Chapter 16: Omen of Doom (3)

The copper mine in the Zestrad territory was managed in practice by the Tecas merchant guild. They handled the mining, refining, and distribution processes almost entirely. However, that didn’t mean the Zestrad baronial family simply sat back and collected unearned profits. The mines were situated deep in the northern reaches of the Zeden Mountains. Thus, it was surrounded by untamed wilderness teeming with magical beasts and fierce predators. Ensuring the safety of the miners and securing the roads was one of the Zestrad family’s key responsibilities.

In a forest west of the copper mine, a skirmish involving a dozen troops was underway.

"Here they come!"

"Hold formation!"

A pack of magical beasts, snarling and bloodthirsty, lunged at the soldiers.

The beasts, called snerols, resembled large, ash-gray wolves, but their elongated fangs and claws marked them as anything but ordinary. The snerols surrounded the soldiers before letting out chilling howls.

Awooooo!

The soldiers, shields locked into formation, shouted back, refusing to be intimidated.

"Hold the line!"

"Thrust your spears!"

Claws raked across shields, sparks flying, while spearheads gleamed as they slashed through the air. Blood sprayed, and the anguished howls of beasts echoed through the forest.

Krraaaagh!

Cheers erupted from the soldiers.

"One down!"

"Focus! There are still plenty more!"

Varos couldn’t help but marvel as he watched the scene unfold.

"Wow. They’re holding their own pretty well."o prepare."

"True. It’s not like the world will end that easily," Varos said. "You only succeeded at world domination because you built your strength over time and struck when the moment was right."

"And even then, how much work did we put in to take over the world? How hard was it?" Karnak chuckled wryly.

"It was hell, honestly. The Three Archmages, the Four Great Martial Kings, the Dragon Emperor Grateria..."

The former Monarch of Death and his loyal death knight exchanged weary smiles.

"Surely they’ll handle it," Karnak said.

"Absolutely. No way this so-called King of Death is as ruthless as you were."

Their discussion concluded: Trust in the strength of the world! Humanity, with all its greatness, would surely overcome whatever calamity lay ahead. The mighty dragons, the noble elves, and all the other great and powerful forces would undoubtedly unite to face the challenge. So they could afford to ignore and live modestly. They needed only to focus on themselves.

—Although, the uneasy feeling remained.

Damn, this feels off...

We’re totally going to get caught up in this somehow.

***

No matter how much one tries to shut themselves away, the storms of the world are not so easily avoided.

Even the remote barony of Zestrad, tucked away in the northern reaches, could not escape the ripple effects of the Prophecy of Doom. About a month after the rumors began to spread, priests from the Church of Latiel, Goddess of the Sun, arrived at the barony with a request for assistance.

"We’ve tracked a necromancer who was operating within Count Chad’s territory, and recent reports suggest they’ve fled to the Zestrad Barony. It’s likely they’re hiding somewhere near the Zeden Mountains. We humbly request Lord Karnak’s cooperation in this matter."

Karnak readily agreed.

"How could I refuse the divine mission of the goddess?"

The Church of Latiel’s request was simple: they needed a few local guides familiar with the area. It was a task that required minimal effort but would bring significant goodwill. There was no reason to decline. For Karnak, it was also a timely opportunity.

Perfect. If we catch this necromancer, it might give me some clues about what’s really going on.