Chapter 187: Nabi (1)

A cold silence enveloped the emperor’s grand hall.

Defeat followed defeat. Even mobilizing the Empire’s elite forces had led to crushing defeats. Moreover, the second debacle mirrored the first identically.

In both instances, an inexplicable light had materialized from somewhere, rendering transcendents powerless as monsters swept through human ranks. The Palace Mystic and the Tower of the Holy Spirit inflicted some damage on the monster army, but even they eventually retreated, overwhelmed by the relentless onslaught.

The emperor felt a growing sense of crisis as it became clear that the first battle’s defeat was no fluke.

“Palace Mystic,” the emperor called out, summoning the figure who had survived the second battle.

His face brimming with exhaustion, he had been summoned without respite. Yet, one could not evade the Emperor’s call.

He bowed his head in response. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“What is that light?”

Once again, the strange light had rendered their transcendents powerless. Both the court mystic and the other sorcerers had thrown themselves into discussions about it, but they remained unable to determine its nature. Based on their two experiences, they had deduced only one thing:

“We’ve confirmed that when struck by that light, the engines of our transcendents exhibit abnormal behavior.”

“Is this yet another manifestation of the Snow King’s abilities?”

“At present… it would seem so, Your Majesty.”

“Is there any way to counter it?”

“I’m sorry to say… we have not yet found a solution.”

Grit.

The Emperor clenched his teeth.

“Is that the end just because you failed to find a way? Shouldn’t we come up with a method?”

”…”

“If we can’t block that damned light, all the thousands of Transcendent Generators we have would be useless! Can you tell me how we can deal with this army of thousands with only the forces we currently have?”

”…I will do my utmost to see what can be done.”

That was the best answer the Imperial Mystic could give.

“Haaah…” The emperor heaved a deep sigh and clutched his head tightly.

What… What can we possibly do now?

The Empire had already suffered two defeats, each strike irredeemable. But the greatest crisis lay ahead. They needed a plan.

The emperor composed himself and spoke again.

“Governor Marquis Danius.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“What is the status of the forces in our satellite states?”

After two grueling wars that had sapped the Empire’s military strength, the Emperor had been compelled to request troops from a conquered kingdom. The one entrusted with this task was none other than Ba-heon, the Grand Marshal and Prime Minister.

He now reported on the progress of his mission. “Sixty thousand reinforcements have already assembled at the third line of defense. With the western command’s forces converging there as well, we can expect a total gathering of roughly ninety thousand soldiers.”

“ninety thousand…” The Emperor grimaced.

Ninety thousand was indeed an formidable army. He had already poured vast sums into two wars. The cost of mobilizing such a massive force of ninety thousand was unimaginable. The only silver lining was that the war would soon end, preventing further spending.

Recalling this, the Emperor’s face twisted into a bitter smile.

To think I’m relieved over something so trivial.

The Empire had suffered a crushing defeat that left it reeling, yet here he was, patting himself on the back for saving some meager military funds. The emperor composed himself and turned to the Duke again.

“If we have 90,000 soldiers… can we definitely beat them?”

“After two battles, their numbers have already dwindled to nearly 60,000.”

“We’ve lost 80,000 men while those monstrous creatures only lost 20,000… So?”

“Your Grace, Duke Kaden is managing the third line of defense. I’m sure he can hold back the monster army.”

Duke Kaden Dowillson. He was a tier-1 sword expert and the Empire’s best sword master—definitely someone trustworthy. Even so, the emperor didn’t expect his expression to brighten up.

“Stopping them? I asked you about the outcome of this war.”

“As you know, we cannot use transcendents.”

Without knowing the nature of that mysterious light, the transcendents were nothing more than expensive lumps of metal. That’s why they weren’t deployed on the third line of defense.

“Sword’s strategies and martial arts are sufficient to face the monstrous army, but… the problem is the Snow King.”

”…I see.”

The Snow King wasn’t just a monster for commanding a horde of monsters; his personal martial prowess was also considered on par with the gods. Even Sword, being a mere tier-1, couldn’t handle him.

“As long as we can’t deal with the Snow King… we can’t guarantee a complete victory.”

“You’re right…”

The Emperor let out a soft sigh.

If both the sword dynasty and the third defense line were breached, the very heart of the Empire—the islet—would be exposed to the monstrous army. They had to prevent this at all costs.

The Emperor addressed those assembled, his gaze fixed straight ahead:

“Whosoever knows how to resolve this issue, step forward.”

Despite the fate of their Empire hanging in the balance, no one had produced a suitable countermeasure. The numerous nobles stood unsure, reluctant to take the initiative. This silence stretched on until…

Thud—

One person stepped forward.

”…Your Majesty.”

“Samuel?”

In the hush, it was none other than Duke Samuel who came forward. His face radiated resolve.

I’ve found it—the means to save myself.

Regardless of whether they won or lost this war, there was no turning back for him. In victory, he could have been blamed for the chain of events and relieved of his duties at best—or executed at worst.

Defeat in war meant the Empire itself would vanish, so that too was the worst possible outcome.

There was only one way for him to survive: propose a solution to the current situation. If he could achieve something in this worst-case scenario, it might at least cover his crimes.

Thus, he did his utmost to secure his own survival and managed to devise a single plan.

“I have one suggestion—a way to deal with the Snow King.”

”…Is that truly possible?” The Emperor sprang up, astonished.

The Duke smiled slightly at this reaction but quickly bowed his head. “Yes, however, before I can explain the method… there is something I need your permission for.”

