Felix was caught completely off guard—he had just been kissed.
After discussing the upcoming matters with Ulšulah, she had agreed to take his advice and rest for a while. Before he could leave, she pulled out the bottle of Ursus vodka he'd given her as a gift and began drinking heartily. But before he even reached the door, she suddenly cornered him.
Ulšulah pressed him against the wall with surprising force. The closeness between them was almost overwhelming, her pink eyes glistening, her face flushed. Without a word, she leaned in and kissed him.
The moment stretched on—long, yet not quite endless. When it finally ended, Ulšulah rested her head on Felix's chest, breathing heavily.
Gently stroking her smooth pink hair, Felix spoke softly,
"I won't ask why. For someone to act like this, it must come from deep feelings within her heart. Asking for a reason would only profane that emotion."
Ulšulah bit his shoulder lightly, leaving behind a faint mark.
"Why…" she murmured, "…why must our races be Sarkaz and Sankta?"
"The names of our races don't matter," Felix said quietly, meeting her gaze.
He brushed away the tears at the corner of her eyes. "We're all people of Terra—terrans living on this land. Forget the divisions, Ulšulah. You and I are the same—just ordinary people."
"But… I'm infected."
Her voice trembled as she pulled aside her collar, revealing the small Originium crystals protruding from her shoulder.
Felix reached out to touch them. They felt hard, like cocoons growing from her skin. He knew that removing them would only cause pain and risk reinfection, worsening the illness.
Ulšulah flushed, feeling a ticklish warmth spread from her shoulder to her heart.
"So what if you're infected?"
Felix smiled. "Infected are still people, Ulšulah. You're part of Tomorrow's Development—you know better than anyone how I see the infected."
"…Yeah."
Wiping her tears, Ulšulah managed a faint smile. "Sorry… for worrying you."
Felix took her hand. "Since you've made up your mind, then I'll make mine clear too. Ulšulah—if you ever need something, don't hesitate to lean on me."
"Th–that…"
Her face reddened as she struggled for words. Felix only chuckled, gently ruffling her hair before leaving the office. He thoughtfully closed the door behind him.
Looking around the quiet hallway, he straightened his posture and headed toward the city defense headquarters. As the true governor of the Frontier District, it was time for him to show not only his stance—but that of Tomorrow's Development as well.
Five minutes later, W pushed open the office door and froze.
Ulšulah was still sitting there, cheeks bright red, lost in thought with the dreamy look of a lovestruck girl. W frowned and let out two loud coughs.
Ulšulah jumped, hastily wiping her face and taking a few deep breaths before regaining her composure.
She looked at the mercenary standing before her. "W, is something the matter?"
"Tell me," W said sharply, "is being in love with a Sankta really that good?"
"W… what are you talking about?"
W clicked her tongue in irritation. "I saw you kiss the Pioneer just now. From the window."
"But this is the third floor!"
"Don't ask how!"
Ulšulah couldn't help but smile at W's flustered expression. Though the mercenary looked younger, her demeanor and figure showed the typical confidence of a Sarkaz.
"You're Sarkaz, and the Pioneer is Sankta," W said coldly. "You should know there can't be a future between you two."
Ulšulah smiled softly. "I used to worry about that too… but if it's him—if it's Felix—it'll be fine."
"You trust him that much?"
"Because in his eyes, there's no difference between him and me."
That answer made W grit her teeth in frustration. It was infuriating—those words sounded just like Her Highness's. Why did the Pioneer have to speak in the same way?
Ulšulah took out a document. "W, could I ask you for a favor?"
"Spit it out," W said curtly.
"There are rumors that assassins and killers hired by the Military Council have already infiltrated the Frontier District. Could I ask you and the other mercenaries to track them down? I believe this kind of work suits the Sarkaz best."
"Because we're good at fighting among ourselves?" W sneered.
