Target of Subjugation: White Eagle

"Hey, Captain Lu Lu Wo, the King was recently declared critically ill. Would it be inappropriate for us to do this today?"

"It's okay, we did it quietly at home, without making a big fuss, so what's the big deal?"

"That's right. Let's all raise a glass, then—"

In a mansion in Bede City, familiar faces gathered and raised their glasses to the young woman inside.

"Elsa's farewell party, now begins!"

The clinking of glasses continued, and the musicians began to play, bringing the farewell banquet to a climax.

Because people had already set up soundproofing magic around the mansion, and even the dazzling lights were covered up with Illusion Magic, no one would see the Eight-Row Dance in the courtyard.

This banquet was a farewell party for the Hero Elsa, organized by the Skyrim Strategy Team and attended by people they knew.

Actually, there weren't too many people. They were mostly members of the expedition team that went to defeat Aldrich together, including Leon, Da Er, and some other adventurers. It was a small gathering of elite adventurers.

Elsa is leaving today. After leaving here, she will travel to other countries for adventures, with her ultimate goal being the border and the Western Continent.

The timing of this banquet is rather strange, especially since it was held this morning. Who holds a banquet so early in the morning? It's not like we're in Gensokyo.

Putting aside the scheduling issues of some guests, the main reason that prompted this banquet to be held in the morning was that King Anzi III was seriously ill.

The news that the King was seriously ill and could die at any moment came out two or three days ago. It is said that he is still being treated, but the situation is not optimistic.

The kingdom's inhabitants had expected this day to come, but they were still somewhat surprised when the news actually arrived.

Logically, when the King is critically ill, the residents should feel uneasy or even fearful, but now people are only slightly uneasy.

The reason for this is that Princess Sai Li has won unanimous approval from the people in recent days. The Princess currently demonstrates the support of military generals represented by Iliphis and civil officials such as Minister Aoluo and a group of officials. The court is more unified than ever before. In addition, the image that the Princess has been cultivating since she appeared in front of the public makes people feel very reassured about her ascension to the throne as Queen.

Some even hoped that only by having Princess replace the already mentally unstable King as Queen could the country get back on track.

On the day the news of the King's critical illness spread, Serena personally stepped forward to comfort the people. People could clearly see the lingering sadness and various negative emotions on her face. How responsible she was to stand up and comfort the people even in such a grief!

Aoluo and other ministers and generals who had fallen into a coma during the attack also awoke one after another. In their conversation, they strongly Iliphis, proved his innocence, and issued a stern condemnation of the Warrior Country.

The Warrior Country' Warrior Country's response so far has given off a "what are you talking about?" vibe.

With the King seriously ill, it would be inappropriate for the people to hold banquets or anything like that. At least within the Leyndell, the guards strictly prohibited any ostentatious entertainment activities, and nighttime patrols were particularly strict. Therefore, Elsa's farewell banquet was held at such an odd time during the day.

"Embarking on a journey is tough, so keep going! I wish you find a like-minded companion soon."

Leon approached Elsa with a wine glass in hand and offered her a toast.

"If you encounter any troublesome demons, you can call us at any time."

Da Er gave her a magical artifact that could transmit sound, shaped like Wolf Head. His eyes looked eager to try it out, as if he would have followed Elsa if it weren't for the bond between him and the Farron Guard.

"Here, take this as a memento of our first meeting."

Ta Mi delivered a framed painting, which turned out to be the Painting World "The Sain Ancient City" that the two of them had experienced together.

"I packed all your luggage, so I don't have much to give you. I'll just offer you a few words of blessing."

Finally, Lu Lu Wo looked at Elsa, who was surrounded by people and smiling somewhat foolishly, and couldn't help but sigh.

"I'm really afraid you'll get kidnapped while you're alone."

The entire banquet was very simple, it could be summed up in the four words "eating and drinking," but the joyful mood was not so easily described.

While Elsa was eating and drinking with the people, Lu Lu Wo was scanning the crowd, counting the arriving guests.

A moment later, she muttered to herself, "Where did those guys from Fingel go?"

The banquet invited members of the original expedition team, including the Hasawi Squad. However, the invitations sent out seemed to have disappeared without a trace. They went to the Hasawi Squad's residence to search, but they couldn't find Fingel and the others. It was as if they had vanished these past few days.

Not only them, but also the Gold-Rank Adventurer "Mad Blade" Ai Li and "Giant Gate" Ba La, who were fighting Aldrich together, did not reply. It seems that these Gold-Rank Adventurer had all made plans to disappear at the same time. Nobody knows what they went to do.

It's not a big deal if they don't come; it's not their fault.

After some thought, the banquet organizers even called Sally over, but she still didn't reply.

"Turn the music up!"

Since there are fewer people here, let the musicians play louder to make the atmosphere more lively.

Lu Lu Wo went to great lengths to give Elsa some good memories before their final farewell.

Soon after, the banquet came to an end, and with it came the farewells.

As people watched her go, Elsa, fully prepared, carrying her luggage, greatsword and Sword Remains Greatsword, waved goodbye to them and headed out of the city.

