Chapter 226

Chapter 226: The Fourth Prince of the Empire

"I should have introduced myself earlier. I am Reinhardt Segarth Heinrich, commander of the Delos Empire’s expeditionary troops." The blonde young man met Midi’s gaze head-on, displaying flawless grace in his manners without any trace of fear.

His heartbeat remained steady, his gaze unwavering, his tone perfectly balanced between humility and confidence. This wasn’t feigned composure, but genuine poise that wouldn’t falter even if mountains collapsed before him.

Truly worthy of being imperial royalty!

Midi couldn’t help feeling awed in his heart.

Reinhardt Segarth Heinrich – fourth prince of the Delos Empire, brother to the legendary Sword Saint Sordros Segarth Heinrich who mastered the sword’s Ultimate Intent, and a member of the Lightsaber royal family.

In Midi’s previous life, Reinhardt had been the Empire’s most promising heir after the exiled Sordros. Whether in personal power, strategic command, governance, or popularity, he outshone others and was deeply favored by the Sword Emperor Yuren.

Hence imperial citizens proudly called him "our Prince of Light".

Yet Midi knew much of this was superficial.

Ultimately, the Sword Emperor hadn’t chosen Reinhardt as successor, instead selecting the perpetually low-profile second prince. But when the aging emperor made this decision, Reinhardt immediately launched a counterattack, swiftly eliminating his second brother and other siblings to seize the throne.

Afterward, this Prince of Light abandoned his former mercy, becoming bloodthirsty and cruel – earning the secret title "Emperor of Darkness".

From light to darkness, from beloved prodigy to feared tyrant. As a nobody in his past life, Midi knew nothing of the royal family’s internal affairs or why Reinhardt changed so drastically.

But he understood one thing: this man was a dangerous double-edged sword that could easily cut its wielder. Yet if wielded well, he could devastate enemies.

Year 986 of the Arad Calendar…

At this time, the fourth prince’s fame hadn’t yet risen and he faced sibling rejection. If handled properly, this could help advance the multinational alliance.

Recalling historical details from his past life while observing this royal family member, Midi slowly said: "I’m surprised the Delos Empire’s fourth prince would personally come to the frontline. Most impressive."

"Aren’t you the same, Lord Midi? Ruler of Belmar Kingdom, yet you came incognito to West Coast to set traps, explored Sky City first, and now walk alone into our camp." Reinhardt smiled slightly. "But I doubt you came just to flaunt being an Awakened One?"

"Oh?" Midi’s gaze shifted subtly.

"Or should I say…a Perfect Awakened One?"

So it’s true…

Though expecting the Empire’s capabilities, Midi still felt shaken. They knew not just about awakening, but perfect awakening too. Truly fitting for the Arad-ambitious Delos Empire. In his past life, Midi had only vaguely understood awakening as needing new methods after reaching level 50 peak, learning about perfect awakening much later.

Yet the Empire’s intelligence matched his own as a reincarnator – terrifying strength indeed.

Fortunately, he’d claimed the Dragon’s Blood White Crystal Pool first by entering the Seventeen Halls of Azure Rock. However prescient the Empire was, they couldn’t know about Extraordinary Awakening.

Their understanding of awakening remained theoretical. Even the Sword Emperor likely only achieved incomplete awakening through special conditions, like Belmar’s Iron-Blood Duke.

Thus they couldn’t truly grasp the power leap after awakening, only estimate. When they eventually spent vast resources creating a Perfect Awakened One, they’d learn even that couldn’t breach entire armies alone…

Twenty years of rebirth outweighed any future visions. He’d outmaneuvered an empire.

Since the Empire’s intelligence exceeded expectations though, negotiations might prove smoother.

"It seems the Empire has researched Sky City thoroughly," Midi replied calmly. "This simplifies matters. Prince Reinhardt, my proposal is simple – Belmar and Delos should jointly conquer Sky City to claim the Awakening Ground."

"Impossible," Reinhardt shook his head sharply. "Your hands drip with Imperial blood, Lord Midi. How could I ally with our sworn enemy?"

Midi suppressed a cold laugh. If truly unwilling, why not leave? This patriotic posturing merely masked negotiation attempts. But what bargaining power did a mere prince hold?

"Shouldn’t national interests outweigh personal feelings, Your Highness?" Midi’s voice carried subtle Dragon’s might. "This might be your only path to survival."

The fourth prince paled, steadying himself against the overwhelming power. "Baseless scare tactics!"

"Scare tactics? Then why does an Imperial prince risk Sky City’s dangers fighting awakened Exiles? True patriotism…or being edged out by rival princes?" Midi’s casual tone deepened Reinhardt’s scowl.

Under the Dragon’s might pressure, the level 50 prince couldn’t conceal his trembling body, racing heartbeat, or wavering resolve. His reactions lay bare.

"Sky City’s battle is a death trap," Midi continued. "Wiseman Newton perished – will you follow? Only securing the Awakening Ground offers escape. Otherwise, abandon throne ambitions. No – survival itself becomes doubtful for you and your pitiful troops."

At "throne", Reinhardt’s fingers glowed, silently casting a sound barrier around them. "Wiseman was a mad scientist, incompetent in command. His Floating City defeat proves this."

"Was he?" Midi countered. "His earthly stone bombs outweighed entire armies. But these rare resources were squandered in battle. What can command skills achieve? Trained sheep remain sheep."

Only Midi dared liken Imperial elites to sheep. Yet unawakened soldiers were precisely that to Awakened Ones. Reinhardt knew this truth, leaving him no rebuttal.

After long silence, the prince asked: "Your plan?"

"I’ll confront the Perfect Awakened Lord of Light City. Your forces handle the Exiles."

"But they’re awakened too! Why not deploy your Hawk Brigade?"

"They’ll prepare formations to weaken all Exiles." Midi knew the prince couldn’t refuse. Previously uninvolved in Sky City, Reinhardt now faced this challenge through Midi’s butterfly effect. Accepting offered survival and glory; refusal meant death. The choice was obvious.

"Victory terms?"

"The Awakening Ground belongs to all practitioners. Sky City opens to all, jointly administered by Belmar and Delos. Floating City’s order and rules are ours to set." Midi’s enigmatic smile appeared. "Benefits depend on capability – peaceful competition."

(As for Seventeen Halls of Azure Rock and Dragon’s Blood White Crystal Pool? Irrelevant to you now.)

Unaware, Reinhardt nodded. "Agreed."

"Welcome, ally." Midi extended his hand, victorious in this first skirmish with the Prince of Light.

Not that Reinhardt lacked hidden cards – but Midi could guess them. Immediate priority remained: eliminate the true threat, the Lord of Light City.