The Empire's Northern Frontier of Ice and Blood

The Northern Frontier of the Empire—where peace has never truly existed. Killing and warfare are the dominant forces in this land.

Beyond the sprawling and never-ending Great Northern Wall, death is omnipresent. On the vast, snow-covered land, various Danger Beasts continuously search for corpses buried beneath the ice, gnawing on exposed bones and organs. They sometimes even engage in vicious battles for "unfairly divided spoils," in a fight for survival.

Here, life is as fragile as grass.

For centuries, the Northern Barbarians and the Empire have never truly ceased their conflict. Bloodshed and skirmishes occur every moment along every inch of their contested border, with hatred between both sides growing with each passing battle.

The shifting, contested borderlines have made it nearly impossible for the Empire to produce an accurate map of the region.

Even in small, unmarked corners on the most detailed military maps of the Empire, the bitter cold of the extreme north remains just as harsh and brutal. The Empire and the Northern Barbarians continue their death struggles, all while competing with Danger Beasts for survival.

Natural disasters and the looming threat of legendary Super Danger Beasts constantly jeopardize everyone's lives.

In this impossibly complex situation, with various human tribes scattered across the region, countless lives are lost in the fight for scarce habitable land. The blood of Imperials, Northern Barbarians, and Danger Beasts alike has soaked the earth of this war-ravaged land.

It seemed as though the only purpose for the people here was killing and plundering.

That was until Imperial Year 1015, when Grand General Selene was granted dominion over the Northern Territories. Thanks to her infamous titles, "Ghost General of the Nation's Protector" and "Duchess of Blood," even though the skirmishes never truly stopped, large-scale warfare has not erupted for several years. The inhabitants of the Northern Region have enjoyed a rare period of 'peace.'

Whooosh...

A gust of wind blew through the icy expanse, carrying snowflakes in a wild flurry.

Creak... Creak...

Amidst the snow-covered wasteland outside the northern fortresses, a group of five figures trudged forward in a line. Each was tied to the next by a rope around their waists. Their thick, padded armor, once warm and protective, had long since become tattered and worn. Patches of what appeared to be cotton—or some other insulating material—peeked through the holes.

The metal plates on the outermost layer were scarred with sword slashes, knife marks, and even bite scratches. Some sections had been crudely sewn together with scrap metal, making one wonder if a mere touch would cause them to fall apart.

Each carried a massive beast-skin pack on their backs, likely filled with their only source of wealth: Danger Beast materials.

These were Northern Hunters, individuals who risked their lives beyond the Great Northern Wall to hunt highly valuable Danger Beasts. They sometimes also doubled as bounty hunters, chopping off the heads of Northern Barbarians who wandered too far and selling them to the military for a hefty reward.

Everything they carried in their packs was all they owned in the world.

"Haha, Tabi, looks like luck was on your side this time," one of them chuckled.

"The gods smiled upon me... A pureblood Northern ermine! That's the kind of fur those noble ladies go crazy for. It'll fetch a great price. I won't have to worry about a thing for years!"

"Bobby, you didn't do too bad yourself," Tabi said.

"Haha, yeah, I got me a level four head, good enough for some reward money. Shame I'm not a soldier, and it wasn't on a battlefield, or I could've been promoted to sergeant!"

...

Perhaps because they had done so well on this hunt, their spirits were high despite the bitter cold. When they spotted the towering silhouette of the fortress walls in the distance, their weathered faces broke into broad smiles.

They had survived.

The imposing stone walls of the Great Northern Wall loomed over the snow-covered plains, standing like a natural barrier that split the frozen wilderness in two. Though weathered and pockmarked by time, the wall still symbolized unwavering protection to the Northern people of the Empire.

Gazing up at the fifty-meter-high battlements, they approached the seven or eight-meter-wide gate. Despite the frigid wind whipping through the entrance, their hearts were warmed by the sight.

"We made it back," one of the hunters muttered with relief.

As they neared the gate, they untied the ropes connecting them. One of them, Bobby, began organizing his spoils when he noticed something strange about the guards. "Hey, Tabi, look at those soldiers. Their uniforms have different insignia. What's going on?"

"I've got no clue," Tabi replied, equally puzzled. "But they do look tougher than before. Maybe the garrison changed?"

A passerby, overhearing them, chimed in. "You've been out hunting, haven't you? Those aren't regular soldiers. They're Imperial Guards. The Grand General, Duke Selene von Habsburg, will be inspecting the Northern Wall in a week, and these soldiers are her advance party."

"I see. Thanks for the information," Tabi said, grateful for the clarification. The group of hunters bowed politely before entering through the gate.

After finding a roadside stall, they ordered hot soup—the first they'd tasted in nearly a week. As they warmed themselves, they noticed that security around the fortress seemed much stricter than before. "Who would've thought a big shot from the capital would come all the way to this frozen wasteland," one remarked.

Looking at the furs in their packs, their eyes gleamed with excitement. With the arrival of such a prestigious figure, they knew they could sell their goods at a premium.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Duchy of Habsburg, at Schönbrunn Palace.

"We need more laborers. Send word to the provincial guard to transport additional barbarian slaves."

"Yes, sir."

The construction site was a hive of activity, with Sebas overseeing the frantic efforts. With a stern expression, the elderly butler studied the blueprints in his hands. "Miss Selene will be arriving in a week, but the work won't be finished in time."

Between building the palace, opening new mines, and setting up factories, even with round-the-clock labor—ignoring the death toll of slaves—it was impossible to complete everything in such a short time.

The palace itself, however, was nearing completion. Naturally, it was Sebas' masterpiece. As the Habsburg family's most loyal servant, Sebas had his own plans. Having studied at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture, constructing Schönbrunn Palace was well within his capabilities.

