[Tensura] I became emperor of the eastern empire?!?!

**Time:** Evening of the same day.

**Place:** Royal Castle of Nasca.

The castle, resembling European strongholds, was spacious yet neatly arranged. Unlike other royal castles, where opulence symbolized strong authority, this one served a different purpose.

Specifically, the castle had been transformed from a defensive structure into an administrative hub in ancient times. However, in light of the impending crisis, its old defensive functions were restored to prepare for the upcoming battle.

This decision was made for a simple reason: it was deemed that the border fortresses were not sufficiently fortified. The capital, located near the border of two countries and serving as one of the main trade routes with neighboring nations, was better suited for defense.

The city's walls were thick enough to withstand an attacking army and offered better prospects in the event of a siege.

With this in mind, the decision was made to abandon the border fortresses and concentrate defensive efforts on the capital and other major cities. At the same time, civilians and resources were evacuated, and anything useful to the enemy army was destroyed (a scorched-earth strategy).

By employing this strategy, they hoped to wear down the enemy army while strengthening their defensive position. They were aware that implementing this strategy would cost them the reconstruction of parts of the country, but they were willing to make sacrifices to preserve their sovereignty.

However, not everyone agreed with this plan or had reservations about it. One of them was our protagonist.

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**POV: Rudra**

Greetings, it's me, Rudra. I'm sure you know who I am and what I look like, so let's get to the point. I'm currently on my way to my father's throne room to propose some changes to the strategy our army plans to implement.

While I understand the reasons behind this strategy, I cannot fathom why we should allow fools to tread on our land.

Thinking about this, I reached certain conclusions. As one of the last representatives of the *High Human* race and someone who evolved into a Sage through grueling training, I should be able to carry out my plan.

My plan was simple: during the enemy army's advance, I, along with a small squad, would attack small groups separated from the main enemy force.

It wouldn't be overly dangerous, but it would deal a blow to the enemy before the main battle even began.

As I pondered the details of my plan, I arrived at the gates of the throne room. They were approximately 2.5 times taller than me, with gilded handles, and the structure was set on sturdy steel hinges.

The gates were closed, and two guards stood before them, clad in plate armor, red capes, and long halberds (decorative, used for official ceremonies like today). At their waists hung swords for combat, which, judging by their condition, had not seen use since they were forged.

Upon noticing me, the guards stood at attention and ceremonially crossed their halberds. Almost immediately, one of them spoke: "A crucial strategic meeting is in progress, and His Majesty does not wish to receive unannounced guests."

For a moment, I thought I'd misheard. While I had not received explicit orders to attend, surely no one would oppose the heir to the throne gaining strategic experience, right?

Confident in this belief, I replied, "Would my father truly object to me, as the future ruler of this kingdom, gaining experience in this council?"

The guards exchanged a glance, a hint of uncertainty in their eyes, but before they could answer, I drew my sword and swung it at the guard on the left.

"You're not real guards. If you were, you'd know that I command one of the army's divisions, but even without that, you would've greeted me properly as the heir to the throne."

The guard on the left attempted to defend himself with his sword, but, unfortunately for him, my sheer physical strength was enough to cut through his sword and armor, leaving a severe wound on his chest.

The other guard—not a spy—on the right, seeing their cover blown, remarked, "Who would've thought that the infamous prince, known for living in a delusional reality and obsessing over swordplay, would uncover us, hehe."

As the spy on the right tried to stall me, the second one rose and swung his halberd at my back, while the first aimed for my stomach.

To their misfortune, my perception was outstanding. Instead of stepping back and exposing myself to the halberd, I leaped forward at lightning speed, making it seem as though I teleported behind the one with the sword.

I kicked him in the back, causing him to be struck by the halberd while simultaneously losing an arm. Before the one with the halberd realized what was happening, I quickly dashed behind him and kicked him in the temple, knocking him out.

Surprised by the silence of the armless one, I turned my attention to him and saw that he had fainted.

