Within the Lugnica Dragon Kingdom, ever since the Witch's Calamity was suppressed by the original Three Sages, no great disaster had ever occurred in the kingdom.
With the Divine Dragon's protection, the kingdom enjoyed favorable weather and prosperity.
Later, with the birth of the Sword Saint, a single man and his sword were enough to subdue any threat.
In terms of sheer power, the current Sword Saint, Reinhard, was even stronger than the Divine Dragon.
With such an existence standing as the kingdom's pillar, no one believed that any turmoil could ever shake Lugnica.
Even if the Witch of Envy were to resurrect, she would likely be no match for the Sword Saint. However, to everyone's surprise, a group of mysterious, blood-clad thieves suddenly emerged and wreaked havoc across the kingdom.
Now, they had even kidnapped nearly the entire Council of Sages.
As a result, a grand punitive force was assembled.
Led by the Sword Saint Reinhard, the first assault force consisted of the kingdom's elite knights and top-ranking mages.
Since this crisis coincided with the Royal Selection, quelling it would not only bring honor but also serve as a great political achievement.
Aside from Emilia and another yet-to-appear Royal Candidate, the remaining three candidates all showcased their strength.
Among them were a mercenary group of northern beastmen and a faction led by the Sword Demon.
The strength displayed by these Royal Candidates was nothing short of terrifying.
The final assembled punitive force was strong enough to challenge another nation in open war.
And with Reinhard as an overpowering factor, everyone's combat abilities were pushed even further.
Don't ask how—just attribute it to the power of divine blessings.
The very next day, the marching army raised a cloud of dust as they arrived at the borderlands.
Before them stood a grand and luxurious palace.
The palace had no windows or doors, with the only entrance being a terrace at the very top. Its walls shimmered with gold, radiating an extravagant aura beyond belief. Yet, despite its magnificence, an unsettling sense of dread crept into the hearts of those present.
This foreboding feeling had no apparent reason, after all, their forces possessed an overwhelming advantage and yet they couldn't shake off the unease.
The towering palace posed no obstacle to the members of the punitive force.
After all, they were either warriors of extraordinary skill, powerful mages, or individuals blessed with divine protections.
Whether through jumping or outright flying, reaching the entrance would be trivial.
However, that singular entry point seemed too much like a trap.
"Old man, what do you think?"
Crusch turned to the white-haired elder beside her.
Though his aura was restrained, he was, in fact, a formidable warrior known as the Sword Demon. During the White Whale calamity, he had contributed greatly to the battle.
"If that lone entrance isn't an ambush, that would be impossible—but their approach is strange," the Sword Demon assessed based on his years of experience.
"Getting inside isn't difficult. Even if we ignore the entrance, we could breach it with teleportation magic."
"But if we enter, we might end up trapped like fish in a barrel. Why would the enemy seal off their own escape route?"
"I can feel a lingering sense of unease from this palace. There's more to it than meets the eye. In my opinion, we should test it with magic artillery first."
Crusch nodded in agreement.
She was thinking the same thing.
However, the idea of attacking with magic cannons was stopped.
"Lady Crusch, there are many hostages inside, members of the Sage Council, and Lady Emilia. If we attack recklessly and something goes wrong, it might harm those important figures. Please reconsider, Lady Crusch."
Reinhard advised.
"What? That half-elf got caught too? What is that supporter of hers even doing?"
Another royal candidate, Anastasia, complained in annoyance.
Hearing this, Reinhard's expression darkened slightly.
"Lord Roswaal has been out of contact for a long time. I'm afraid he has already met with misfortune."
At these words, the entire subjugation force fell silent.
Though many of them had personal grievances against the jester-clad margrave, Roswaal was still a legitimate "court magician", the kingdom's top mage.
For someone of such strength to die just like that...
It was proof that their enemies were not to be underestimated.
The atmosphere among the subjugation force grew tense. Meanwhile, inside the Forbidden Magic Palace...
A large mirror hung in the main hall.
It displayed the scene unfolding outside.
The group of Reincarnators watching the mirror was even more anxious than the subjugation force outside.
Greylin stared at the mirror with an unreadable expression. In one corner of the grand hall, a group of people was tied up.
The members of the Sage Council and Emilia were all there.
