The Martial Unity

Chapter 4285: Reunion

The capital city of the nation, Vargard, had completely changed in the past thirteen years. So much so that not even people who had grown up in it would necessarily recognize all of it. The city had been completely revamped in the past thirteen years as new technologies required an almost grounds-up reconstruction of the city, part by part, bit by bit.

Unlike cities on the eastern coast of the nation, the capital city had never undergone destruction to more easily facilitate a complete rehash. Yet, the gradual growth and evolution had led to more organic development that allowed it to retain some of its original character despite the radical changes that it had undergone.

Compared to this city, even an otherwise developed city in the frontier like City Stormfront was merely the equivalent of a makeshift camp. The sheer amount of power that flowed beneath the city was so overwhelming that it made the pathwalkers feel like they were standing on top of a volcanic mountain that was on the verge of erupting.

Yet, the power generation and transmission systems of the city were extremely secure, of course.

Ria’s amber eyes softened as she laid her eyes on a distinct structure at the most elevated section of the city.

The Vargard Royal Palace.

While the city changed radically, the palace had maintained its external appearance rather well through the years. She had lived in it her entire life, and just looking at it made her remember the countless memories she had made in that place, the place that she called home.

However, having spent two years in low-end inns and rooms, she had gained a much deeper understanding of just how ostentatious and extravagant the place she called home truly was.

However, more than anything else, what drew her attention the most was a singular presence.

A powerful, yet affectionate presence.

When she closed her eyes, she could see the vision that she had seen many times. Her father was seated on the throne in the Royal Throne Hall, conducting audiences with those who sought to meet him and her, shortly after she became aware of her own status. It was a domineering picture of the Emperor of Water in the throne room.

One that became reality when she opened her eyes.

WHOOSH

One moment, they were outside the terrestrial station of Vargard City.

The very next moment, they found themselves in the throne room of the Kandrian Empire before they could even realize it. They could faintly tell that they hadn’t been teleported; the familiar warping of space and time was completely absent.

It was as if the reality of where they were had been rewritten.

At the height of the throne was none other than the Emperor.

Her father.

Ria’s amber eyes grew deep as she beheld the appearance of her father for the first time in, well, a little over a week. And before that, a little under a month.

His presence was surprisingly gentle.

The overwhelming tide of pressure from his Water that he had displayed during his battle with the Divine Mother was gone.

Now, he was an almost soothing presence. His power brought about a sense of safety and security to all of them, making them feel relaxed despite the shock and the nervousness from meeting the Emperor of Water for the first time.

He wore royal attire when in the presence of those besides family, the ostentatious royal attire of the Emperor merely elevating the otherworldly luster of his presence. His body was translucent, yet overwhelmingly visible. As if they couldn’t even avert their gazes from him even if they wanted to.

Almost as if reality hit them for the first time, Sternon and Silisica found a tingling nervousness expand in their chest. As if they had just learned of Ria’s identity for the first time.

They had considered the possibility of meeting the Emperor of Water in person, and Ria even promised she would introduce them.

Even the otherwise cool Misha found herself crumbling from the self-inflicted pressure of standing before the de-facto ruler of human civilization and the most powerful pathwalker in all of existence. They began to grow extremely self-conscious, having obtained an audience with the Emperor when they hadn’t even prepared for it.

They were tired from their travels and wore normal travel attire, except Ria, who wore her Water Integument armor to use its spontaneous helmet features when she needed it.

They were unfit to stand before the Emperor.

And yet, the man didn’t so much as even direct a glance at them, or even his godson, for that matter.

No, his ethereal eyes were fixed upon Ria.

Father and daughter gazed at each other for a moment before he got up, taking a step towards her.

WHOOSH

He arrived with a single step, standing before Ria with a deep expression.

Before eventually breaking into an affectionate smile.

”Ah, my precious baby girl. I’ve missed you so much.”

He pulled her into a deep hug faster than she could react, before lifting her off her feet and spinning her around faster and faster as he enjoyed his full of her presence.

”Stop it, Dad! ” You’re embarrassing me in front of my friends!” Ria chided her father with a mortified expression. ”Put me down!”

”Ah, but your father has been so lonely without his precious baby girl.”

”Let go!”

Rui heaved a disappointed sigh, propping his daughter down, who shot back, glaring at him with flushed cheeks and folded arms. ”Ugh, you’re so embarrassing. Why can’t you be as cool as Uncle Kane?”

”Glad to see you haven’t changed, Uncle Rui.” Runark grinned at Ria’s expense, turning towards Misha, who was frozen at the exchange. ”Did you catch that with your cybernetic eyes? Send me the footage, okay?”

”No, delete it!” Ria hissed at Misha, startling the young woman out of her stupor.

”Um, sorry... it only does that when I’m unconscious,” she managed to squeeze out.

”Runark, my boy.” Rui walked over to him, ruffling his silver hair with a proud smile. ”You’ve grown stronger. I expect nothing less from my godson.”

”Just trying to keep up with your daughter, Uncle Rui.”

”Me too.” Rui smiled wryly before turning towards the three frozen members of the party. ”And you must Ria’s friends. Welcome, any friend of my daughter is a friend of mine.”