Home Invasion

Zangar, the capital of Tasham Province.

The central city of the fifth largest province in the Arzhan Khanate was having an ordinary day today.

“Are the vegetables fresh today as well, old Alkur?”

“Ahah! If you come now, I’ll give you what’s 100 kopir per bundle for just 70 kopir!”

“No thanks, I’m on duty.”

The toothless vegetable vendor grinned while adjusting his turban.

Ahmed, waving his hand, walked past and climbed the stone steps.

The patrol team of the Zangar Guard under his command followed.

“Yawn… What a truly boring afternoon.”

“Everyone feels that way after lunch.”

“I wish we could change shifts quickly and take a nap in the barracks bed…”

The patrol members exchanged casual conversation, yawning and joking around.

Despite their careless attitude toward duty, Ahmed didn’t particularly stop them.

That was reasonable since no unusual trends were observed.

Zangar’s public safety was noted as among the best in cities.

Guard Captain Ahmed closed his eyes solemnly.

‘It’s all thanks to Governor Hulani’s benevolent rule.’

Hulani Alibakshu.

An unparalleled being who had been appointed as the governor of Tasham three years ago.

The appearance of the 17-year-old governor, who was not just young but youthful, was like a comet.

When they heard that the previous incumbent, who had engaged in corruption and sold official positions, was transported to the capital, and a new governor appointed from the central government would arrive, at first all the residents of Tasham sneered.

The quick ones inquired through informants and found out he was a complete novice in governance and extremely young.

They said he was an elite military graduate who had finished first in his class at the capital’s military academy in unprecedented record time.

Everyone seemed to have agreed to ridicule and despise the new governor.

What could a young, inexperienced greenhorn possibly do?

They judged that he would be instantly manipulated and devoured by the powerful local establishment.

It was only natural that Hulani didn’t win the favor of Tasham residents during his early appointment.

Hostile and disillusioned gazes from people of all ages and genders were everywhere.

Hulani endured them silently like a heavy rock.

‘Shamefully, I was the same at that time.’

Some even looked down on his background.

There were even those who sprinkled salt water, saying that impurity arises where the barbarian from the north, who lives with horses, passes.

While the Sun Religion Zanitra outwardly pursued inclusivity, there was actually a deep tradition of discrimination.

Oppression and persecution of pagans subjugated to the Sun Religion forces were commonplace.

Everyone watched without any expectation.

Because the predecessor had indulged so much in corruption and luxury, they firmly believed that this new fool would do the same.

What the residents expected did not happen.

Hulani completely transformed the rotten climate in an instant.

He pruned the decayed branches and poured in new water and soil.

He completely renewed the soil.

Hulani’s politics overflowed with fairness and justice.

Those who had been buried and neglected saw the light.

The incompetent couldn’t even gather their bones.

Administrators who had been idly passing their time screamed at the explosively increased workload.

Citizens were captivated by the sight of the city transforming day by day.

As the domain began to function properly, this was a natural phenomenon.

‘No one thought it would ever be possible.’

It was instantaneous how distrust changed to doubt, and doubt to praise.

To make matters worse, Hulani was also exceptionally handsome.

His appearance was certainly rare.

The northerners of the Arubian West Continent had the fairest skin.

Easterners were darker, the southerners where black people originated were the darkest, and the west was diverse.

In the West Continent, white skin was considered a rare and wondrous fortune.

Hulani won the favor of Tasham women and maidens.

Marriage proposals from prominent families lined up daily.

But there was no place for them.

By the beautiful young governor’s side, the wind spirit Raniaké was already strongly maintaining an iron wall.

She had taken on a human form with flowing golden curls, deep blue wall-like eyes, milk-white skin, and an explosive figure in Persian-style dancer attire.

Hulani, who failed to recognize the heart of this beautiful female spirit, was ridiculed as a terrible dullard in an unexpected aspect.

“Second-grade water from the Niryan River, boiled all night and cooled, for 10 kopir per cup! First-grade water, crystal-clear and limpid, arduously transported by caravans from the peak of Mount Arat, for 30 kopir per cup!”

“Sherbet made by mixing sweet sheep milk cream and honey for 65 kopir! Lemon water as cold as the chill of a cave for 50 kopir! A taste you’ll never regret!”

“Crispy, savory rock lizard skewers just caught by the main store’s hunter son! Come and taste them!”

“Thick sheep wool overcoat for 45 silvir! The desert nights are extremely cold! You must never be careless!”

“Want to safely cross the desert? Come to my weapon shop and arm yourself!”

The noisy solicitation sounds of merchants brushed past Ahmed’s ears.

Ahmed was captivated by thoughts like an oasis mirage.

‘Could I become like Governor Hulani?’

They passed the marketplace located along the way.

Shops full of spices, textiles, and metal crafts lined the streets.

Citizens and merchants vigorously haggled over prices.

Prosperity and abundance overflowed everywhere.

The street of inns where travelers and adventurers come and go was visible.

Some inns showed large caravans unloading their luggage.

They tied their camels in front of the lodgings and each secured rooms.

The sounds flowing from outside the buildings were noisy.

