#145
To the Rosellia Temple (2)
The Ion Continent was the largest landmass in the Auterica Dimension.
Its total area was roughly comparable to the Eurasian continent of Earth, about 4 to 5 times larger than the second-largest Enamel Continent.
However, unlike Earth, not the entire continent was under human control.
This world was inhabited by monsters, who possessed a formidable power capable of engaging in territorial disputes with humans.
From birth, they had an overwhelmingly strong physical ability, a tenacity to survive in extreme situations, and a reckless breeding capacity that allowed even a small number to grow into tribes in just a few years.
Moreover, the life force flowing through their bodies was an insurmountable wall for those who hadn’t trained in mana.
While humans had to process mana using aura or magical energy, the monsters could merely breathe and hunt to increase their bodily vitality.
However, their power was limited to physical enhancement and resistance, making it far less versatile compared to other abilities…
In fact, that overwhelming physique was no problem at all for the monsters, who were considered the best weapons.
Having established their territory in various mountains and valleys across the continent, they had long been a hindrance to the development of human nations.
“The Forest of Monsters, which is a headache for the Talia Kingdom, is just one of those forbidden areas. Such levels of forbidden places are scattered all over the continent.”
Of course, just as the Holy Church Order had previously ravaged the Forest of Monsters, it wasn’t impossible to conquer the area temporarily.
To completely eradicate the monsters and stabilize the area would require efforts, resources, and sacrifices far beyond that.
However.
Unlike that, the massive “Northern Mountain Range,” which occupied most of the northern part of the Ion Continent, was.
An accursed ground that humanity could not dare to approach— the worst cursed land.
An extreme environment filled with bitter cold and various venomous creatures.
Monsters boasted an atrocious number consistent with the vast area, and superior individuals filtered through enduring the survival of the fittest over many years thrived here.
Moreover, with the recent opening of the Abyss, the concentrated “madness” made it the perfect environment, turning it into a hell that couldn’t possibly be compared to before.
And, right in the middle of that hell…
[Hoho, splendid. I quite like it.]
It was as if he had discovered a magnificent piece of real estate, nodding in satisfaction.
An existence that warped the surrounding space just by being there, embodying the continent’s despair and the Avatar of Death.
It was the Undead King Hans.
[As the King commanded… I have selected the location considering various conditions… It is neither too far nor too close to the principality… while factoring in the distribution of surrounding monsters and the ruggedness of the terrain…]
Next to him, Olivia was diligently explaining as if she were a real estate agent.
Having worked tirelessly with ghosts to satisfy the Undead King day and night, this level of work had become just a routine for her.
[Good work, Olivia. We can settle on this place.]
Fortunately, it seemed her hard work paid off, as this location fully met Hans’s expectations.
It was a mountain spacious enough to accommodate a military base, surrounded by taller and rougher mountains that blocked sunlight to create a pitch-black area even during the day.
Perhaps because of that, it wasn’t the farthest northern point where snow fell all year round, but the snow piled on the ground didn’t melt, creating a chilling atmosphere.
“Just by looking at it, it’s dark and ominous, perfect for housing a Demon King’s castle.”
Additionally, the area where the high ridges gathered seemed to be a mountain path frequently used by monsters, with numerous creatures lurking nearby like a crucial transit point.
This was indeed another optimal location factor.
[Well then— it’s time to prepare for the move.]
Suuuuu—
As soon as Hans finished his words.
The ground around him quickly became enveloped in a sticky darkness.
It was a method he often used when summoning the undead stored in another dimension, but there was one significant difference in the activated magic this time.
[Heheh, you lot have suffered in that cramped place for too long. Now, go and play to your heart’s content.]
Suuuuuu—
The black darkness covering the ground spread like shadows.
Endlessly stretching out.
…Continuing to engulf the mountain entirely.
And, finally, as it completely covered the mountain, the darkness below ceased to expand.
Clatter—
[Kieeek!]
Crack crack—!
Countless undead slowly started to rise.
Zombies, Skeletons, Ghouls, Gasts, Wights, Dullahans…
Dozens, hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands…
As humanoid forms appeared one by one and filled the mountain, the surrounding plants began to wither dramatically under the dreadful aura of death.
Just by existing, the lethal energies devoured the space, and the air mixed with toxic substances emitted from the corpses.
As the mountain completely plunged into darkness, the “Forbidden Knowledge” activated the following black magic.
Gugugugu—
Amidst the numerous undead filling the area and the energy of death engulfing everything…
With a massive tremor—.
The “Demon Castle” revealed itself.
Constructed from black bricks that appeared to weave shadows, adorned with grim engravings, and crowned with tall, sharp spires.
It was the very epitome of a Demon King’s castle.
“To be precise, it’s black magic called ‘Eternal Labyrinth.’ But for Hans, altering the appearance is no trouble at all.”
Although it was impossible to implement the interior all at once, ‘Eternal Labyrinth’ allowed modifications to be made at the owner’s will, so it was not a major issue.
What was important was that there was a splendid Demon Castle right in front of his eyes.
Clatter— clatter—!
[Kworeee—!]
What followed was exactly as he had envisioned; cleaning up the territories surrounding the castle.
After all, it was the territory of the Undead King, and having so many moving monsters around was a matter of pride!
