Chapter 108

108.

Amidst the pack of wolves, the White Beast was returning to Solorun.

After lightly patting the White Beast’s head as it powerfully raced across the snowfield, I shifted my gaze.

The sight of the monster being crushed into the snow, disintegrating into powder.

‘Weaker than expected.’

It was enormous, but slicing it in half was similar to when the black rain fell.

Moreover, its attacking pattern was monotonous, merely stretching its arms, and there wasn’t a single noteworthy attack worth paying particular attention to.

Given that it was influenced by the monster dragon, it was surprisingly ordinary.

The arm attacks, vibrations, and resilience—none of these three characteristics had changed in any way.

‘Perhaps I have become that much stronger.’

Or else, the proper ones haven’t appeared yet.

Grand Duke Devalleta must have gathered intelligence while holding the front line. Details about these hybrid monsters will become clearer as we approach the Northern Frontline.

‘And… the state of Solorun is peculiar indeed.’

The weather in Solorun was calm.

Though it continued to snow, it wasn’t harsh enough to make survival impossible. Surrounded by snowstorms that almost make it seem isolated,

‘This is definitely not a natural phenomenon.’

Disasters bypassing the city while fiercely assaulting the surroundings raise the question: why is only Solorun spared? Perhaps this is the key to solving the snowstorm.

‘Is the lord still alive?’

There are many calm discussions we need to have, and much to convey.

*

When I returned to Solorun with the White Beast and the remaining wolves, the first thing I saw was Myna moving about like a fish in water.

Inside the small church located at the center of Solorun, Myna busily flitted about, casting a soft glow.

“Oof…”

“My legs… they won’t move.”

“Just hold on a bit longer!”

With a flash, as she moved between the injured and invoked healing power, the bluish-purple leg of a soldier returned to its original color.

“Oh, oh! It moves! I can feel sensation!”

“It’s not fully healed yet, so you need more rest. Sister Elin? Can you take care of the finishing touches, please?”

“Yes! Lady Saint! Just lie still for now!”

A plain-looking girl started explaining to the stone-cold healed soldier.

The unique black uniform of the Bright Sect. Leaving the girl named Elin behind, Myna moved to the next injured person to begin treatment.

“We also need someone to assist here.”

“Yes!”

“A severely bleeding person. He’s unconscious now, so we need to watch him carefully.”

“I’ll take care of it!”

After Myna used her healing power, the priests and nuns of the sect would follow up to complete the treatment.

The church was bustling with the active movements of the saint and priests, along with the groans of wounded soldiers.

‘Looks like it’s quite busy here. I should come back later.’

I waved goodbye to Myna, whose gaze met mine suddenly, and turned away.

Near the church was a wide square.

Following the neatly trodden paths that emerged between the thick layers of snow, I quickly reached the square where fires were blazing everywhere.

The only place in Solorun boasting the most open space. Here they distributed supplies and checked equipment.

The square was also bustling, much like the church. I looked at where the crowd was the thickest.

“Quickly! Move it! We still have more to unload.”

“There’s more! Bring more people over!”

“Hey, you there! Stop slacking and start moving it!”

“Yes! I’m coming!”

Crash!

When Nia waved her finger, a box shot out from a bag on the ground.

People lit up when they saw the neatly stacked boxes and sacks and immediately began carrying them away under the knights’ instructions.

‘They were distributing supplies in advance, perhaps.’

People carrying large sacks or boxes emerged from the crowd, clearly struggling with the heavy load as they groaned but still wore faint smiles, their eyes gleaming with excitement.

While I dealt with the monster outside, it seems they efficiently divided the roles among themselves and took action.

Charles likely headed to the Lord’s Castle.

Since this place is the rear supply base of the Northern Front, it must hold the shortest route and detailed maps connecting to the gateway city of Yelkin, which serves as the backbone of the north.

It’s probable that he is discussing the matter with the lord or strategist to act as a guide and gather information. Given that he holds a crest of the royal family, there’s no chance he would be turned away.

‘Besides, there’s no time to quibble between commoners and nobles.’

They’ve appeared breaking through the snowstorm, not unlike a natural disaster, riding on the backs of mutated wolves as if they were horses.

Easily dispatching the hybrid monster that approached the castle walls and wielding the wolf pack like pets.

Whether through benevolent intentions or for some other purpose, they have helped avert the crisis of Soreen, indicating a non-hostile presence.

Regardless of title or identity, the lord has no choice but to welcome them with open arms. And he would have surely heard news about the presence of the saint among the group.

“Hooray!”

“Long live the wizard!”

“Aaagh!”

The scene of Nia being unceremoniously cheered by people and the Solorun administrator wide-eyed at examining the provisions was amusing.

Watching this strange farce, I called out to Nia.

“Nia! When you’re done, come to the Lord’s Castle!”