And reaching the center of the city, the mosque of the Sun Religion Zanitra appeared.

The walls engraved with all kinds of sacred paintings flowing, and the splendid craftsmanship of sculptures and metalwork displayed by artisans were magnificent.

The surface of the luxurious Arabesque-style building reflected the dazzling sunlight.

It was the unique art seen in cultural regions with Sun Religion faith.

Finally, behind the mosque, not far away, the Tasham governor’s castle came into view.

Around it were core facilities including the governor’s residence and retainers’ quarters.

Originally, there was an outer wall that surrounded all governor-related facilities like a fortress, but it had been demolished.

This was due to Hulani’s disposition, which emphasized informal communication with the public without barriers.

“By the way, when will the governor return?”

“He said he was going out for a simple meeting with a friend, so he should be back soon.”

“Lunchtime has long passed… why hasn’t he returned?”

“Surely nothing has happened to him?”

“Come on, how could it?”

The guard patrol members started chatting again.

Hulani’s presence was profound to everyone in this city.

Hulani was a treasure that the Sun God had bestowed upon them.

Everyone believed it and never doubted.

When he rode his snow-white horse Raniaké through the downtown area, it seemed as if a halo followed him.

It was like seeing one of the 12 archangels who appear in the doctrine of the Sun Religion and assist Zanitra.

All the people of Tasham praised and extolled their appearance.

Even those who argued were unified when discussing Hulani.

‘Governor…’

To Ahmed, Hulani was like the sun.

A being too dazzling to ever approach.

An object that should always shine, receiving everyone’s praise.

‘I want to become a noble knight like Hulani.’

Someday, if he accumulates enough reputation and wealth.

He wants to go up to the khanate capital and enter a military academy like Hulani.

And then he wants to become a glorious Aura Faris equipped with dazzling armor and sword.

‘Dreams will surely come true.’

It was when Ahmed firmly resolved his will.

[From now on, I will take over this city. Those who are unarmed and do not resist will not die. However, those who are armed and resist will die.]

A male voice with a solemn and deep resonance.

It echoed as full telepathy.

“Huh…?”

“W-what?”

“Just now… in my head, a strange voice.”

The peaceful daily life of Tasham stopped.

Everyone looked around.

As citizens murmured.

“Ack! W-what is that!”

A man with wide eyes urgently pointed somewhere.

A woman also screamed without speaking.

“Kyaaaaaak-!”

The rocky mountain located behind the northern side of Zangar City like a backdrop.

On its broad middle slope, there was something coiled.

Screams erupted from Zangar citizens who confirmed the being’s appearance.

“Uwaah! M-monster!”

“Kyah! W-what on earth is that!?”

“D-Death Worm!? How can a Death Worm be so huge!”

There, an absurdly gigantic white Death Worm was looking down at the city.

It was hard to believe it was the being that had just sent the telepathy.

It was a terrifying appearance like something out of a nightmare.

[Hulani has died by my hand. There is no longer a guardian to protect you. If you value your lives, surrender and submit to me. If you do not resist, you will not die.]

Full telepathy that was clearly being transmitted by the Death Worm.

The final words, firmly lodged like the last nail.

Ahmed’s surprised mouth gaped open.

“What…!”

Ahmed also looked at the figure that appeared on the mountain behind the city.

The White Sovereign of the rocky mountain raised its gaze to look at the distant horizon.

[Strike.]

Full telepathy intended to make everyone at the scene hear it, echoed widely across the radius area.

Urrrrrng─────!

From that point, the horizon of Tasham shook.

From a distant range, yellow wind and yellow sand rose thickly.

The sentries on guard on the city walls surrounding the city were thrown into confusion.

“Ack! W-what’s that!”

“S-sandstorm!?”

“No! That’s!”

Shapes charging forth, driving sand storms, separated at regular intervals.

More than 200 Death Worms and Sand Worms.

Passsssk…

Sand suddenly gathered around the mosque’s dome and the minaret spires surrounding the building.

Similarly, yellow sand converged on each of the tall building spires in the downtown area.

The gathered sand eventually constructed human forms.

The Rashka commanded by Nadia appeared one by one.

They all stood precariously on the tops of the spires.

“Over there.”

Nadia, crouched on top of a spire like a gargoyle, pointed to a section of the city.

She spotted guard troops gathering in the confusion.

Passssss-!

The Rashka immediately formed shapes with sand and moved in that direction.

They proceeded to neutralize the gathering guards.

Some Rashka took form.

Tsurung-!

Glittering discs flew, scattering dazzling reflected light.

Skung-!

“Kuh!”

The neck of a guard who was pointing a spear at a Rashka was sliced through, separating from the torso.

Nearby guards also fell as their wrists or ankles were cut.

The Rashka all took throwing positions simultaneously.

Skung! Pyushushushusuk-!

“Kukk!”

“Kuhak!”

“Uh, aaah-!”

Chakrams, flying knives, and daggers flew in.

Guards who attempted to resist fell indiscriminately.

Desert assassins ran swiftly like the wind.

“Uwaaah! Rashka!”

“The Rashka have invaded!”

