Chapter 303: The Magic Cannon

Fokris City had a population of more than seven thousand people, which already counted as a great city in the Northern Lands.

The Lord had already gone to subjugate the Frost Giant. This news was not hidden, and in fact, it spread as the Lord led his army away.

The people did not believe the Lord would fail. They believed the Lord would surely slay the Frost Giant and become the new Supreme King.

They were not disappointed. News came from the front that Earl Leonard Cortes had tried to seize the glory of killing the Frost Giant for himself but was driven back by the Lord.

That was their Lord—a powerful Lord. They cheered, convinced they would soon become the subjects of the Supreme King. Fokris would become the Royal Capital, and under the new Supreme King, they would conquer the world.

Then, they felt the ground tremble. Soon after, a towering Frost Giant charged forward.

Everyone who saw the Frost Giant froze in place. They did not know whether it was because of fear or because their feet had already been frozen by frost. They could only stare blankly as the giant rushed closer. Even the city’s towering walls only reached the Frost Giant’s knees.

The Frost Giant exhaled a breath of icy air. The bone-chilling cold was even harsher than the exile lands’ frigid winters. In an instant, the entire city froze over. One by one, people turned into ice sculptures.

At last, some broke free of the ice. They were the Northern Warriors.

But instead of charging at the Frost Giant, they turned and fled.

Castag paid no attention to such insects. It merely lifted its leg and stomped down fiercely.

The ground quaked instantly. The Northern Land’s uniquely hard permafrost cracked beneath its step. The rugged, massive Fokris City became nothing more than a field of ruins beneath that single stomp.

“Roar!!!” Castag let out a deafening bellow.

After destroying the city, it turned and departed.

When the tremors caused by Castag’s running finally ceased, a few survivors crawled out from the ruins of Fokris and spread word of the Frost Giant’s terrifying power.

For a time, all in the Northern Lands revered the Frost Giant’s strength—and became even more fanatical about the Supreme King of the past, who had once slain such a creature.

…

Greenwood, York Territory, Senate Hall.

All five Senators were present.

Puniel spoke first, “Where is Priest Agamemnon?”

Piero replied, “He said the matter of the Frost Giant would be handled by the Church, and that we need not worry.”

He lowered his head to conceal the rot on his face. A heavy scent of spices clung to him, as though covering another odor.

Puniel said, “Even if Priest Agamemnon says so, that Frost Giant is barreling straight toward us. I can almost feel the chair beneath me trembling with the earth. How could I not worry? The latest report says that Frost Giant destroyed an entire city in a single instant.”

Bevan added, “Just by running, it can shatter the land. For now, the Church only orders villages along its path to evacuate. But what if it advances further? Its path seems headed toward York City. Even though York is far larger than Fokris, with its strength, it would only take a few more stomps to reduce the city to rubble.”

Jeffrey said, “There are more than fifty thousand people living in York City right now. It is also Greenwood’s administrative hub. If York were destroyed, all governance would collapse. Moreover, the families of our standing army live there. Should they perish, the army itself would surely fall into chaos.”

As he spoke, Jeffrey looked toward the silent Julian.

Julian ignored him and said, “Since the Church tells us not to worry, I will send word to the Eastern Expedition. The soldiers should continue exterminating the Fishmen. Their numbers are far too great, and the more they face extermination, the faster they breed. If we do not press on, we might not be finished even by next year.”

Piero nodded slightly. “Then send word quickly. If needed, you can personally oversee the East. Furthermore, we will provide the nobles with ballistae and catapults. Once their fortresses and outposts are complete, the Eastern Expedition will bear less pressure.”

Julian said, “Until the matter of the Frost Giant is settled, I will remain here in the city.”

Piero raised his head and looked at the others. “The same goes for you. If you are truly worried, you may leave York City for your territories. Once this matter ends, you can return to the Senate.”

Puniel laughed. “Lord Piero, we are only concerned for Greenwood’s safety. We are not afraid.”

Piero said, “You should keep faith in the Church.”

Puniel replied, “Of course we trust the Church. But we are also responsible for the fragile lives of our people. A single misstep in judgment could cost them dearly. As devout believers, how could we bear to let common folk die because of our negligence?”

Bevan and Jeffrey both voiced their agreement.

