Chapter 21: Laying It All Bare

"Frostwolf Ice Armor!"

David took a step forward, and frost energy surged around him, forming a protective layer of glimmering ice.

In the next instant, a flurry of concealed weapons launched by the assassins struck the ice armor but failed to leave so much as a scratch.

The assassins froze, their movements halted by shock. Those familiar with the Frostwolf family's signature abilities wore expressions of utter disbelief.

The Frostwolf Ice Armor!

This was the hallmark of the Frostwolf Great Knight.

But how?

The Frostwolf Duke was supposed to be a powerless noble who hadn't even awakened his bloodline.

How is he capable of wielding this power?

It became glaringly clear—they had been deceived.

The Frostwolf Duke had been hiding his true strength all along.

But there was no turning back now. Locked in a desperate situation, the assassins exchanged grim glances before launching another attack, determined to eliminate the duke at any cost.

"Frostwolf Breath!"

David didn't retreat; instead, he surged forward. His sword cut through the air, summoning a freezing gust that carried the terrifying chill of the Frostwolf bloodline.

With his intermediate ice element affinity and the frost energy imbued in his bloodline, the Frostwolf Breath rivaled high-tier ice-based sorcery.

Three assassins were caught in the icy blast. Their movements stiffened, and they felt an unbearable chill seep into their bones, as though their very blood had frozen solid.

"This can't be!"

Panic flashed in their eyes as their bodies succumbed to the cold. In the next instant, David's sword slashed through the air, and their consciousness plunged into darkness.

In a single stroke, he eliminated three assassins, each possessing the strength of formal knights, with the ease of swatting flies.

Without pause, David turned his attention to another assassin sneaking up from behind. His sword cleaved cleanly through the ambusher, splitting him in half. Blood spattered the ground.

"Retreat! He's too powerful!"

The remaining assassins' courage crumbled.

David's overwhelming strength shattered their resolve. At just twenty years old, he was already on the brink of becoming a Tier 4 Earth Knight—a feat unmatched even by many of the continent's so-called prodigies.

But retreating was no longer an option.

The Grey Wolf Knight and the assembled knight retainers had surrounded the remaining assassins.

"Who sent you?" David's voice was cold and calm.

The assassins exchanged glances, unwilling to answer.

Seeing their hesitation, David stepped forward and swiftly executed all three without giving them a chance to retaliate.

"If you won't talk, then there's no need to keep you alive."

His expression remained impassive.

Though the assassins said nothing, David already knew who was behind the attack. Only the Icebear Family had the resources and motive to orchestrate this.

But now wasn't the time to openly confront them. For now, he needed to preserve the illusion of cordiality while preparing for the inevitable clash.

"Clean this up," David ordered the Grey Wolf Knight.

Turning his gaze to the militia and refugees, he noted their wide-eyed expressions of awe and reverence. Some even fell to their knees in respect, overwhelmed by his display of power.

Finally, his eyes settled on Roman, the mysterious knight who had fought alongside him.

Roman's face was pale with shock.

The Frostwolf Duke's strength was far beyond his expectations.

At such a young age, David had already reached the pinnacle of Tier 3 and was clearly on the cusp of breaking through to Tier 4. Such talent was rare not just in the North but across the entire continent.

Even in the Crystal Song Kingdom, his ability would surpass that of Princess Rena.

"It seems we need to talk," David said coolly.

Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode toward the thatched hut where the princess had been hiding.

Roman hesitated but followed closely, his expression growing increasingly tense.

Inside the hut, Princess Rena was lost in thought.

She had witnessed the battle from the shadows, and David's strength far exceeded her expectations.

Perhaps the Frostwolf Duke could be the key…

Her thoughts were interrupted as David entered the hut unannounced.

At first glance, he noticed the grime and rags disguising her noble features. The formal knight standing protectively before her confirmed his suspicions.

"A Tier 3 knight, and a girl with formal knight-level strength?"

David's eyes narrowed.

"Who are you?"

Roman stepped forward, shielding the princess.

But before he could speak, Princess Rena placed a hand on his shoulder and stepped into the light.

Taking a deep breath, she met David's gaze. "Frostwolf Duke, I am Princess Rena of the Crystal Song Kingdom."

David raised an eyebrow. "The third princess of Crystal Song Kingdom?"

"Why are you here, disguised as a refugee?"

He frowned. Crystal Song Kingdom bordered the North, and he was well aware of its politics.

Something major must have happened to force a royal princess into hiding.

"If this were an ordinary situation, you could have revealed your identity, and the Northern nobles would have sent you back, fearing retribution from your kingdom."

"So, tell me—who is hunting you?"

David's voice was firm, cutting through any pretense.

Princess Rena hesitated, then sighed. She realized there was no use in fabricating a story.

"It's Duke Icecrown," she admitted.

"He's rebelled?"

David's guess hit the mark, and Rena nodded, recounting the events that had led to her flight.

Listening intently, David tapped his fingers rhythmically against the table, occasionally glancing at the grime-covered princess.

Sheltering her was undoubtedly risky. It would

mean openly opposing Duke Icecrown—a powerful and dangerous enemy.

But as he weighed the risks, an idea began to form in his mind.