“What?! Cain! When did you arrive?! Take me along!”

“You can come whenever you’re ready.”

“Yaaaah! Stop! Stop! I’m dizzy…!”

I smiled at Nia flailing in the air before turning away.

*

The Lord’s Castle of Solorun was located slightly away from the center.

Upon arriving at the castle, which is situated at a higher altitude than the other terrain, a mere glance allowed a full view of Solorun.

In one corner of the city, a mass of white fur caught my eye. It was the wolf pack I had brought back after the battle ended.

‘The White Beast is keeping them well under control.’

I shifted my gaze from the White Beast weaving through the wolf pack with a low growl.

The snow-covered buildings, the white smoke rising between them, and the ancient castle walls came into view.

‘Overall, the city has a high level of damage.’

Repairs might have been ongoing, but even accounting for that, the city did not seem to be in good condition.

Whether it failed to keep up with battle repairs or lacked sufficient resources for further repair,

‘Fortunately, we arrived at the right time.’

The walls themselves nearly collapsed, which would’ve caused the entire city of Solorun to fall.

If Solorun were to fall, the next target would be the gateway city of Yelkin.

Once Yelkin falls, the three cities at the frontline would be surrounded on all sides.

Though isolated from each other at present,

Solorun and Yelkin have been appropriately handling the attacks from beasts and monsters.

Neither city can be disregarded for their importance in the north.

“…It’s difficult.”

The best course of action would be to quickly deal with the monster dragon.

‘But the city needs support to recover. The issue is the snowstorm.’

A strange discomfort wells up.

A pressing problem needs to be addressed.

‘I’ll keep it in mind for now.’

I ended my contemplation and stepped into the open courtyard.

“Master, you’ve arrived.”

At the entrance of the Lord’s Castle, Charles was waiting.

After politely bowing, she calmly spoke.

“We have secured the route and surrounding maps for movement towards Yelkin. The records are complete, so we can depart anytime.”

“Good work. Is the lord inside?”

“I’ve already informed them of your visit. They are waiting in the Audience Chamber.”

I nodded, and Charles led the way.

Thud—

Inside the Lord’s Castle was quiet.

There’s hardly a hint of noise, save the sporadic maids hurrying somewhere. Perhaps it is almost too quiet.

The interior of the castle was far from lavish.

Although one might expect a glimmering decoration, the walls were mostly bare, lined with bricks and candles. There were occasional maps of Solorun on the walls, but the rest was plain and dry.

Walking steadily across the quiet corridor with Charles,

we stopped at a sizable door.

A knight in a faded armor stood guard.

“I’ve brought the Master.”

The knight’s gaze swept over me upon hearing Charles.

“…Please wait a moment.”

The knight nodded, carefully opened the door, and went inside.

As the footsteps faded away,

a brief conversation ensued, followed by approaching footsteps.

Click.

“Excuse me. Please come in.”

When the door opened, the scene inside the Audience Chamber made me frown.

Upon seeing the elderly figure who greeted us, it’s impossible not to react this way.

The Lord of Solorun.

An elderly figure with silver-white hair was covered in bandages. Moreover, the space where his left arm should be is empty.

With a pale complexion and sunken eyes,

the gaunt figure strained to rise and began to speak.

“I thank you for your help. Noble knight. I am Commander Wade, the steward of this rear base, the Viscount Trios.”

After a short introduction, Wade’s body began to tilt.

In an attempt to bow, I quickly cut in.

“No need. There’s no need for such formalities, Viscount Trios.”

“…”

Wade’s sunken eyes met mine.

“…Speak carefully, unknown knight.”

“Your courtesy towards a benefactor shall not be neglected, and so you must also observe propriety.”

The two knights guarding Wade took a step forward.

‘Hmm.’

Despite appearing to need rest, Wade revealed himself directly here despite the two knights by his side, essentially showing a weakness to a stranger.

Considering the prolonged battles amid isolation, it’s understandable that the knights reacted sensitively.

Moreover, the north is known for its closed nature.

I waved a hand before misunderstandings escalate further.

“The introduction was late, Viscount Trios. I am Macbilian. The consort to Her Majesty the Empress and Duke of the Empire.”

“…!”

“A, a Duke?”

The startled knights took a step back.

They flinched slightly, seemingly confused by the unexpected noble title.

Swoosh—

I drew one of the two swords from my waist,

displaying the emblem of a Duke on the ceremonial sword.

Charles also revealed a royal-issued badge from her robes and spoke.

“It’s the seal issued by the palace.”

The embroidered Falenberk crest adorned with extravagant decoration. Upon seeing it, the knights hastily bowed.

“To His Grace the Duke!”

“It’s an honor to meet the Guardian Knight!”

The knights bowed immediately upon confirming the identity,

“…Macbilian?”

The sunken eyes of Wade widened significantly.