The next morning, a bird of news flew through the holy city of Biharaj, carrying with it unbelievable news.
Every morning in the holy city used to bring peace and prosperity. But that morning arrived with news of chaos and destruction.
In the civilian district of the holy city, a massive ice-covered mountain had suddenly appeared, towering like a frozen temple. Sealed within it was a colossal monstrosity.
This astonishing event was sure to spark countless conspiracy theories among scholars for years to come.
The devastated city block was completely encased in ice. A massive translucent barrier, cast by ORDER's Awakened, enveloped the entire area. Civilians had been relocated to a separate location, effectively isolating the block from the rest of the city.
The restricted zone was off-limits to anyone not authorized by ORDER, with guards stationed at every entrance to prevent any unauthorized access inside the barrier.
Numerous ORDER officials were present. Some were engaged in rescue operations, some were studying the unknown giant creature, while others examined the remains of the Shadowless and analyzed the aftermath of the destruction.
The body of the Shadowless was shielded by a large umbrella to prevent sunlight from touching it.
It was a necessary step—after all, the body of a Shadowless would vanish upon exposure to light, along with the identity of the unfortunate human whose misfortune allowed him to be possessed by the shadow creature.
"Wh-What is this creature?" a researcher asked her senior. "Even after dying hours ago, it's still emanating a fearsome aura! It's almost unbearable!"
The researchers wore white, glossy, thin armor-like suits. These were spiritual energy-resistant suits designed to protect them from direct contact with the dense spiritual energy.
Even in death, such a powerful creature continued to emit an extraordinarily intense aura. Any lesser being who came into contact with it would likely perish almost instantly.
"Of course you don't know," the senior researcher replied. "These creatures are rarely seen in the living realm. They are the servants of Abyss Lords—called Heralds of the Abyss. Born from the immense spiritual energy of those Lords, they possess incredible power."
"So powerful, huh... Oh, so that's why those reporters were going on about the involvement of platinum ranks."
"No, not just any platinum rank can defeat them," he continued with a subtle smile. "A Herald's power is equal to that of a...."
Then, leaning in slightly, he added in a hushed, weighty tone.
"A... Sorcerer."
"What?! A Sorcerer?!" she exclaimed.
Indeed, it was unbelievable for anyone. A Sorcerer-level Awakened was as rare as a four-leaf clover. Reaching that level required breaking through three significant limiters, granting Sorcerers god-like power capable of world-scale destruction.
Filled with curiosity over such revelations—or rather, stories—he eagerly asked about the giant creature inside the ice mountain.
The senior researcher glanced toward the frozen peak and let out a hoarse sigh.
"Uh... that, that I don't know."
***
Outside the barrier, a large crowd of reporters and civilians had gathered around the restricted area.
People from multiple districts had come to witness the extraordinary event. News reporters from across the empire were present—drawn by the rare opportunity to cover a story of such magnitude, the kind that only comes once in a decade.
"Last night, a massive structure made of ice appeared out of thin air. Inside it lies a monster...
Its origin remains unknown."
"A new type of monster has appeared—right in the middle of the city!"
"What is ORDER even doing? If something like that can invade the Holy City—supposedly the safest place in the world—then what's the point of ORDER's existence?"
"This creature seems to possess the ice element... it's capable of freezing an entire city block!"
Dozens of reporters crowded near the barrier, bombarding the guards with frantic questions in a desperate attempt to gather any details.
"W-What's happening inside?"
"How many casualties have been reported?"
"What will happen to the civilians?"
"Is that really a new species—or something ORDER kept hidden?"
"Are the rumors about a platinum-rank's involvement true?"
An unending storm of questions rained down on the agents stationed at the entrance, driven by the crowd's growing fear and curiosity. Yet the guards stood like statues, unflinching, silent, and stoic—watchers at the gates of a fortress.
In the distance, a luxurious carriage approached, moving slowly through the crowd. Its construction was masterful—crafted from the wood of a red priva tree, giving it a deep reddish-black luster like a grand piano polished to perfection. It looked more like a final masterpiece created by a legendary artisan than a mere vehicle.