She didn't let anyone see her off as she left the city, probably because she didn't like the atmosphere of parting at the end of the banquet and preferred to embark on her journey before the banquet ended and the excitement subsided.

As she walked away, people sincerely hoped that her journey would be smooth.

"Alright, now for the most troublesome part: cleaning the house."

Lu Lu Wo turned around and looked at the mansion in ruins, beckoning everyone to come and help.

Just then, a commotion arose outside the mansion.

"Lord Iliphis and Princess will deliver speeches today in the Founding Plaza!"

Meanwhile, Elsa, who had just stepped out of the city, encountered an acquaintance from the Light Eagle Legion.

They were members of the Assault Team, a few of the Assault Team veterans who had stayed with the Light Eagle Legion.

"Captain," the mercenary seemed to run over. He looked at Elsa and said with emotion, "Vice Captain Sally would like to meet with you. The meeting place is at Sea Moon Lake."

Elsa paused for a moment, then nodded.

"I see."

She changed direction and headed towards the lake on the outskirts of the Leyndell.

Sea Moon Lake was a place she and Sally often went to rest after joining the Light Eagle Legion and eventually settling near the Leyndell. The Light Eagle Legion felt like home to her, and Sea Moon Lake holds many memories for her.

But now, those memories seem to have lost their original flavor.

Choosing that place for a final farewell actually suits Sally's somewhat artsy and intellectual nature.

Elsa still wanted to see this old friend before she left, otherwise she wouldn't have agreed to invite him to the farewell banquet.

Soon after, the slightly damp air from near the lake blew in, and we arrived at Sea Moon Lake.

Surrounded by forests, this area is occasionally hampered by dangerous monsters, making it a sparsely populated place. The houses built around it are mostly untouched. Elsa, who often come here, have transformed a nearby cave into a leisure and vacation spot, giving it the feel of a Secret Base.

"It really has been a long time since I've been here."

Looking at the cave entrance overgrown with weeds, Elsa felt a pang of sadness, wondering when they stopped coming here.

"Sally, I'm here." She called out towards the cave entrance and immediately received a response.

"Hey, you're here so fast? Wait a minute, I'm not ready yet."

There was a hint of panic in his voice, as if someone preparing a surprise hadn't had time to finish.

This is the feeling of the old Sally.

Memories flooded her mind, Elsa stepped into the cave. The warm yellow firelight filled the place with a cozy feeling. She was familiar with every piece of furniture here, and strolling through it gave her a sense of relaxation.

The incense had a strong scent, the kind she liked, and it made her feel even more relaxed, so she wasn't on guard at all.

"I wasn't ready yet, how did you get in?" Sally's reproachful voice came from deep within the cave.

Elsa smiled slightly and pushed open the door to the deepest part of the cave.

The firelight suddenly disappeared.

A blinding light suddenly burst forth from inside the room, as if giving someone a surprise, almost making them shout "surprise!"

"What are you doing?" Even she couldn't help but squint when suddenly exposed to the bright light.

A hoarse, dry voice rang out.

"Elsa?"

It's Sally's voice, but why does it sound different from before?

It's like a dried corpse that's been exposed to the sun in the desert for months.

Elsa opened her eyes in confusion. In the bright light, she saw a hunched, short, deformed, scrawny Orcs huddled on the ground, hugging himself as if to shield himself from the other's gaze. Finally, he murmured helplessly:

No, don't look at me.

"Why?"

Is it Sally?

No, that looks... no matter how you look at it...

Just then, a strong warning sounded in her mind, and Elsa felt a sharp pain in her neck, as if she had been stabbed by something sharp!

But even as she was in pain, she gripped the weapon that had attacked her tightly in her hand, and with a chilling sound of bones cracking, the attacker revealed its true form.

It was a strange creature with features of animals such as a chameleon, an octopus, and a dead leaf butterfly.

Demons!

This guy used his talent for disguise to blend into his environment and launched a surprise attack when Elsa was immersed in her memories, relaxed by the strong incense, and surprised to see Sally.

Something's not right.

Elsa suddenly felt as if her blood was on fire, and all her strength was instantly drained. She involuntarily knelt down, her flesh and bones being pulled apart by an invisible force.

The thing that caused her pain fell from her neck; unlike the dagger she had expected, it was...

Syringe!

The empty syringe seemed to still contain some scarlet liquid.

It was thick blood mixed with animal hair and unknown pieces of flesh and blood.

"Elsa, no!" The short Orcs tried to pounce, but was tightly bound by the chains behind him.

What happened?

Elsa couldn't even stand up. She saw her fingernails growing longer and fine down sprouting from the back of her hands.

Become a beast!?

"Slap, slap, slap."

Applause broke the silence in the darkness. She strained her eyes to make out the man walking toward her.

At noon, in the Leyndell.

The Founding Plaza was bustling with people. The nation had gathered in the square, which was built at the very beginning of the kingdom's establishment and symbolized the kingdom's glory, crowding around the high platform in the center of the square.

