A Mission

The next day, Carl received a reward from Azgoth for showing arrogance befitting the royal family.

The price of the award was to put Carl's life on the line.

A week later, Carl must leave the imperial palace to subdue a large number of monsters in the Barony of Hilfin in the northern part of the empire.

This is a responsibility that Emperor Azgoth directly gave to the 4th Prince Carl.

He openly expressed his intention to give the weak child of lowly birth, who was no better than a wild animal, a chance to gain power.

However, the fact that the monster was entrusted to Carl, who until a few days ago was on the verge of death and could not even breathe properly, was interpreted as meaning that they would kill the monster and get rid of it because it was a bother.

Because the situation was so sudden, no one could make an accurate judgment about it.

Except only Carl.

Originally, this subjugation mission was given to Nero in the original work.

And Nero took the knights and wizards of Count Beria with him and subdued the monster in an instant.

He said, 'It wasn't that great, so it wasn't fun.' Having said the same thing, he rejected Azgoth's will to grant him power.

But it won't be that easy for Carl.

Compared to the genius Nero, who will reach the level of master a year later, and the power of the sword and staff of Count Beria, who is overflowing with money, Carl is now no better than a newborn.

He could die. But Carl must pass this test.

If he fail anyway, he'll just die.

'The is what I hoped for.'

Carl gritted his teeth against the huge torrent of fate that was endlessly driving him to death.

I finally took my first step.

I really can't stop now.

I have to keep running forward.

***

Carl's was able to receive some small support from Azgoth, who wanted to increase competition for the imperial family, in fact the imperial throne.

First of all, for Carl, who had nothing to wear other than pajamas, he was given clothes and armor to wear during this subjugation mission, a long sword with an emblem representing the imperial family engraved on it, and a large, handsome war horse he had never ridden before.

And most importantly, Carl, who had just woken up from a hospital bed, was thin and had never even held a dining knife before, was given the opportunity to pick a knight and take him with his so that he wouldn't die in vain.

Even if it's something else, being able to take an imperial knight is truly a great support.

No matter how dangerous the situation is, he/she will be able to protect Carl's life.

If the subjugation fails or if there is significant damage, the future may become cloudy, but such worries may also have to be kept alive.

The first thing is to survive.

"… … ."

"Lilly, don't worry too much."

"But, Master Carl… ."

Even as Lilly was putting clothes on the scrawny Carl, it seemed like she couldn't accept the situation itself.

"Why did Master Carl take on such a dangerous mission?"

In the end, Lilly asked that question while adjusting Carl's collar.

Carl smiled a little bitterly at Lilly's worried words.

This isn't at all dangerous compared to what's to come.

The mission that Carl received was, as Nero said, 'nothing special.' It was nothing more than a brief, passing monster subjugation.

It is simply a small device that shows Azgoth' intention to empower Nero.

Of course, Carl is not Nero, who threatened the main character, Adrian, with only martial arts, and he does not have a strong ally like Beria.

Carl could easily die with this simple mission.

"Lilly, the imperial knight will go with me, so I won't be in danger."

Carl tried to comfort Lilly and spoke as if this incident was really nothing.

And because he was unable to grow normally due to his illness, he held Lilly trembling hand with his hand, which was much smaller and thinner than his original age.

Carl's hands had a strength that was clearly unimaginable given his scrawny appearance, so Lilly was able to ease her worries just a little.

"And, look...."

Carl smiles and shows the shoulders of his slightly stuffy clothes.

Surprisingly, within a few days after receiving the clothes, Carl was growing at an incredible rate. He didn't look like his original age of 16 yet, but he also didn't look like the child he used to be.

"When I come back, I might be bigger than Lilly. And I should also use this opportunity to see the world."

"Master Carl… ."

Lilly looked at Carl with reddened eyes and affectionately rubbed Carl's shoulder without realizing it.

Just like a mother would for her son, with concern and love.

Carl was happy about that and smiled a little and patted Lilly's hand gently, grateful for her unwavering support. Despite the weight of the impending mission, Carl felt a flicker of hope ignite within him as he stood clad in his new armor, ready to embark on this journey into the unknown.

As he prepared to depart from the safety of the imperial palace, Carl couldn't help but feel a surge of determination coursing through his veins. This mission wasn't just about subduing monsters; it was his chance to prove himself, to defy the odds stacked against him, and to carve out his own path in a world that had often seemed indifferent to his struggles.