As I sheathed my sword, the gates suddenly began to open (likely because the sounds of the fight had finally been heard). While I contemplated this, ten more guards rushed out of the room.

Seeing me, they quickly bowed, then looked around and noticed the two bodies on the ground—one missing an arm, the other with a deep chest wound.

Instinctively, they drew their swords, but a soft yet authoritative, commanding, and uncertain voice interrupted, "What happened here?"

That voice belonged to none other than my father, the king. Seeing the bodies on the ground, he asked suspiciously, "Son, care to explain?"

I quickly nodded. "They were spies, likely sent by Namrium and Ulmeria. They gave themselves away by failing to observe our traditions. I only incapacitated them, so we should interrogate them when they wake up."

Both my father and the guards seemed incredulous that there were spies among us. I couldn't blame them; the castle guard, renowned as elite troops chosen from the best, was a symbol of pride.

"Son, it's not that I don't believe you, but you might be lying. Under normal circumstances, I'd confine you until these two were interrogated, but given the situation, I'll let it slide."

I was, to say the least, surprised that my father didn't trust me. "I understand, Father. However, I came here for another reason."

The king seemed intrigued but cautious. "Then enter. We shouldn't be discussing this here."

The king seemed intrigued yet suspicious. "Then come in; we shouldn't be talking here," he said. With those words, we entered the throne room.

Inside the hall, there were about 100 people: around 30 castle guards to protect those gathered, 50 commanders responsible for strategy, and 20 maids whose duty was to attend to the attendees.

However, among those present, a few stood out. Most prominently, on the throne sat my father, Karol Nasca, King of the Nasca Kingdom. He had short golden blonde hair—a characteristic trait of our family.

His face could be described as handsome for his age, with classic mustaches yet no beard. He was dressed in typical royal garments, and his figure and height were fairly average, though tall for a human.

To his right stood Archduke Orman Von Ron, arguably the most influential man in the kingdom. He held the position of royal advisor and was likely in his seventies.

He had rather long gray hair tied in a ponytail that reached his neck. He wore casual clothing, leaned on a wooden cane, and wore glasses on his nose.

If I were to describe his character, it would be stoic and perceptive. When someone asked him a question, he always provided the best solution he could devise, drawing on his vast knowledge and rich experience.

It's said there is no question he cannot answer. Others even claim he possesses a unique skill.

Interestingly, to the left stood my younger sister, Łucja Nasca, princess of the kingdom. Yes, that's right—my one and only sister, Łucja.

She's two years younger than me. Unlike nearly every other member of our family, her hair isn't golden blonde but rather a platinum pink.

Well, her face—nothing to add or subtract—is simply beautiful and mesmerizing. Her figure resembles a classic hourglass.

If I were to say something about her character, it's that she's extremely caring and kind to everyone—or at least, that's how she appears to others.

But I know firsthand that she can be genuinely terrifying when something doesn't align with her sense of rightness.

- Whether it's my decision to become a mercenary to gain experience,

- Or my intention to travel north to challenge the Demon Lord,

- Or even my refusal to eat spinach during dinner.

Well, she wasn't always like this. She became this way after our mother's death.

While returning to our palace after my sister's first ball, hosted by one of the dukes, we were unfortunately ambushed. Our father wasn't with us due to pressing diplomatic matters.

Regrettably, our carriage was attacked by a monster that emerged unexpectedly from a nearby forest. It was a black serpent, an incredibly rare creature in our kingdom.

It's considered one of the strongest unintelligent monsters. The guards assigned to escort us quickly faced the beast, but it effortlessly reduced two out of four of them to heaps of rotting flesh with its poisonous breath.

Witnessing this, the remaining two panicked and tried to flee. Unfortunately for them, the beast caught up and quickly devoured them with its massive jaws.

Seeing the situation, I began trembling in fear. But when I noticed Łucja crouched behind me, crying that it was the end, and my mother trying to comfort her, I realized I had only one option.

"Run! I'll try to buy you some time," I declared, not waiting for their response. I grabbed the sword I always carried at my side and charged toward the monster, which was feasting on the remains of our guards.