"No," Ulšulah said gently. "Because Sarkaz mercenaries understand their own kind better than anyone. Adventurers may be many, but when it comes to this kind of task, you're far more professional."
W paused to think, then snatched the document from Ulšulah's hand. "Hmph. Fine. I'm going."
Ulšulah watched her leave, then buried her burning face in her hands. "Uuuugh… she saw everything…"
But was it really true, what Ulšulah had said—that adventurers lacked the Sarkaz's skill?
Out on the streets, Yang Yan XF and his teammates patrolled in neat formation, maintaining order. It was an easy mission—one that earned both experience and money while keeping peace in the Frontier District. It was, after all, exactly the kind of work they enjoyed doing.
"Boss… those guys over there look kinda suspicious, don't they?"
"Hm?"
Yang Yan XF followed his teammate's gaze and noticed several hooded Sarkaz mercenaries wandering the streets, glancing around in a strangely cautious manner. Curious, he activated a detection scan—
—and immediately froze.
Five red tags.
For reference: green meant friendly—like the Sarkaz residents living peacefully in the Frontier District. Yellow was neutral—typically merchants or travelers. But red… red meant hostile. And those five were glowing like beacons in the dark.
The leading Sarkaz assassin frowned beneath his hood. Their disguises weren't any different from the local Sarkaz mercenaries, so why were these undead adventurers staring straight at them? Could they already be exposed?
It wasn't just Yang Yan XF. Several other patrol squads had also picked up on the suspicious group. After scanning them, the adventurers quietly tightened their grips on their weapons and began to advance.
"Run!"
The Sarkaz assassin cursed inwardly. How had they been discovered so fast? They'd only entered the city two hours ago, and already—exposed! Was there no justice left in the world?
"Stop right there!"
"You bastards think you can just sneak into our city? Try it, and see what happens!"
"Clear the way—official business!"
Multiple patrol teams gave chase, their shouts echoing through the streets. The uproar startled Sarkaz citizens peeking from behind their windows. When they overheard the adventurers' furious words, they too grew angry—those assassins were nothing but troublemakers!
Meanwhile, Felix arrived at the Guild Hall—the central hub where players accepted quests.
The place was built like a vast plaza, bustling with life. At the reception counters stood several young, charming Sarkaz women who managed incoming requests. Many players enjoyed chatting with them while submitting missions, hoping to see their affection meters tick upward—a little joy amid their work.
Nearby, Sarkaz cooks tended to massive communal pots, preparing hearty meals based on what the hunting teams had brought back. Most days, it was succulent roasted meat, rich and savory—fuel for the next expedition.
When Felix entered, many players immediately noticed him. The crowd instinctively parted to make way, excitement flashing across their faces. Was this it? A personal story event for the Pioneer? A main quest for Tomorrow's Development? A new CG cutscene, perhaps?
Resting one hand on the pistol at his hip, Felix walked forward, his expression grave. The hall fell silent—thousands of players turned their eyes toward him, waiting.
"Natural disasters and terran calamities," he began, his voice calm but firm. "The words speak for themselves. At the end of this year, an Originium storm will strike several dozen kilometers north of the Frontier District. Our task is to evacuate that area as quickly as possible—to ensure the safety of our future home."
"As for the man-made disaster," he continued, "assassins and killers have infiltrated our city. They've already targeted teachers—those who educate our children—and even intend to harm the innocent."
His tone was steady, not pleading for sympathy, but his words alone made several players clench their fists.
"The Frontier District isn't just ours," Felix said. "It's home to those who help us—to the ones who manage our supplies and logistics. And it's our duty to stand up and protect them."
"To survive on this land," he declared, his voice rising, "we must rely on strength!"
Then, with a sudden surge of energy, Felix raised his voice until it filled the hall.
"Let's use our rightful strength to show those assassins and killers lurking in the dark—this is our territory! This is where we live! This is where our Sarkaz comrades stand beside us!"
The crowd's breathing quickened; hearts pounded. His words burned through them like fire. They were many. They were powerful. Why should they ever yield?