However, none of them had been harmed; instead, they were being given proper food and drink.
These people were crucial bargaining chips for the upcoming battle. As human shields, they could double the effectiveness of their captors' strategies.
"Meili" was tied up beside Emilia.
"I'm sorry, Meili... I got you involved in this."
Emilia said apologetically.
The magic crystal pendant on her chest had a strange formation inscribed upon it.
Puck had been sealed inside and couldn't get out. While Emilia's own spirit magic was strong, it had been completely neutralized as well.
At this moment, she was more concerned about Meili than her own safety, feeling guilty for dragging the girl with a tragic past into this mess.
If not for protecting her, "Meili" wouldn't have been caught.
However, the next moment, Emilia was stunned to see "Meili" effortlessly break free from her restraints.
Those restraints were made of magic crystals. Ordinary magic attacks would have trouble damaging them. Yet in "Meili's" hands, they crumbled like dried leaves.
After freeing herself, "Meili" rubbed her wrists with an annoyed look.
Emilia was so shocked that she was left speechless.
But instead of helping Emilia and the others escape or running away herself, "Meili" simply sat there, watching the mirror with great interest.
"Meili, you—!"
Emilia nearly gasped out loud.
But before she could, a hand covered her mouth.
"Meili" placed a finger to Emilia's lips, signaling her to keep quiet. Her once timid expression was nowhere to be seen. Instead, her smile carried a bewitching and almost irresistible charm.
Emilia was completely dumbfounded.
Meanwhile, outside the Forbidden Magic Hall, the Court Mages attempted to use teleportation magic to enter.
The reincarnators watching through the mirror sneered. At that moment, Haruto lightly traced his finger through the air...
The next second, the teleportation spells of the Court Mages outside the palace all failed, their magic dispersing into nothing.
"What's going on?"
The Greylin demanded.
Inside the Forbidden Magic Hall, there was a special formation.
Anyone who tried to teleport in would have their spell disrupted the moment they arrived.
As a result, they would be torn apart by spatial rifts.
This was the palace's first major trap.
Yet now, it had failed?
The Demon mask was just as shocked, having no idea what was happening. They could only stammer out an explanation,
"Lord Greylin, perhaps it's because the formation originates from another world. Its spatial interference may be too strong."
It was an excuse that made sense.
Though dissatisfied, the Greylin did not press the issue further.
Everyone was too focused on the mirror to notice what was happening with the hostages.
Emilia's eyes widened.
She didn't know the details, but it seemed that the person beside her was responsible for disrupting the teleportation magic.
Just what kind of being had she taken in?
With teleportation magic rendered useless, the only way in was through the palace's top entrance.
Someone had to go in first.
Reinhard naturally stepped forward to lead the charge.
But Crusch denied him.
Her reasoning was that Reinhard was the kingdom's ultimate weapon—if he fell due to unknown dangers, the kingdom's power would be irreversibly weakened.
With Reinhard's proposal rejected, someone else stepped forward.
The subjugation force looked at the volunteer in confusion.
Because none of them recognized him. Only Crusch and Reinhard knew who he was.
It was none other than Natsuki Subaru.
With his enhanced physical abilities, Subaru easily leaped onto the Forbidden Magic Hall.
The sight left the subjugation force astonished.
Where had such a brave and powerful individual come from?
Of course, Subaru was only confident because he had Return by Death and a stopwatch with a time-stopping function.
Watching Subaru leap into the palace, Greylin clenched their teeth in frustration.
They had set traps at the entrance, but those were meant for Reinhard. By all logic, Reinhard should have been the one leading the charge!
If Reinhard was killed, his corpse could be turned into a corrupted vessel, and the entire subjugation force would be helpless against him.
But now…
Why the hell was Natsuki Subaru going in first?! Wasn't he supposed to be a worthless weakling?!
"Kill him!"
Enraged, the Greylin roared at the other reincarnators.
The traps would have to be saved for Reinhard.
Several reincarnators nodded and rushed toward the palace roof to deal with Subaru.
But just then, a mocking snicker came from behind.
The Greylin turned around in fury—only to see "Meili" standing there, hands behind her back, struggling to hold back laughter.
Immediately, their anger flared even more.
Greylin: What are you laughing at?!
Haruto: I just remembered something funny.