"T-THIS place... Is this for real?!"

A series of gasps was heard from the crowd behind Leon. Describing them as dumbfounded is rather an understatement, considering that they were stupefied beyond words. Awari simply disregarded their expressions and focused on introducing them to the laws of Snow Drift.

"I wasn't lying when I said that our base offers everyone a chance to pursue something that they want to do. The liege created this place for every homeless people out in the wilderness." He narrowed his vision to the rest of them who, from their expressions, already understand that they are among those homeless people he meant.

"I am one of the people who were the firsts to follow him and the liege's rules are not something that anyone can challenge, not even the heavens. Here, we do not fear the storms. Nothing is more absolute in Snow Drift than the law of order — meaning, any troublemaker will be sentenced to death," he grievously said.

"To put it simply... for those who think that they are qualified to harbour ill thoughts about this place and most especially to the only sovereign, there is no way out other than death," he continued, letting out a harmless smile that ironically sent shivers to everyone's spine.

"W-We do not dare, y-your excellency," the villagers assured him, scared beyond wits.

"I know. Apart from a few back then who thought that they could overthrow the liege after being presented with the chance to become powerful, of course no one else will right now. After all, I can still remember how they were punished to death." Awari gave them a knowing smile.

Leon could only swallow the lump on his throat, his mind recreating the figure of the person who was riding a majestic horse on the chilling, snow-filled land. He couldn't imagine how anyone who met such a noble existence was able to consider challenging this person. Let alone holding a candle against him, even simply breathing in front of him seemed rather difficult.

"Fights can occasionally happen here but no one is allowed to do it anywhere aside from the coliseum." Awari pointed at a circular infrastructure that stood just in front of the clock tower.

It looked relatively strange compared to the rest of the buildings here and under the basking of the skies; it glowed with resplendent light from the glass that covers its entirety. From its size, Leon could estimate that this coliseum can even house hundreds of thousands of people.

"If you have grudges to settle with someone else, challenge them and schedule a battle. If you become arrogant enough to do it outside, you will pay for every damaged property with your own blood," Awari briefly reminded them.

"In addition, all of the beasts that coexist with us here are among the guardians of Snow Drift. It is proper etiquette to show them respect if you ever meet one. That goes for all of the military personnel and your seniors. Also..."

His gaze switched from the city to them and continued, "Because different people from various territories live here, there are a few hundred languages that are used. If you have difficulty understanding them, you can use the translation feature of your token."

Awari waved the same token he took out earlier in the air before he pointed at a few buildings, each with their own unique features.

"There are many associations and guilds all over the city. If you want to learn more about the profession you want to pursue, you will have to become members in order for you to receive the necessary training. About how many resources you can get depends on your capability."

Leon and several of the adults who were with him nodded firmly with Awari's statement.

No matter how easy it may seem for every citizen of this stronghold to flourish on the things they want to do and become, the absolute law will always be on the fact that one's fate lies on one's shoulders. Their survival and how far can they succeed will fall on the extent of their potential, as well as their willingness to paddle against the tides.

Snow Drift is merely offering them a better boat to sail; the waves are for them to paddle.

"If you want to become powerful but do not want to be constrained by the authoritarian nature of the military, then you can join academies and become disciples. By rising through the ranks and proving your prowess in magic and combat, you will have the chance to become part of the liege's council and serve him directly. With his guidance, your future will be limitless!"

Awari's eyes settled on the horizon, filled with fervour and unbridled passion. His reverence for Caelus is not something that can be broken by any storm that descends upon Horai. Even so, no one would dare to say that he is mad for worshipping someone this much as he is only one of the millions and millions of people who do.

Ever since Snow Drift was created as a stronghold, it only continued to grow into a sacred land that can even rival empires. If not for Caelus' being careful, its existence would have threatened continents and challenged various powers.

Even with the presence of this unrelenting storm, it is human nature to fear and reject divergence. With their thousands of years of foundation, it would be an insult to these empires to be overshadowed by a stronghold that only came to existence; more so, one that even encourages practices that the conservatives have always deemed unacceptable.

"Remember! The liege is the pillar of Snow Drift and will soon become the ruler of this world. As his people, it is our responsibility to support him and never let him down. Grow up well in Snow Drift and I hope that when I see you again, you are already achieving great feats as one of the king's people," Awari declared with finality.

His voice resonated, each and every word igniting a flame within everyone's hearts that could be said to be the starting line of Snow Drift's unparalleled emergence. When Horai becomes the new world and the snow finally drifts away, each and every person who heard his heartfelt assertion will remember the time when this stronghold was still trying to stay out of reach from the rest of humankind.

"WHY are all of you being like this?" Caelus couldn't help but look at the elders and members of his council helplessly as soon as he managed to sit on a chair.

