Fire Mage

The Next Day, the United Council Assembly.

The chamber buzzed with urgency as the Council reconvened.

The topics shifted toward the rising monster outbreaks. New dungeons had emerged in the mainland, three in the east, and two more in the northern sea. Imps and lesser demons had been spotted near coastal cities.

Talks turned to the Mystic Guilds' performance, many of which had failed to respond fast enough, resulting in several towns falling into ruin. Several leaders proposed forming a unified military army — an elite force drawn from each nation to combat the escalating magical beast threat.

That's when Rhea stood once again.

"I agree with the need for action," she began. "But I propose a more refined approach."

She unfurled a crimson-bound book and let its pages ripple.

"This book holds categorized information about known monsters and magical beasts. It details their weaknesses, preferred habitats, aggression triggers, and—most importantly—how to eliminate them with minimal casualties." In truth, this book was written by Runeth himself and contained most of the information about the monsters he encountered in 30,000 years of his lifespan.

The council members leaned forward. Many of them, especially from minor kingdoms, wore expressions of curiosity and hope.

"We don't need a massive army that drains resources," Rhea continued. "We need specialized clearing teams. Target the dungeons. Neutralize the beasts surrounding them. Lock the entrances and establish outposts. That's how we fight this war."

A few dukes murmured in agreement. Even some Church representatives remained silent — unwilling, perhaps, to challenge her so soon after yesterday's confrontation.

The Speaker didn't say a word. His eyes merely lingered on Rhea for a long moment before he turned to address the hall.

"…The Council shall review Queen Rhea's monster field manual. I propose we begin forming strategic clearing divisions. All those in favor—"

A flood of raised hands followed.

Rhea slowly sat down.

Beside her, Runeth smiled faintly.

"You've already got the attention of every council member," he chuckled.

The council meeting ended in the afternoon after discussions about various topics.

But unlike before, a few representatives of dukedoms, small kingdoms, and even some organizations approached Rhea and greeted her as they left the council building. They spoke to her with newfound respect and requested private discussions.

To their requests, Rhea gave a simple nod and responded, "Come to the Mermaid's Inn. I'll be available later today."

Once the council hall cleared out, Rhea, Runeth, and Edith quietly left and returned to the Mermaid's Inn around 2 p.m.

An hour later, at 3 p.m., a representative of the Hearth Kingdom arrived at the inn. He was accompanied by two advisors. They were taken to a private chamber where Rhea awaited them. Edith stood behind her as usual, expressionless.

While Rhea conversed with them about possible cooperation, Edith silently cast the [Curse of the Overlord] spell on the representative and the two who accompanied him.

"We came here to request support from the Iron Kingdom, Your Majesty. Unlike other kingdoms, our kingdom isn't occupied by magical beasts or monsters. Instead, a curse seems to have befallen our land. For the past two years, over half of the population has become sick due to an unknown disease. At first, it started with only some black spots on the body. But as the disease progresses, the strange black spot spreads all over and even turns the person completely unrecognizable. We sought out help from all the churches, but their spells are not working anymore. We came here hoping that you could help us." The representative of the Hearth Kingdom spoke solemnly.

"Disease, huh? What is the fatality rate?" Runeth asked.

The representative answered solemnly.

"It's around 12%, Sir."

"We can find a cure if we do enough research, right? But what do we get in return?" Edith asked while glancing at Runeth.

"We will support Her Majesty during the council leader election." The representative spoke.

"That's a given. After all, the other three candidates are either tyrants or only after profits." Edith said with a smile and then added.

"It would be better for the Hearth Kingdom to form an alliance with the Iron Kingdom and Moon Kingdom. That way, we can help each other whenever a Kingdom-level threat approaches."

"Moon Kingdom?" The representative asked in shock.

Even Rhea showed a surprised look and glanced at Edith.

"This sounds better." Runeth nodded in approval before continuing.

"We don't need to guard against each other during the chaotic time. If another Legend rank Demon appeared in a small kingdom like ours, there would be no hope at all. Didn't you see how the council leader and elders responded to the urgent requests submitted by various representatives? They didn't seem to care even if millions of people died. By the time the United Council sends help, the whole kingdom might have disappeared from the map itself."

Strangely, the representative and the other two council members felt her words were true.

