As I walked back into the siege capital, my entire being bathed in blood and other bodily fluids from Nightmare Creatures, the soldiers and Awakened stared at me in awe, murmuring among themselves.
"Is this normal for an Ascended?"
"Clearly not, idiot. Why would we be hiding behind a seventy-meter-high wall if every Master was like this?"
"He's like a one-man army..."
I approached Master Jet and said, "Sorry for acting without authorization."
"No problem, it was spectacular."
"Hahaha, I told you—I'm used to fighting tides of monsters."
"Army Command liked it so much that if another group arrives with Nightmare Creatures chasing them or are too close, you'll be doing this again."
"Is that really something they should allow?" I asked, scratching the back of my head.
"If it's effective, why not?" Winter said dismissively.
"Anyway, what happened to them?"
"Mustang's team escorted them, but a newly formed gate took them out. A Titan appeared. Apparently, the three Saints already dealt with it."
Just as she said this, I felt a ripple of energy in the air.
"Fuck..." I muttered.
"What is it?" Jet asked, surprised.
"Didn't you feel it?"
"Feel what?"
"Another one appeared—a Titan."
As soon as I said that, a giant blizzard erupted in the distance, and most communications beyond a few kilometers from Falcon Scott were cut off.
After the appearance of the Winter Beast, the number of refugees increased, and the approaching Nightmare hordes surged.
I had been going out nearly every two days to lure groups of abominations away, engaging them in an all-out brawl while the Awakened provided support from the walls.
"I swear I'm starting to have enough of this. It started with one every two or three days, but now I'm out almost every day. Without my new attribute, I would've run out of essence long ago."
Almost a month had passed since I arrived at Falcon Scott. Since the first week, I had been practicing how to regenerate essence while moving and fighting. Finally, I could replenish it confidently in combat without being distracted. The Spell even rewarded me with a new attribute.
Name: Christopher
True Name: King of Men
Rank: Ascended
Soul Core: Terror
Soul Fragments: [4175/6000]
Memories: [Veil of the Sovereign's Sight], [Casket of Forgotten Threads], [Death Trap], [Almighty Spaulders], [Fissure Fang], [Locket of the Northern Wind], [Enchanted Sleeping Bag], [Comet], [Carver's Reverie]
Echoes: -
Attributes: [Mind-Body Mastery], [Enhanced Senses], [Master of the Chi-You], [Burning Anger], [Soul Essence Regeneration]
Aspect: [Sovereign's Edict]
Aspect Rank: Divine
Innate Ability: [Sovereign's Tribute]
Aspect Abilities: [Heavenly Gaze], [Undying Conviction], [Imperial Stature]
Flaw: [Mirror Touch Synesthesia]
Attribute Name: Soul Essence Regeneration
Description: You constantly regenerate soul essence, albeit slowly.
All the Masters were gathered in a large underground hall where briefings and strategic planning took place. Saint Tyris had just finished sharing the new plans and orders.
"At this rate, we'll be stuck here for at least another month," I complained.
"It could be worse. We're still holding out pretty well," Jet said indifferently.
"The problem is," I whispered, "Saint Tyris is weakening."
"What?" Jet and Winter were both surprised, even the not long arrived master Dale stunned.
"You probably don't realize it, but I can feel it. She's getting weaker with every clash against this so-called Winter Beast. She's about one-tenth weaker than when I met her during the extermination of the Insect Tyrant."
"That's a serious problem," Winter said thoughtfully.
"I'm no expert, but if she's not saying anything, maybe it's still fine," Jet said, though there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice.
"Hmm... I hope you're right."
Jet's communicator rang. She picked up immediately, and Sunny's voice came through.
"Finally! The signal got through. I'm nearing Falcon Scott with a convoy—nearly a hundred and forty thousand personnel."
"Sunny, good to hear from you. When will you arrive?" Jet asked calmly.
"About a day."
"Good. We'll prepare for your arrival here. When we give the signal, it'll be safe to come in."