The fortifications of the frontline were all built robust and solid, with the outer walls reinforced by magic. Many magicians had contributed to enchanting these walls over the years, a tradition passed down through generations. Thus, monsters couldn’t even scratch the walls, allowing the walls to protect Alain Kingdom.
However, when the Abyssal King broke the walls for the first time, it brought about a significant transformation in Alain Kingdom.
‘The walls must fall for Alain Kingdom to progress.’
The people of Alain Kingdom had unwavering faith in Setinos Quasar and the frontline. They believed that these protectors would always keep them safe, that monsters would always be repelled.
The Abyssal King had to shatter that faith to instill fear in the people, pushing them to overcome the impending crisis.
‘…Still, we can’t just sit back and take it.’
Regardless of what the Abyssal King did, he had to be eliminated. He was a threat to Alain Kingdom and a remnant of the Devil. The Earth Magic Sword also had to be reclaimed, so this war needed to end decisively.
‘We must strike when he is at his weakest.’
Even the Abyssal King couldn’t always be strong. His magic wasn’t infinite, and he would suffer and be wounded from attacks. A decisive strike at the critical moment could bring him down.
‘If I can convince the Purple Archer, the rest will follow.’
The Purple Archer was a hero who roamed the border regions and embodied the frontline. His presence alone could boost the morale of the soldiers, while monsters instinctively recoiled in fear. Commanders and lords existed, but none could compare to the Purple Archer.
‘The problem is how to convince him…’
“You should not think your life is any more valuable than others. Just because you are strong does not give you the right to decide their fate!”
“I am saying we should abandon the castle to save those lives.”
“…So you won’t back down?”
“If we don’t follow my plan and soldiers die, what will you do then? Can you take responsibility?”
“You insolent fool! Are you mocking me?”
“Let me reiterate. I risked my life to come here. I have my fiancée and comrades beside me. I can’t die here!”
Zion answered boldly, not avoiding Baltz’s gaze. If he faltered now, it would be decided that his strategy was wrong. He had to stick to his position, even if it meant arguing with Baltz.
“…Let’s take a break.”
Suppressing his surging anger, Baltz stood up first. The commander and knights followed, leaving the room with tense expressions. Zion, Hanette, and Enrite remained silent and unmoving.
“I trust you, Zion, but I don’t think this strategy is correct.”
“Indeed. The idea of abandoning the castle itself is flawed.”
“Perhaps a compromise is in order. We could reinforce the inner walls while still maintaining some forces on the outer walls.”
“……”
Zion didn’t believe his predictions would be perfectly accurate. The Abyssal King could act unpredictably. His exaggerated actions were a means to an end.
‘Yes, this should suffice.’
The Purple Archer had no reason to follow Zion’s commands. The king had ordered troop support, not obedience to Zion. In some ways, things were proceeding as intended.
‘With the White Apostle and the royal decree, they will fortify the inner walls.’
It was a hastily conceived strategy, and it was late in the game. However, troops from various castles were gathering, and some magicians were included. With the help of magicians from the Magic Society, the inner walls could be made even stronger.
‘We just need to ensure that at least half of them survive…’
Beyond the frontline of the Continent of Caronbela
Once you move beyond Alain Kingdom’s frontline, there are no humans to be found. A few animals or plants may remain, but those traces disappear as you venture further. It was a land inhabited only by monsters, filled with slaughter and destruction. To survive, you had to keep killing, and no matter how strong you were, you could lose your life in an instant.
‘…Nothing has changed.’
Caden was hiding and scouting the area. He couldn’t inspect every terrain alone, but he had magic laid out at key points. He had to ensure his safety while observing the surroundings, so he remained stationary, vigilant.
‘If the Abyssal King were coming, monsters would be moving accordingly.’
Monsters typically moved in packs, and the stronger they were, the more likely they were to be alone. When a strong monster moved, weaker ones would either avoid it or challenge it to a fight. The Abyssal King, acting with many troops, would cause other monsters to react.
‘I miscalculated this time.’
