The Villain’s Cheat Code: When a Gamer Becomes the Evil God’s Sidekick

The convoy continued its relentless advance toward the palace's central square.

However, the nobles' faces now displayed even more profound gravity and terror.

Just moments earlier, Empress Claudia—leader of the demon hunters—had departed from their escort formation, taking a significant portion of their protectors with her.

Consequently, the convoy's defensive capabilities had been severely compromised, and the nobles' sense of security plummeted accordingly.

One by one, they trudged alongside the carriages with ashen faces and trembling limbs.

They had all received reports about the monstrous entities that had suddenly materialized within the capital.

These creatures' terrifying power rivaled the colossal beasts that had emerged from the Padalenbu Sea.

No wonder Viktor had urged the First Prince to urgently dispatch the knight corps for civilian evacuation, even declaring that war was imminent.

Wasn't war indeed upon them now?

Only this time, their enemies were these suddenly manifested abominations.

The nobles' legs grew weak with terror, yet they could only steel their resolve and continue following the convoy forward.

Paralyzed by fear that one of those nightmarish creatures from the reports might suddenly appear on their path to the central square.

Now that Empress Claudia—their most capable protector—had abandoned this location, these nobles felt as though they'd been plunged into an arctic abyss.

They vividly recalled how Claudia had decimated that envy demon, nearly delivering its death blow.

After witnessing the Empress's true combat prowess, the nobles had felt supremely secure traveling near her convoy.

But now, the demon hunters had been taken by the Empress to reinforce the northern district—the closest battleground to their position.

As for these remaining demon hunters...

The nobles hardly dared believe that such a reduced force could adequately protect them.

Even so, their situation wasn't entirely hopeless.

Their anxious gazes wandered across the carriages, particularly focusing on Gwen at the convoy's head and Elf Queen Cocotte floating gracefully upon her cloud.

Gwen, as Viktor's betrothed, naturally commanded respect.

And Cocotte—as the Elf Sovereign and former Mage Council member—possessed formidable abilities.

The problem was that both women's protective priorities centered entirely on the elves.

Not everyone considered noble lives particularly precious.

Even the nobles themselves acknowledged this harsh reality.

After all, these were elves—such mystical and extraordinarily rare beings. How could mere nobles possibly compare?

Fortunately, the First Prince remained among them.

Though the nobles had learned from Liboat that Aubrey's legendary dragon-slaying feat might have been fabricated.

Nevertheless, he bore the title of "Perfect Hero" and was Emperor Aubrey's eldest son.

With such prestigious lineage, his capabilities couldn't be entirely inadequate.

With this reasoning, the nobles all gravitated toward Aubrey's vicinity.

While matching the First Prince's pace, they pleaded with humble desperation for his protection.

"Your Highness, we're placing our very lives in your hands..."

"Indeed, Your Highness—our survival depends entirely upon your grace."

"Alas, my household's elderly and children all rely solely upon me, Your Highness."

These nobles buzzed incessantly around Aubrey like persistent flies.

With every plaintive word they uttered, Aubrey's expression grew increasingly burdened.

Yet these panic-stricken nobles remained oblivious to Aubrey's mounting distress.

They continued fantasizing that Aubrey would heroically rescue them during critical moments, delivering them from certain doom.

After all, such was royal obligation.

If royal family members refused to protect the nobility, why should nobles serve the crown?

Under their expectant gazes, Aubrey slowly straightened his posture, as though making a solemn vow:

"I understand your concerns."

"I will absolutely ensure your safety."

Hearing this reassurance, the crushing weight in the nobles' hearts instantly lifted—they exhaled collective sighs of relief as smiles returned to their faces.

Just as they basked in this momentary joy, the guard clutching the communication crystal hurried toward the First Prince.

"Your Highness! Excellent news!"

His eyes blazed with surprised delight as he reported with obvious relief:

"Beyond the northern district receiving Her Majesty's support, the giants in both eastern and western districts have also been successfully intercepted!"

Upon hearing this update, the First Prince's eyes widened dramatically as a delighted smile spread across his features—he eagerly pressed for details:

"Which of the capital's champions took action!?"

"It's... it's Duke Levi and General Vladimir, who returned for retirement!"

Meanwhile—

Capital City, Eastern District.

At this moment, the once-spacious cobblestone streets had been transformed into completely devastated ruins by violent seismic activity.

Various protruding rock formations and pulverized brick fragments lay scattered together as towering dust clouds swept across the sky.

Knights evacuating nearby residents gripped their weapons firmly, positioning themselves behind the civilian retreat while courageously blocking the colossal monster's assault.

Yet their hands trembled slightly, sword-gripping palms slick with nervous perspiration, their eyes betraying barely concealed terror.

But bound by duty, they could only forcibly suppress their inner panic while bravely confronting the threat before them.

The knights gazed upward in stunned horror at the enormous earth-brown giant that blotted out sun and sky.

It towered into the cloud layer, one massive hand supporting a boulder the size of a building—as though preparing to crush the earth below in the next instant.

Shadow engulfed the knights as a terrifying aura permeated everyone's hearts.

However, just as the giant's arm began its descent, bone-chilling cold spread rapidly like ripples across the collapsed street.

In a single heartbeat, thick frost crystallized across the ground—ice spreading with lightning speed, climbing up the giant's rocky legs.

The hardened ice emanated frigid breath so intense that even the surrounding atmosphere filled with dense white vapor.

Heavy ice crystals flickered with ethereal light, capturing the giant's attention.

It attempted to take a step, only to discover that those pillars composed of sand and stone could no longer move—unable to crack even a single fissure in the ice encasing its legs.

