The King of Arrogance faced Xiao Xun with utter indifference, for they had met before, in that small tavern, sharing drinks through the night.
Xiao Xun also recalled, "I never expected the renowned King of Arrogance to be a beastman."
"Are you surprised?"
"Since I've come to your territory, why don't you entertain me? At the very least, you could offer me a drink!"
The King of Arrogance sat on his throne, "Unfortunately, I have none."
"If I can't have your farewell drink, then so be it. Are you ready to die?"
"What must come will come, but I warn you, you will regret this."
Xiao Xun drew his sword and swung it, without the slightest hesitation, "So much idle talk. We've only met once, don't act like we're old friends. Because of you, I even have to brave the snow to come to this damned place."
As the King's Star was wielded, the throne collapsed halfway, and a dark green crown fell, striking the ice platform with a series of crisp sounds.
The King of Arrogance remained seated, immovable as a mountain, "Do you truly believe your abilities are enough to kill me?"
"Why not try?"
"Didn't that old shaman of the beastmen tell you I am eternal and unkillable?"
"King of Arrogance, nothing in this world is eternal. Do you think you are truly immortal just because you call yourselves the Undead? Your true form is nothing but a freak of the beastmen race."
The King of Arrogance roared in anger, "I am not a freak, I am the god of the beastmen…"
"Madman, what's the use of shouting so loud?" With that, he thrust the King's Star into the King of Arrogance's mouth.
"Farewell, King of Arrogance."
Accompanied by a piercing shriek, the King of Arrogance completely vanished.
Xiao Xun exhaled, the breath quickly turning into ice shards on the glacier's peak.
"One down."
He muttered to himself, finding he wasn't as jubilant as he had imagined.
He set the King's Star aside and picked up the crown from the ground with both hands, "If I wear this, will I also become the King of Arrogance?"
Suddenly, he thought of something, "This plot feels a bit familiar."
He looked at the crown in his hand, then at the shattered throne, and the King's Star on the ground, "Could this be the legendary Filial Son's Sword? Fortunately, my parents aren't in this world… but if they were…"
The Frost Dragon watched Xiao Xun holding the crown, wondering what he was thinking.
Xiao Xun desperately wanted to try on the crown to see the consequences, yet he feared becoming the King of Arrogance. He also wanted to kick it away, but he was afraid someone else might pick it up, become the new King of Arrogance, and return with renewed strength, making his efforts in vain.
After much thought, he directly sat on the King of Arrogance's throne, letting the howling cold wind batter him.
Yet, he gazed at the exquisitely beautiful crown, far more impressive than Celerpess's. Though Celerpess's crown bore a renowned amber jewel, compared to this one, it lacked a certain regal aura.
His hands seemed to move on their own, placing the crown upon his head.
After a long while, he felt nothing, save for the coldness of the metal.
Only a king could wear a crown. Xiao Xun was not a king. In ancient times in their country, this was considered usurpation. In this otherworldly realm, it also signified a rebellious heart.
He finally took the crown off and held it in his hand.
Meanwhile, in the capital of Saint Lu Roman, Empress Celerpess stood atop the highest point of the Fire Shield Divine King's Palace, flanked by dukes, ministers, three hundred royal guards, and the captain of the guard.
As far as the eye could see, there were fully armed beastmen warriors with grayish-green skin, and…
Farmers with festering skin, drooping eyeballs, and scythes in hand?
Workers with bulging bellies, tilted heads, and wrenches?
Or perhaps soldiers missing an arm and a leg?
And students from the military and magic academies.
All of them had transformed like this, seemingly overnight.
The overwhelming stench of decay made the people atop the palace feel nauseous.
"Empress Celerpess, surrender!"
A familiar voice called out. Celerpess followed the sound and saw Horton.
"This world ultimately belongs to the powerful! You should abdicate and let me take that throne. If you do, I might even spare your life!"
"Horton!"
Empress Celerpess roared, "You ungrateful, despicable, and shameless wretch! A failure of the Guangyan family! I spared your life, yet you show no gratitude, raising an army in rebellion and slaughtering civilians. It is truly an unforgivable offense!"
"You should feel fortunate that I am a member of the Guangyan family. Without me, Saint Lu Roman would have long ago become a living hell."
Celerpess pointed to their surroundings, "Look around you, Horton! What is that? It's the corpses of civilians, the bodies of children! You not only spared no innocent living souls, but you have also desecrated the resting dead. This contingent even includes your own ancestors, Horton!"
"Then, it is most regrettable, Your Majesty Celerpess." He lowered his gaze, a strange sound emanating from his throat, "You and your two hundred thousand citizens will turn to dust!"
Celerpess clenched her fists, "Xiao Xun, hurry back!"
Xiao Xun, riding the Frost Dragon, flew down the mountain.
He didn't know how much time had passed on this journey. How were his soldiers below?
What was the progress on the tasks he had assigned them? wΑp.kanshu伍.net
The Frost Dragon flew swiftly, and before long, they arrived at the encampment. It was a sheltered spot. Looking at the neat rows of barracks and the sentries below, Xiao Xun knew they were safe.
The soldiers naturally noticed the enormous ice dragon. They immediately went on alert, but then they abandoned their vigilance and began to cheer loudly.
"It's Prince Sveinn!"
Yes, they recognized the Frost Dragon. The first time Xiao Xun had ridden the Frost Dragon to the camp, the colossal ice dragon had startled them. However, after Xiao Xun's explanation, their fear turned into fervent adoration!
Hearing the soldiers' cheers from below, Xiao Xun leaped off the Frost Dragon's back. He waved, signaling her to find a place to rest, then, with a brilliant smile, he waved to the surrounding soldiers.
"I'm back!" he said with a smile, "Everyone, thank you for waiting!"
The soldiers erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
"The Prince is back!"
"That's great!"
"Long live Saint Lu Roman!"
…
Xiao Xun made a gesture, and silence immediately fell.
A soldier ran swiftly toward the largest barracks. Soon, Vincent was hurrying towards them.
"Your Highness!"
He saluted, his excitement evident.
"I'm back," he said with a smile. "Let's go back to the command post to discuss matters further." The two walked together towards the command post, the soldiers spontaneously clearing a path. Only after their voices faded did the soldiers disperse, returning to their posts to do what they needed to do.
As soon as Xiao Xun arrived at the command post, he immediately asked Vincent, "How long have I been gone?"