Given that this area was densely populated with monsters, capturing them all and turning them into undead would serve as valuable resources for Hans.
“Plus, it would give the Rohan Principality a breather. This would significantly lessen any invasion from the northern side where the Demon Castle is located.”
Though he couldn’t directly help, he could offer this small convenience.
After all, those monsters would be directly assimilated into Hans’s forces, so there was no way he’d suffer because of it.
“I should bring over some of the ones that can be used as disposable pawns too. Oldman, who was a key figure in the Oath of Reversal, would be considerable in size and usefulness.”
The ongoing operations of the Undead army in the western region of the continent had been smoothly progressing, resulting in a substantial number of potential sacrifices.
The aftermath of the undead army sweeping through had left the area nearly devoid of demonic sorcerers and devil worshippers.
In fact, there were even zealots serving the Undead King among them…
“In other words, this means Hans has played a significant role in stabilizing the western region.”
The empire, boasting the continent’s strongest national power, and the republics in the east and the southern tribal union were all experiencing considerable strain, so it was entirely thanks to his unseen efforts that the lesser nations in the west had suffered the least.
No one would likely interpret that as pure goodwill, though.
“Ah, right. I should bring that guy here as well.”
Among those who would be moving into the new Demon Castle was.
The Awakened One from Earth that Hans had met in Tovea, Andrew Weaver.
“A surprisingly useful unique skill, indeed. Being able to install surveillance across the continent at will. No, it might be more akin to invisible drones than surveillance cameras.”
To effectively utilize such an ability, keeping him close and stimulating him regularly would be the best approach, wouldn’t it?
“That guy looks like his eyes are glazed and seems lazy too.”
Of course, that was merely a first impression. However, Hans’s judgment, now that he had reached a transcendent level, could not be underestimated.
“Since there’s nothing exciting to do here, he won’t have any distractions. Olivia seems to be busy too, so having him underneath her would probably make her happy.”
In such a manner, without even realizing it, Andrew Weaver’s fate was being decided.
Though this was something that would proceed only after the environment was suitable for human habitation.
*
[Yes, Siana. You have something to report?]
-Indeed, Your Majesty! I didn’t become a noble in the empire for nothing! As I mentioned last time, I have been diligently collecting information that could assist in the continental conquest!
In a massive space within the Demon Castle, which was undergoing some interior work.
Hans, sitting on a gigantic throne made of bones, was communicating with Siana, who was in the empire.
“Bringing in Andrew, who lacks value beyond his ability, doesn’t matter, but it seems a waste to keep Siana here, who holds a barony. I’ll keep her there for a while and observe.”
Siana’s rise to nobility had been quite simple.
After being adopted into a baron family as a child due to her unique charm, over the course of more than ten years, a series of “unfortunate accidents” led to the family members losing their lives one by one.
Ultimately, naturally, she was left as the only remaining member, allowing her to seize the entire house.
-…So, the ambitious Prince Simon is relatively easy to handle. I was already working on him. The truly formidable opponent is the 5th Princess ‘Riley Carte Azerion,’ who stands against the crown prince.
The Azerion royal family featured three princes and four princesses.
Among them, the 2nd Prince had lost power due to the first prince’s ascension, and both the 3rd and 4th Princesses had chosen to abandon the throne to marry.
The 6th Prince, still in his early teens, had a weak influence while the 7th Princess was barely ten years old.
“In such a situation, only the 5th Princess is acknowledged as the rival of the crown prince.”
Normally, no matter how talented the 5th Princess might be, she wouldn’t even have the chance to rival the crown prince.
In royal families, just being born as the firstborn carried a significant advantage in being selected as the heir, and the natural dominance of time greatly influenced the formation of powers.
-Though Princess Riley earned the emperor’s favor with her exceptional intellect, a single person played a pivotal role in establishing her current influence despite her weak external ties.
And that person was the greatest obstacle to Hans’s plans in the empire.
The symbol of the faction’s might, who had protected the 5th Princess through thick and thin amidst various crises.
A close aide to the 5th Princess, who had been with her since childhood.
And one of the continent’s renowned archmages…
-Isea Pristine. She will be a significant hindrance to your great endeavors! She is the top priority for elimination!
She was also someone recommended as a member of the “Hero Party.”
-Actually, I once encountered Baron Pristine and nearly got caught. Since then, I’ve been doing my best to avoid her. I managed to trick even the High Priest’s attention…
In other words, the praises of being one of the top mages on the continent were considerably understated.
She was hiding her true powers, likely to protect the princess more effectively in case of emergencies.
-A mage who’s still under thirty and at that level means we can’t even imagine how much more she’ll grow over time. We need to cut her off before she becomes stronger!
Siana also conveyed the intelligence that Isea Pristine was heading toward the Rosellia Temple this time.
While the outcome was uncertain, if she joined forces with the hero, it would pose a significant threat.
Of course, Hans was well aware of what Siana had said.
“Certainly impressive. At this level, most executives wouldn’t stand a chance. But she’s in her late twenties… Even if I were generous, she seems like she’s only in her late teens.”
It made sense.
Because at that moment, Harley was travelling straight towards the Rosellia Temple and had come face to face with her.
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