Rebirth of the Ruined Noble



It was a tale of the past, about a decade ago, when the Mauryan Empire stood as a majestic realm with breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities. The empire's grandeur was known far and wide, immortalized in countless books and tales that had captivated the outside world. However, behind the facade of joy and happiness, the true state of the empire was far from idyllic.

Beneath the facade, nearly one-third of the empire's citizens endured the heavy burden of poverty. Basic necessities like a single good meal became an unattainable luxury for them.

The empire, like any other, had two sides to its coin—where there was light, there lurked hidden darkness.

Obsessed with war and conflict, the tyrant emperor neglected his own people, leaving them unattended while poverty spread like wildfire throughout the Mauryan empire. The corrupt nobles only exacerbated the situation, as the dissatisfaction of the citizens continued to grow. The empire teetered on the edge of despair.

It was during this tumultuous time that the tyrant emperor set his sights on conquering the Chola kingdom.

The ensuing war was colossal, resulting in the complete downfall of the Chola kingdom. The unfortunate citizens of the defeated kingdom were captured and subjected to the horrors of slavery and human trafficking. The mismanagement and indifference of the emperor led to the loss of countless innocent lives.

Despite pillaging the Chola kingdom, the quality of life for the Mauryan citizens remained unchanged. The spoils of war primarily benefited the corrupt nobles, while meager remnants found their way into the royal treasury. The barren land, ravaged by war, only intensified the suffering.

Disillusionment and discontent festered among the Mauryan citizens, eventually erupting into a full-fledged revolt against the emperor. The Rebel army, born out of resentment towards the neglect and oppression, sought to challenge the emperor's rule.

That was how the rebel army was born.

But that wasn't the only thing that emerged in the times of conflict.

Amidst the citizens' hardships, a glimmer of hope emerged—the Salvation Church. This newfound beacon of light provided food for the poor and spread kindness among the needy without seeking anything in return. 

Its influence quickly permeated the slums and impoverished areas of the empire, resulting in the construction of numerous churches throughout the realm. Soon, churches sprouted up all around, offering solace to the downtrodden. Today, the Salvation Church had firmly rooted itself within the heart of the Mauryan empire.

But the activities of the Salvation Church were not going unnoticed. The increasing prominence of the church had raised concerns within the emperor's court. 

"You know about it, right, Agnus?" Kaiser Von Brittan, the emperor of the Mauryan empire, inquired, his blond hair cascading over his regal golden throne as he looked down at the man before him.

"I was ignoring it because they didn't seem to be a threat, but…they are becoming very suspicious."

"I am aware of it, Your Majesty," , replied Arden Von Agnus, the Unyielding duke and one of the empire's two pillars, standing tall and resolute.

With his silver hair resembling a lion's mane, Arden's sharp eyes conveyed an undeniable presence.

"They are giving away free food and water, amassing believers, and expanding their influence at an alarming rate," Arden continued, his voice filled with conviction.

The emperor nodded, his air of majesty unshaken. His blond hair combined with his piercing red eyes accentuated his regal countenance.

"According to the reports, unlike any other cults, they do not demand faith or offerings, but..." The emperor paused, his gaze fixed on the unyielding duke.

"Salvation…it is too vague a concept."

The duke wondered as he heard the emperor.

"But, Your Majesty, what truly captivates me is the sheer amount of wealth required to distribute free rations. Someone powerful and affluent must be supporting them."

"Hmm..." The emperor mused, deep in thought.

"If the Salvation Church's activities are of such magnitude, then their backer must possess considerable wealth and influence," the duke concluded, his mind racing with questions.

If their intentions were not driven by wealth or religious positions, then what was the true objective of the Salvation Church?

"Investigate the matter, Agnus," the emperor commanded, rising from his throne.

"As you wish, Your Majesty," Duke Agnus affirmed, determined to carry out the emperor's order.

***

Deep within the headquarters of the rebel army, a clandestine meeting was underway. The room was shrouded in darkness, and seven figures gathered around a round table.

