Zong Shen's gaze swept over Calvin Iron Wall.
His thoughts had long since thoroughly examined the commander of the city defense forces inside and out.
Calvin's single-knee kneel was a signal. The dozen or so officers behind him, along with the several thousand soldiers and civilians farther back, all knelt in succession like falling dominoes.
Their bowed heads formed a silent sea.
Only the mournful whine of the cold wind passing over the ice sculptures echoed across the square.
"Rise."
Zong Shen's voice was not loud, yet it reached every ear with perfect clarity.
Without another word, he strode toward the massive ice sculpture of the founding monarch at the center of the square.
Yarogluk hurried after him at a jog, with Grian and Haken following close behind.
The crowd instinctively parted to either side, opening a broad path.
Countless gazes—fearful, confused, probing—were fixed upon the figure in gray-white robes.
As he passed Calvin, his steps paused slightly.
"The city defense forces will maintain their current state. Commander Calvin, I need a detailed report on every defensive node in the imperial city, the distribution of stationed forces, and recent unusual personnel movements. Submit it before sunset."
He did not order the ice sculpture removed at once.
"By your command, Your Majesty!"
Calvin replied in a deep voice, with a trace of relief in his tone.
An order meant that he was still useful. It also meant that order would not collapse in the new king's hands.
System notifications scrolled through Zong Shen's consciousness.
The information of [Winter Imperial City City Defense Force Commander: Calvin Iron Wall] had officially been added to the [Talent List] under the Vijaya tab.
At the same time.
His soul consciousness spread across the ground like spilled mercury, continuously scanning the crowd in the square.
Although