The carriage was drawn by four Bicoran beasts—but not just any kind. These were golden-furred Bicoran, unmatched in elegance and rarity. Their presence alone declared the staggering status of the passenger within. They were creatures reserved for the wealthiest elite.
The beasts had golden coats that shimmered like sunlight and horns twisted in the shape of regal crowns. Strangely, there were no escorts—an oddity for such a prestigious carriage. Only a lone coachman sat at the front.
He wore a black uniform intricately patterned with golden thread, and atop his head sat a large, elaborate hat, held in place by a sturdy leather strap.
On the front of the carriage hung a single plaque, etched in elegant golden letters: "Marshal."
"Hey, look at that…" a reporter nudged his colleague. "Is that a Marshal's carriage?!"
"W-What? Are you dreaming?" the other replied, doubtful. "Why would one of the highest-ranking Awakened be here—"
His sentence died in his throat as his eyes widened. Realization dawned.
"W-Why is a Marshal here?!"
His shout rippled through the crowd like a lightning strike. Whispers spread like wildfire.
A Marshal—second only to the Council of Elders—had arrived.
The elegant coachman pulled lightly on the reins, bringing the carriage to a smooth stop at the edge of the restricted zone. The once-immobile guards sprang to life, rushing forward to open the carriage door with urgent reverence.
"Is that really a Marshal?"
"No way... maybe just an assistant?"
"If a Marshal's involved, this is way more serious than we thought."
Speculation bloomed like wildfire. Whispers bred rumors. Rumors bred theories.
The door creaked open.
A cane made of black spiritual wood tapped gently against the ground—and in that instant, a tremendous wave of spiritual energy burst forth. The sheer pressure flattened the crowd where they stood.
'W-What's going on?!' a reporter thought, frozen in place.
'Just a moment ago, I was fine... Why can't I move? No... I recognize this. This is an aura release technique.'
He understood immediately. Only someone who had reached the rank of Sorcerer could wield such an aura—and this one was monstrous.
Supported by the cane, an old man stepped down from the carriage. He wore a perfectly tailored three-piece suit and an elegant hat, his presence dignified and commanding.
"Calm down, children," he said gently. "This kind of behavior is unworthy of professionals like you."
His soft-spoken voice echoed with calm authority, and the suffocating pressure evaporated, releasing the crowd from its invisible grip.
"I-It can't be…" someone whispered.
"The Messenger… Marshal Lord Gustav Gabriel!"
The old man stroked his long white beard and offered a courteous smile. A jeweled eyepatch covered one of his eyes, lending him an air of mystery and nobility as he turned and walked toward the barrier.
***
Inside the barrier, two officers were finishing the grim task of gathering the remains of the fallen Awakened.
They covered each body with a white cloth. After removing their gloves and aprons, they sighed deeply.
"Man... these people died horribly," one officer muttered. "I don't want to be disrespectful to the dead, but still…"
"People think Awakened are some kind of cool superheroes," the other said, "but they have no idea how ugly this job can get."
"You're right," a mysterious voice responded from behind. "No one truly understands the pain we endure."
The officers turned sharply.
Albedo was there, sitting quietly beside the corpses. Deep sorrow glimmered in his lime green eyes. He closed them gently and offered a prayer.
"May you find peace in the land beyond."
"Oh... ah, my lady, you shouldn't be here," one officer said politely, assuming Albedo was a noblewoman from an influential clan.
Noble, yes. But not a lady.
It wasn't his fault—Albedo's beauty was striking. His face, framed by flowing scarlet hair, radiated a profound, ethereal charm. Illuminated by the soft light, his features seemed almost otherworldly.
The vivid color of his hair and the grace in his expression made him unforgettable, like a figure pulled from a divine painting.
"Don't worry about that," Albedo replied. "There's no place in the empire I can't go."
"Wait, my lady... may I check your entry permit?"
"Ah, permission? I don't have one."
"What? Then how did you even enter the barrier?"
"Oh, that's simple," Albedo said with a casual smile. "You just manipulate the barrier with your spiritual energy. Then... make a hole and step right in."