Ever since he finished making arrangements for the villagers he happened to pick up today, these people have been acting like hungry wolves who cannot stop flocking around a piece of meat. As soon as he reached his dwelling, they were already at the entrance of his manor. What's more, it does look weird to see a few hundred people waiting at his abode when he had been used to visiting in silence for the last months.

He had always been the person who doesn't enjoy much lavishness, courtesy of the years he spent in the wilds. When he created Snow Drift, he chose the most inconspicuous and deserted place to build his home. He didn't initially plan to make it any grand since he will not be staying here all the time but he underestimated his people, specifically these elders who had always been first in line to the list of those who wouldn't mind grovelling on their feet for him.

They ransacked his measly shackle, erected a huge residence and did everything else. Now his home was like a sacred sanctuary where even the fishes in the pond are as fat as gluttonous beasts. Every tree seemed more alive as they swayed by the breeze, giving off a holy air of gentry that is way different from the bustling capital of Snow Drift.

"My King, your presence alone is enough to make today's date a national holiday! You have been unable to show your presence for the past months and we were all deprived of this chance to witness your majesty!" a skinny elder clad in black robes fervidly replied.

"Elder Elmore, those kids you were harassing with vigorous training would lose their lives if they ever see you right now! Hahaha!" someone chipped in, making the rest of the council elders and members laughing in amusement.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The voice came from a middle-aged man who stood beside Elder Elmore.

Elmore, who is the appointed minister of defence and is at the centre of the commotion could only harrumph, his gaze returning to Caelus once more.

"My King, these old men are way too pretentious! At least I don't act like I didn't scramble all the way here after hearing of his liege's arrival while almost peeing my pants!" Elder Elmore indignantly said, making the rest look away while clearing their throats.

"Well, I am glad that everyone seems to be fine during my absence." Caelus nodded.

"This degree of fine is nowhere equal to the times when you are here to look over Snow Drift, my lord," a rich, feminine voice sounded, instantly halting the chaos that just descended a few seconds ago.

"Elder Alice, you are looking fine as always," Caelus simply commended as his eyes bore on a graceful woman.

This woman wore a long, lavender dress with superfluous floral patterns shining in golden light. By her head hang a silky veil, making the features of her face indescribable. Even if she stood in a corner, surrounded by a few dainty-looking women who wore the same patterned dresses, the aura she emanates remained pure and unrestrained.

"With the lord's presence, even an old hag like me would dare to look fine, my lord," she replied, her honeyed voice sending shivers to the rest of the crowd.

"Hm." Caelus nodded before he scanned the rest of his seniors and juniors. "Snow Drift is better than the last time I was here. Indeed, you all did not disappoint our people."

"We are honoured, my lord," everyone said in unison.

"Take your seats. I have a few announcements." Caelus waved his hand and a hundred of stone chairs emerged from the floors of the huge hall where he receives guests.

Everyone cupped their fists at him before taking their respective seats. Vritra and Irad remained standing behind him, not batting an eyelid ever since they entered the hall. No one took their action as offense since aside from Caelus, the highest in command would be Vritra and Irad who are not only powerful beyond compare, but are also dragons.

Only a few members of the council know about that fact since there is always a downside with revealing much information, especially on the origins of the higher ups. In fact, not even ten people in Snow Drift know about Caelus' identity as the second prince of Phospiest. He had always considered that as rated S secret. The rest can roughly tell he is a royalty, but what kingdom he belongs to is not something they can put their head on. They also wouldn't dare to investigate.

In order to prevent such fact from leaking, he had always marked Phospiest as a forbidden ground for missions to be held. Horai is a vast world where any sort of places can exist and Phospiest is merely a small kingdom under the empire of Ethold. Compared to the land and seas that span hundreds of millions, it is not worth mentioning.

"Please speak, my lord," a council elder requested, cuing Caelus that everyone is ready to receive.

"I will be away for a few months again since I am planning to be deployed to the borders," he started.

"Perhaps... is my lord planning to fight monsters?"

Caelus nodded as a response. "Yes. I need to gain merits and fight for the inheritance. You all should have a general idea about my status but I don't need anyone to take heed of that. In Snow Drift, one's background is not something that we should impose on others. Here, we are only defined by our actions."

The hundred council members nodded in unison hearing his affirmation. The glint of worship that is shining from their eyes cannot be masked by their serious expressions, especially amongst the relatively younger members.

The council was established to oversee all of the subsidiaries in the stronghold. Each and every member that is present today holds the highest positions in the military, academies and all of the associations and guilds of alchemists, runemasters, blacksmiths, enchanters and more. It is not an overstatement to say that compared to the strongholds in Horai, Snow Drift can be considered a top existence from the powerhouses present here. It is also one reason why its presence is yet to be revealed, considering that its goals cannot be measured by the simple act of providing shelter.

