Don't confiscate my identity as a human race

Clang, clang!

When nine o'clock arrived, the bell tolled accompanied by ceremonial music.

In front of the temporarily repaired Saint Astore Palace by the Imperial Mechanic Corps, a long red carpet unrolled down the steps, reaching deep into the palace, like a holy path descending from Heaven.

The knights stood in neat lines on both sides of the red carpet, ready and waiting.

They were clad in deep black armor, gripping longswords, gazing ahead with eyes burning with the fire of loyalty, their posture as steady as mountains.

The sound of horns blared, echoing across the skies of Brilda like a heavenly melody.

As the horns reached their climax, the palace's grand doors slowly opened.

Golden light radiated from within, like the first ray of dawn, illuminating the entire Cret Memorial Square and the delicate snowflakes floating in the air.

In the eyes of all present, Hesintos slowly emerged from the palace.

He wore a robe interwoven with white and gold, adorned with a heavy blue cloak engraved with golden patterns, shining brilliantly in the light.

Yet nothing was more dazzling than the legendary Seross Spirit Sword tightly held in his hand.

On the blade, ancient Ceryti inscriptions flickered, the power of that ancient heroic spirit awakened through him.

A gentle smile adorned Hesintos' face, seemingly flattered by everyone's support, as he raised his hand to interact warmly with the endless crowd of residents in the distance.

The heavy pressure of the past three days left no trace on him.

This indeed confirmed that he had reached a godlike realm, for the wounds from the bloody battle with the Ancestor had all but healed in just these short three days.

In Cret Square, under the twelve sacred thrones, all but the first Diamond Throne and the sixth Seat of Aqua Jade were occupied, with the remaining ten War Gods waiting for Hesintos just like on the day of the national celebration, maintaining order and witnessing the emperor's coronation.

They had once stood together to protect this land, and now, they were to witness their comrade's coronation as king, marking a new chapter for the Cerryti Empire.

"Hesintos, thanks to you, you saved us."

The Eighth Army God, Haogold Stone, Conzel, sighed and muttered towards Hesintos' direction.

He still bore a heavy guilt for the death of Emperor Saint Baldo.

If it hadn't been for Hesintos defeating the Ancestor of the Blood Clan, Rashal, the few of them would have continued to be manipulated by the Blood Clan, causing harm to the empire.

Fortunately, Hesintos was equally kind to them, fully absolving them of their crimes, and thus the affairs of the Blood Clan were settled, with a request that they continue to fight for the empire.

"It's alright, everyone's involved, even if Emperor Saint Baldo were alive, he would have had to pardon us."

The Fourth War God, Yaspeel's mechanical eye twinkled with a mocking light.

She didn't feel particularly guilty, as long as the outcome was good, that was enough.

The more she investigated, the less fond she became of Emperor Saint Baldo, even feeling that he should have died long ago, and was even beyond redemption.

"Emphasizing the law doesn't hold everyone accountable, right?"

The Fifth War God, Yunmu Lugayard, murmured.

Though he was by nature disciplined, he couldn't refute Yaspeel's words at this moment.

No matter what, things had come to this, and the War Gods at this moment each expressed their respect and admiration for Hesintos' coronation in their own way.

Only Julius remained silent for a long time.

"Julius, are you alright?"

The Ninth Army God, Purple Crystal Ryan, looked at the silent Julius and asked, feeling that Julius' expression was off.

Ryan, having also recovered from the Blood Clan's control, felt deep regret whenever he thought back on the past couple of days, not only had he made too many mistakes, but he almost harmed his comrades, and perhaps even his relationship with his sister Ursula was beyond repair.

As he blamed himself, he also felt very apologetic for almost injuring his colleague Julius that day, yet Julius, despite his seemingly irritable temper, wouldn't blame a comrade for such matters, making Ryan even more self-reproachful.

Of course, Ryan was aware that Julius was the most distressed these days because Violet was likely killed by the Ancestor of the Blood Clan, Rashal, with her whereabouts yet unknown.

So Julius' low spirits were understandable.

"It's fine, let's focus on the task at hand, today we first bless Hesintos."

Julius turned his head towards Ryan and spoke softly to him.

"That's good."

Ryan replied, glancing at Julius once more.

He was certain Julius seemed unharmed, but Julius' expression gave him an inexplicable sense of facade, as if Julius was suppressing an inner rage about to ignite, holding himself together to perfectly complete today's task.

On the high platform of the Memorial Square, amidst the cheers of the people of the empire.

Hesintos walked slowly towards the altar, which appeared like a circular stage.

"Long live Hesintos!"

"Long live the Cerryti Empire!"

The cheers cascaded like waves, reaching the skies, snowflakes landing on their cheeks, slightly chilling their skin, but this did not dampen their enthusiasm; they believed that today's light snow was auspicious.

The people of the empire waved flags and tossed flowers.

Hesintos stood before the altar.

He turned around, facing his future subjects, and the responsibilities and missions he was about to bear.

The winter sun piercing through the clouds gilded him in a golden edge, as though the gods themselves were crowning him.

And he, like a deity, stood like a true king, towering above the masses.