The Emperor’s Angel of Death

The middle-grade finals began amidst the sound of drums. Serre knew Fitzpatrick well; their relationship wasn't bad, and they often sparred in training. When their lances clashed, Serre's shield was almost knocked away, and his lance only managed to hit the enemy's shoulder. This feint wasn't enough to stop the opponent's mech.

Now, only a blade duel would do.

Both drew their melee weapons, and the sharp edges met, sparking a series of flares.

Remember the first website domain 𝕥𝕨𝕜𝕒𝕟.𝕔𝕠𝕞

Serre relied on his skillful techniques and calm demeanor in battle, but he wouldn't underestimate an opponent he had defeated before, because Fitzpatrick had also defeated him once, though it was long ago.

The fierce battle left streaks on the training mech. Warning runes flashed on Serre's visual display. He was forced to use his arm shield to block an attack, and at that moment, an alarm sounded. He clearly felt his arm fracture, but this was also a godsend opportunity.

He seized it, piercing his opponent's frontal sensors with his sword.

Moments later, his opponent's mech ceased to move.

"The match is decided! The victor is, Serre Dupontdelin from Class 3!!"

Instantly, applause thundered. Matthias was also clapping softly, his face unreadable. His second son climbed out of the mech and shook hands with Serre in a friendly manner, though his expression was somewhat downcast. Andrea, not far away, stared at Serre the entire time, not even responding to the advances of the female companion beside him.

Meanwhile, Soshian, high on his throne, noticed that Barris had returned to his seat and was clapping excitedly with his wife.

Then, he spoke with a smile:

"Baron Barris, you also have a fine son."

Hearing Soshian's voice, many people stopped clapping and looked curiously at Barris and his wife. Many noticed that Soshian had used the word "also," and then recalled the last person to receive the same compliment.

Barris turned around, first gave a salute, and then responded in a very humble and gentle tone:

"Chapter Master, you flatter me. My son isn't even a formal knight yet."

"Based on today's performance, he will be sooner or later. I also look forward to seeing him fight on the battlefield. Both champions, come forward."

Soon, Andrea and Serre passed through the towering Terminators and arrived at the steps less than ten meters from Soshian, then knelt on one knee.

This was also Serre's first time observing this guardian of the Imperium from such a close distance, and also the first time he realized what the so-called "fear of giants" was. He felt that the other's arm might be thicker than his entire body, and finally understood why the true guardians of the human Imperium were not knights but Astartes.

Knights are only powerful inside their mechs, while an Astartes, even without armor, could easily kill a hundred knights.

This was a difference in the essence of life.

".I have seen your efforts to master powerful knight mechs, and I have also seen your superb combat skills, but battle requires more than just skill, it also requires wisdom, planning, courage, will, and even split-second reactions in life-or-death situations, and much of this cannot be learned in school, it needs to be tested time and time again on the battlefield with blood. You are the champions of the academy now, in the future, I hope to see you become champions on the battlefield."

Then, two attendants presented a plasma pistol and an exquisite rapier to the two, and Andrea and Serre, kneeling on the ground, carefully accepted their prizes, and then recited in unison the family motto left by Grand Duke Olga—

"We shall live on and fight on!"

After the martial arts competition ended, it was evening. Soshian was invited to attend the welcome banquet prepared for him by Matthias. All the knight nobles and their families and descendants came to participate, except for that unfortunate Gonzalo, who was directly taken away by the White Templars, without even having time to say goodbye to his family.

When Soshian stepped into the luxurious banquet hall, Matthias, dressed in formal attire, immediately said:

"Let us offer our respects!"

His voice was broadcast to the surroundings through the servo-skull's communication array amplifier.

"Present here is Soshian Alexsey, Chapter Master of the Star Knights Chapter, Governor of the Naitenson star system, founder of the Covenant of Sorrow, re-conqueror and guardian of the Maelstrom, destroyer of heretics and aliens, banisher of the Black Legion, scourge of the Red Corsairs, slayer of Greenskins, savior of Armageddon, shield of the Holy Human Imperium, messenger of the Throne and the God-Emperor."

The huge bells rang again, a triple-peal ceremony. The crowd made the Aquila gesture and chanted the words of loyalty and faith required by court etiquette.

"We praise the gray eagle's claws!"

Matthias continued to chant, but Soshian raised a hand.

"That's enough, High King Matthias."

For knights, respectful and elegant etiquette, though lengthy and tedious, is the cornerstone of knightly life. Interrupting a welcoming ceremony could be considered rude, and in the worst case, knights might choose to see it as an insult.

But that was for others.

Soshian was not the master here, but he was close to being a god.

He looked at the resplendent hall, the entire space presented a strong traditional Imperial Baroque style, huge crystal chandeliers hung from the high dome, illuminating the entire banquet hall, the bright gold of the walls and floors became the main color, even the exquisite wall hangings on the walls to the gorgeous carpets on the ground, all shimmering with gold, as if unveiling the veil of wealth and glory.

The very center of the banquet hall was a extra-large long table, the tabletop covered with gorgeous silk napkins, filled with gold cutlery and glittering crystal glasses, countless plates and trays filled with food, from fish to poultry to beasts all kinds of meat available, vegetables and fruits are also dazzling, size varies, variety, and many stewed, fried, boiled, baked pastries and desserts, in the warm candlelight, it seems particularly extravagant.

The surrounding walls were covered with oil paintings, the murals on the ceiling were mainly knights and scenery, and some luxurious censers were hanging in the corners of the walls, emitting a faint aroma of incense, at the other end of the banquet hall, there was a piano, the wooden appearance of the piano was inlaid with gorgeous metal carvings, making it look very noble, a musician was playing, surrounded by a circle of band composed of various musical instrument users.

And in the distance, servants and maids dressed in ochre uniforms stood around the walls at the ready.

Soshian, wearing ceremonial armor, came to Matthias alone, picked up the huge metal goblet held above the servant's head, and then raised it.

"To the Emperor, to the Dupontdelins, to my friend Olga."

Everyone also raised their glasses, and at the same time, the band began to play passionate battle music, which seemed to suit Soshian's taste better.

But he did not expect that even at this time, Oful was still trying to intercede for his son.