Three days after Elias and his companions had their discussion, the Kingdom of Rundell officially declared its intent to subjugate the demonic beast Older.
The reasoning was clear—if left unchecked, other monsters, like the Red Wolves, could be driven into human settlements and interfere with the expansion efforts. This would inevitably bring harm to towns and villages, disturbing the kingdom’s order. To prevent such chaos, the kingdom decisively moved to eliminate Older.
As a result, knights and heroes stationed in the north began mobilizing. Renowned warriors quickly announced their participation, and the kingdom formally started recruiting members for the subjugation force.
For fifty years, Older had survived despite various attempts to eliminate it. The mere existence of a creature that had eluded extermination for so long was enough for the people of the north to consider it a significant threat. Everyone expected this subjugation to be a large-scale operation.
The effects of this decision quickly became evident at Elias’s fortress. Supplies and provisions arrived in bulk, all to be sent to the front lines. Elias himself was assigned to assist in transporting the cargo.
“…The subjugation effort is moving forward, yet it’s strangely peaceful.”
As Elias walked with a heavy load on his back, Frenn commented on the contrast.
“We’ve been assigned missions, but we haven’t encountered any monsters so far.”
“Now that I’ve been here for a while, I can see why. In the north, monsters primarily roam the very frontlines.”
Elias glanced around. Alongside them were five other knights and soldiers from the fortress, all carrying supplies.
“I’d say this is a testament to how well the northern battlefront is managed.”
“Managed? How so?”
“The Kingdom of Rundell has been pushing deep into the mountain ranges to secure resources. But securing vast mountainous terrain and claiming it as human territory is no easy task. Unlike filling in a blank map, expansion isn’t linear. If defenses are weak, monsters will surge in and reclaim lost ground.”
“So, to prevent monster incursions, they’ve strategically placed rear-line fortresses to maintain stability?”
“Exactly. The fact that we can travel peacefully means that the expansion has been successful.”
By the time their discussion concluded, they had arrived at their destination—a fortress near the front lines. They unloaded the supplies, marking the completion of their task.
Inside the fortress, there was a distinct sense of urgency. The knights and soldiers bustled about, their expressions tense. It was clear that this was one of the main outposts preparing for the subjugation of Older.
(Their demeanor is different from those in the rear lines—more hardened, more focused… as expected of the frontlines.)
Elias observed the preparations for a while before turning back the way they came.
“It looks like we’ll have more of these delivery missions in the coming days.”
“Well, that only proves how seriously they’re taking this subjugation.”
“By the way, has there been any word from Mishena?”
“No, nothing yet. If she wants me to meet someone, she’s probably bringing them here. That’ll take time.”
“And what do you think about it?”
Frenn’s question made Elias glance at her.
“Think about what?”
“We don’t know who Mishena is bringing, but from what you’ve said, they’re likely someone of high status. Associating with such a figure could draw attention from other Holy Knights and nobility.”
“That’s unavoidable. If we’re going to push for Eastern Front affairs to be recognized, we’ll need connections and support.”
“So, you’re considering asking for their assistance?”
“I haven’t decided yet, but it’s an option.”
Elias shrugged.
“Regardless of how we proceed, having more options is never a bad thing.”
Frenn nodded but then lowered her voice.
“Elias, about the subjugation… preparations are unusually extensive. Even in the Eastern Front, we never deployed this many resources. With so many moving parts, wouldn’t maintaining order be difficult?”
“That’s likely because of Older’s unique abilities.”
Frenn furrowed her brows.
“Its abilities?”
“It moves too fast for traditional tracking. Right now, they don’t even know where in the north it is. That’s why they’re spreading resources across multiple locations. And of course, if they’re sending so much aid, they need a proportionate number of knights and warriors.”
“Even so, why such an intense response?”
“I asked the soldiers and knights stationed at the fortress. Apparently, Older isn’t just another powerful monster—it’s a symbol.”
Elias exhaled.
“It has hindered northern expansion for decades. And now, the nobles see an opportunity. If they use their elite knights and contracted heroes to defeat it, they’ll gain significant prestige.”
“So, it’s not just about security—eliminating Older would also serve political ambitions.”
“Exactly. It’s an opportunity for them, just as this subjugation could serve our own goals of exposing the Eastern Front’s struggles.”
Elias paused.
“…That said, Frenn—if this battle turns into a bloodbath, we’ll need to reassess our priorities.”
“You mean, you’re willing to abandon the subjugation?”
“This operation will put us in contact with many influential figures. That alone presents an opportunity to convey the Eastern Front’s situation. Even if we don’t land the finishing blow on Older, we can still use this event to our advantage.”
He sighed.
“The north is the forefront of expansion. Even if we fail this time, we’ll have more chances to reach the royal court in the future.”