Chapter 188: Nabi (2)

Kaden Dowillson.

In his youth, he had been adopted by the childless Duke Dowillson as his heir. Despite being a foster son, Kaden seamlessly ascended to the position of head of the family due to his exceptional martial prowess.

With the sponsorship of the Dowillson family, he reached tier 1 rank, solidifying his position as the Empire’s premier warrior. This, in turn, elevated the Dowillson family to prominence throughout the Empire.

Duke Kaden had overcome numerous challenges to earn the nickname “Swordsmith,” but the current obstacle confronted him with quite a predicament.

“Hmm…” Duke Kaden pondered deeply, his eyes fixed on the expansive map spread out before him.

Based on their movement so far, they’re clearly moving along the shortest route. They must pass through this area.

Based on the continuous reconnaissance reports coming in, there was a high probability that where they were setting up camp now would be the site of the final battle with the Snow King’s army. And this clash was only about half a day away.

We have the advantage in terms of geography.

But Kadence didn’t look like he was pleased at all.

“90,000 versus 60,000…”

The troops currently gathered at the third line of defense had swelled to over 90,000 strong. The Dominant Empire Army held both numerical and geographic superiority, yet even then, victory seemed elusive.

“2,000 giant monsters… That’s a formidable number.”

It was truly astounding. While the inability to use Transcendent had been a factor in the collapse of the first and second defensive lines, the presence of these massive creatures amidst the regular monsters had also played a significant role.

“This won’t be easy.”

The outcome of this war would be decided by two key factors.

First, there was the question of how effectively they could handle the large monsters.

We’ve got the large monster issue mostly under control.

After several sleepless nights, he had devised a tactic that optimized their forces against the big threats.

Now the remaining problem is…

And then there was the second factor that would decide the outcome of this war.

No, the most crucial element of all.

It was how well they could contain the Snow King.

Killing it seems impossible at present. So we need to bind it as tightly as possible…

The Duke of Kaden’s face darkened again at the thought of the Snow King.

Can I… really hold it back?

He was the only one in the entire Empire who had even a chance against such a creature.

If I fail… the Empire is doomed.

A heavy pressure weighed upon him. As he scrutinized the map with utmost caution, his expression suddenly shifted.

Thump!

Duke Kaden shot to his feet, stirring unease in the air.

“T-This is…” His gaze sprang towards the tent flap.

What in blazes? What could that energy be?!

It was an monumental force. Even as a tier 1 warrior, merely sensing its presence sent shivers coursing down his spine.

Duke Kaden swiftly drew his sword.

Considering the situation… This level of energy means…

One entity alone could inspire such dread in a tier 1 power like himself.

The Snow King!

Gripping his sword, Duke Kaden swiftly made for the tent exit.

Along with the clang of metal, the hum of murmurs reached his ears—the entire camp was clearly agitated.

Yet, amidst the commotion, something struck Duke Kaden as odd.

…No screams?

If the Snow King had attacked, screams and cries should have been rampant. Yet while there was commotion, there were no terror-filled shrieks.

What on earth is going on?

Pushing aside his growing unease, Duke Kaden rushed towards the source of the massive energy he could sense. Before long, he discovered a group of soldiers huddled together.

“Th-the-what’s that?”

“A shovel tiger? But it’s far too big for one of those…”

“My goodness… How colossal!”

Beyond these whispering soldiers, he sensed something else. Duke Kaden slowly made his way through the crowd.

“Oh? C-commander!”

“It’s the commander! Make way!”

Recognizing him, the soldiers parted, allowing him to see what they were surrounding.

Where did this…abomination come from?!

Its gleaming white fur and massive forelimbs were unmistakable.

Even though it was flat on the ground, the creature’s height must have been at least ten feet.

Grrrr…

As if sensing his gaze, the monster turned its head toward Duke Kaden.

Swish…

When their eyes met, Duke Kaden felt a shiver run down his spine. His hand reflexively moved to his sword hilt. The mere look in those eyes filled him with dread.

Dry gulp…

The moment Duke Kaden swallowed hard with nerves…

“Calm down.”

A white hand emerged from between the dense fur of the creature’s neck to stroke it. Soon, something poked its head out from amid the hair.