"I now issue this command," Felix said, voice steady as the sea. "Any member of Tomorrow's Development who captures an assassin or killer will receive a free equipment upgrade—and may choose one skill book of their liking as a reward."
"Additionally, those who assist in the evacuation efforts will receive double their usual rewards."
At last, he drew the lance from his back and lifted it high. Blue flames surged skyward, blooming into a brilliant dome of light that spread across the sky. A gentle rain of luminous energy fell, washing over the crowd—every player receiving the Pioneer's supportive blessing.
"Winter is coming… Stand as one—for Tomorrow!"
"OOOOHHHHHHHH!!!"
The hall erupted in a thunderous cheer.
All around the plaza, players raised their weapons high and struck them against the ground—thud, thud, thud! The sound echoed like thunder through the Guild Hall. They stood tall, chests out, eyes burning with passion, shouting the Pioneer's name and Tomorrow's Development again and again until their voices seemed to pierce the heavens.
From the shadows, Ines watched the scene unfold. Goosebumps prickled her skin. Seeing the Pioneer like this sent a chill down her spine—part awe, part… fear. So this was his true self. He wasn't the laid-back, slightly irreverent man he appeared to be on the surface. In moments like these, he radiated overwhelming leadership—an aura that made him King of the Frontier.
Her gaze swept over the crowd—and she froze. Many Sarkaz mercenaries were shouting too, their fists raised in unison. Was she seeing things? Sarkaz mercenaries… cheering alongside Adventurers? Had they already joined Tomorrow's Development?
What a terrifying man…
Ines forced herself to calm her racing heart. If someone like him cannot become king, she thought, then perhaps no one can.
Her thoughts drifted to Her Highness—the gentle one who quietly led her people forward. The princess's vision was so far-reaching that few could understand her; she always seemed to stand at an unreachable distance.
Then Ines looked back at Felix. Like the princess, he too carried a grand ambition—but unlike her, his methods were grounded in brutal realism, sometimes to a fault. He measured everything in profit and value… yet that very pragmatism drew people to follow him.
Maybe now she understood. Neither of them was wrong. The princess and the Pioneer walked the same path toward the same goal—but they walked it in completely different ways.
She reached out, letting the faint blue light-rain fall across her fingertips. The warmth it carried seeped gently into her skin.
Could Kazdel truly be witnessing the birth of two kings? she wondered. Or perhaps… since the Pioneer is a Sankta, he's destined to become a future Pope instead?
Ines pictured him in ornate papal robes for a moment—then shook her head quickly. No way. Not even close.
Maybe that was why Hoederer admired him so much. Every word of his reports hinted at future cooperation, even the possibility of outright allegiance. And now… Ines felt herself wavering too.
Before long, footage of the Pioneer's speech at the Guild Hall spread across forums and video sites, drawing a flood of clicks. The moment he raised his lance and shouted to the sky, the audience exploded in excitement.
"Holy crap, that was fire! I was right there in the Hall—my throat's still sore from yelling! Logged off drenched in sweat and had to take a cold shower. Haven't felt this hyped over an NPC in years!"
"Tomorrow's Development has insane rewards! My squad's been grave-digging in Iberia for two weeks, but after watching this, I'm tempted to head for Kazdel to lend a hand."
"Did you guys notice? Even the Sarkaz mercs were cheering with him! A Sankta leading Sarkaz in unity… what kind of future are we even heading toward?"
"Bro above me—are you saying the Pioneer's gonna become Kazdel's one and only golden big boss?"
The internet was ablaze with chatter. Meanwhile, back in the Frontier District, players began sweeping the city in force. Local Sarkaz mercenaries, skilled at reading faces and behavior, guided the adventurers as they hunted down the infiltrators. One by one, the assassins and killers who'd slipped into the city were discovered, bound, and dragged off to the dungeons—never even realizing how they'd been exposed.