The Record of Unusual Creatures

Panda Novel

The north of the Dragon Empire, where the ancient empire first rose.

Back then, the Dragon Soul Emperor had led the brave Northern Cavalry and Knights of the Ebon Blade all the way south through the snowstorm on Coldwind Ridge, conquering the kingdoms along the way and finally achieving the great feat of ruling half the planet. From that day on, the bravery of the northern warriors became one of the most distinctive features of the country, along with the Knights of the Ebon Blade.

To this day, “fight like a Northerner” was still a phrase most often used there to praise soldiers.

Over time, however, the political center of the Dragon Empire and the Sacred Armory of the Knights of the Ebon Blade were moved south to meet the practical needs of the empire. Meanwhile, the six northern provinces, which were not suitable for farming and living, became places where most people did not want to settle down. Even so, the north was still a place where the country poured a lot of manpower, materials, and financial resources into, and the Gorgon’s Abyss passage floating near the World Scar was the most important reason.

The World Scar that never disappeared was just like the snowstorm in the north, which acted as a living pressure that Northerners had to face. It also sharpened the brave spirit of the local people. As the ruler of L’Haronne’s western hemisphere, the Dragon Empire was duty-bound to fight against the demons of Gorgon. So, ever since the capital was moved 3,000 years ago, the six northern provinces had been building toward a military emphasis. Today, military, as well as related facilities, were the most important things on the land, and a series of garrisons stood on the irregular border of Gorgon’s Abyss.

The fortresses were not only defensive structures but also large settlements with large numbers of soldiers. In order to maintain the daily operation of the fortresses, a large non-combatant population and various livelihood facilities were gathered within it. The numerous supporting objects built under the shelter of the fortresses formed the unique landscape in the north: the fortress cities.

These walled cities were not as prosperous or as big as those in the south, but they were where most of the north’s population was concentrated. After all, in that icy and snowy place haunted by the demons of Gorgon, the unsheltered wilderness was terrible. Living in a fortress city or a similar defensive facility was the only way for people to survive.

The passage to Gorgon’s Abyss stretched out from the World Scar, all the way south. Near the southern end was the largest fortress city known as Snowfrost City, which was also the political, economic, and military center of the six northern provinces.

The fortress city, built of frost-spar, was perched on a ridge. In fact, it was a city formed by the reconstruction of the whole mountain. The fortress was roughly conical in shape with layers of walls and guard towers that spiraled up the mountain, forming a distinctive tower-like structure. And all of the buildings that could be seen from the outside were actually the “shell” of the city. Within the shell, which was covered by numerous towers, walls, and spells, was the interior space formed after the hollowing out of half a mountain. And that was where the people of Snowfrost City lived, while the Lord of Snowfrost City lived on top of the mountain.

The magicians leveled the mountain and built a magnificent castle on top of it, which became the fortress of Howard Owen, the Grand Duke of the North and chief guardian of the six northern provinces. The fortress was the highest building in the north. Its spire pointed high into the sky, from which the passage to Gorgon’s Abyss was even within reach. One of Howard Owen’s most legendary experiences occurred when he was climbing to the top of the castle to take a breath of fresh air one day. A Gorgonian demon suddenly appeared, fell straight in front of him, and was torn apart, barehanded, by the grand duke on the spot.

Of course, the modest Grand Duke explained that he was not unarmed at that time but carrying a bottle of Tonguescorcher Ale. The infinite fighting spirit that erupted when protecting the bottle of wine was his magic weapon in defeating the enemy. It was only the next morning that the heavily intoxicated grand duke realized that it was a Gorgonian demon and not a severely obese jackdaw that he had torn to pieces.

The covered wagons made their way through the snow to the foot of Snowfrost City. Along the way, Graeme taught Hao Ren about the north. From Graeme’s tone, Hao Ren could sense that he admired the grand duke a lot.

“Respect for the strong is a Northerner’s creed. The grand duke is not only a powerful warrior but also a man of integrity and loyalty. He’s a model figure worthy of every knight’s respect,” Graeme said with a smile. “I am not from the north. I was born in the desert tribes of the far south, but I lived in the north for twenty years.”

The three wagons were tightly-covered. With the aid of a shield, the snow and wind were blocked out well, and it was warm as spring inside the wagons.

Hao Ren looked through the window at the towering wall of Snowfrost City.

“Princess Constance raised her flag, and the entire north responded. The Grand Duke of the North, known for his loyalty and courage, turned out to be a staunch supporter of Princess Constance. It just seems crazy to us.” Charlemagne talked about his confusion. “Is this rebellion—”

“Ahem, there are some things that knights like me do not say freely,” Graeme interrupted. “Of course, you can ask Princess Constance once you see her, and as for getting an answer… it depends on the princess.”

“Well, I have crossed the line,” said Charlemagne. “We shall look forward to our meeting with Princess Constance then.”

As Charlemagne finished his words, a rough voice came from outside. “Stop! Stop for security check!”

In a place like that, every city carried out security checks based on military-level standards, especially during wartime, and Snowfrost City was no exception.

Everyone stepped out of the wagon, waiting for Graeme to negotiate with the gatekeepers while they took in the unique fortress city.

Hao Ren looked up at the walls, which spread upward, tier upon tier, and his gaze moved along them until it stopped at the top of the mountain. Atop the mountain, the spire of the castle pointed straight up into the sky, and a jagged ugly rift floated in the background of the spire. In the depths of the rift, rolling fire clouds and shadowy fragmented land were dimly visible.

He waved his hand softly, and a hidden probe glided silently in the direction of Gorgon’s Abyss.

It was the third probe he had released along the way. They entered the space from different coordinates to collect “mapping parameters” of Gorgon’s Abyss as an independent space. The first probe had started to send back data, and the second probe had been deployed. He could probe into the secrets of Gorgon’s Abyss later.

Meanwhile, Graeme, who was dressed as a Knight of the Broken Blade, had arrived at the checkpoint.

Several northern legion soldiers were checking passing vehicles and travelers there. The northerners’ tall physique and the northern army’s Armor of the Winter Wolf made the soldiers look bold, but there was a sudden commotion when the soldiers saw Graeme.

Two of the soldiers whispered to each other and ran up to Graeme, asking, “Are you… from the Knights of the Broken Blade…”

“Knight of the Broken Blade, Graeme Glawoz from the south division,” Graeme replied in a low voice. “I have come from the south to join the war on the orders of Her Royal Highness Princess Constance. I have also brought important information and special visitors from Izzo.

“I need to meet Princess Constance and the grand duke directly as soon as possible,” he added.

The two soldiers froze for a moment, then exchanged an odd look.

“What’s the problem?” Graeme asked, frowning.

“Don’t you… know the latest news?” asked one of the soldiers. “There must be some communication between the Knights of the Broken Blade?”

“We were attacked when we were walking through the Black Pine Forest,” Graeme explained. “My comrades are dead. Our communicators were also damaged, and I was wounded. I am now healed, but somehow, the spiritual connection between me and other knights cannot be restored.”

“Then you had a narrow escape,” said another soldier, looking at Graeme in admiration. “You’re a step too late. Princess Constance and the grand duke have marched to the southern front, hundreds of kilometers away. But you’ve come from the south, do you not know about it?” There was some confusion in the soldier’s tone.

“…I do not know about it. We did not travel by the normal route, but by a secret route, hidden from the eyes of the imperial regiment,” Graeme explained in surprise.

The soldier did not doubt him but sighed regretfully and said, “I see. Anyway, it is best that you get into the city. There’s a snowstorm coming, and it is not a good idea for you to go into the wilderness under such circumstances.”