like a barbed whip lashing at Arius, making him shudder.

The people of the empire immediately booed, and almost half of them had already made their own judgment—if a person has a clear conscience, why would he be so cowardly?

"I hereby accuse you! Arius, you cowardly bastard, you vile scoundrel! I accuse you of abandoning your comrades on the battlefield! Abandoning the Imperial army and leaving them in the hands of the enemy!"

"My finest cavalry, my proudest warriors! More than six hundred of them remained in the south! Their blood flowed into the wilderness because of you, their bones fell into the hands of the Hols because of you! Their pride and their will were betrayed and destroyed by you!"

Anger surged from the depths of his heart, making Tersolius's eyes grow even colder, and the scar on his cheek twist like a venomous snake. Every thud of his iron boots on the floor was as terrifying as thunder!

He slowly walked to the platform and stopped five steps away. Although he wanted nothing more than to go up and twist the man's head off, and although violence and hatred were almost bursting through his veins, he still made himself stop. He looked down on the little man with the contempt of an eagle eyeing its prey.

"We entrusted our trust to you, but what have you done?! You led us to our doom, and then betrayed us without hesitation! Everything you've done is as despicable as maggots, like rats in the gutter, forever incapable of acting with integrity, always associated with conspiracy and betrayal!"

"You...you...cannot prove it."

Filled with despair, Arios uttered those words with a trembling voice, as if it were a routine matter. His entire face was as stiff as plaster, and unsurprisingly, it drew another round of boos, with many people showing expressions of disgust.

"I'm here to testify for my parents!"

A thunderous roar exploded outwards, causing the former governor to shudder violently once again, almost curling himself into a ball.

Alka leaped out from the crowd, charging straight to the bottom like an iron tower. His words were filled with hatred and violence, as chilling as a mad lion.

"I have come to testify for my lord and my general. To prove that this was a shameful betrayal!"