Piero did not press further. Instead, he said, “Since everyone is gathered, let us discuss the matter of appointing new Senators.”

Puniel, Bevan, and Jeffrey all stiffened, exchanging glances. At last, Bevan asked, “Is this the Church’s order?”

Piero said, “No, it is my idea. I act on behalf of the Lord—no, on behalf of the King—in administering the realm. But the kingdom’s domain has grown too vast. With only a few of us, we cannot manage everything. We need more Senators.”

Bevan asked, “How many?”

Piero raised three fingers. “Three. One will oversee the Personal Guards—while Councilor Julian will command the external legions. One will manage taxation: agricultural levies and road tolls. From then on, Councilor Bevan, you will be in charge of commercial taxes. The last will handle currency exchange. Councilor Jeffrey, since you already oversee the Academy, you should be relieved of coinage matters.”

The three Viscounts did not look pleased. Only Julian asked, “What about the external legions’ numbers? And will the Personal Guards be drawn from existing legions?”

Piero said, “Those matters will be discussed once the new Senators take their seats. You and he will decide together.”

Julian nodded silently.

Bevan said, “This is only your idea. Do not forget our appointments come from the Church.”

Piero said, “Naturally. Once the new Senators are chosen, I will submit their names and responsibilities to the Pope.”

At the word “Pope,” Bevan fell silent.

Jeffrey asked, “And if the Pope does not approve?”

Piero tapped the Senate’s round table with his hand. “This round table was crafted at the Pope’s instruction. It has eight seats.”

The three had no more objections. The discussion shifted to recommending candidates. Puniel, without hesitation, nominated Viscount Damon.

…

While political struggles unfolded in the Senate, new weapons were lined up on the battlefield.

“Thirty new ballistae, and three Magic Cannons.” Priest Agamemnon looked at the machines and said to George, “These cannons were developed jointly by the Monastery and the Academy of Magic. Each one is worth at least thirty thousand York gold coins.”

George said, “I can sense danger in them. But even so, these cannot threaten the Frost Giant.”

Agamemnon nodded. “Of course. I never expected them to. That Frost Giant is a Phantasm capable of rivaling the gods.”

“Still, new weapons must be tested. The Fishmen have no strong targets left. Knight Richard refuses to risk his Dragon-Eagle. And Salvador remains hidden in the depths, unwilling to surface. So the Frost Giant is the only suitable trial.”

His voice carried faint regret.

George asked, “That is a Frost Giant equal to the gods. Do you not fear provoking it?”

Agamemnon smiled. “That is why you are here, Holy Knight George.”

George shook his head. “Even that crippled Fishmen god, I killed only by sheer fortune. When I saw the corpse of the Theocracy’s Patriarch, my whole body trembled. If he were still alive, I would still not be his match. I cannot even reach demi-godhood. I am only a sixth-rank Hero. How could I possibly stand against a godlike Frost Giant?”

Agamemnon said, “You are the Church’s Holy Knight. You must not lack confidence. Think of Richard—he even volunteered to be the first to fight.”

George said, “I only judge the gulf between myself and that Frost Giant. But when battle truly comes, I will stand and block it with all I have. I will never allow anyone to die before me.”

Olivia spoke boldly, “Don’t worry. None of you will die. I’ll protect you.”

Her small figure sat atop a cannon barrel, her feet dangling against its edge.

Agamemnon laughed. “Indeed, Olivia is the strongest. Even the mighty Dragon-Eagle tucks its wings and flees at the sight of her.”

Olivia snorted. “That’s only because it ran too fast. Otherwise, we could have tasted Dragon-Eagle wings. I wonder if they are better than those Walk-ground Birds.”

George said, “It is our comrade. We should not harm it.”

Olivia replied, “It’s fine. It’s a magical beast. Even if we ate it, as long as there’s magic, it could regrow.”

Agamemnon said, “If it tastes good, you won’t need to catch Walk-ground Birds anymore.”

At that moment, Crulud, who had been hiding from Olivia, finally could not help but send a voice transmission to Agamemnon. “I taste terrible. My magical essence is like dry soil, and my body is warped by magic’s influence. Eating me would only be sour, dry, and impossibly tough to chew.”

Crulud dared not speak to Olivia or George. Both could kill him. Only Agamemnon gave him a slight sense of safety.

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