Posters encouraging participation in the Eastern Front had been put up at the Academy. Their message was clear—eradicate the demonic forces plaguing the Empire’s greatest source of concern, the Eastern Front, and preserve the nation’s strength from being drained by endless warfare.

It also expressed expectations that many Academy students would volunteer.

The Empire had long dominated other kingdoms, even while maintaining a permanent frontline. If the Eastern Front could be resolved, the Empire would undoubtedly rise as the unchallenged ruler of the continent.

But careful thought was necessary.

If the Imperial forces committed to the Eastern Front could be freed for other purposes, wouldn’t it be easier to tighten the leash on the provincial factions that had been left to their own devices until now?

Already, the former Duke of Redburn, the leader of the noble faction, had been executed by the current Duke, Roderus, who had aligned himself with the Imperial Court.

In other words, once the Eastern Front was secured, the Empire’s centralized authority would skyrocket, leaving the nobles powerless to rebel.