Maxi no longer had the energy to shock himself.
She sank into a chair, her mind racing through the past few years.
She recalled the moment she first saw large snowflakes falling in Anatol.
By mere chance or not, the drop in temperature began after Riftan's return from the Dragon Campaign.
Could it be that the monsters of Pamela Plateau had been plotting Sektor's resurrection ever since?
How could this be possible?
As if noticing his unspoken questions, Ruth continued her explanation.
"Magic stones, by nature, absorb mana, but an empty stone would normally take decades to restore by such passive methods.
That's why I believe dark mages may have discovered a method to speed up this process."
He stroked his chin thoughtfully, adding, "Resurrecting a dragon may not have been their initial goal.
Given the vital role that magical stones play in the survival of that barren wasteland, it is only natural that they would have looked for ways to reuse them."
Riftan, looking darkly at the fireplace, abruptly broke the silence.
"What makes you think they're trying to bring back the Red Dragon?
Of all the things they could do with the stone, what makes you so sure that this is their ultimate goal?"
“It is the conclusion I reached after carefully considering the circumstances and studying the records of the monster city,” Ruth replied stiffly.
"I'm sure you remember the temple you discovered on the Plateau.
The monsters were worshiping a dragon.
They learned the concept of religion from the dark wizards and then created their own faith.
To them, a dragon is the closest thing to a god.
Since we humans wronged their god, they see us as deserving of retribution."
Stopping, Ruth looked darkly at Riftan.
"The monsters' invasion three years ago was not motivated by ambitions of conquest or revenge.
Their motives were purely religious.
All they have done so far is punish the humans and revive their revered idol."
A heavy silence fell over the surroundings.
Maxi hugged herself tightly, so shocked she could barely think straight.
The worldview she had felt secure in for the past twenty-six years was shaken to its foundations.
Monsters were evil creatures that defied God.
However, just like humans, these creatures had forged their own religion and now waged a holy war according to their dogmas.
Riftan's calm voice brought her out of her disturbing thoughts.
“How much of this did you reveal to the pope?”
“Just that the monsters on Pamela Plateau are trying to resurrect the Red Dragon,” confessed Ruth.
“The church is still trying to figure out the motive behind the theft of Sektor’s stone.”
A heavy sigh escaped him.
"There will be an uproar.
The previous pope and the Reformed Church kept the loss of the Sektor stone secret to prevent the Orthodox faction from gaining power.
Once the news spreads, the great basilica will face severe criticism."
“I'm surprised you're still alive after speaking these truths in front of the Pope,” muttered Riftan sarcastically.
Ruth shrugged.
"Fortunately, the new pope is a man of sound judgment.
He understands the dire consequences if we fail to prevent the dragon's resurrection."
Looking seriously at Riftan, Ruth added, "The swarm of undead around the Lexos Mountains is no coincidence.
They are targeting the eastern regions to break through the barriers that prevent mana from flowing into the mountains, placed after the Dragon Campaign."
“Several cities near the mountain range have already fallen,” Riftan acknowledged.
Ruth didn't seem surprised by the news.
“So, retaking these cities should be our first action,” he stated calmly.
“To thwart the dragon’s resurrection, we need to stop the fire mana flowing into the mountains.”
Turning to the window, he added, “Once the barriers are back in place, this incessant blizzard will also end.”
As Ruth had predicted, the Council of the Seven Kingdoms erupted in outrage.
Although Maxi did not know the details of the meeting, it was clear that the church's authority was at stake.
Fortunately, the coalition acted quickly, sending its armies despite the political turmoil.Walking down the hall, a complicated expression appeared on Maxi's face.
His gaze fell on the long line of baggage carts on the other side.
Everywhere, servants hurried to clear the snow-covered courtyard, and soldiers were busy transporting firewood, food, arrows and other weapons.
Maxi watched the commotion before walking away.
Although she knew she should be grateful that the seven monarchs“who more often than not attacked each other like a pack of rabid dogs“had agreed to act so quickly, the thought of another war darkened her mood.
How much more adversity would they have to face before finally returning to Anatol?
She tried to calm the frustration that boiled in her chest as she walked down the steps and across the snow-covered grounds.
