Chapter 104 - Movement of forces

The surprise from the transparent figure did not last long as she focused on the impact of the sudden change in the battle that would have grand consequences. The [Iceberg] filled with extremely hard and jagged surfaces smashed down into the grassland, heavily damaging the beasts.

BOOM!

The bone spears that were aimed at the [N.a.k.e.d Molerat] had completely skewered the body of the beast as the scene cleared. It let out horrible screeches as the pain registered itself, and a cold blade was all that it met as the incarnation of the human flashed at its position and took its life.

The remaining two beasts came out of the changed land that was now filled with cold glaciers as they howled maddeningly at the human, resuming their attacks with increased vigor.

The beasts and the woman watching the clear mirror showed different reactions at this development, as the arrogant [Emperor Penguin] had a cold light shining in its eyes as it watched the battle continue.

The woman was more surprised at the fact that the human was able to replicate the skill of the [Winged Spider] this quickly after defeating it not too long ago. She had watched as the collection of essence moved from the body of the dead spider in the trial and moved towards the human as it quickly disappeared in his body.

She took this as his devour class unique skill, where normally a significant amount of time would be required before the core essence of a being would be absorbed and the intricacies of its skills would reveal itself. Yet, this human had done this entire process while continuing to battle. Her interest in this human grew more and more as she watched the ensuing fight.

---

Two forces were moving closer and closer to one another, with a battle becoming more and more imminent as time passed.

The LEGENDARY King Roark Belmont had begun moving his forces to be stationed between the snowy mountains of Valen County and Shadow Dukedom, where the Legion of Demons was bound to pass as they neared the Frozen Kingdom.

The Battalion Commanders of EPIC rank had taken up multiple defensive positions as they waited for the arrival of their enemies on the cold battlefield.

Back in the Frozen Kingdom, the recently initiated Royal Guard that was formerly called Captain Ryner was on cloud nine as he circled the manor of the former Princess Adelaide that was now the Crown Princess. He had never thought in his wildest dreams as a mercenary that he would come to guard such a noble person.

Since the word of the King, the guards surrounding the Snowy Peak vastly increased as much of the forces of the kingdom were moved out to meet the coming enemies. Ryner could see the veiled face of the princess on the terrace of the Manor that seemed to be staring at a direction outside the kingdom.

He wondered, 'What thoughts would the princess be deeply thinking right now? Would it be of her family that was setting out to battle, or the people she would be in charge of in the future?'

The Royal Guard was wildly imagining many things that could have been passing through the mind of his revered Princess, but he could never imagine that all of his guesses were completely off.

---

Adelaide was repeating the last message that had come across the communication medallion that was connected to another person miles from here.

The last message she received informed her that something unexpected had occurred, but it was something good that would boost their power against the demons even further. The Sir mentioned that he would try to finish it in as little time as possible, and then come to reinforce the battalions of the Frozen Kingdom against the demons.

She had never once lost confidence in him, his actions continuing to show just how expansive his strength was. She even wondered if he was just over preparing for the coming fight.

The many things that had occurred were all due to the chance meeting they had some weeks back. Since then, a dangerous threat had been taken care of and she was given an even higher position. She smiled in wonder at her unique skill and the man that made it possible. Everything she gained would all be given to him, as she wouldn't have any of it without him.

He was the person that had saved her from certain doom. Even now, the battle that many people were despairing at, she was not too worried about it. She didn't worry about the fate of her father, nor of her younger brother that was acting as a commander. She could care even less for the worm of an older brother that was taken along as well. Her grey and murky fate had slowly been changing over the past days, and so would the fate of the kingdom.

She was even thinking further ahead past this battle as she sent commands to her people to start preparing a few things that would be instituted and used after the end of this battle. Her unwavering trust in one person was something impossible to find unless someone was uniquely in her position.

---

Roark looked to his first son that was riding on a horse beside him with a calm expression. He knew his son very well, and forced himself not to show any affection after the reprimanding actions he took. Stripping him of his right to rule was more than enough for now.

"You will follow me closely and learn how I command the forces. Your position in the future will be a Battalion Commander as soon as we get the resources to increase your rank."

There was a brief silence as the King's voice rang out in Aeneas's ears before his reply came.

"Yes, Father."

The eyes of King Roark turned into slits as he carefully looked at his son that seemed to have lost all emotions.

"Take this opportunity to learn and leave your mistakes behind. All I am doing is for the good of us all. This, you will understand in the future."

The conversation finished as the King kicked his horse and moved forward, checking on the movement of his forces. Prince Aeneas followed close behind, a barely discernible whisper leaving his lips.

"I'll be doing what is best for all of us too, father."

---

The human army moved to their positions as the Demon Legion continued to pass through the cold mountains.

At the forefront were red beasts that carried many figures of demons. The five-meter beasts had thick black fur and seemed like bulls, these were the [Demon Ox] that were commonly used as the mode of transportation for demons.

Droves of them stepped on the icy ground as a low thrumming hum could be heard from the mouths of demons.

GHUUUUUM!

Some were riding on the [Demon Ox], those of lower tiers were walking on the icy ground with an impassive expression, and others were high in the sky bracing the cold winds with no problem. Other beasts such as large [Komodo Dragons] and [Mephitic Turtles] were dangerously carrying even more demons as they moved forward.

GHUUUUUM!

With every step they took, the thrumming hum rang out again, scaring any nearby beasts and leaving behind an imposing air as the army advanced. The average height of these demons was two meters, with some exceptional ones slightly taller and bulkier. Most had fair faces with variations of horns pointing out from their heads. Their bodies were covered in dense red armor as they carried heavy weapons or unstable staffs in their hands.

Among their forces, bulky Orc Commanders and Goblin Kings could be seen, with a variety of other powerful species standing by their side.

Demon King Gremory was seated on an exquisite chair atop an even larger reptilian beast as he enjoyed being fed delicacies. The closer he neared the lands of the Frozen Kingdom, the more excited he became. He had to relieve his hunger multiple times because of it.

He really was too excited as he looked forward to the show about to play. A malevolent smile appeared on his face as he thought of faces these humans would make as this play reached its peak. Haha, this battle couldn't arrive soon enough!