"The Third Adventure: Journey to the Capital"

On their journey, Jamie challenged Brethion, telling him that he wouldn't benefit much from increasing his physical strength unless he possessed sufficient mental strength to stand on the battlefield. Jamie conveyed to Brethion that his fear of enemies is a call to doom and loss more than physical weakness. According to what we believe to be a second awakening, even though Brethion managed to increase his strength exponentially, he couldn't face the thieves until he overcame his fear. Judge that as you wish, for mental weakness is a realized defeat before the challenge begins.

"You know well what I'm talking about, Brethion. Everything I tell you should be within your capabilities because, in the New Warriors Tournament, you might face formidable enemies and challenges or even confront me.

On the opposite side, the capital of Aloria was enveloped in complete tranquility and calmness, as it always knew, before the commencement of the tournament recruiting new warriors to aid the Shadow Elite in facing the zombie threat.

In Queen Cyla's palace, which was unusually peaceful, Chancellor Neil entered with determined steps towards her. Upon reaching her, he bowed and knelt on one knee in reverence and respect.

"I've told you repeatedly not to do that in front of me, Chancellor Neil. You are like a son to me," Queen Cyla stated. Chancellor Neil, twenty-five years old, was a respectful and dignified figure with black eyes and yellow hair. Neil had been managing palace affairs since he was twenty, stepping in after the queen's husband passed away.

Neil, who was the assistant to King Fraser, died on the battlefield fighting zombies before King Fraser's demise. Subsequently, King Fraser himself turned into a zombie but remained alive inside the palace.

After the death of King Fraser, Queen Cyla assumed the throne, becoming the first queen to rule the continent alone in a thousand years.

Queen Cyla was exceptionally beautiful, with yellow eyes and blonde hair. She possessed a stunning and slender body; her breasts were of medium size, and her large buttocks made one desire to engage in intimate relations with her. She was like a beacon within the palace.

"Your Majesty, you are the one who commands, and you are the one who governs this land. Therefore, I must respect you because you are above me, and I am well aware of my place."

"Your Majesty, the four advisors have arrived and are standing at the door, wishing to enter. They want to discuss matters related to the competition and the issues facing some cities under their jurisdiction."

"Well, tell them to come in."

"Guards, open the door for the four advisors, and inform them that the Queen commands their entrance."

The palace guards opened the door, and the four advisors entered. When they reached the Queen, they bowed to her in respect.

"Welcome, esteemed advisors. Please take your respective seats."

Advisor "Bo" is the guardian of the city of Aquatira, located to the east of the capital Aloria.

Advisor "Sam" is the guardian of the city of Corenal, located to the west of the capital Aloria.

Advisor "Eflas" is the guardian of the city of Dreamhaven, located to the south of the capital Aloria.

Advisor "Kim" is the guardian of the city of Orianth, located to the north of the capital Aloria.

"I believe you see your designated chairs, gentlemen, on the left side. You may proceed towards them now."

"Oh Queen, the Shadow Elite has also arrived. They are at the palace door and wish to meet with you."

"Well, inform them to enter."

After the Shadow Elite entered the palace and headed towards the Queen, they too bowed to her in respect. Frex, their leader, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome.

"Shadow Elite, your designated chairs are, I believe, on the right side."

Each person went to their respective seats, and then Queen Alina requested them to be seated.

Following that, Chancellor Neil began informing them of why the Queen asked them to attend today.

"Your Majesty, you have the floor," and Chancellor Neil stood beside the Queen. Meanwhile, her daughter, Rotana, sat beside her mother, Cyla.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today I've gathered you to discuss the upcoming New Warriors Tournament, which has only a few days left. Additionally, there is some breaking news.

Before we delve into it, Shadow Elite, we extend our gratitude for your tireless efforts in protecting our continent and cities.

Queen Cyla, we are here to safeguard you from zombies. Our presence and actions are dedicated to protecting this continent. No need for thanks; it's our duty, and we are at your service.

The Shadow Elite is here to receive the Alexa Medal from Queen Cyla in acknowledgment of their dedicated efforts.

Regarding the New Warriors Tournament, Shadow Elite, you need to choose the number you want to supervise.

Queen, we have decided on the number we desire. It is as follows:

Nico wants five warriors, Mina also wants the same number. Frex prefers four warriors, and as for me, I only want one warrior. In total, we aim for fifteen warriors. Regarding their skill level, we will select the best, regardless of level, as long as they contribute to eliminating zombies."

"Alright, the number you've chosen is very good.

In addition to that, we, the Shadow Elite, have decided to increase a specific number to the one you've chosen for new warriors. You're aware of the shortage in warriors. Therefore, I've decided that one more person will be added to your chosen twenty warriors to become part of the Shadow Elite. This way, the total number of the Shadow Elite will be six, alongside Mia, Frex, Nico, and Fouri. There will be one more person.

What do you say, Queen? Are you sure about this? We don't need another person; we can protect ourselves and our city.

The matter is settled, gentlemen. Let's move on to the next topic.

"Kim," my lady, I want to talk about something else. There's someone I want you to meet; he holds important information about the Glacial Continent.

