Warhammer Divine Throne

Late April, Old World, northern Estalia, Moros Plains, Imperial Army Camp.

Inside the golden tent, Laine and others sat opposite the Imperial Grand Alchemist Biersaze Gaert, Imperial General Bernhardt, and others. The well-trained Imperial Army had set up camp directly on the plains and near the forest.

Within the tent was a long table, with some drinks and food placed upon it. Gaert had brought all the officers of the Imperial Army to entertain Laine and the others. However, everyone knew in their hearts who the true guest of honor was; unquestionably, the one who merited such sincerity from the Empire could only be Count Laine Macado, who maintained a good relationship with the Empire.

"Why is the Imperial Army here?" In the golden summit tent, Laine lifted a mug of Imperial Black Beer and actively inquired, "I don’t recall any major diplomatic disputes between Estalia and the Empire, nor have I heard news of another invasion from Arabi."

"We are searching for something." Biersaze Gaert’s face was hidden behind a golden mask, revealing no sign of his emotions. Even while dining, the Grand Alchemist clutched the Golden Staff: "A treasure that belongs to me, and me alone."

"Does seizing a treasure require an army of over ten thousand?" Laine continued to ask, "Imperial Grand Alchemist, I’m not questioning your motive, but what situation calls for deploying such a massive army?"

Laine’s inquiry was somewhat direct, and both Imperial General Bernhardt and a Knight Commander from the Flame Sun Knight Order found the question slightly abrupt. The Imperial General immediately countered, "Then, honorable Count Macado, why are you leading fifty Sea God Knights here in Estalia?"

"Because we encountered some trouble from certain self-important rogue knights who turned into thieves. We must recover the stolen goods." Laine divulged some of his situation: "We’ve received intelligence that in a few days, these rogue knights will be handing over the stolen goods to Estalian merchants on the Moros Plains, so we lie in ambush here, awaiting news."

"I see, do you need our help?" Laine’s candor put the Empire’s concerns at ease, prompting Gaert to inquire.

The Imperial generals nodded as well. To them, battling rogue knights and Estalian merchants meant plenty of spoils to seize, and the onslaught against the Estalian Army, which had long neglected training, seemed more like a war exercise for the well-trained and battle-ready Imperial Army.

"No need, this is a private family matter." Fidmund willingly intervened, as he had the authority in this case: "We sincerely appreciate the Empire’s kindness, but we will handle this ourselves. On behalf of our Duke of Boldro’s Clan, I express our gratitude here."

"Very well then." Imperial General Bernhardt was somewhat disappointed.

"And for the Empire? Why are you here?" Laine flipped and asked Gaert.

"A talisman, a powerful magic protective talisman, buried in the tomb of a great lord." Gaert replied directly without hesitation: "I need to acquire this talisman and prevent it from falling into the hands of vampires."

"Grand Alchemist..." The Imperial General hesitated, clearly reluctant to let Brittani’s chivalrous zealots know the entire story, fearing further complications.

Gaert raised his golden glove, signaling everyone to be silent. Deep down, the Grand Alchemist knew that Laine and he were truly of the same kind.

Indeed, truly of the same kind.

The Imperial Grand Alchemist obviously held immense prestige within the Imperial Army. His contributions to black powder and engineering commanded the utmost respect from the Empire’s engineers, who traditionally distanced themselves from magic. His battlefield performance further demonstrated what it meant to single-handedly alter the course of a battle. Whenever the fight was at an impasse, this Grand Alchemist would ride into the fray on a Pegasus, using his Alchemy Magic to decimate enemies. Metal torrents would sweep over the Empire’s foes, turning their weapons and armor into blocks of lead and clay, transforming their blood into metallic torrents. Neither Chaos Creatures, Green Skins, nor vampires could withstand Gaert’s potent spells.

If issues persisted, Gaert’s Golden Hound would tear through enemies, and his Ultimate Alchemy had once turned hundreds of Beastmen into golden statues in an instant, decisively altering the battle’s outcome.

Since more than eight years ago, when Gaert followed the newly crowned Emperor Carl Franz back from Nord, his magic proficiency had advanced at an astonishing pace. As a result, his status saw a corresponding rise. Under his leadership, the Alchemy Academy within the Imperial Royal Wizard Academy continuously gained prominence, now arguably rivaling the once-dominant Flame Academy. Gaert himself, alongside the newly appointed Marshal Rick Heilberg, became the Emperor’s most trusted aides. Most complex and mystical affairs concerning magic were typically entrusted to Gaert, especially when the Emperor was on campaign. As a subordinate and close confidant of the Emperor, Gaert, along with Emperor Carl’s few inner circle confidants, loyally supported the Emperor’s endeavors.