Imperial Summons.

—

[Four days later, Isle of Balfiera, a city outside the castle.]

Passing the bustling market of Balfiera city and seeing that the people here are not just lofty Nilfgaardian and Direnni clans members, but also individuals from the unsinkable Yokudan continent, William sets his sights on the black-skinned individuals whose physical appearance suggests they could be Hammerfall Redguards and Zangvebar Ofieri citizens.

Bearing the crest of Sentinel, with some of them currently training in Shehai Shen She Ru, or in alphabetical terms, the Way of the Spirit Sword, which can be classified as a new school of Sword Magic uncovered and developed further by the Ofieri Black Sun company, William remembered his talk with Syanna four days ago when seeing this desert people individual able to create magic with their sword.

That is, forty years ago, before he himself was even born into this world, their Eternal Empire found a new continent entirely infested with sand-type monsters when they were trying to invade the Zangvebar Ofieri people as their first conquest, to the southeast of both of their lands.

And in a race to occupy the land, since both of these "kingdoms" didn't want their neighboring enemy to have an edge over the other in terms of the natural metal resources found in those lands, they soon find themselves discovering the lost ancient magic of Shehai Shen She Ru in these ruins of old.

One thing led to another, the two kingdoms then assimilated to become one Empire that they once knew from their fast and efficient conquest, conquering region after region that eventually made them finding the new continent to be occupied, with the first place to be found being the Hammerfell province, that easily assimilated once again since the magic they use is the lost art that they once created.

Coming out of his contemplation and passing the inner gate on the northern side of the castle that was connected to the newly constructed tower for the students and lecturers of the College, with some of them already having left since they only needed a lift that shipped them out of Skyrim, William made his way out of the patio with stairs leading him to the delegated castle ruins that are currently being cleaned up in the distance.

Walking in the verdant garden before arriving at the courtyard on this side of the castle, which has a very different atmosphere from Skyrim, where William could only see the white colors of snow, this northern side of the castle or the island of Balfiera as a whole is filled with woodland vitality.

Squirrels and other small mammal creatures run around the field, hiding in the bushes and trees; all kinds of bird types perch and sing in those trees, creating a relaxing atmosphere throughout the entire place, and even a small pond to the side of the garden has its own ecosystem—this is just one small aspect among many that William manages to glimpse shortly while wanting to make his way into the castle.

But he knows that this kind of sight would not be possible if not for some mystical, magical force that compels these creatures to live in harmony with mages who literally practice fire, ice, and even conjuration in the open—a scenario that would surely make this instinct-driven animal flee from the dreaded feelings.

Sure enough, once he finished sensing the nature aspect of the flow of Magicka around him and following that flow, looking into his far right into the distant garden, he could see that one of two Vinebeards in the distance was practicing their way of druidism.

More accurately, they were practicing the True Way of Y'ffre's, ensuring that the growth of the natural world would not be hindered by the constantly changing era, which would later disconnect anyone transitioning into modernism from the natural world.

Shaking his head at the sight of many uncommon types of the School of Magic being gathered in one place, where even literal necromancers can freely practice creating their Flesh Atronachs, William couldn't wrap his head around how Emhyr var Emreis controls these mages without them going out of control or even living on the same island in the first place.

But one thing is for sure though, by the time he arrives at the Forgotten Quarters where his room in the castle is located, he will see the man soon enough and how he handles all sorts of things, since he was met by one of the Impera Brigade—personal bodyguards to the emperor—that his presence and many of his friends are expected into the lofty grandeur main middle tower in the distance.

—

"You may enter."

Stepping inside the main command center of the Nilfgaardian Empire along with his friends, with Za'bil already sweating bullets and mumbling incoherently, William sees the man himself standing before the Star Map with all of his military commanding officers, personal court wizards, and his newlywed Direnni Altmer wife.

"Bow before His Imperial Majesty, The White Flame Dancing on the Graves of his Foes, Emhyr var Emreis."

Legs extended, hand flat, chin to chest, William and his friends followed Chamberlain Mererid's instructions, except for Syanna and Anna, who only greeted with a slight bow. Finishing with the curtsy after four seconds and holding the position since it is the appropriately executed outcome, Onmund then finally speaks, indicating that they are here to answer the summons, "Your Imperial Majesty."

"Chronicle Explorers, you've gained access to my personal library and become assistants to Yennefer in unraveling the Eye of Magnus secrets. Is there anything else?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. We want our region of activity to be in Skyrim."

"..."

"Granted. This audience is finished."

Walking four steps back and turning around to exit the room, William contemplates the implications of the Emperor's words, disregarding everyone's discussions on how it ended so fast.

To rephrase the statement, it is merely a customary gesture indicating that they now have access to the royal library of the Eternal Empire and are granted entry into the research ground facility on the other side of the island where the Eye of Magnus is located, but, on a more intimate level, as it is carefully devised wording to make everyone feel like they belong to the Empire, to adds a touch of cordial familiarity on top of their generosity, which is perfect for a faction that aims to house many different cultural and ideological differences.

Still, it is good enough for him, as what matters to William is the benefit he will gain from this reward, and he doesn't really care for the Emperor who wants to manipulate his subjects to be loyal to him, understanding that consciously or unconsciously, everyone is desiring to have control over others, using tools like this manipulation or intimidation as displays of power.

—

[2 days later, Forgotten Quarters.]

Slinging back his traveling bag filled with his daily necessities to survive in the wild for a while, William turned back to his friends who would follow him much much later, as they were still engrossed in the content within the royal library of Adamantine Tower.

"Are you sure you want to go first, Will? We could go there together, you know? Even Za'bil here, who is desperate, thinks that it is not yet his time to go back."

Shaking his head, he answered Onmund, "My legs feel itchy for adventure; I can't take it anymore. So, let me be the one that scouts the tales and rumors first, so that we already have an inkling of an idea where to search the tomb, like Saarthal, rather than blindly adventuring without any direction."

"Sigh, well, in that case, let us escort you into the Keywright's Gallery, then."

Nodding his head, they then made their way into the Adamantine Tower surrounding area once again where the place is located. Entering the castle through the passage of Gallery foyer, he then sees many intelligence officers of the Nilfgaardian Empire coming and going, with some of them carrying a stack of documents that he is sure are very confidential and will determine the state of the empire.

After stating their mission, or more specifically, his mission to the counter, which took such a long time that even J'zargo and Nelacar said goodbye prematurely, eager to get back into the royal library and continue their research, they were finally allowed to pass the Antechamber and enter the Keywright's Gallery itself.

Let's just say the moment that he enters the massive room, William feels an itch in his breath because of the sheer magical presence that the room produces, especially near the arcane helix in the center of the room that gives off this leyline Ether element energy, connecting to various gateways or teleporters, that allows the intelligence officers to travel to designated locations and carry out their duties as spies for the empire.

After two minutes passed in silence, Onmund then said to everyone, breaking their trance-like moment, "Let's find where the Eastmarch gateway is located."

—