“Permission? For what?”

“I require the authority to allocate 1 million gold from the Empire’s budget.”

”…?!”

One million gold.

Considering the Dominant Empire’s annual budget was around ten million gold, it was an astounding sum. For a commoner family, one gold could sustain them for a year. Even a wealthy noble family would typically only have assets worth about ten thousand gold. To amass hundreds of thousands of gold, one would need to be a family of dukes within the Empire.

That’s why the nobles were abuzz when they heard the figure of one million gold mentioned.

The Emperor glared at Duke Samuel and asked, “One million gold… What do you plan to do with that?”

“I intend to set the monster in motion,” replied the Duke.

“A monster…?” the Emperor inquired.

The Duke smiled in response to the Emperor’s question.

“If the Snow King is a monster… shouldn’t we confront him with another monster?”

“You’re suggesting there exists a monster capable of dealing with the Snow King?”

“I assure you, Your Majesty, such a monster does exist.”

The emperor’s irritation softened slightly at Duke Samuel’s conviction.

“Explain further,” he prompted.

Seeing that the emperor was willing to listen, Duke Samuel began to systematically present the plan he had carefully prepared. After several minutes of detailed explanation:

“Oh?” A spark of interest flickered in the emperor’s eyes. “We too have heard whispers of this creature. But you’re saying it actually exists?”

“It does indeed, Your Majesty. I have seen it with my own eyes and can vouch for its existence.”

“Your Grace, do you believe this… creature can handle the Snow King?”

“Yes, I do. In fact, the rumors might be underselling him.”

“Hmm…” The emperor nodded in response to Duke Samuel’s confidence.

If his words prove true, then the 1 million gold will indeed be well spent.

“I grant you absolute authority over this matter. It’s an all-or-nothing gamble for the Empire—make sure it succeeds. If your plan saves this nation… I’ll pardon all your crimes.”

Having finally secured what he wanted, Duke Samuel beamed brightly and bowed his head.

“I’ll make certain of its success!”

Two days after the third line of defense had been established.

Duke Samuel was meeting with someone in his private study.

Blonde hair and blue eyes—

A petite frame standing at 150 centimeters.

She appeared to be just fifteen years old.

The girl reclined casually on the sofa, as if this were her own home.

She gazed at the Duke and asked, “So, what happened?”

Her voice was bright and carefree, devoid of any deference despite addressing one of the Dominant Empire’s most influential figures.

What made this encounter even more astonishing was Duke Samuel’s demeanor.

“I’ve prepared the amount you requested,” he said, treating the girl with utmost respect.

Given her young appearance, it was indeed surprising how Samuel addressed her so courteously. But his deference made perfect sense when one considered that this seemingly delicate girl held the power to end his life.

The girl beamed at the Duke Samuel’s news.

“What? That’s lightning-fast! I thought it would take days. I was just listening casually, but… it must be urgent, huh?”

Her bare legs wiggled under the white fur coat, indicating her delight.

Meanwhile, the Duke’s mood had soured. In a low voice, he said, “Urgent indeed. But I won’t settle for shoddy work. All the gold will be yours… when the Snow King’s head is presented.”

“Huh? No upfront payment? Isn’t that a bit much?”

“Fear not. If you handle this matter properly… I will certainly compensate you handsomely.”

The duke’s resolute tone caused the girl to shrug nonchalantly.

“Fine, I’ll indulge you this time, since I’m well aware of your situation. But you must understand that any gold paid out in the future must be in physical form, correct?”

“I am fully aware of that condition.”

The girl rose from her seat with a smile gracing her features.

“Excellent. Then let’s get down to business right away.”

“You should head to the front lines. I’ve already made arrangements with the command there.”

“Yes, yes! Well, then I’ll see you again when I come back for more money next time.”

“One thing is absolute… You must bring back the Snow King’s head.”

“I understand completely.”

The girl slightly wrinkled her nose, as if tired of the nagging, and waved her hand dismissively.

With that, she turned on her heel, rustling her coat as she left the Duke’s study.

Leaving the door swinging wide open behind her.

The Duke gazed at the empty space where the girl had stood, fervently wishing:

Please, may she return with the Snow King’s head.

The girl hurried away from the Duke’s mansion and briskly headed towards the nearby forest.

Crunch, crunch.

She easily navigated through the snow-covered path and cheerfully cried out once inside:

“Munchie, I’m here!”

Her voice echoed throughout the woods.

Whit?

Startled birds flew up, causing snow to fall from the branches.

Then…

Thud, thud.

An enormous figure emerged from between the densely packed trees, accompanied by heavy footsteps.

Grrrr.

A disgruntled roar echoed, and golden eyes peeked out from the shadows of the trees.

At the sight of these, the girl flinched momentarily before indignantly hollering:

“What?! What’s wrong with munchie?!”

Grrrr.

“Look, I won’t call you ‘Munchie’ anymore, it does sound a bit cute, doesn’t it?”

Grrr!

“Alright, alright. I won’t call you that, just don’t get upset!”

Grrr.

Seeing its anger finally subside at her apology, the girl beaming once more.

“Anyway, I’ve got work for you!”

Grrr?

“Let’s go earn our keep!”

The great golden eyes swelled with joy as soon as she finished speaking.

And shortly after that…

Krak, krak, krak!

The snow-covered trees snapped like twigs one after another.

Kraaah!

With a mighty roar, a massive, snow-white body emerged from the forest and began to gallop at astonishing speed towards the direction of the Empire’s third line of defense, where its very existence hung in the balance.