"…What is she talking about?"
***
Upon the arrival of the old man, the head of investigation came immediately to greeted him.
"It is my greatest horner to be in your presence, my lord."
The head of investigation bowed slightly.
"I am Jeena Sa, chef of this investigation, silver rank six stars and capital of the shooting
stars."
"What is the situation here,child." The old man asked.
"Three awakened have died, they all belong to the same party. Also a half destroyed body of a shadowless. Probably send by an Abyss Lord to investigate living realm."
she pause for a moment and continued.
"And a abnormal monster. We are unable to find anything related to it. There is no information about it in ORDER's monsters records."
Then she glanced at the old man with a hesitant expression and asked.
"Are you aware of its species, my lord?"
From the moment Gustav arrived, he had been looking at the ice structure. After looking at that for a few more moments he said.
"So it's his doing."
"Ah. So do you know something, my lord?"
He gave a chuckle in response to her question.
"About the monster, no. Never saw that before. However I do know about person who casted that ice structure."
"Wh-What? Who my lord?"
"Do't worry about that child."
Saying so Gustav walked away, Noticing a particular shade of scarlet.
***
"Sorry my lady. But you need to came with me to answer some questions."
"Can I deny?"
"What ?! No,Y-you can't just say no!"
The officer approached Albedo trying to take him in custody.
"So there you are. I knew you are behind this."
The officer blinked his eyes, before his could ever open it Gustav had already appeared
between Albedo and the officer.
"Oh....Oh, my god! When did you came here?" screamed the officers.
Ignoring the officers, Gustav knelt on one knee, displaying his utmost respect for Albedo.
"I Gustav Gabriel bow to the crown of destruction, to the thirteenth headed king. The slayer of a thousand dragon, Lord Albedo Samael."
"Aa.Aa...Albedo Samael! You mean one of the thirteen kings!"
The officers were visibly shaking, fear apparent in their faces. Afterall they had insulted an entity, that hailed supreme in this world.
They felled down on their knees, without a moments hesitation.
"Pi-Please forgive us my lord!"
"Please spears ours lives."
Albedo was surprised by their reactions. It has been a while since somebody showed him any respect. He may be a king, but his free spirited nature made his subordinates talked friendly.
Maybe a little too friendly.
But for Albedo it was never disrespect but a familiar filling, a filling he once shared with his siblings.
"Oh. Don't warry. I don't mind at all.", said Albedo with a warm smile.It made the officers heart at ease.
"And beside...."
"Stop with this nonsense and tell me what happened here."
Albedo was about to say something, but interrupted by the old man.
"Hay. Just a second ago you were knelling before me."
He continued with his fake teary eyes.
"An- And now you are being rude."
This fake act of Albedo made the old man somewhat guilty. He wanted to apologized to Albedo.
"Ah.. please, ah. Forgi...."
"Don't apologize to him, Lord Gustav."
A woman's angry voice cut through the air, stopping the old man mid-sentence. Recognizing the voice, Albedo immediately dropped his act.
A young woman stepped forward, her dark skin marred with bruises. Her eyes were sunken from lack of sleep.
"Mira, what a surprise! Why are you here?"
"Oh, please. Drop the act, Lord Albedo. You're the one who called me and said it was an emergency. I was in the middle of a mission, you know. And now here I am, healing a kid all night."
Mira was clearly frustrated. First, Albedo had summoned her in the middle of an operation, then ordered her to take care of some brat—and now he was pretending like he didn't know why she was here. She hadn't even had time to bathe yet.
"Well then. Now that you're here, I've got another job for you."
"What is it?" Mira sighed.
"An officer will soon arrive, reporting the discovery of a second Shadowless corpse. I want you to use your divination arts to find out who killed it."
"What?" Gustav asked, surprised.
Mira paused. "Why don't you do it yourself? Your future-seeing ability is stronger than any divination."
"There's something I need to take care of right now."
"Is that so?"
She wasn't surprised. She knew Albedo better than anyone—after all, they'd worked together for over six decades.
"Can I say no?"
But he only looked at her with his usual smile.