"If I think about it deeply, what you said is absolutely right. We'll discuss it with our King and give you a reply in two days." Saying so, the representative of the Hearth kingdom stood up.

After that, he and the other two council members thanked Rhea once again and left.

After the Hearth Kingdom's envoys left, Edith stepped forward and handed over a stack of 250 papers to Rhea.

"These are all the ones you must meet within the next seven days," she said calmly.

Rhea's eyes narrowed. "Two hundred and fifty…? Why?"

"You will understand in time," Edith replied.

Though confused, Rhea nodded. "Then I'll begin writing letters right away."

But before she could begin, Runeth interjected, "There's no need to call them here. Instead, we'll go to them. And let's Edith do the talking from now onwards."

Rhea paused, considered, and agreed.

For the next week, Rhea, Runeth, and Edith set out each day to meet council members—those from small kingdoms, dukedoms, and key organizations.

They met with Archbishops and cardinals of the thirteen churches, council members from the Kingdoms like Ember, Goldencrown, Hearth, etc., and even some members from the Sacred Empire, the Blood Empire, Rogue Thorne, and the Azure Federation. Every time, it was Edith who spoke the most, while Rhea listened and responded when necessary.

And during each meeting, Edith cast the same spell — [Curse of the Overlord]. With each casting, more minds fell under her silent command, unknowingly favoring Rhea.

But Edith knew that this spell wouldn't work much unless they conversed with Rhea every day and became close aides.

'Still, they will be influenced by her words as long as she speaks more in the council meeting.'

By the time the week ended, the change was visible.

Whenever Rhea spoke during the Council Assemblies, her words were met with nods and silent support. The number of questions was fewer. Objections, rarer still.

…

Tension still lingered in the air like fog. Day 11 of the Grand Assembly began with a quiet rumble.

The Speaker sat high upon the center dais, fingers interlocked. The daily proceedings began.

"Today's first topic is about the usage of the Nightmare Serum," Salvatore announced. "The Arc Kingdom has submitted documentation, results of test trials, and its long-term proposal to use the serum as a military enhancer."

Rhea leaned forward, her eyes narrowing.

"This again?" she murmured, glancing at Edith.

"They're pushing it hard," Edith replied, arms folded. "They have backers, after all."

A thin man with silvery-blue hair, dressed in grey ceremonial robes, stepped forward. He was Halron Vyrin, the representative of the Arc Kingdom.

"The Nightmare Serum is a miracle," Halron began. "A person can break through rank limitations. Even a mere Rank-2 can become Rank-4 in under three months. Yes, there are side effects—"

"Side effects?" Edith interrupted coldly. "You mean madness, soul corruption, and possession by nightmare creatures over time?"

"If managed properly—"

"Properly? You've lost thirty-two test subjects consumed by madness two months ago, and they even entered the moon kingdom, massing a village!" snapped a representative from the Moon Kingdom.

"Lies and exaggeration," Morik insisted. "The truth is—"

Rhea stood up slowly. Her presence silenced the hall. Even the Speaker Salvatore watched in silence.

"Halron Vyrin, do you have a soul?" she asked.

"What sort of question is—"

"Answer me. Do you have a soul?"

"…Yes."

"Then be glad yours is still yours. Because that serum," she pointed to the floating document display in the center, "strips a man of everything. His pain. His sanity. His will. His self. What's left isn't a man—it's a beast wearing his face."

The council murmured, some glancing at one another.

Nedia of the Blood Empire yawned theatrically.

"Spare me the drama, Lady of Iron. If soldiers are willing, it's their choice. Who are we to interfere?"

"Would you say the same if it were your father or your family member?" Rhea snapped. "Or your close ones?"

"My father is already a Legend rank. He doesn't need shortcuts."

That single sentence turned the hall cold.

"So your Empire's elite don't need it, but the poor do?" a young representative from Everpeak rose, voice trembling with suppressed anger. "We're just test subjects to you, aren't we?"

"Order," Salvator called. "Control yourselves."

Councilor Torith of the Azure Federation spoke next, calm and collected.

"I support regulated, supervised usage of the serum for military purposes only. Let the low-born choose strength if they want it."

The poll was eventually held.

Rhea didn't even glance at the numbers. The moment the Speaker announced:

"Proposal to allow limited military usage of the Nightmare Serum—Rejected by Majority,"

She exhaled softly.

'At least some of them are still sane.'