As I approached the serpent, I felt my instincts screaming, *RUN!!* Yet, I continued, as if subconsciously aware there was no other choice.

This was, without a doubt, the greatest challenge I had faced so far.

The beast's eyes turned to me, glowing blood-red as if to embody its intent to annihilate all life.

The serpent hissed and lunged at me. Seeing this, I dodged, using wind magic to leap over it.

The serpent, noticing my move, swung its tail at me while I was in the air. Unfortunately, I couldn't evade, so I gathered some rocks with earth magic, crossing my arms to shield myself.

Sadly, the strike was too strong and broke through my rocky barrier, hitting me directly. The force sent me flying into the forest. To mitigate the impact, I used wind magic to slow my descent, preventing a collision with multiple trees.

Despite slowing down, I still hit a tree hard enough to break it. My left arm was fractured from the blow, but I quickly healed it with healing magic, restoring it entirely.

However, as a result of the impact, I dropped my sword and couldn't see it. As if aware that I had survived its attack, the serpent quickly appeared before me and unleashed its poisonous breath. Fortunately, I dodged it and pinpointed the location of my sword.

Taking advantage of the serpent's breath attack, I rushed to the blade embedded in a tree trunk. After pulling it out, I noticed the serpent had vanished from my sight, only to reappear above me, its jaws aiming to bite me.

Knowing I couldn't dodge, I attempted to slash the serpent with my sword, but my attack failed to harm it. However, this effort flung me several meters away from the creature.

At that moment, I remembered something: *It doesn't see normally; it detects heat.*

Realizing this, I quickly cast several fire spells on nearby trees. My actions seemed to work as the serpent began searching in all directions, looking for me.

I smiled and used the monster's confusion to leap toward it, stabbing my sword into its eye. The beast roared in pain and tried to shake me off, but I clung tightly to the blade embedded in its eye.

I started heating the sword with fire magic until it turned red-hot. The serpent roared even louder and began smashing its head against trees to dislodge me.

(*Just a little longer... its brain will cook,* I thought, gathering all my remaining strength and magic into the sword.)

I thought it was about to die, but sensing the threat, it slammed its head into the ground, forcing me to let go of the sword. The blade drove deeper into its head, piercing its brain.

Blood gushed from the serpent's body, and its venom spilled from its jaws. I thought it was over, but I suddenly felt my body heat up as if it were molten iron.

Then I saw it—the serpent's venom had spread beneath me. My body began dissolving, and I thought it was the end.

My body started to dissolve, and I thought it was the end. I was angry at myself for dying after such a fierce battle, but at the same time, I felt some satisfaction knowing I had managed to buy my family time to escape.

Suddenly, as if it were a gift from heaven, I heard the voice of the world:

Enhancement of magical capabilities: successful.

Restoration of old resistances: successful.

Acquisition of new resistances: successful.

Resistances acquired: poison, paralysis, and temperature fluctuations.

Evolution complete.>

When I heard this, I felt a wave of drowsiness wash over me—a mix of exhaustion from the battle and comfort, likely from my new resistances. I felt as though I could sleep right then and there if I didn't resist, but I knew I couldn't fall asleep in this place.

After all, I was still covered in blood, which could attract other monsters, and the forest around me was still on fire. I decided I needed to extinguish the fire quickly and return to my family.

I attempted to use magic and was surprised to find that it was far easier than it had ever been before. I tried casting a water stream spell to douse the flames, and it was far more powerful than anything I'd ever managed before.

At this pace, I was able to quickly extinguish the fire. After that, I approached my sword, which was still embedded in the eye of the dead serpent.

Seeing that its head was face-down, I decided to try and move it using my physical strength. Once again, I was surprised—I managed to do it.

Turning its head over, I plunged my hand into its eye and retrieved my sword, which came out along with the serpent's eye. Only now did I realize how grotesque this all was. But apparently, I had already become accustomed to such things.

As I cleaned my sword, I thought about my next move. I decided that returning to my family as soon as possible was the priority.

