My Celestial Ascension Chapter 912: Emperor Rhex’s Concerns

After Nerith departed and quiet fell over the chamber, a thick tension filled the atmosphere as Rhex and Varia sat there motionless.

"I never imagined our circumstances would reach such a level... it's far too abrupt. I'm curious about how the citizens will respond when they discover it," Rhex murmured shortly after, his eyes fixed on the ceiling with worry clearly showing on his face.

The people in the city had no clue about the threat hanging over their heads, continuing their daily routines just like always.

They remained totally unaware that undead monsters would assault the empire in mere weeks. A huge conflict loomed ahead—not a battle for territory, but one for sheer existence.

Should those undead forces break through the frontier, every soul would face peril; chaos and ruin would spread everywhere.

Rhex and Varia shared profound worry for their subjects' well-being, since the populace stayed ignorant of the nearing conflict.

Time remained to alert all and relocate border villagers to secure areas.

Following a period of quiet, Varia turned to her spouse and stated, "We must alert our people to the coming war... they deserve to know our plight. After all, survival hangs in the balance."

"I'll handle that right away... hiding the truth from our subjects would be foolish," Emperor Rhex agreed solemnly, nodding as he let out a deep breath.

"And remember to notify Yuan and his group... chances are high they'll lend a hand," Varia prompted him.

"I'll reach out to them once I've dispatched a messenger to broadcast the peril to everyone. All in my realm need to grasp the ongoing crisis."

"Very well. I'll draft messages to the four Dukes, detailing the recent findings and commanding them to bolster their cities' fortifications," Varia responded, giving a nod of approval.

"That's a wise move on your part," Emperor Rhex said with a nod before exiting the chamber.

As soon as her husband departed, Varia started composing letters to the four Dukes, laying out the full scenario for them.

She included every bit of information and gave clear directives to pull villages beyond the major cities inward for shelter.

Additionally, she directed each city to rally its residents and build barriers along the walls to lessen the risk of undead intruders forcing entry.

Once the letters were complete, she instructed the attendants to rush them to each Duke's domain right away, allowing swift readiness for the direst outcomes.

"This ought to alert them to the present threat and spur immediate action," Varia breathed out lightly, her anxiety deepening with the enemy's advance.

At the same time, Emperor Rhex commanded his advisor to proclaim the warning in the central plaza and caution all residents about the impending peril.

"Your Majesty, spreading such alarming information might spark widespread fear?" the advisor inquired anxiously, his features darkened upon hearing of the border developments.

Emperor Rhex exhaled deeply and replied, "I can't bear to leave my people uninformed. The conflict draws near, and troop movements will surely arouse their suspicions."

"When the reality hits them, they'll turn their anger on us... Better to lay it all bare than let ignorance fester. This approach serves us best, especially since we require our subjects' backing now."

"Yes, initial panic will strike upon grasping the severity of the danger heading our way. Yet it will heighten their vigilance too," Emperor Rhex clarified, his gaze steady and resolute.

"I-I see, Your Majesty," the advisor breathed out, the truth finally sinking in.

He grasped at last that concealing the matter temporarily would ignite public rage as the threat neared, and rebellion amid crisis could spell catastrophe.

"Go now and issue the proclamation without delay. Ensure every resident knows the state of affairs by dusk," Emperor Rhex declared, his tone carrying command and genuine care for his realm.

"I'll proclaim it at once." Bowing deeply, the advisor hurried from the Imperial Hall.

With the advisor gone, the emperor reclined and gazed upward, his eyes brimming with fret over the empire's fate.

"I pray the neighboring realms start readying themselves upon getting word... otherwise, halting the undead advance across the line will prove impossible..." He breathed out heavily, clinging to optimism.

He lingered in that pose for several minutes more, his mind swirling with thoughts of the impending clash.

In that moment, a reminder struck him of his wife's words just before he'd left her behind.

"Of course, I need to update Yuan and his allies on this mess. Though I'm not overly expectant of their aid, attempting it is worth the effort," he whispered to himself prior to rising and departing the Imperial Hall.

—

Yuan and his group were simply lounging about, whiling away the hours. But they quickly picked up on the odd bustle in the palace and the servants' frantic demeanor.

"Odd... why is everyone rushing like that?" Julie whispered, observing the attendants darting with fear etched on their faces.

"Maybe an incident unfolded in the city, or the royals tasked them with some pressing duty," Leah suggested with a gentle exhale.

"You're probably correct, Leah. No need for me to fret over it..." Julie agreed, nodding softly with a quiet breath.

Right then, they spotted Rhex heading their way, his face bearing an atypical strain. He looked burdened by troubles, his features radiating nothing but unease.

"You appear unwell, Emperor Rhex. What's troubling you to this extent?" Yuan inquired steadily.

Emperor Rhex let out a heavy breath before settling onto the couch, exhaustion marking his visage as though a major revelation loomed.

"I carry critical information to impart..." he stated, fixing Yuan with a resolute stare.

"We're all ears. Go ahead without restraint," Yuan answered, nodding with a subtle grin.

In response to the nod, Rhex continued, "Lately, the border crisis has spiraled beyond control, as you're already aware."

"That's true. Princess Nerith mentioned it to me," Yuan confirmed with a nod. "She noted the undead sightings have surged of late."

"Sigh... Apparently, she didn't share the complete picture with you. Maybe she hesitated since you're visitors here," Emperor Rhex exhaled, his look growing somber.

"The crisis has shifted abruptly. We're now in a highly vulnerable spot," he disclosed following a profound inhale.

"What exactly do you mean?" Yuan sharpened his focus at once, his demeanor turning grave.

The room's mood altered instantly, thick pressure settling in. Yuan held his breath for Rhex's full account, intuiting the forthcoming words spelled grave tidings.