Chapter 001: Griffin Beast, Connolly Viss

The term "barbarian" is merely a collective designation, representing the majority of tribal inhabitants in the western continent of the empire who remain in a nomadic state. This includes the predominantly numerous orcs, as well as a portion of savages, subterranean dwarves, gray dwarves, hill giants, and ogres, who are considered subhuman species. They worship the orc deity Gush as their faith, and the rulers maintain unity among the various tribes by leveraging the fervent beliefs of their kin.

The great achievements of His Majesty of the Three Realms were forged by the sword in his hand, and the royal sword that exists because of him is the magnificent white-headed griffin shield emblem before us

Everything in this world has long been in the hands of countless individuals. The things we can see and desire already have their owners. To obtain them, one can only seize them from others. Only by stepping on the blood-stained stairs can the future be assured

However, the result of this trust is that more than one-third of the entire Phoenix army and related departments are under the control of the Griffin Duke, including even the appointment and removal powers of some lower-ranking officials. More than one-third of the military strength of the directly governed empire, encompassing the majority of the elite Connery Vess, is not something that anyone can control, not even Connery Vess himself. More than one-third of the military strength of the directly governed empire, encompassing the majority of the elite Connery Vess, is not something that anyone can control, not even Connery Vess himself

However, the scene before Carl Casas was far from this

Everything should come to an end, the war has dragged on for too long... The consciousness against war spreads like wildfire, descending from the throne of Phoenix, igniting every inch of the land... Even the legendary griffin, known for daring to challenge dragons, is powerless in the face of this flame

Connarivis, this phrase in Ancient Taixi means "the Horn of the Sun". It remains an enigmatic existence that continues to baffle people today. Its specific interpretation has long been lost in the dust of thousands of years, fading away with the fall of the Taixi Empire. Although some scholars assert that it symbolizes a horn of royal power or represents a rare phenomenon of the sun appearing after centuries, these claims lack substantial evidence. In fact, most people believe that these are merely the flattering embellishments of scholars seeking to curry favor with the powerful. The first generation of Connarivis likely never considered the meaning of his name, as he was not even of noble birth, but rather an ordinary soldier from a peasant background.

Each knight is clad in armor, draped in a pure black cloak on the outside. The large griffin emblem ripples on the cloak with the breeze; it is their pride and their totem. This magical beast, a specialty of the Hood Province in the northwest of the Empire, not only symbolizes justice but also represents one of the most formidable collective combat powers on the continent

Although this accusation has never manifested as a genuine motive, on certain levels, it has been sufficient

However, the wise Fourth Emperor achieved his objectives

The contradictions in consciousness quickly intensified, and the Duke was naturally furious about the sudden halt of the campaign plans. He mobilized all his resources in an attempt to change the situation, even openly questioning the new monarch. However, nothing could alter the deep-seated fear and aversion to war that resides in the human heart

The sudden passing of Emperor Raelph III undoubtedly left a significant hidden danger for the entire empire— the Sword of the King is only a fearsome weapon in the hands of a skilled swordsman. Unfortunately, the emperor's successor, His Majesty the Fourth, known for his meticulousness, is not a qualified swordsman.

The viscount dismounted from the carriage, taking a deep breath of the early autumn air, which already carried a hint of the scent of firewood and peat. He then smiled and straightened his posture—confidence, courage, demeanor, and knowledge are essential qualities for an outstanding diplomat. At all times, one must maintain elegance and self-assurance; this was one of the few teachings imparted to him by his mentor

Barbarians... This is a general term used by humans to refer to the humanoid beings living on the western side of the continent. Conflicts often arise between humans and the intelligent races on the continent, much like the wars that occur between various human nations. However, it is generally the case that within human nations, there is a greater acceptance of individuals from other intelligent races. In comparison, wars between human nations are more frequent.