Caden felt a sense of relief, recalling the White Apostle’s words. The Abyssal King might attack Alain Kingdom, the Abyssal King had grown stronger, and would he only draw his sword when the monsters reached the capital? Those words had stuck in his mind despite his efforts to ignore them.
‘I can be content with this.’
How could he achieve fame without wielding a sword? How could he draw the queen’s attention with his name? How could he use his skills? The answer lay in thievery, and now he served as Setinos Quasar, dedicating himself to Alain Kingdom.
‘Even if Lady Brandish doesn’t acknowledge me…’
Caden detected a monster and concealed his presence and magic. No matter how weak the monster, he couldn’t afford to be careless. A strong monster could appear at any moment, or he might be discovered by chance. Balancing safety and duty required constant vigilance.
‘An Abyssal Knight…’
They were recognizable as the Abyssal King’s forces. An Abyssal Knight, the strongest among the Abyssal King’s subordinates, was leading the undead soldiers.
‘Why are they here?’
The Abyssal King’s stronghold was deeper within. They wouldn’t venture out unless commanded to hunt monsters or act as a vanguard.
‘Something is amiss.’
Caden felt a strange unease watching the undead knights. They wouldn’t send them out just to deal with a few monsters, meaning there was another purpose.
‘Could it be…’
The Abyssal Knight looked around with his undead soldiers and then turned his horse. A large group of undead continued to emerge from not far away.
‘The Abyssal King is coming.’
The hill opposite Arleard Castle on the Continent of Caronbela.
Numerous undead followed the undead knights to the top of the hill. The Abyssal Knights led their subordinates, with some never straying far from one particular being. This being was the master of the legion and the strongest among them.
‘…I fought at that castle before.’
The Abyssal King, Keremion, dropped the reins, recalling the battle from decades ago. He had mobilized many troops and continuously attacked. Many humans died, and he thought the victory was within grasp. But a human stood in his way, turning the tide of battle.
‘He was a fearless human.’
The Abyssal King had admired the human’s strength and spirit, asking for his name. But the human refused to tell his name to a foe he intended to kill and charged again. Despite being exhausted from the fight, he never backed down.
‘That’s why humans call him a king.’
The Abyssal King knew he was strong, and even other monsters didn’t dare to challenge him. Even the Three Great Kings and the Four Calamities avoided fighting him. Yet, a human, hailed as a king among humans, displayed power comparable to his own.
‘If he’s at that castle… I will kill him.’
While taking Alriad Castle was the primary goal, the Abyssal King intended to fight the human king alone. He had unfinished business, and now he was stronger. He needed to defeat the human king to let go of his lingering regret.
‘I cannot lose.’
The Abyssal King felt the Earth Magic Sword on his back as he glared at Alriad Castle. It was more efficient to use his power than to waste troops. Once he overcame Alriad Castle, he could swiftly conquer the humans and seize the region.
“Are the troops ready to advance?”
“The entire army awaits your command, Abyssal King.”
The Abyssal King reached for the Earth Magic Sword in response to the Abyssal Knight. The knights drew their swords, gripping their reins tightly. The undead soldiers in the rear emitted eerie sounds, their eyes glowing blue.
“Advance.”
The Abyssal King raised the Earth Magic Sword high. The undead knights spurred their horses forward. The undead soldiers surged forward, rushing toward Alriad Castle.
‘I will personally… bring down the castle.’
The Abyssal King’s eyes gleamed blue as he turned the sword’s tip toward the ground. He thrust it with all his might, pouring his magic into the Earth Magic Sword.
‘It requires much magic… but it’s worth it.’
The Abyssal King continued to unleash his magic, looking down the hill. A dark wave spread across the barren plains, altering its color. At Alriad Castle, horns and bells rang out as human soldiers gathered.
‘That castle is doomed.’
The Abyssal King forced the Earth Magic Sword to draw out its power. The ground trembled violently and began to crack. Magic flowed into the earth, reaching Alriad Castle in moments. The castle, exposed to the sword’s magic, started to shake. The tremors intensified until one side of the wall began to crack. The wall leaned, the base crumbling, scattering countless fragments.
‘Victory is mine. All humans will bow to me.’