100X Returns System: I Dominate the Age of Gods - Chapter 386. Supressing Rebels - 1

The Veridian Province of the Eternal Sun Empire had earned its name because of the vast tropical forests that blanketed nearly every corner of the region.

Rich in natural resources and blessed with fertile land, it was one of the empire’s most valuable provinces. Unlike many other forests across Aris, however, Veridian rarely housed powerful magical beasts. That single advantage allowed its resources to be harvested and utilized on a scale that would have been impossible elsewhere.

That did not mean the previous rulers of the empire exercised complete authority over the province.

Beyond the civilized capital city, Veridian province was little more than an endless sea of forests stretching from east to west. Dense canopies covered the land, concealing countless rivers, valleys, and ancient settlements beneath their emerald expanse.

These forests were ruled not by any imperial governors but by three powerful tribes: the Mistwalker Tribe, the Iron Tusk Tribe, and the Earthen Fang Tribe.

Each tribe governed its own territory and maintained an uneasy but stable coexistence with the others. For generations, they had acted as guardians of Veridian’s wilderness, protecting the forests from opportunists, exploiters, and greedy invaders whose only goal was to strip the land of its wealth before moving on.

“I’ve been reading some historical texts preserved by the Moon Clan over the last few days,” Dereck said as he slowly walked beside William on a stone pavement. A whole delegation of scholars and soldiers walked behind them; it looked strange for royals to avoid carriages, but these two did not mind stopping the carriage early and walking around at all.

“According to those records, during the reign of the 17th Solaris Emperor, the tribes were brought under the authority of the Solaris Empire through diplomacy and peaceful negotiations. Grandpa Elion, who was employed by the emperor of that time as the imperial ambassador, personally oversaw much of the process and ensured that Veridian Province was assimilated into the empire without unnecessary conflict.”

He continued after a brief pause.

“The empire would control the capital city and several important trade routes, while the forests beyond their boundaries would belong only to the tribes. That arrangement was part of the agreement established between both sides. Relations between the empire and the tribes remained stable for generations. The tribes governed their territories with very little interference, while also benefiting from trade with the capital. In fact, several tax exemptions were granted to them as part of the agreement.”

As Dereck spoke, he and William approached an enormous city gate.

William’s gaze slowly traveled upward. The stone wall before him was massive. It stretched across the landscape like a colossal barrier, encircling the entire city in a protective ring. Even from a distance, its scale was imposing.

“This wall…” William muttered.

Dereck followed his gaze and immediately understood what had caught his attention.

“It was constructed by the Church.”

William turned slightly toward him.

“When the Light Church first rose to power, they wasted no time declaring every other faith and faction heretical. The three tribes of Veridian stood out more than anyone else. They worshipped their ancestral spirits and refused to pay attention to the Church’s teachings or propaganda.”

A faint smile appeared on Dereck’s face.

“Unfortunately for the Church, every missionary convoy they sent into tribal territory failed to return safely.”

William could already imagine how events had unfolded afterward.

“The Church responded by trying to expand its influence deeper into tribal lands,” Dereck continued. “The tribes retaliated. One attack led to another, and before long, both sides were locked in a prolonged cycle of conflict. The Church attempted to claim more territory, while the tribes launched increasingly fierce raids in response.”

His expression became somewhat amused.

“It took countless casualties on both sides before the Pope finally realized he had taken on a problem far larger than expected. The tribal chiefs were each comparable to him in strength. If they ever united and decided to march on the capital, his position could have been threatened directly.”

Dereck gestured toward the enormous wall.

“So instead of continuing the conflict indefinitely, he invested a tremendous amount of the Church’s wealth into constructing this defensive barrier and a local army. It was built to protect the Church’s interests and preserve the influence they possessed in Veridian.”

William nodded thoughtfully.

“But why did they ignore our summons?” he asked. “I specifically mentioned that we belong to the next generation of the Solaris Empire.”

Dereck shook his head.

“Honestly, I don’t know. They didn’t even allow me to enter their settlements. Even with Maris accompanying me and an intimidating flying vessel hovering overhead, they refused to grant us passage.”

He let out a quiet sigh.

“At the time, I didn’t want to provoke unnecessary conflict. You were all still dealing with the other headaches.”

William considered those words before speaking.

“That may have been true then, but today you’re here as an official representative of the Eternal Sun Empire. You shouldn’t allow them to think any less of you in the upcoming discussions.”

“Of course,” Dereck replied with a nod.

Continuing their conversation, the two entered the capital city.

After passing through the gates, William remembered something.

“What was the name of the 17th-generation Solaris Emperor?”

“Vikram Solaris.”

Dereck answered casually before adding another detail.

“And by the way, you’re the 19th-generation emperor. That means Vikram Solaris was actually your paternal grandfather.”

“Oh?”

William’s expression immediately became interested.

Dereck nodded.

“You should speak with Grandpa Elion when you get the chance. He’s probably the only person left in the empire who knows some history of the Solaris Clan.”

William silently agreed.

The systematic destruction of Solaris records by the Church had always been a problem. Had those records survived, William would have spent considerable time studying them to better understand both his lineage and the broader history of the world.

He made a mental note to seek out Elion when an opportunity presented itself. For now, however, he had another responsibility to fulfill.

A week ago, he had made a promise. Anyone who openly resisted Emperor Anastasia’s rule would eventually receive a personal visit from him.

That promise was the reason he had come to Veridian with newly recruited soldiers, his personal dawn legion, and a delegation, though he knew that he probably wouldn’t prefer wasting much time here; it was either a carrot or a stick.

As William and Dereck proceeded deeper into the city, they were greeted at the entrance by the former vice deacon of the church, who was now the new city lord.

The man was surprisingly welcoming. William observed him through his omniscient eyes and carefully examined his mental state. What he found was not hatred, resentment, or hidden malice.

Only fear. A very ordinary human fear.

It was the natural reaction one might have when standing before individuals whose power existed on an entirely different level.

There was no contempt hidden beneath the surface and no ill intentions lurking in the man’s thoughts.

That alone explained why he was one of the few high-ranking members of the Church who had survived until now. Unlike many of his former colleagues, he seemed practical enough to adapt when circumstances changed and not cling to beliefs without reason.

Eventually, the city’s citizens elected him as their new city lord. The outcome was somewhat unusual.

In most regions, the local Church hierarchy had been completely rejected after the Church’s downfall. Veridian’s capital had taken a different path.

A controlled and limited election had been conducted over four or five days, and the process had proceeded with surprising efficiency.

Dereck had already informed William about some of the man’s actions.

When Selena’s forces entered the city, he had neither fled nor attempted a hopeless resistance. He had surrendered peacefully and remained within the city afterward.

Even after the elves departed, there had been no significant unrest among the population, as he had managed to control all the chaos and new changes being introduced smoothly. When everyone was summoned after the coronation, this guy had been one of the first people to visit the empress and pay his respects.

The city remained remarkably stable. William studied the man for a moment before finally speaking.

“Your name?”

The newly elected City Lord immediately bowed.

“My name is Chris, my lord.”