Apocalypse Online: Regression of SSS-Class Summoner
Chapter 113: Imperial Demon Vanguard
Max recounted the details and didn’t forget to dramatize it. He didn’t leave out the details, not even when he inherited the legacy.
As for what legacy, he intentionally left it out and the Commander was sensible enough not to ask for it.
Max took an hour, taking a break in between by allowing the Commander to express his thoughts.
When he was finished, the Commander glanced at the large window behind his command desk where he sat earlier and saw the golden hour painted in the sky.
The Commander was silent for a while, before saying, "To be honest with you, I’ve already received the response from the Imperial Family of your contribution.
I was expecting for you to receive an imperial summon from them, but it wasn’t mentioned in their message."
Max was surprised.
The Commander read his expression and smiled bitterly when he noticed Max was a bit disappointed.
Everyone wanted to be summoned by the Imperial Family.
With their contribution of fighting against a demon army and defeating their powerful officers, the Imperial Family would often hold a large banquet not to only honor the hero but also inspire others.
To his surprise, the Imperial Family didn’t plan on celebrating Max’s achievements.
On the contrary, they wanted to award him discreetly.
They didn’t hold back at all.
The Commander raised his finger and summoned an exquisite box—with design projecting the image of the Empire of Valtherion.
He placed the box on the table and glanced at Max.
"This is the reward of the Imperial Family for you." He smiled. "Open them."
Max perceived the Commander’s smile to be exuded with astonishment and admiration, making him believe it was not an ordinary reward at all.
Without hesitation, he summoned his lightweave threads to grab the box and pulled it.
The Commander was in awe when he noticed the lightweave threads.
Although it didn’t pose a threat towards him, it was the first time he saw such a magic skill, compelling him to believe that the Imperial Family had invested on the right person, when it came to dealing with demonic forces.
Max stared at the box with racing heart.
He slowly opened the box and saw two things—an insignia and a name tag writing his full name.
His eyes glued to the insignia after reading his full name in the tag.
Max was utterly shocked.
He couldn’t recognize the insignia at all. It has an imperial crest, but at the same time, he saw the sacred emblem of the Holy Church.
He peeked at the Commander’s insignia and compared the two.
The insignia he had possessed the most intricate and exquisite design than the Commander’s.
What’s the meaning of this? I get to become an Imperial Officer or what?
As though sensing his thoughts, the Commander chuckled to get his attention.
The Commander saw Max dazedly staring at him and explained, "That is the insignia of an Imperial Demon Guard. It possess the authority comparable to an Imperial Officer with one star, a Lieutenant in case you don’t know.
But while they were both comparable, a Vanguard is neither a soldier nor a noble.
You occupy a unique position within the Empire as an independent specialist entrusted with confronting threats that lie beyond the capabilities of ordinary military forces.
Your presence within a settlement signifies that a matter of demonic significance has arisen, and both Imperial officials and ecclesiastical authorities are expected to extend cooperation with you appropriate to your comission.
The design of the insignia bears the Imperial Crest intertwined with the sacred emblem of the Holy Church, symbolizing the unity of Imperial authority and divine sanction."
The Commander paused, taking a sip of tea, allowing Max to digest the information.
Max fell into deep thought, trying to recall any familiarity with a title he heard from the past.
Which he obviously failed.
The appointment of an Imperial Demon Vanguard must be exceptionally rare. Also, given that they are trying to be discreet, then it’s normal for the other players to not be aware of such rank to be given by the Imperial Family.
The Commander said, "The Imperial Demon Vanguard is a prestigious special commission personally bestowed by the Imperial Family upon individuals who have inherited or awakened a legacy uniquely capable of combating demonic entities. Unlike commissioned military officers, members of the Imperial Demon Vanguard are not enlisted within the Imperial Army and do not belong to the conventional chain of command.
Instead, they serve as independent agents of the Crown, entrusted with investigating, containing, and eliminating demonic threats wherever they emerge throughout Imperial territory.
Due to the rarity of suitable legacies and the stringent evaluation required for appointment, the commission is considered one of the Empire’s highest non-hereditary honors.
Upon appointment, every Imperial Demon Vanguard is simultaneously recognized by the Holy Church with the sacred title of Apostle.
This title acknowledges the individual’s role as a divinely sanctioned defender against demonic forces and establishes formal cooperation between the Imperial Crown and the Church.
The title of Apostle does not constitute ordination into the clergy and carries no ecclesiastical governing authority, so you need not to worry. Instead, it represents the Church’s highest level of trust toward an independent champion."
The Commander smiled. "At first, when I read the message from the Imperial Family, I didn’t want to believe this really happened until I saw you.
You’ve indeed inherited a legacy from your aura alone. I knew then that the Holy Church would grant you with a title of Apostle as mentioned by the Imperial Family.
Congratulations, Maximus Grant.
It’s truly an honor to witness this moment."
After Max heard his last words, Apocalypse Online announced a Global Achievements again, causing him to smile.
「World Announcement」
Player [Max] has become the first player to be officially registered as a citizen of the Empire.
Global Achievement Unlocked: The First Citizen
History has recorded the birth of the Empire’s first recognized player.]
[World Announcement]
By decree of the Imperial Family and with the blessing of the Holy Church,
Player [Max] has been appointed as the Empire’s first Imperial Demon Vanguard and invested with the sacred title of Apostle.
Global Achievements Unlocked
"The First Imperial Vanguard"
"The First Apostle"
For the first time in history, the Crown and the Church have recognized a player (adventurer) as the Empire’s champion against demonic forces.]
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