Richard Breston's disturbing words came to mind.
It was clear that the already fragile Armistice of the Seven Kingdoms was now hanging by a thread.
Even if they managed to thwart the Red Dragon's resurrection, it offered no guarantee of lasting peace.
The thought weighed heavy on his heart.
Although she still harbored the desire to fight alongside Riftan, the prospect of a life full of endless battles filled her with dread.
Still, it's better than sending him into battle alone.
Maxi grew stronger.
A life spent fighting alongside the man she loved had far greater meaning than one filled with anxiety and idle prayers within the confines of a castle.
Keeping her head high, she continued on her way towards the wizards' quarters.
Negotiations had led to an agreement between the Tower of Mages and the church to collaborate in preventing the dragon's resurrection, and she intended to join the efforts as a mage.
She was determinedly walking up the stairs when a familiar voice called from behind.
"Here you are, my lady.
I've been looking everywhere for you."
Maxi turned her head quickly to see Ursuline Ricaydo, her face in its usual cold expression.
She looked at him curiously.
“Is something wrong?”
“The commander instructed me to bring her,” he replied tensely, indicating with a slight wave.
“Please come with me.”
Maxi's eyes narrowed, unsure if Riftan was seeking her presence so he could pressure her to return to Anatol like last time.
After a moment of anxious scrutiny, she decided to cooperate.
After they left the long hallway, Ursuline led her to the back of the guest quarters where the knights resided.
The spacious area was already packed with temporary stables and baggage carts.
Around them, dozens of blue-cloaked knights were inspecting their mounts and luggage.
Maxi waved to the knights who greeted her as she hurriedly passed the two lines of charges.
It was then that he heard an excited voice coming from above.
"Good morning, my lady.
You are as charming as ever."
Maxi looked up and saw Hebaron perched on the roof of one of the wagons.
With a wink, the burly knight said, “Even the crown of your head is a magnificent sight from up here.”
“S-Sir Hebaron, what are you doing?”
Hebaron smiled, showing him the barbed wire in his gloved hand.
"By hammering steel stakes into the wagons.
This stops winged monsters from flying away with them."
“Does that mean… other monsters have joined the undead army?”
“A few wyverns have been spotted,” Hebaron admitted.
“Numbers are not a major concern, but since the enemy has the ability to control other beasts, it is best to take precautions.”
He picked up the hammer to continue nailing the wire to the wagon.
Maxi watched him anxiously, his thoughts racing, until a hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder.
Startled, Maxi turned her head to meet Riftan's calm gaze.
"Why are you wandering here?
Weren't you informed that I was looking for you?"
“I-I was on my way.”
Annoyed by his authoritarian tone, Maxi coldly removed his hand from her shoulder.
Riftan's lips thinned into a thin line as he turned away.
"Come with me."
Narrowing her eyes, Maxi wondered what had provoked her anger this time.
Was he trying to send her back to Anatol as she feared?
She stood still, trying to gauge his intent, when he glanced over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow.
“Aren’t you going to come?”After a moment of hesitation, Maxi let out a small sigh and followed him.
Riftan crossed the carts, leading her to a small hut behind the guesthouse.
It turned out to be a temporary storage space stacked with a variety of items and containers.
Riftan lifted a large package from among the items and unfolded it.
“I want you to try this on to see if it fits,” he said, laying out a brown quilted knee-length perpone with leather straps on the sleeves and waist.
Maxi frowned.
"What is that?"
"It's a armor made from wyvern hide.
It's tougher and lighter than regular padded armor, so you should be able to use it."
When Maxi just stared at him open-mouthed, Riftan pressed her somewhat abruptly.
“What are you waiting for?”
She hurriedly accepted the armor.
Although it had some weight, it was still considerably lighter than the plate armor Ursuline and Ulyseon had made her wear.
She removed her tunic and awkwardly put on her armor.
Riftan leaned over to help her dress properly, tightening the belt around her waist.
“Isn’t it heavy?”
Although she thought it was a bit heavy, Maxi said confidently, “N-No, it’s not.”
Riftan gave him a skeptical look before picking up one of the swords hanging on the wall.