Chapter 57: [Side Story] The Funeral (3)

Chapter 57: [Side Story] The Funeral (3)

Originally, in a tutorial stage that wasnt meant to be conquered, I had vanquished the Black Spider Queen, a foe that should have been invincible, and procured its Magic Power Core.

Typically, squaring off against the Black Spider Legion wouldnt occur until midway through the second year.

I had anticipated that equipment created from this Magic Power Core would drastically surpass the current level of gear.

I expected as much... but this...

I firmly clutched the black magic gun in my hand, swallowing hard.

An SSR-grade magic gun crafted from the Black Spider Queens Magic Power Core, the Black Queen.

This changes everything.

I felt ridiculous for having hoarded this Magic Power Core, as an equipment piece beyond belief had materialized.

I wasnt sure about the hidden options yet. But the revealed options were more than sufficient. No, they were staggering.

With this alone, I can run the show for at least the first year.

Even considering just the raw damage, its a super weapon.

For roughly the next year, not only the standard elite monsters but even boss-level monsters could be obliterated in a single shot if their vulnerabilities were targeted with this.

And the wielder of this gun was Damien, a cheat character possessing the [Far-Sight] ability.

This implied he could deliver this overwhelming damage at the precise moment and location.

Has this damn game finally decided to cut me some slack?

The corners of my mouth twitched involuntarily. Naturally, it was hard to suppress a smile upon obtaining such a phenomenal item.

As I reveled in satisfaction, both the blacksmith and the alchemist wore broad smiles.

"Its truly a relief to see that His Majesty is delighted!"

"Throughout the crafting process, I felt as if I was enchanted. Were simply thrilled we could forge such a masterpiece."

"You both excelled. Everyone in the workshop has put in great effort."

I surveyed the workshop and complimented everyone.

"Ill award a handsome bonus. Im relying on you for the next one as well."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Is there anything else you require?"

I had Lucas carry the magic guns, and we exited the workshop. Behind us, the two masters kept bowing.

"Is this magic gun really that incredible, my lord?"

In response to Lucass inquisitive question, I flashed a grin.

"Its set to revolutionize the course of the war."

"That significant...?"

Lucas looked down at the magic gun in his hand with renewed reverence.

"Im truly relieved it was finalized before the commencement of the stage."

I calculated the remaining time.

[STAGE 3]

- Time until start: 20 hours 30 minutes

There was still ample time before the onset of the next stage.

I could deliver the magic gun to Damien, and even allocate time to train him to get accustomed to it.

I owe an apology for swearing at Aider.

I had ranted at the director, pleading him to tweak the difficulty level of this ruthless game.

Ironically, I was the one who deserved to be scolded. I hadnt anticipated the game to flow so seamlessly all of a sudden.

Chuckles of delight escaping me, I traveled in the carriage back to the mansion.

Today was the eve of the defensive battle, so I had already summoned the party members to the mansion. Theyd all be there waiting for me.

"My lord."

As the carriage neared the mansion, Lucas, stationed in the coachmans seat, called out to me.

"Huh? Whats going on?"

"I think its best if you see for yourself."

Curious, I leaned out of the carriage window. And then I saw it.

At the start of the cobblestone path leading to the lords mansion.

There stood a petite girl.

"..."

Her platinum hair shimmered brilliantly under the late afternoon sun, framing her clear green eyes.

A large bag was strapped to her back, as if she were ready for an extended journey.

Evangeline Cross was waiting for us.

Clatter!

I disembarked from the carriage and moved toward Evangeline.

"Evangeline."

"..."

Evangeline looked up at me with her uniquely sharp eyes, and finally, she sighed.

"Today, the lords aide gave this to me."

From within her clothing, Evangeline produced a sheaf of magically treated paper.

It was a gold coin certificate.

One couldnt lug heavy gold around all day.

Backed by the Continental Merchants Union and the Ivory Tower of the Wizards Alliance, it was a magical document verifying that you indeed owned the stated amount of gold and where the physical assets were stored.

