The Empire's northern border is a land of constant howling winds and endless snow and ice. Yet amidst this frozen wasteland stands a massive city.
From a distance, squads of imperial elite soldiers clad in standard-issue winter armor can be seen coming and going, hauling unknown cargo in and out of the city. But up close, it becomes clear that these are no ordinary goods—they're corpses.
Not long ago, this city was a key stronghold in the Empire's northern region, occupied by foreign tribes. A few months prior, Numa Seika, the prince of the Northern Tribes, launched a sweeping invasion along the Empire's northern border, using his nation's cities as strongholds.
Numa Seika was a terrifying strategist, skilled in command, and the most formidable warrior among the Northern Tribes. It's said that he never lost a battle while wielding his spear, and the tribes trusted him deeply.
Historically, the Northern Tribes had often raided the Empire's northern frontier, usually retreating after looting supplies. Because of this, the Empire's northern officials failed to take the threat seriously at first.
But within mere months, over a dozen major cities were seized. Only then did the officials realize the gravity of the situation and urgently request reinforcements. That's what led to Esdeath's deployment—she was sent to lead the Northern Suppression Force and crush the tribal uprising.
Upon her arrival, Esdeath reclaimed a captured city in just a single day with overwhelming force. She then issued an order: all members of the Northern Tribes—men, women, and children—were to be executed without exception. That's the scene we witnessed at the beginning of this chapter: imperial soldiers transporting corpses. It also reflects the depth of Esdeath's hatred for the tribes.
Now, atop the towering city walls, a tall woman clad in a modified white general's uniform and military cap stands gazing into the distance. Her long, ice-blue hair cascades down to her knees, and her beauty is striking. She is none other than Esdeath, commander of this army.
Behind her stand three figures, like loyal bodyguards—Esdeath's most trusted subordinates, known in the original story as the Three Beasts: Liver, Nyau, and Daidara.
Liver: Once a wise and valiant general of the Empire and Bulat's superior officer, he was framed and arrested for refusing to accept bribes. Esdeath rescued him, and he has served her loyally ever since.
He wields the Teigu "Black Marlin," created from the organs of aquatic predators that manipulate water flow. It allows the user to control any liquid they touch, though unlike Esdeath, they cannot generate liquid from nothing. Still, it's an immensely powerful Teigu.
Nyau: A petite, effeminate boy born into an aristocratic family. He's cold, merciless, enjoys dissecting small animals, and has a twisted hobby of collecting female faces.
He wields the Teigu "Military Music Dream (Scream)," which lets him manipulate the emotions of those who hear its music. Though known for boosting morale on the battlefield, it can influence dozens of emotions. However, repeated exposure can lead to resistance.
Daidara: A combat addict who constantly seeks out powerful opponents to hone his skills. He encountered Esdeath during a warrior's pilgrimage, challenged her to a fight, was defeated, and pledged loyalty to her ever since.
He wields the Teigu "Double Bladed Axe (Belvaac)," a weapon so heavy it requires immense strength to wield. Its attack power is tremendous. It can split into two axes and be thrown at enemies, continuing to pursue them as long as the user has the strength to support it.
"General, it's cold, let's go back inside."
At that moment, the man standing behind Esdeath spoke up.
Liver was already around forty years old, with a few strands of white hair mixed into his black hair, but he still stood tall and straight, looking like a meticulous old butler behind Esdeath.
"It's okay, I'm waiting for someone."
Without turning around, Esdeath responded casually.
Hearing her words, the Three Beasts were puzzled—who could possibly warrant Esdeath standing here waiting in person? But as proper subordinates, they didn't question her and simply accompanied her, standing quietly in the freezing wind.
Not long after, a flash of light streaked across the sky, as if appearing out of nowhere. A spaceship, adorned entirely in gold and emeralds, suddenly materialized before Esdeath and the Three Beasts.
"Greetings, Minister of Security."
Seeing Haruki, the Three Beasts immediately bowed in respect.
Though they held little regard for most of the officials in the Imperial Capital, Haruki was an exception. As Esdeath's closest subordinates, they knew well the depth of her relationship with Haruki. They had even heard her say that many of her skills were taught by him. From every angle, the Three Beasts held Haruki in high esteem.
"The weather in the Northern Region really makes me nostalgic... Esdeath, did you miss me after more than ten days apart?"
A slightly sentimental voice drifted from the spaceship—it was Haruki. Standing beside him was Gin.
Having grown up in the Empire's northern lands, Haruki felt a strong sense of nostalgia and familiarity with this snow-covered world.
"Oh, it's very memorable."
Esdeath responded with a soft sigh.
"But didn't you say you had a gift for me this time? Hurry up and take it out."
Her tone shifted as she followed up, now more expectant than nostalgic.
"Ah, Esdeath, you're as impatient as ever. The gift's not here. Come on up—I'll take you to it."
Haruki replied with a grin.
Not long ago, he had sent Esdeath a message through the ring he'd given her, saying he'd be bringing a gift for her during his visit to the North. That was why she had been waiting here all this time.
In truth, Haruki could've used the coordinates embedded in the ring to teleport straight to Esdeath's side.
But first, he wanted to see the northern scenery again.
And second, he didn't dare bring Gin along while traversing space. Space travel demanded tremendous physical resilience, and Haruki wasn't willing to risk Gin's safety. So, he chose to bring her aboard the Vimana instead.
At this point, someone might ask: if space travel is so dangerous, then how could Syura in the original story travel through space using a Teigu?
Well, Syura used the Teigu Dimensional Formation: Shambhala, which he had to hold in his hand while moving through space—this offered a level of protection.
By contrast, Haruki was using the ring's coordinates to teleport directly through space, which offered no such safeguards.
Gin and Esdeath, being the two most powerful women by Haruki's side, were about to receive gifts that would boost their strength.
"Alright, Liver, you three wait for me here in the city. The army stays put until I return. Got it?"
Realizing the gift wasn't nearby, Esdeath didn't question it. She simply turned to the Three Beasts, issued her orders, and leapt onto the Vimana.
"Yes."
Liver and the others obeyed without hesitation.
The Vimana then transformed into a golden flash and vanished from their sight in an instant.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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