“It’s okay. He’s not an enemy.”

The figure that rose was a blonde girl with red eyes. She calmed her friend before turning her attention to Duke Kaden.

“Are you Duke Kaden Dowillson?”

“…I am. And you are…?”

“The Count of Samuels said we should come here, right? You haven’t heard of him?”

“Of course not!”

The Duke of Kaden remembered a message he’d received from Duke Samuel a few days ago.

At the time, he’d brushed it off as nonsense. Even he, the Empire’s most powerful warrior, wasn’t sure if he could handle the Snow King. The idea of someone else who could was preposterous.

With so many other things on his mind, he’d completely forgotten about it…

It was true after all!

It existed. Something that could deal with the Snow King. To be exact, it wasn’t human but a monstrous beast.

It doesn’t matter!

The Duke of Kaden knew for certain. The monster before his eyes was the equal of the Snow King. This creature could definitely drive away the king of the snow.

I can win this!

The Duke’s body trembled with joy as he smiled and looked up.

Perched casually on the monster’s neck was a young girl.

The Duke addressed her, “I’ve heard about you. You must be the finest warriors sent by Duke Samuel.”

“That’s right!”

“What are your names?”

The girl giggled in response to the Duke’s question.

“Ah, I forgot to introduce myself.”

She leaped from the monster’s back, landing gracefully on the ground.

Then, with a slight tug on her coat, she bowed her waist.

It was the perfect execution of the greeting etiquette ingrained in noble families.

“Greetings. I am Lavina, heiress of the House of Trujan. Oh! I may not look it, but I’m twenty-three this year!”

As if accustomed to explaining her age, Lavina quickly added this detail.

“Huh…”

Duke Kaden was twice surprised - first by the young girl being the heir apparent, and second by learning she was twenty-three.

Lavina smiled sweetly at him and extended her hand.

“And my friend’s name is…”

She savored the soft texture of fur beneath her fingers as she spoke.

“Nabi.”

Grrrronk!

With its introduction, the corporeal form of Nabi emitted a long, deep blast of air.

Half a day later, in the eastern part of the Winter Continent, at the Order of the Divine Body:

Whistle…

Louis was sitting on a long table, one leg propped up, humming cheerfully.

Tanya approached him slowly, beaming as if she’d spotted an opportunity. “Hey, Louis, what’s got you so happy?”

“Oh, nothing much.”

“Come on, tell me!”

“Job’s been going smoothly, that’s all.”

Everything was falling into place effortlessly. The excited twins were hard at work herding the Snow King towards the Empire, leaving it in utter disarray. If this operation went as planned, the Snow King’s army would soon arrive at the heart of the Empire…

Then…

I must bring it to an end.

Just the thought of it lifted Louis’s mood. As his lips curved into a grin, Tania giggled and sidled up to him.

“Hehe, I feel better already ’cause you’re happy.”

She tried to rest her head on his shoulder, but before she could reach it, Louis gently pushed her aside with a finger.

“You’re getting too close. And you… Can’t you stick to one form of address?”

“…Hmph.” Tania pouted at Louis’s rock-solid defense.

Seeing this, Louis clicked his tongue.

Tsk, she calls me ‘bro’ at every opportunity.

Tania usually referred to him as “teacher,” but whenever Louis looked pleased, she would sneakily change her form of address.

Fox, my foxy vixen.

Tanya averted her eyes from Louis’s scrutinizing gaze. Her eyes twinkled with a mischievous light, like a thousand-year-old gumiho.

Bro-uis, it’s awkward at first, but you’ll get used to it after a while!

Even now, one could see that Louis’s reflex to sharply correct her had slowed down slightly when she called him “bro-uis.” Tanya saw this as a glimmer of hope.

I must keep attacking him warmly whenever he’s in a good mood!

She mentally steeled her resolve.

Kendrick observed his sister’s obsession and shook his head, helpless.

Meanwhile, Louis had risen from his seat.

Startled, Tanya looked up at him and asked, “Where are you going?”

“The others are probably engaging them by now. I’ll go take a look.”

“I’ll come with you!”

“Miss, please take us with you!”