Alright, tell him to come in, "Kim."

A man over fifty, leaning on a cane, enters, and one of his hands is frozen with ice."

"Speak, and we shall listen, sir."

"Your Majesty, two years ago, some warriors, appointed by Chancellor 'Kim,' including myself, were assigned to explore the Glacial Continent. We embarked on a warship carrying at least fifty warriors, departing from the city of 'Orianth.'

Midway through the exploration, the screen system displaying our strength completely disappeared, rendering us unable to communicate with Commander 'Kim.'

Warriors began showing signs of exhaustion due to extreme fatigue, and after a long journey, six months later, we finally reached the Glacial Continent. There, my lady, we witnessed an unbelievable sight: a flying dragon carrying zombies on its back, surpassing any imagination.

The number of zombies there could reach millions, and the most significant issue was that these zombies were armed and trained for combat.

I believe life on the Glacial Continent has come to an end. I estimate that no more than 1% of the population remains on that island, my lady.

However, some soldiers wanted to enter the Glacial Continent for additional information. After setting foot inside, they were burned by fire from a dragon observing the situation. The battle with these zombies began, but there was no chance of survival."

"My lady, a significant problem is that no one has survived since that time, more than two and a half years. I arrived just a few days ago, so I requested Chancellor 'Kim' to inform you of this reality.

Everyone appeared anxious upon hearing from the old man, as it signaled the definitive beginning of war. Except for the Shadow Elite, who focused on the old man's words and actions, harboring suspicions about what he was saying.

- **Level: [Unknown]**

**Internal Energy: [Unknown]**

**Speed: [Unknown]**

**Combat Skills: [Unknown]**

- **Energy Manifestation: [Unknown]**

**Lethal Weapons: Unknown**

**Facing Enemies: High-level zombies**

**Defense Level: [Indestructible]**

**Acquired Skills: [Unique and unlimited]**

Without warning, Nico, Mina, and Frex swiftly withdrew their swords with precision, placing a sword at the old man's neck and positioning his head beneath their feet."

"What are you fools doing?"

Chancellor Neil and Queen Cyla remained perfectly calm in their reactions.

Freuri stood up from his chair, heading towards Queen Cyla, who was puzzled by the Shadow Elite's actions.

"What are you doing? Leave me be, you fools!"

"Close your mouth, or I'll let Nico's sword find its way in, you fool. We're not here to play," Freuri asserted.

"Madam, this old man is not the one you sent. He's undoubtedly a transformed zombie."

The Queen inquired, "Do you have proof of what you're saying, Freuri?"

Several things have raised suspicions since he set foot in this palace, including:

"... The first thing that caught my attention was his unknown strength. I know very well the energy levels of the city's residents, decreasing with age. However, this old man's strength matched that of a young person. That raised my suspicions."

Secondly, his survival all this time at sea without food or water was the second reason that made me doubt his story. Even if we assume he had enough food, at times he would adopt a diet to conserve more food, which would make his body appear very thin, contrary to what we see now.

Thirdly, that frozen hand – if he were truly human, he would have amputated it due to the pain it caused. We know that internal energy flows through the entire body, and he should have stopped it from reaching that hand. However, what my system displays is the opposite: internal energy flowing through that hand. This means he deliberately froze it.

His detailed account of the story, remembering every event, is perplexing at his age. Saying that no one survived that battle except him implies something is not true.

Isn't what I'm saying true, Zombie Controller?

Haha, I didn't know there was someone with such intelligence in the Shadow Elite. Truly, what they say about you, "Foyuri," is accurate – you are indeed the leader of the Shadow Elite.

The old man started transforming back to his normal form, revealing his final form as a zombie with claws and a decaying body.

But can you, "Foyuri," stop the time bomb inside my body from exploding within the palace?

Whistle

Whistle

Whistle

Mina opened her dimensional field, transporting the zombie outside the palace along with Niko. The latter swiftly beheaded the flying zombie with a decisive strike in the sky.

Anxiety loomed over the atmosphere in the palace, especially after the events witnessed by Queen "Cila" and the four advisors, and what the zombie had revealed.

Queen "Cila," I think we shouldn't tell anyone about this zombie and what happened inside the palace.

This is not the important issue; what matters is whether what he said is true. Does this mean that the Ice Continent has been invaded by zombies?

Was this a direct threat from the Black Quartet for the final battle, or was it to disrupt the security system and cancel the championship?

Amidst these events known to the palace, Jamie and Brethion had arrived in the city of "Korinall."

Here we are again, oh colossal walls. Jamie felt that he might discover something else within this city after Brethion had informed him about what was inside.

Hello, guards, can you open the door for us to enter the city of "Korinall"?

To enter the city of "Korinall," you must pay, fool.

How much should we pay, guard?

A thousand gold for each of you, meaning two thousand gold for both.

Brethion, I don't have enough money. Can you pay for me, and I'll return the money to you after I get it?

Brethion paid the entrance fee, opened the door, and the sight that Jamie witnessed was beyond imagination.

Wow, wow, it's magnificent!

Where are we heading now, Brethion? I think you know everything about this city because you've been here before.