If time weren't an issue, Sebas would have loved to replicate the Pantheon, Hadrian's Villa, and Nero's Golden House as well—all as gifts for Miss Selene.

"The banquet hall—has it been completed?" Sebas meticulously rolled up the blueprints and turned to his attendant.

"It has been finished. As per your instructions, the unfinished parts of the rear hall have been covered with embroidered screens to block them from view."

"Good. There must be no mistakes at the welcome banquet in a week."

"Yes, sir."

Habsburg Duchy Border, Tetros River, Dawn.

"You pigs! Get up and assemble! Move it, faster! Anyone who dares slack off will end up like the one we hanged yesterday! Now get going!"

At the riverbank docks, barbarian slaves, clad in rags and covered in dust, were roused by the harsh commands of their overseers. Their bodies, still weary from a short, restless sleep, stirred into action. Though their faces were numb with exhaustion, they dared not stop, knowing that a mere moment of hesitation would bring the sting of the overseer's whip.

This had been their life for the past five years, ever since their homeland (tribe) had been destroyed.

One day they would be working alongside a friend, only to see them disappear the next—whether from death, illness, or being worked to the bone.

Though there had been attempts at rebellion, those who tried were long gone, buried in unmarked graves—if they even received graves at all. Worse, their attempts only led to collective punishment for their entire work crew.

According to the Empire's promise, they would be freed after ten years of labor. Their deepest wish now was simply to survive those ten years.

As the long night gave way to a sliver of dawn, Selene and her massive entourage arrived at the Tetros River, flanked by more than a dozen Imperial Guards carrying banners that announced her status.

Choosing to explore her territory in detail, Selene had opted not to simply teleport but instead traveled with her troops, using her World Chronicle to gather information about the land's resources along the way.

Halting her horse at the riverbank, Selene sent word to nearby local officials not to bother with a formal welcome. Leiva had just returned from his investigation and reported that many of the county officials surrounding her domain were Honest's men.

"Honest?" Selene couldn't help but chuckle—first a snicker, then a full, cold laugh. "He still hasn't given up, I see... No matter. Don't worry about those puppets. One day, your revenge will be fulfilled."

As Selene gently patted her white stallion, she signaled for Leiva to follow.

"Miss... are you truly going to kill an Imperial minister?"

Leiva clenched his fists, his voice heavy with emotion. "I am willing to atone for my foolishness. I don't care about revenge anymore, but I can't bear the thought of you being branded a traitor."

"You don't need to concern yourself with that. I am not like Budo." Selene's voice was calm as she continued, "I am Selene von Habsburg."

By the riverbank, hundreds of onlookers gathered to watch the Imperial forces pass. Hidden among the crowd were those who saw this as the perfect opportunity for surveillance.

"Selene von Habsburg..." a tall, black-robed elderly woman murmured.

"Teacher Barbara, should we make a move now? She only has a few guards with her," asked a young, eager-looking girl at Babara's side, practically itching for action.

"No. We leave," Babara said.

"Why, teacher?" the girl asked, confused.

"Selene has returned to her fief and taken many of her elite guards with her. The Imperial Capital is at its weakest right now. It's time for the Oarburgh Assassins to return to the shadows."

"Sebas, you..."

After the grand welcome banquet, Selene wandered the gold-adorned halls of Schönbrunn Palace, her expression a mix of wonder and exasperation as she observed the vast construction efforts still underway. Through an embroidered screen, she could see the sprawling palace complex, and it made her feel a bit of discomfort.

"Miss, please look here! I modeled the garden after the one in your Vienna Estate..." Sebas said excitedly, showing her around. His enthusiasm resembled that of a kindly grandfather showing off a gift to his granddaughter. It was clear that after a year apart, Sebas had deeply missed Selene.

"And here..." Sebas continued, pointing to a balcony attached to a three-story palace near the garden. "...I've completely replicated the balcony from Swan Castle. You always loved taking naps there as a child."

Selene couldn't help but feel a bit of nostalgia as she watched Sebas, with his warm, grandfatherly smile. It was no surprise, really. After all, for someone like Sebas, who had served her family loyally for generations, his goal wasn't necessarily to make everything the best, but to make it the most suitable.

"Thank you, Sebas."

Despite a twinge of regret for having once casually said, "Just handle the palace construction however you see fit," Selene couldn't bear to dampen his enthusiasm. Sebas, after all, had done it all out of love, wanting to ensure she lived as comfortably as possible.

"Yes, I'm very pleased, Sebas. But how are the factories coming along, with the industrial equipment I stored in the Imaginary Space?" Selene asked lazily as she stretched out in the shaded central courtyard.

"We're about sixty percent complete. Some production lines are already up and running." Switching back to business mode, Sebas became serious once more.

"Good. Sebas, let me introduce you to someone. This is Dr. Stylish, the head of the Imperial Science Bureau. And this is former General Leiva, now my vassal. He's essentially your junior."

"Hello, Mr. Sebas."

"Greetings, Chief Steward Sebas."

"Greetings, Dr. Stylish. Greetings, General Leiva," Sebas replied, giving a polite nod to both men in turn.

After the introductions, Selene continued, "Leiva, you'll stay here. Sebas, take Dr. Stylish to inspect his new laboratory. Oh, and feel free to share all our copied technology with him—he's one of us."

"Understood." Sebas bowed before escorting Dr. Stylish out.

As the attendant prepared drinks, Selene turned her attention to Leiva, who seemed somewhat uneasy at being left alone with her. "Leiva, I have a task for you. You might die, but if you succeed, you'll gain even greater power. Will you accept?"

Without hesitation, Leiva knelt on one knee, placing his hand over his heart. "I await your command, Miss."

"Good. I need you to go to a certain place and retrieve nine masks…"