Princess Serena, General Iliphis, and Minister Aoluo will deliver speeches here at noon today.

The public was very curious about the content of the speech. Could it be that the moment had finally come to announce the Princess's accession to the throne as Queen?

A large number of guards protected the high platform to prevent any possible attacks.

However, in reality, none of the people intended to harm the Princess and her entourage. The guards, though seemingly on duty, were actually daydreaming.

If you look closely, you'll find that there are many familiar faces from the Light Eagle Legion among the guards.

"What are they trying to do?"

Leon and the others also arrived at the scene, but they stood on the periphery to watch.

"The Princess has arrived!"

A cheer erupted from the crowd, and Princess Serena appeared on the high platform, accompanied by the musicians' performance.

To her left was the young Iliphis, and to her right was the mature and steady Aoluo, whose eyes still looked somewhat cloudy as he was recovering from a serious illness.

Serena gave the public her usual gentle smile, but the smile contained something more, which people interpreted as a series of admirable qualities such as "strength".

As the music gradually subsided, the people spontaneously stopped their commotion and looked expectantly at the high platform, gazing upon the three figures representing the future of the kingdom.

Iliphis a handkerchief and gestured "please" to Serena.

The latter smiled and nodded, an interaction that elicited cheers and screams from some people.

Standing atop the high platform, looking down at the crowd below, Serena's eyes flickered with complex emotions.

Even though people were cheering and the atmosphere was so lively, she felt as if she were in the dead of winter.

She glanced at Iliphis, who gave her an encouraging smile.

This man has committed acts of demonic behavior during this period, and now, I am completely powerless to resist.

The other party quickly created a liquid that could control beast transformation and injected it into Serena's body. With just a thought, she would instantly transform into a beast.

Not only her, but also Minister Aoluo and General Ji Li Man Bo were injected with this liquid, which seemed to enhance the Brain Control effect.

To make people more likely to experience negative emotions, Iliphis removed all the delicious food from the Royal Palace and replaced it with coarse food. Dishes such as Roasted Whole Pig, Slowpoke tail, and Happiny were no longer served.

It can be said that he has already taken control of the Royal Palace.

And now, through today's speech, he is going to take control of this country.

He even has a plan to widely spread the Beastification Blood!

The bitterness and despair in her heart were transformed into a smile on her face. Serena believed that the Royal Palace was beyond saving, and she had to save as many of her people as possible.

The Image Transmission Device on the necklace still contains the footage of Iliphis that night, and she wants to release it here. Even if the people who see it don't condemn her, they will at least flee, just to escape from this country that has fallen into an abyss.

Even if the consequence is that she might be tortured to death by Iliphis.

Stroking the Lion Ring from Ornstein on her finger, Serena seemed to have gained more courage. She spoke into the telepathic magic device:

"I will become Queen."

The crowd fell silent for a moment, then erupted into a thunderous roar of cheers.

She pursed her lips.

Behind her, Iliphis, who already knew what the next words were, smiled, and a gentle breeze ruffled his long, silvery-white hair.

Those who are about to realize their dreams appear so spirited and full of vigor.

Feeling the burning gaze from behind, Serena finally spoke:

"General Iliphis, he..."

Iliphis was smiling, the Image Transmission Device glowed faintly, the crowd stared wide-eyed with curiosity, and the guard yawned lazily.

The birds flying overhead were shaken by the cheers of the people, and the insects on the ground felt the slight tremor and hurried on their way.

There seemed to be a flash of light in mid-air.

"He will become mine—"

"Boom!!!"

Before the word "husband" could be uttered, an earthquake suddenly struck Founding Plaza!

No, it's not an earthquake, it's a powerful Weapon Skill!

The ground in the square cracked open, people screamed and fled, and the guards were terrified.

Greatshield, as tall as a giant gate, burst forth from the ground, surrounding the high platform from all sides, like an inescapable cage, firmly separating the guards from the Princess and her entourage inside!

Just as the guards were about to come to their rescue, a fierce wind suddenly arose, carrying a large amount of violent sword energy, which instantly caused them to spurt blood like fountains!

The Greatshield and the blade aura looked so familiar.

Etc.

Isn't this the signature Weapon Skill of the Gold-Rank Adventurer "Giant Gate" Ba La and "Mad Blade" Ai Li?

The Gold-level attacker went all out, leaving the guards, who never expected anyone to dare to launch an attack, completely unable to cope!

Serena opened her mouth in surprise, and the Image Transmission Device, which was about to react, stopped working due to the interruption of magic.

A golden flash passed in front of her.

The next moment, warm blood splattered on her face.

Whose blood?

She turned her head blankly, only to see a person completely shrouded in a cloak suddenly appear behind her.

The cloaked man's long sword was soaked in blood, and the blade...

It plunged deep into Iliphis's neck!

"Why?"

Iliphis did not die on the spot; he swung a blade of wind at the cloaked man with his other hand!

A gust of wind blew open the hood of the cloaked figure, revealing a face that Serena knew all too well.

"Fingel!?"