In simpler terms, a check.

Because its uncommon for someone to possess enough gold to necessitate a certificate, the certificate itself is highly valued anywhere on the continent.

Long story short, when we assessed the Cross familys assets, a substantial amount emerged.

With the amount represented by that certificate, Evangeline would have no problem sustaining herself wherever she went.

"Im grateful that you managed to sort everything out in less than a week, but..."

Evangeline grumbled, exposing her sharp canine teeth.

"Just after I received this, the aide made a comment."

"What did he say?"

"Why do I have to be here againnnn!"

Our Fire Mage, Lilly.

I sat down, a devilish grin playing on my lips, in front of Lilly, who was protesting loudly.

"Enjoy your little break, Lilly? Now its time to get back in the game."

"Ahhh! Please! Send me back to the workshop! Ill work till I drop, just spare me from this!"

Lilly, bound by rope, was a pitiful sight, all tears and snot.

Dont play the weakling, Lilly. Youre the sort who steps up when the situation calls for it. This Prince knows all about your competence.

"Now, we have less than a day left for the defense. Lets go over our teams strategy once more."

We launched into our strategy meeting, pacifying and consoling Lilly.

We already had a plan devised against the golems. Today was all about fine-tuning the details, comprehending them, and final checks.

The meeting stretched for about an hour with the castle map laid out.

After reiterating everyones roles, and assigning Lilly a fitting support mission at the rear...

"And Damien, I have another surprise for you."

I flashed a wicked grin and handed Damien two bundled magic guns.

Damien, eyes wide, took the magic guns I proffered.

"May I unwrap them?"

"Absolutely! Go ahead."

Just as Damien was delicately unwrapping the magic guns and I was on the brink of explaining their unique attributes...

Bang!

The reception room door was abruptly thrown open.

Everyone jolted, glancing towards the door. There stood a winded soldier.

"Huff, huff! Urgent news, sire! We have a crisis!"

"Whats going on? Whats happened?"

"Scout report! Mo, monsters...!"

His next words made my eyes pop.

"Monsters have appeared! Theyre golem legions, huge beasts! Roughly 200 of them! Theyre advancing on the city at a terrifying pace!"

"...What?"

In bewilderment, I hurriedly opened the system window.

"What nonsense is this? Theres still time until the stage starts, isnt there?"

[STAGE 3]

- Time Remaining: 18 hours, 55 minutes

"Look at this! We still have nineteen hours remaining..."

Suddenly.

[??? has intervened in the game!]

The necklace around my neck began to radiate warmth,

Whirr!

[STAGE 3]

- Time Remaining: hours, minutes

The digits in the system window began spinning wildly.

"We have, le..."

I stumbled over my words.

Hold on, what?

Whats going on?

The remaining time, which was clearly displayed, started plummeting, emitting a whirring noise.

Falling, and falling again-

Clank!

[STAGE 3]

- Time Remaining: 00 hours, 30 minutes

It disappeared.

The grace period of nineteen hours had vanished, leaving a mere half an hour behind.

"...This is madness."

I was floored.

No, no cheating. The system window isnt supposed to cheat.

What in the world...?

"Thats not all, Your Highness!"

The soldier blurted in quick succession. I, abruptly jolted back to reality, turned to him.

"According to the report, the monsters are acting oddly!"

"Odd behavior? In what way?"

"Theyve divided into two groups!"

The monster legion? Divided into two?

Why?

"Roughly 80 percent of them, around 200 units of the main force, are marching directly for the city, but the remaining 20 percent, about 50 units that split from the main force, are..."

His next words left my head reeling.

"Theyre heading towards the orchard where the Margrave once resided!"

"...What did you just say?"

Slowly, I swiveled my head to the side.

Lucas, who met my gaze, also bore a deathly pale face.

Right now, at that orchard...

- Ill pay my respects at my parents graves one last time...then Ill leave Crossroad.

...Evangeline should be there.