Originally, in a tutorial stage that wasnt ant 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 equipnt 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 equipnt 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 mont and location.
Has this damn ga finally decided to cut so slack?
The corners of my mouth twitched involuntarily. Naturally, it was hard to suppress a smile upon obtaining such a phenonal 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 complinted everyone.
"Ill award a handso 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 comncent of the stage."
I calculated the remaining ti.
[STAGE 3]
- Ti until start: 20 hours 30 minutes
There was still ample ti before the onset of the next stage.
I could deliver the magic gun to Damien, and even allocate ti to train him to get accustod 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 ga.
Ironically, I was the one who deserved to be scolded. I hadnt anticipated the ga to flow so seamlessly all of a sudden.
Chuckles of delight escaping , I traveled in the carriage back to the mansion.
Today was the eve of the defensive battle, so I had already summoned the party mbers to the mansion. Theyd all be there waiting for .
"My lord."
As the carriage neared the mansion, Lucas, stationed in the coachmans seat, called out to .
"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 shimred 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 with her uniquely sharp eyes, and finally, she sighed.
"Today, the lords aide gave this to ."
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 rchants Union and the Ivory Tower of the Wizards Alliance, it was a magical docunt 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 soone 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 erged.
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 comnt."
"What did he say?"
"He stated, The lord orders that, having received this money, you have no further business in this town, so you should depart promptly and exit the town~ ...."
Mimicking Aiders voice, Evangeline expressed her discontent with crossed arms.
"And claiming it was the lords command, they packed all my belongings and evicted from the mansion. I couldnt believe it so I waited here to confirm with you directly. Did you really order this, senior?"
I nodded my head.
"Yes."
"Arent you expelling a bit too swiftly? I havent even said all my farewells."
"If youre going to say goodbye, its best to do it quickly. Whats the use of dragging it out?"
I replied, my voice steady and firm.
"The next defense battle begins tomorrow. This place will turn into a war zone. Do you wish to get caught in this turmoil and struggle along with us?"
"But still..."
"Stop hesitating and move on. You no longer have ties with this town."
Even though she had relinquished her title and her assets had been neatly arranged.
Evangeline, who seed to be hesitating as if there was so regret left, cautiously began to speak.
"I still want to help with the next defense battle. Youve helped , so..."
"No!"
I denied her firmly.
"If youre leaving, leave cleanly. Theres no need for you to get involved unnecessarily."
"But!"
"Even without the assistance of a youngster like you, this town can stand its ground just fine."
At my declaration, Evangelines temper flared.
"Youve seen in action! I can hold my own! No, even more than that...."
"Evangeline!"
At my bellow, Evangeline jolted and staggered backward.
I pointed a finger at her, cornering her.
"Werent you the one who chose to turn your back on your hotown and embark on a brand new journey? So you surrendered your title, sold your familys estate. Youve discarded your ho and your past!"
"But... Thats true, but..."
"If youve made a decision, stick to it. Dont look back, just go!"
I relentlessly fired harsh words at her.
"Youre right. The only things youll find on the monster front line here are death and dust. And once you step into that death and dust, it will never let you go!"
"..."
"Steer clear of the monster wars from now on. Leave for good and find sothing else you truly desire."
I took a breath, then slowly exhaled.
"Live a life of freedom, doing what you want. That was your fathers final wish."
"...!"
"You said you wanted to be a rebellious daughter, Evangeline. To live like a free spirit. But at least fulfill your fathers last wish."
I strode past the rigid Evangeline, stepping into the mansion.
"Youre now a stranger. This mansion is no longer part of your familys estate."
"Senior, wait a mont...!"
"We have to prepare for tomorrows defense eting. Id appreciate it if you could make your exit."
"..."
I paced slowly into the mansion.
I wasnt sure what expression Evangeline wore as she watched retreat.
"Thank you for everything these past few days, senior. No, Your Highness."
A respectful voice echoed behind .
"Ill pay my respects at my parents grave one last ti... then Ill depart from Crossroad."
"..."
"I hope that luck will accompany Your Highness on your journey forward."
Without replying, I entered the mansion.
As I walked into the hallway and glanced back, Evangeline stood there, her body bowed in a deep angle. I murmured softly.
"...I wish you the best in your journey too."
Slam!
I shut the front door and let out a sigh. What a situation.
Lucas, who had been standing beside , chuckled.
"You didnt have to be so tough on her."
"If Id been gentler, she mightve clung to a glimr of hope. Did you hear her? What was that? Help with the defense? Carry her own weight? What a ss!"
I waved my hand in dismissal.
"One more day, one more ti, and shell be stuck in a loop. We cant allow that. I have to push her out."
"But, she might have been able to handle it..."
"Who needs tears for a farewell? A stash of gold certificates should suffice, right?"
I stole a glance through the mansions corridor window.
Evangeline readjusted her backpack and fastened her spear and shield at her hip, comncing a slow trek towards the south.
Shed ntioned sothing about a final visit to her parents grave.
"..."
Quietly, I watched the small figure of the girl retreat into the distance, allowing a small sigh of regret to escape. Farewell, my costly SSR...
"Well, thats one worry off the list!"
I clapped the back of another SSR grade knight standing next to . Lucas mustered a forced grin.
"Lets give it our all, Lucas!"
"Im just here to follow your orders."
Lucas and I ventured into the mansions reception room.
The key party mbers had already assembled and were awaiting our arrival in the reception room. Jupiter, Damien, and...
"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 ti to get back in the ga."
"Ahhh! Please! Send back to the workshop! Ill work till I drop, just spare 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 eting, 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 eting 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 bewildernt, I hurriedly opened the system window.
"What nonsense is this? Theres still ti until the stage starts, isnt there?"
[STAGE 3]
- Ti Remaining: 18 hours, 55 minutes
"Look at this! We still have nineteen hours remaining..."
Suddenly.
[??? has intervened in the ga!]
The necklace around my neck began to radiate warmth,
Whirr!
[STAGE 3]
- Ti 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 ti, which was clearly displayed, started plumting, emitting a whirring noise.
Falling, and falling again-
Clank!
[STAGE 3]
- Ti Remaining: 00 hours, 30 minutes
It disappeared.
The grace period of nineteen hours had vanished, leaving a re 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 t my gaze, also bore a deathly pale face.
Right now, at that orchard...
- Ill pay my respects at my parents graves one last ti...then Ill leave Crossroad.
...Evangeline should be there.
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