“Why on earth are the desert assassins!?”

It took only an instant for the guards to be thrown into confusion.

The assassins of Akran had already completed their infiltration of the city.

For those whose daily lives included constant combat training, infiltrating a city of ordinary people was very easy.

Kwassssss─────!

Monstrous forms also shot up from various places in the downtown area.

They were Worm Riders composed of Death Worms and Sand Worms with chests firmly tied to their bodies with chains.

Chulkukukung-! Patpatpatpatpat!

As the firmly closed lids of the chests opened, black forms quickly emerged and dispersed.

Inside each chest was attached a wind demon stone that generated oxygen and circulated carbon dioxide.

They had successfully infiltrated the city interior through subterranean movement via worms.

The remaining Rashka were additionally deployed for the surprise occupation.

“Shurororororo…!”

“Hyuuuuuu…!”

“Kyuruuuut…!”

The Death Worms and Sand Worms that transported the assassins emitted strange wind-like sounds.

Red and yellow giant monster worms rose up here and there throughout the city.

Their appearances, which could never blend into the downtown area, were very bizarre.

“Kyaaak-! Help!”

“Where are the regular army and guards!”

“Where on earth is the governor!”

Screams echoed from everywhere in the downtown area.

Tasham was instantly engulfed in immense chaos.

The peaceful daily life of Tasham was destroyed and violated in an instant.

“Uwaaaaa-!”

“Ah! Guard Captain!? Where are you going!”

“P-please command us!”

Taktataktaktak-!

Ahmed ran alone, abandoning even his patrol members.

The most precious being to him.

He was worried about Hulani.

‘Surely… he must have already returned!’

Ahmed gritted his teeth and ran toward the governor’s castle.

Cold sweat poured down his entire body like rain.

His heart pounded as if it would burst.

‘Surely!’

A face as pretty as a woman’s.

A bright smile like the sun’s rays.

He firmly believed that beauty was waiting for him.

“Huk…..!”

What Ahmed found upon reaching the governor’s castle was that it had already been completely occupied by the Rashka.

The neutralization of the defeated Tasham forces was being completed nearby.

The direct personnel of the governor’s castle were at least strong warriors.

Nevertheless, they couldn’t even respond to the Rashka.

Tatatatatatak-!

“Huk! Huuk!”

Ahmed ran madly inside the broken and shattered entrance of the governor’s castle.

The most precious subject to him, his idol and aspiration.

To check on Hulani’s safety.

“Who are you?”

There was a being blocking Ahmed’s path along the way.

It was Bajid, the First Great Warrior of Akran Village.

He was guarding the entrance to the great hall.

“Step back and you won’t die.”

“M-move-!”

“Step back and you won’t die.”

“I said move-!”

Srung-

Ahmed’s scimitar was drawn from his waist with a cold metallic sound.

Bajid, with his arms crossed, distorted one corner of his mouth.

“Tsk, completely out of his mind.”

“Uwoooo-!”

Tak!

Ahmed’s form, taking a proper stance, shot forward like the wind.

He had to quickly cut down this obstructing assassin and check inside.

Whether his eternal governor, Hulani, was seated on the governor’s throne in the great hall.

Bajid, with his arms crossed, made no response.

Waiting until Ahmed came within range.

Whik whik!

Both of Bajid’s hands flew separately.

His legs also moved.

Puk! Kwaduduk-!

“Kuk!”

Bone-breaking sounds echoed from Ahmed’s wrists, firmly grasped in Bajid’s hands.

In the moment his wrist joints were dislocated, Ahmed’s form was also lifted high by a low kick that struck his legs.

The airborne Ahmed fell instantly.

Kung!

“Ugh!”

Ahmed was sprawled out.

Nevertheless, he quickly tried to flip over and recover his posture.

Kung!

Once again, Bajid’s palm grabbed the back of his head and slammed it to the floor.

Srung-

Ahmed felt the cold touch of an assassination blade against his Adam’s apple.

“Move more and you die.”

Bajid’s cold threat followed.

Ahmed lifted his head, looking inside the great hall of the governor’s castle, and cried out.

“Hulani! Give me back my Governor Hulani!”

Moisture explosively filled the eyes of the loyal guard captain.

The final negotiation was taking place in the great hall of the governor’s castle.

[I know you are an excellent official. I utilize talents broadly. I ask again. Will you submit to me?]

The White Sovereign’s telepathy echoed throughout the great hall of the governor’s castle.

‘So it has come to this after all.’

Shahid, the subject of the negotiation, had an expression immersed in deep thought.

To think that his early lunch departure would effectively be his last.

He couldn’t believe that Hulani was dead.

‘Despite my dissuasion.’

But regret wouldn’t bring back the already dead governor.

His lifelong principle was that the living must live.

Above all, Shahid was interested in the White Sovereign.

‘The legendary White Sovereign… what kind of being is it?’

The elderly man, seasoned in politics, was burning with curiosity.

The interesting proposal that the White Sovereign had offered him.

The answer to the question was already decided.

“…I will obey.”

The elderly advisor bowed his head and submitted to the White Sovereign.