As Elias and his team carried out their assigned tasks, they also continued gathering information on the demonic beast Older. Reports indicated that it had been spotted multiple times at the frontline of the northern expansion, frequently appearing in the same areas where the Red Wolves had surfaced.
Ordinarily, monsters—especially cunning ones—would avoid direct confrontations with humans. Fighting was risky, and most monsters instinctively withdrew into their own territories when encountering humans. Yet, Older seemed to defy this typical behavior.
“Regarding this unusual behavior, even the researchers studying Older have differing opinions.”
Back in his quarters, Elias listened as Frenn provided her report.
“Even during past subjugation attempts, Older repeatedly ventured into human-inhabited areas. The kingdom’s current stance is that there must be a reason behind this pattern.”
Elias crossed his arms, deep in thought.
“Fifty years… A creature that has survived for that long isn’t wandering into human territory without purpose. The question is why.”
Frenn nodded before adding,
“We must also consider the existence of Rojis.”
At that, Elias gave a knowing nod.
“If beings like Rojis exist elsewhere, then the situation changes significantly.”
“Do you think there could be more of them?”
“Back when Rojis appeared in the Eastern Front, we considered it a one-of-a-kind anomaly. But in reality, over sixty percent of the world is still dominated by monsters. It’s far more likely that there are other such entities we simply haven’t encountered yet.”
Frenn’s expression turned serious.
“If that’s true, then Older’s actions might be explained… But do you think something like Rojis will appear during this subjugation?”
“Unlikely. We only encountered Rojis due to a rare set of circumstances—specifically, our investigation into the underground ruins. Older, on the other hand, is acting of its own accord. If there’s something driving its behavior, we might be walking into something even worse.”
“In that case, even if we defeat Older, another similar entity could take its place.”
“If that happens, we’ll deal with it when the time comes. For now, let’s stay focused on this subjugation.”
Having reached a conclusion, Elias nodded firmly.
“So, did you find anything useful?”
“Yes, I gathered as much information as possible.”
Frenn handed Elias a bundle of documents.
“I believe this covers everything necessary.”
Elias flipped through the pages, skimming the contents.
“Yeah… This should be enough. We can move forward with our preparations.”
“Then our course of action is to continue preparing and wait for the subjugation date?”
Elias shook his head.
“There’s one more thing we need—people. Even if we set up the necessary traps, deploying them in real-time during the subjugation will require extra hands.”
“You mentioned needing personnel before… but where will we find them? Should we contact the Eastern Front?”
“That’s a last resort. Ideally, we should find allies here in the north.”
“…You’re considering Mishena’s acquaintance?”
“It’s an option, but if they’re of high status, it could complicate things.”
Elias sighed, running a hand through his hair.
“While delivering supplies, I kept an eye on the knights and heroes stationed here. Some of them might be suited for setting up traps, but if I approach them directly, it could attract unnecessary attention.”
“Mishena is a relatively new hero, so she probably doesn’t have many reliable connections yet.”
“Even so, I should at least discuss it with her… Oh, right. I got a message from her. She’ll be back in about three days—with a companion.”
“Did you inform Lord Nork?”
“Yeah. Mishena also spoke to him, so he’s agreed to let them stay… though he didn’t look particularly pleased about it.”
Frenn exhaled, her expression mirroring Elias’s growing frustration.
“It sounds like seeking their cooperation may carry risks.”
Both of them sighed at the same time.
“The subjugation plan is falling into place, but since I’m still new to the north, I have limited influence here.”
“That can’t be helped. Either way, let’s focus on what we can do.”
“Right. What’s on the schedule today?”
“We’ve received orders to transport supplies. However, this time, it’s a special case.”
“Special?”
“You were personally requested to handle it, Elias. Also, the cargo is unusually small.”
Elias narrowed his eyes.
“A high-value shipment… They probably want a Holy Knight handling something delicate. A magical catalyst for large-scale spells, maybe?”
“A large-scale spell?”
“Not sure what you’re imagining, but to track Older with magic, they’d need a powerful spell covering an enormous area. That means expensive catalysts.”
Frenn nodded in understanding.
In magic, catalysts referred to objects used to enhance spellcasting. Since human mages had limits on their natural mana reserves, powerful spells often required external sources of energy.
For example, mages wielding staffs typically embedded gemstones or magic stones in their weapons. These acted as conduits, allowing them to cast magic beyond their own capabilities.
Considering this, Elias speculated that the requested cargo was likely something similar.
“Where are we delivering it?”
“A fortress at the northernmost frontline.”
“That means there’ll be plenty of knights and heroes stationed there. Even if the chances are slim, maybe we can find someone willing to help us with the trap deployment.”
Frenn nodded, and with that, the two of them departed for their next assignment.