I pulled the sword out of the eye, and although it was still red from the heat, I didn't feel it was hot at all. I checked and indeed, after touching the red spots, I felt nothing.

I decided to quickly test my physical strength. I swung the sword with all my might at the snake's body, which I had been unable to cut before.

And indeed, I succeeded, although I noticed that the blade of the sword had clearly chipped at the point of impact.

To sum up, my physical strength and control of magic are amazing, and my resistance to new phenomena is very useful.

Satisfied with the results of my evolution, I headed towards the exit from the forest, hoping nothing bad had happened to my mother and sister.

When I reached the place where we had encountered the snake, I saw my mother lying on the ground and my sister moving around her, saying nothing.

I ran up in panic to check what was going on, but as I got closer, I saw a few bodies lying some distance away that didn't belong to our guards.

"WHAT HAPPENED?!?" I asked in panic, rushing toward my sister who was kneeling with her back to me. When I was close enough, I saw that our mother had a deep cut from her right shoulder to her left hip.

Hearing me, Lucia turned toward me and saw that I was covered in blood, my clothes melted from the acid and torn in several places.

"BROTHER, YOU'RE ALIVE?!?" she screamed so loudly that I thought the snake's roars were quieter, but before I had a chance to react, she threw herself around my neck.

"Sister, what happened? Tell me!" I repeated the question, this time calmly, trying to soothe her. She stammered between sniffles, which I interpreted as:

"When the snake threw you deep into the forest and chased after you, bandits appeared. Mother tried to protect me, but she was wounded by enchanted weapons, which prevent healing of the injuries they cause. I managed to kill three of them using magic, and the rest ran away when they saw their companions die. I tried to heal mother's wound with magic and emergency seventy-percent healing potions, but it didn't work."

Hearing this, I rushed to my mother to check her condition, but as it turned out, she was dead. I could only clench my fists in frustration and mutter, "If only I had been stronger, maybe I could have made it in time to save her."

Hearing my mumbling, Lucia tried to comfort me despite her own tears. "Don't blame yourself for her death. If anyone should be blamed, it's me – for my helplessness," she said sadly.

Hearing this, I snapped out of it and replied, "Don't blame yourself for this. She died protecting you because she cared about you. If you blame yourself now, her sacrifice would have been in vain."

Hearing my words of comfort, she wiped her tears and then said, "You're right, brother. I won't blame myself anymore. After all, if I stay like this, I'll only fall into an emotional pit. Besides, now that mother's gone, I'll have to stop you from doing anything foolish."

I smiled inwardly that she had pulled herself together, but at the same time, I felt chills running down my spine. I didn't know what the aftermath of this event would be, but I had a very bad feeling about it.

"But brother, what you did with that snake was very foolish. It could have killed you, just like our guards."

And so, she began giving me her first sermon about how stupid I was. "Ehhh, Lucia, there's a time and place for everything. Now we should burn all the bodies around here so they don't attract monsters from the forest, and then we should head towards our estate. If we don't return by late evening, they'll send someone to check what's going on. With any luck, we'll meet halfway."

Apparently surprised by my statement, she nodded, and in a moment, all the bodies were just bones. We said a quick prayer to the god of creation, Veldanava, for a worthy next life for our mother and the guards, and then silently began cursing the bandits.

"Lucia, I promise you that one day I'll create a world where such things won't happen. A world of peace, where conflicts can be resolved with words, not violence." This was the first time I began carrying this dream with me.

Lucia chuckled quietly, then replied, "Hehe, I wish it would happen." After those words, we turned around and set off toward the estate.

Unfortunately, after about 20 minutes of walking, my sister was unable to continue, not being accustomed to physical exertion. "Ehh, at this pace, we won't make it by dawn..." I said. She replied, "It's not my fault I'm tired!" she said, puffing her cheeks in frustration.

Seeing this, I sighed inwardly, then approached her, kneeling on one knee with my back to her. "Sit down, I'll carry you."