"I cannot believe it," seethed a man with a long, unkempt brown beard, his frustration evident as he slammed his fist down on the table. The room reverberated with the force of his anger.

"You are asking us to act on the intel of an anonymous man? Do you even realize that it may be a trap from that damn emperor and the duke?"

His rage was directed at an old man, a member of the round table.

A murmur of agreement arose from some of the figures seated around the table, sharing the man's concerns about acting on information from an anonymous source

However, another voice emerged from the shadows, breaking through the tension. "We have confirmed the information. What the anonymous source provided is indeed the truth," reassured a figure hidden in the darkness.

The older man stepped forward, adding a crucial piece of information. "In the next month, the target is going to appear in the royal museum. The security will be low as the royal family holds great trust in the academy. It is an opportunity we can't afford to miss."

"Although, it's risky, we have to do it, we will not get another chance like this." Another one of the seven supported.

"But still being hasty would prove fatal."

The bearded man said with disapproval.

The atmosphere was getting tense as each of them had their own thoughts.

"It is true that it is very risky!"

A man sitting just beside the long-bearded man spoke up, stopping the argument.

"But it is also an opportunity to send a strong warning to the royal family"

An anonymous man has given them information that the prestigious academy of the Mauryan empire, the Freljord academy is arranging an event in the royal museum next month and an important target in their list is going to appear there.

If they manage to succeed in their attack then…

"The royals wouldn't be able to ignore such a matter, we can successfully make the citizen lose hope in the royals. Not to mention that the anonymous man has agreed to support us too!"

They were unaware of the anonymous man's identity but he had appeared in their secret base without alarming any traps while bypassing all security. They were sure that at least he is someone powerful. 

He had agreed to help them, so the plan had a very high chance of success.

At last after some discussion, all the members agreed to it.

"Then, who is going to initiate the attack on the royal museum....", the bearded man asked cautiously.

The leader was about to say something when the old man interfered.

"It is better for her to go."

He said looking at the woman who was sitting at his opposite position.

"Ha! You are finally saying something nice, old man."

The woman said as she cracked her hands, she seemed excited for some reason.

"I am only suggesting this because of your looks, you can easily infiltrate the museum in disguise.", the old man retorted despite her praise.

"It's decided then"

The leader said, "Matsya will infiltrate the royal museum along with the sixth unit in the next month."

With that matter decided, they started to discuss the next matter at hand.

"How's the weapon supply been coming along?"

The old man asked the man who was continuously asking them to be cautious.

"Although It was a bit delayed, the process is going smoothly"

"A bit delayed?"

It was another man who spoke this time.

"Duke Leopold is currently in the region recuperating, I can't be reckless with him around, if he gets even a sniff of our activities, all the plans would be done for"

"Damn that bastard!"

It was a woman who cursed, by the manner of her speech she seemed to be very short-tempered.

"I heard that he was injured in the war with the Cholas, can't we just eliminate him."

She was also aggressive and quick to choose violence.

"A Tiger doesn't become a cat just because it is injured, we have enough on our hands, we can't go on provoking him too."

The Old man said in a stern tone knowing full well that the woman would actually try to do the deed if not warned seriously.

"For now, let things proceed as they are and everyone makes sure to hide yourselves and leave no trace of your presence. The dogs of the emperor are pretty quick to pick on pick on the smell"

The bearded man said, warning them not to get themselves captured by the royals.

"And even if you are captured.....keep your mouths shut"

"Understood leader."

Even though his words were harsh, all the six others gathered there knew that he was saying that for their organization's benefit and responded with seriousness.

"To the liberation of the great Mauryan"

The leader said as he rose from his seat, holding his fist above his chest.

""To the liberation of the great Mauryan""

The members of the round table repeated after him, standing up right after him while placing their hands on their chests.

Shortly afterward, silence descended on the room and all of their presence was erased like it was a lie.

---***---