The knights stared in absolute amazement at the giant bound by ice and the surrounding terrain covered in frost—completely thunderstruck.

But suddenly, the distinctive sound of tobacco combustion drifted from behind them.

"Ahh, that hits the spot."

"So this is the earth giant you mentioned, Levi."

An elderly gentleman wearing a luxurious sable coat with silver-streaked hair slowly approached the knights, a thick cigar dangling from the corner of his mouth.

He took a deep, satisfied drag before exhaling an enormous smoke ring with obvious pleasure.

In his hand, he held a transparent, flickering communication crystal from which Duke Levi's voice gradually emerged:

"Yes, exactly that type of creature."

"My deepest apologies, Vladimir. I failed to account for the elf factor, resulting in these monsters manifesting within the capital."

"Once this crisis concludes, I'll voluntarily submit to punishment..."

Vladimir raised the crystal to his lips, cutting Levi off mid-sentence.

"Save the self-flagellation for later. Let's focus on protecting civilians first."

He squinted at the crystal, casually pressed a control, then nonchalantly tossed it backward.

The knights scrambled to catch the precious device.

Vladimir flashed a satisfied, hearty grin.

"That gadget's worth a small fortune, lads. Keep it safe for me."

The instant his words concluded, his right hand extended outward.

Supernatural chill rapidly condensed from the surrounding space.

White mist mixed with fine ice crystals gradually enveloped his arm.

Within that palm materialized a colossal ice battle-axe gleaming with razor-sharp luminescence.

Vladimir hefted the massive weapon onto his shoulder, fixing his gaze upon the mountain-sized giant with obvious relish.

He grinned wickedly, his eyes sparkling with provocative challenge:

"You certainly look impressive. Unfortunately for you..."

"Right now, it's winter."

Listening to the guard's report, the tension gripping the First Prince's heart finally received some measure of relief as he exhaled deeply.

The surrounding districts were generally secure—genuinely encouraging news.

Yet the southern district's situation remained deeply troubling, with inadequate defenses leaving residents' lives hanging by the thinnest thread.

What should he do? Should he rush to provide reinforcement...

But... how could he possibly provide meaningful support?

The First Prince's hands unconsciously clenched into tight fists, his nails nearly piercing flesh as his palms grew pale with strain.

Once again, his heart flooded with that familiar, crushing sense of powerlessness.

Just as he wallowed in self-recrimination and internal struggle, a voice called from ahead.

He looked up, his gaze sharply focusing on Gwen in front:

"Your Highness."

"Just ahead lies the central square."

Hearing this, the First Prince momentarily froze.

His gaze passed beyond Gwen, surveying the distance.

Indeed, as she indicated, merely a few kilometers away stretched the capital's largest open plaza.

There, massive crowds had gathered—groups of residents seeking sanctuary.

Knights maintained perimeter security, preserving order while protecting these civilians.

Witnessing this scene, the nobles collectively breathed sighs of relief, their eyes sparkling with gratitude and renewed hope.

The central square's safety provided them genuine peace of mind.

Now they need no longer fear encountering mortal danger.

But at precisely this moment, Gwen unexpectedly drew her blade, severing the carriage reins with lightning precision.

The horses broke free from their harnesses, rearing up on hind legs with thunderous neighing.

Gwen gracefully vaulted onto her mount, gripping the horse's mane firmly with both hands before securing new reins.

Everyone nearby stood paralyzed with confusion, their gazes filled with bewilderment at her inexplicable actions.

Even Cocotte, seated upon her cloud, couldn't help but furrow her brow while observing Gwen with intense curiosity.

Gwen rode forward with wind-like momentum, approaching the First Prince with unwavering determination:

"I will reinforce the southern district."

"Upon completion, I'll proceed to assist Viktor."

A female demon hunter who had been accompanying Gwen immediately erupted with frantic concern:

"Gwen!? What are you thinking?"

"This isn't the time for personal heroic gestures! Viktor doesn't require your assistance—"

Before she could complete her protest, she suddenly froze in stunned silence.

Gwen's form seemed to emanate subtle, hazy golden radiance—even her eyes now glowed with mysterious amber luminescence.

Was she hallucinating?

The demon hunter rubbed her eyes vigorously, yet that faintly pulsing golden aura refused to dissipate.

At this moment, Gwen's voice rang out with crystal clarity:

"But I need him."

As her declaration concluded, white arctic winds suddenly swirled through the surrounding atmosphere, gently caressing the snow mastiff armor adorning her form.

Ice crystals ascended with the wind, spiraling around her neck and skull, materializing into a silver-gleaming wolf helmet within the swirling snow and mist.

The helmet completely encased Gwen's head, concealing her features entirely.

Even her mount became shrouded in layers of ice crystal armor flickering with supernatural cold—its entire body wrapped in silver-blazing frozen mail.

Upon the horse's forehead, a spiraling ice crystal horn protruded menacingly—sharp and glacially beautiful.

Observing this transformed Gwen, the demon hunter's bewildered voice trembled:

"Why... but why..."

Under everyone's shocked observation, Gwen suddenly yanked the reins as her mount's front hooves rose skyward, releasing a prolonged, majestic neigh.

With this cry, the surrounding arctic winds intensified dramatically.

Everyone instinctively raised their hands, forced to shield themselves against the swirling snow and ice.

Only Kevla, who had concealed herself nearby, continued staring upward at Gwen in mesmerized wonder.

The horse pivoted, facing the demon hunter's direction.

Gwen's golden pupils, hidden beneath her helmet, suddenly blazed with supernatural fire as she regarded the demon hunter with infinite resolve:

"I am his future wife."

"That reason is more than sufficient."

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