She seemed a bit surprised and embarrassed, and a delicate blush appeared on her cheeks, but she didn't say anything. She just nodded and sat on my back.

When she sat down, it felt like she weighed nothing. "Hold on tight, I'm going to run at maximum speed. After the fight with the snake, I evolved, and I'm not sure of my speed."

When I said this, her eyes widened for a moment, but she didn't say anything, just gripped me tighter. Seeing this, I slowly started to accelerate.

At first, I didn't feel it, but the wind created a lot of resistance as I ran, so I put up a constant wind barrier in front of me, which reduced that resistance. After that, I felt like I could go even faster, but I sensed that Lucia had fallen asleep on my back. So, I decided to continue at this pace.

After about an hour of running, I met a scout sent by our house to check what had happened, since we hadn't returned.

When the scout saw me running with Lucia on my back, he asked, "Master Rudra, Lady Lucia, what happened?!?" he asked in haste, but I just said, "Be quiet for now, let's return to the estate, I'll explain everything there".

The scout, seeing that Lucia was asleep on my back, nodded without asking any more questions.

After about 20 minutes, we arrived at the estate. The servants, maids, and guards seemed wide-eyed with surprise and disbelief at the state we were in. I quickly gestured to the older butler, who was in charge of the estate, to take care of my sister.

He whispered to several maids to fetch the doctor and prepare things like a bath, bed, and food. I heard all of this through the heightened physical senses I gained after my evolution.

One of the maids approached me and took my sleeping sister from me. Meanwhile, I went with the servants to another room to explain what had happened.

When I told them about the attack by the black snake and what my sister had told me, everyone seemed sad, angry, yet they started to accept the reality of the situation. After a moment of silence, the older butler spoke up: "I am deeply sorry that I couldn't help you, young master. I've informed the king of the incident, and you, young master, should rest – you've had a hard day."

I nodded and then went to the palace baths to wash away the exhaustion of the day. After my bath, I went to my bedroom, where the doctor was waiting. He quickly examined me to make sure I wasn't injured, and after confirming that I was fine, he left the room. I lay down on the bed, covered myself with a blanket, and fell asleep almost instantly.

The next day, the servants woke me up around noon when our father arrived at the residence. We told him about what had happened, and he fell into mourning. We tried to comfort him, but he declared a national day of mourning.

Father asked me to take him to the place where we had buried our mother, and Lucia asked why she couldn't go. He replied that she was in far worse shape than I was.

Without protesting his decision, I took him to the burial site. He ordered the guards to carry the bones of our mother and the fallen guards to the cemetery, and then he asked me for something surprising.

"Son, could you take me to the place where you killed that snake?" I wanted to ask why, but seeing the seriousness on his face, I nodded.

After a short walk into the forest, we reached the snake's carcass. The area was devastated – trees were broken and burned. The ground was cracked and soaked with blood, and from the carcass itself, there was a stench as if it had been decaying for months.

Father, seeing the snake without an eyeball, its blood and poison spilling onto the ground, and its body split in half, asked, "How did you manage to defeat this monster? I know our family belongs to a practically extinct race of tall people who are generally superior to ordinary humans, but even for us, defeating this beast is extraordinary."

Seeing his curiosity, I quickly told him how the battle unfolded, which I hadn't elaborated on earlier. After hearing this, he laughed and said, "Ha ha, who would have thought you'd evolve? Well, even though this event is undoubtedly a tragedy, I feel that you and your sister will become much stronger in the future because of it."

After saying this, he ordered several guards to gather the snake's parts that were suitable for sale, while we returned to the palace, leaving them with tasks to carry out.

After all these events, our routines began to change. I started training even harder, while my sister tried to become a pupil of our father's advisor, Orman Von Ron, which she eventually succeeded at.

And so, to the rhythm of our new routine, days passed until new problems arose, this time in the form of the specter of war.

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I assume that the highest concentration of healing potions in those days was 70%

Should I write about fighting bandits in a separate part?

I've strayed a bit from the original topic, but I don't think it turned out badly.

What do you think about it?