“No, it’ll be over soon. Stay here.”

“But I want to go!”

“I understand…”

“Fin, keep an eye on them and make sure they don’t get into trouble. If Pablo comes, tell him I stepped out.”

“Yes, Mr. Louis!”

“We’re not your kids, you know!”

“You’re right! We’re all grown up here!”

“Don’t wake up crying that you miss your mom, brother.”

“Wh-what did I say?!”

“You were sleep-talking about it yesterday.”

“…Really? I?”

“Yep.”

“Liar!”

“Well, yes, I am lying.”

“…I’ll kill you!”

The Flame siblings had been grumbling about Louis leaving them behind but now turned to bicker among themselves.

“I’m going!”

“Have a safe trip!”

With Fin waving goodbye, Louis activated his space movement ability. In an instant, he found himself hovering above the third defensive line of the Dominion Empire.

He looked down with a smile.

“Oh? I see you’re right on time.”

Below him, the Snow King’s Army stood mere steps away from colliding with the imperial forces.

Louis was impressed as he surveyed the empire’s formations.

“Well, well, they’ve certainly made preparations.” With a single glance, Louis could tell that the empire had effectively dispersed their 90,000 troops to minimize the impact of the impending clash.

And…

“Have they formed some kind of commando unit with part of their forces?”

Perhaps this elite group was meant to tackle the larger monsters.

Louis snorted. “They’ve been thinking.”

It seemed the Empire had its own capable strategists.

Naturally, they’d risk everything here—their backs are against the wall.

The Empire’s preparations and firepower were impressive, but Louis remained undaunted. He trusted in his forces.

“If we can’t even handle that ugly pig, we have no chance of winning this war.”

With the Transcendent Period drawing Louis and his forces away, dealing with the Snow King just using this handful of soldiers would be no easy feat.

If we can just cross the border ahead, the battle is won.

Seeing the end of this long campaign finally within reach lifted his spirits. Louis tilted his head back, gazing at the distant islet in the north with a smirk.

Who dares to lay a hand on my belongings?

He vowed to himself that he would use this opportunity to uproot every last vestige of the Empire’s power. Louis’s lips curled into a vicious grin as he looked down below.

“Ooooh! It’s starting!”

The final match had begun—one that would determine the fate of the Empire.

Haaaaah!

The soldiers roared to build morale, and the monster army charged toward them. Louis watched with keen interest until something caught his eye.

“Huh…?”

Just as the monster army was about to engulf the imperial forces, a tiny white dot moved within their ranks. Louis blinked in confusion.

“What…? What’s with that furball?”

From his vantage point high above, he could see that the furball was actually larger than most monsters. What’s more, it was moving with incredible speed.

The moment Louis recognized the ball of fur, he felt a strange sensation.

Whoo- whoo-

This is…?

The contract Louis had bound long ago was crying out, urging him to recognize it quickly. It was here. The perception coming from a soul.

From this sensation, Louis uttered the identity of the fur ball. “…Nabi?”

His eyes widened.

What is that brat doing here?!

Nabi, the snow tiger, whom Louis had left with the Trujan clan in the past. He had planned to find the Trujan clan after coming to the Winter Continent, but he unexpectedly discovered Nabi in this place.

As Louis gazed at Nabi, his mouth slowly opened.

The energy I feel from him… Could it be…?

Nabi’s aura was powerful enough to indicate a top-tier rank, which meant only one thing:

“Nabi! You’ve successfully evolved!”

But Louis couldn’t afford to be astonished any longer. He clearly knew what Nabi’s target was as he rapidly moved in a straight line past the army of monsters.

He’s aiming for the Snow King!

No matter what the Snow King could do, he was no match for Nabi now. Moreover…

Considering that creature is here… Lavina must also be nearby!

Lady of Waters, Lavina. With her support, Nabi could put up a brief but fierce ‘contest’ against the Mad Dragon. It was only a matter of time before the Snow King’s neck would be snapped. That would mean the Snow King’s army would be halted here.

Louis’s eyes flashed.

That cannot happen!

In desperation, Louis activated the ‘link’ he had created with Nabi long ago and sent a telepathic command: