Chapter 261: Coronation Ceremony (3)

Chapter 261: Coronation Ceremony (3)Snowflakes fluttered down in strands.

We arrived in Lufenheim, the capital of the snow-white ice kingdom of Düpfendorf.

A grand festival was held in Lufenheim. Citizens in fur clothing arrived at the castle gate to welcome me, the second Ice Sovereign in a thousand years.

We entered a path of light made of ice mana. The cheers and applause of the citizens were clearly audible even inside the carriage.

The people of Düpfendorf all had fair and pale skin, seemingly due to the environment.

They had developed their own unique architectural style. A beautiful barrier covered the kingdom to protect it against the cold.

In the center of Lufenheim stood a tall castle. We naturally headed there.

"Isaac, aren't you happy? Everyone is welcoming you."

Dorothy said, watching out the window.

I didn't feel happy.

"It just feels unfamiliar."

The people and various ice magic beasts welcomed me.

It didn't really feel like I was being welcomed by them. But I felt a lot of emotions.

Upon reaching the grand palace, numerous servants who had been waiting greeted us. They were all dressed in navy-based clothing adorned with white fur.

"Welcome, my lord. You have traveled a long way and worked hard."

Following the words of a middle-aged butler with neatly groomed hair and beard, the servants echoed, “You have worked hard."

This is burdensome...

I pretended to be calm.

"I will guide you directly to your chamber."

"Not yet. First, call the Legion Commanders to the meeting room."

"The Legion Commanders, you say...? Yes, understood."

The servants took it upon themselves to handle the luggage.

Dorothy, Alice, and Hilde were told to rest in their rooms, while I entered the round table meeting room with the Ice Knight, Morcan. It was more luxurious than I had imagined.

Four beings were seated around the round table. As soon as they saw me, they stood up.

Except for one woman who was swaying drunkenly, the atmosphere was solemn.

"Welcome, my lord. We have been waiting for you."

A muscular, hulking white tiger demibeast walked up to me and saluted. This was the First Legion Commander, “Dorhan Versio”, a level 179 ice element powerhouse.

Dorhan Versio maintained a well-controlled expression, but it seemed he couldn't believe that someone as young as me was the Ice Sovereign.

Following his lead, the other commanders also saluted. The drunken female commander hiccupped once.

The commanders were not the strongest among Düpfendorf's soldiers. They were chosen for their leadership as well as their skill. The monstrous forces were separate.

Nevertheless, it was clear that they were the leaders of each Legion.

I hadn’t confirmed if the commanders, with the exception of Isabel, were on my side. I called this meeting for confirmation. Some things needed to be said without delay.

I went and sat in what was clearly the head seat.

"Please, sit down."

The commanders stopped saluting and took their seats.

The atmosphere was awkward. Everyone seemed to be waiting for me to speak.

I smiled gently.

"I called you here as soon as I arrived because I wanted to talk."

I took out the Blade of Frost Flowers and placed it on the table. It was a dagger entrusted to me by Frost Spirit Merphil.

The commanders' attention was drawn to the blade.

"Isaac. That's my name. I received the Blade of Frost Flowers from Merphil and made a contract. I'm sorry, but I have something important to say. I have to return immediately after the coronation ceremony."

"..."

"I plan to stay in the Zelver Empire at least until next year."

I had to assist Aria with her secret research, absorb White's mana to gain unique traits, ensure Ian's safety, protect the academy, and clear various scenarios.

Most importantly, I had to prevent the resurrection of the Evil God the next year. That was the main objective.

"We have already heard about this. However, we ask you to reconsider. Your absence after the coronation ceremony could cause confusion among the citizens."

Dorhan, the white tiger demibeast, appealed. He meant that I shouldn't leave after having just arrived.

"My stay in the Empire is crucial for the survival of Düpfendorf. I can't explain in detail yet, but I hope you trust me for now."

"How can we trust that?"

"...?"

Another commander asked in a challenging tone. The air grew heavy. The other three commanders and I turned our attention to the dissatisfied man.

Second Legion Commander, “Karius Alsav”. Level 177. Ice, water element.

A man with a solid black mask over his mouth, boasting a considerable build like the First Commander. His smooth, bald head reflected the bright lights.

She wouldn't be able to see Isaac's full power here.

At the very least, Isabel wanted to see Isaac fight with her own eyes.

"The duel will continue until one side declares surrender or is knocked out."

The white tiger demibeast Dorhan explained solemnly.

"Are you both ready?"

"I'm ready."

Isaac, having fully stretched, responded.

"My lord."

Karius called out.

"Are you going to face me barehanded? Without any magic weapons?"

"And if so?"

"No matter how great you are, you've underestimated me..."

Karius planted his long spear into the ground. The light reflected off the spear blade and Karius's bald head.

"You might regret this."

"I've felt it since earlier, you know."

Isaac removed his glasses with a smile.

"Why are you so unaware of your place?"

"..."

"Come at me with all your strength. Don't disappoint me further."

"...Understood."

With a thud, Karius halted his spear and assumed a combat stance.

"Both of you. If you're ready, I will announce the start. Duel, begin!"

Dorhan stepped back and declared the start of the Duel.

At that moment, Karius pushed off the ground.

His movements were swift, not befitting his large frame. The frost-covered spear drew countless circles, spinning brilliantly and rapidly, leaving an afterimage of ice mana behind.

At the same time, Karius deployed an ice shield around his body that froze anything it touched.

Anyone who got close would have their ankles trapped and be unable to avoid critical injuries. This was Karius's combat style.

However, Isaac leisurely tracked Karius's movements with his eyes, not even releasing a hint of his own mana.

"Aren't you being too relaxed?!"

Whoosh!

Clang!!

Karius swung his spear.

With the tremendous speed of the spear strike, a powerful chill was unleashed towards Isaac.

However, the attack passed right through Isaac's body.

"What...?"

Isabel was shocked, Erich's smiling face took on a hint of seriousness, and Dorhan calmly assessed the situation.

In the blink of an eye, Isaac's figure disappeared.

"Where are you looking?"

"...!"

Isaac's calm voice came from behind Karius's head. Karius's eyes widened in surprise.

In the blink of an eye, Isaac had appeared behind Karius.

Dorhan, Isabel, and Erich couldn't read Isaac's movements at all.

Shadow Step.

With his abilities enhanced by [vs. Human Combat Power], Isaac could use the technique he learned from Gerald even more effectively.

In an instant, powerful mana enveloped Karius's entire body.

"That's just my afterimage."

As Karius quickly turned to counterattack.

The ice mana condensed in Isaac's right hand exploded.

Kwaaah!!

5-star ice spell, [Frost Explosion].

The explosion of mana and the overflowing ice mercilessly engulfed Karius.