The pillars of Snow Drift are united with one goal that Caelus also realized when he was fighting for his life in the wilderness for years. Most of the people here were victims of oppression from the strongholds and the storms. To tough it out, they waged war against their destinies and strived to live for another day, because perhaps, a chance to change their lives would come.

In this seemingly heartless land, a slender hand offered to lift them up. This hand belonged to a youngster who had icy, blue eyes that could even electrify nations. This youth promised them a home and the chance to change their fates. That time, they were aware of the possibility that this person must have been fooling with them but when driven to the edge, anyone would take any chances no matter how slim it may be.

Everyone here can consider that moment of insanity as a breaking point, even the most life-changing decision they made.

"This is one way to push forward our plans. Before I leave, I will expand the island so you can have more room to build the city. I also hope that you can encourage more races to join us," Caelus continued as he gave Elder Otto a meaningful look.

Elder Otto belongs to a certain race in the East that rules over the forests known as the Grunits. According to the records, they are plant life forms that feed on a forest's vitality while dispensing the smell of death around it as well. It is one reason why the East was considered the paradise of plants back in the history of Horai. Only, after the storms and frost descended, the Grunits were also put in a pedestal, slowly decreasing in population.

In addition, they were captured by others with their vitality extracted to provide essence support for cultivators and strongholds. Elder Otto can be considered to be one of the few survivors of their kind here in the West. Caelus was interested with the Grunits and their power to provide life no matter how miniscule it can be so he made a pact after rescuing them from due extermination.

Here in Snow Drift, the Grunits are one of the growing populations of terminally extinct races which is a good news since they provide the island with vitality, allowing them to grow herbs that are not even possible to exist in this horrid world.

The existence of Grunits is one of the proofs that the seasons of Horai in the ancient texts are not myths, something that also fuels Caelus' resolve.

"Rest assured, my lord," Elder Otto said, cupping his fists.

"Is the trade between Kragrid and Rasum going well?" Caelus asked, glancing at the ministries of trade and commerce.

Elder Osirus who represents the group stood up. Cupping his fists, he replied, "It is thriving, my lord. We have exchanged many goods with them which further increased our resources to support the city. In addition, there is no lack of support from Kragrid and Rasum. Their highnesses have long expressed their desire to become an auxiliary city of Snow Drift and serve you, my lord."

Kragrid and Rasum are two, autonomous strongholds in the North that have pledged allegiance to Caelus after he established Snow Drift. The rulers of these Kragrid and Rasum are among the comrades he made in the past and even share the same goals for Horai.

"There is no rush. Just go on with the operations. I will talk to them about it in the future." Caelus lazily raised his hand, ushering the elder to sit down.

"Yes, my lord."

"My lord, one of our scouting team has noticed a group of people who are travelling in this direction a few days ago, only, we lost track of them yesterday. We haven't find a trace of these people within the ten mile radius of our reconnaissance teams. We are worried... it may cause problems."

One of the military generals, Rufus, stood up and bowed at Caelus with a grave expression. Rufus is a burly man, about four meters in height with red, long hair. He wore a set of metal armour which is probably custom-made, further enhancing his imposing manner.

Most of the council members coming from the military are huge and wore armours that are forged by blacksmiths specialized in weaponry. Many of them are humans who practiced body-refinement while there are also who came from other races that possess abnormal strength and agility.

Their specialty in combat and prowess is one reason why Caelus has confidence in leaving the stronghold. It wasn't a waste for him to invest in their cultivation considering that he and a few of his allies cannot stand guard in Snow Drift all the time.

"How many are they?" Caelus asked.

"The scouts reported there were at least ten of them," Rufus replied.

Caelus angled his head to the side, his face devoid of expression. All of the military personnel present could only suck a cold breath, silently hoping that they do not offend him for what happened.

"They... just disappeared?" Caelus slowly inquired, a hint of interest flashing on his orbs.

Rufus nodded. "Yes, my lord."

"Interesting." Caelus propped his cheeks at the back of his hand. "Give me the coordinates of the place where you last saw them. I will take a look before I leave."

"Much obliged, my lord." Rufus cupped his fists at him one more time before taking his seat after being signaled to do so.

Caelus glanced at Vritra and the latter nodded. Vritra took a step forward and gave everyone in the hall an amiable smile, alleviating the heavy air that surrounds him when he is still. The younger members of the council could have believed they were misunderstanding him as a dangerous man if they didn't hear of his feats from their seniors.

If their lord is a sheathed divine weapon that could destroy the heavens in a slash, then this man beside him would be the thunder and lightning that accompanies it.

"If you have any more concerns that the lord needs to know, you can stand. The lord plans to roam the city first before he departs," Vritra announced.

The rest of the members who are yet to speak are already getting agitated to tell their matters. It is such a rare occasion that Caelus, their liege, is present inside Snow Drift. Either they present a problem or good news; it is only right for him to know what is happening from his people.

This way, he can assess the growth of this city and push through the next steps that are yet to be undertaken.