Yet, somewhat ironically, the fates of these two individuals seem akin to the meteors in the sky... Their brilliant and resplendent appearance ultimately fades away silently, disappearing into the darkness

In fact, achieving this goal is not difficult—several neighboring countries, which have been barely surviving under the threat of military force, chose to cooperate at the first opportunity. This prolonged war, lasting for thirty years, came to an end almost in the blink of an eye.

At this moment, seven fully armed knights and their steeds are bestowing a sufficient solemnity... or rather, an intimidation upon the entire street. The black figures of men and horses stand silently in the wind, already creating a heavy atmosphere that permeates the air— the knights, with long swords at their waists and heavy shields casually leaning against the sides of their saddles, possess a simplicity in their equipment, yet wield immense lethality.

To the Griffin Duke, who has no interest in governing a country and lacks experience in statecraft, the peace plan vigorously promoted by the Fourth Generation is undoubtedly unnecessary, even foolish... The purpose of the sword in the hands of a warrior is to fight for the land that belongs to the plow in the hands of a farmer; as long as there is land, there will be food. As for money? The treasuries of neighboring countries are abundant; it is merely a matter of seizing it... The purpose of the sword in the hands of a warrior is to fight for the land that belongs to the plow in the hands of a farmer; as long as there is land, there will be food. As for money? The treasuries of neighboring countries are abundant; it is merely a matter of seizing it

Yet merely calling him a soldier seems insufficient to describe this individual... Rising through the ranks, promoted in battle, after a few years as an ordinary soldier, he gained notable military achievements due to the brutal circumstances of the Southeast War, ultimately earning the recognition of the equally young Emperor Leirfu, and eventually becoming the sharp sword of the dynasty

However, this was to be expected. The hybrid stallions derived from Hanover are not particularly commendable in terms of speed and stability, but their striking appearance and nearly two-meter stature make them the most impressive carriage horses. Paired with this handcrafted white feather box carriage produced by the Gilded Thistle, in terms of outward grandeur, they certainly do not pale in comparison to any noble family in Haydon City, except for His Majesty's royal carriage. Therefore, even though they may not be as stable as the old horses used in stagecoaches, they remain the top choice among all the nobility.

This vast expanse of land is barren, with a harsh climate, filled with hills, wastelands, and swamps. Moreover, lacking any barriers as shields, this complex terrain and the wide-open space have rendered the northwestern border of the empire a natural battleground. In fact, the wars on this land have never ceased, and the only source of nourishment for the soil is the blood that seeps into it.

War is always the most costly endeavor, and the king will allocate the enormous expenses of maintaining the war onto the heads of the various noble lords. However, how could the nobles bear such a heavy burden themselves? Naturally, they would seek to recover the money spent from the hands of their subjects. After thirty years, the already significant gap between the common people and the nobility has widened even further. Discontent among the populace is gradually rising, and dissatisfaction with the king's decision to wage war is quietly accumulating in the hearts of the people.

This sentence can also be combined with his own famous saying to become the best portrayal of this emperor

Thus, His Majesty of the Fourth Generation felt a sense of crisis... The Sword of the Sun's Horn had now transformed into a deadly weapon hanging over his head, ready to inflict harm upon the lofty throne at any moment if he were to let his guard down

This duke possesses the highest military honor in the empire, as well as the complete authority to grant pardons to officials within his territory—this can almost be regarded as a sharing of the emperor's powers. Furthermore, his territory encompasses two provinces in the northwest of the empire, with a well-equipped knightly order of 20,000 swearing allegiance to him

It is located on a secluded little street near Central Avenue. The building was constructed over a century ago, personally commissioned by a certain monarch as a reward. In terms of specifications, it strictly adheres to the standards required by the noble titles of that era. The main house behind the gate exudes a unique solemnity and ancient grandeur, reminiscent of a temple. The entire estate follows the most common manor style; however, it lacks the bustling atmosphere typical of high-ranking officials' residences. Due to the constraints of the narrow street in front, it often appears somewhat desolate. Only the gilded family crest embedded in the iron railings on either side of the gate glimmers in the sunlight, conveying the solemnity that this place deserves.

The iron-blooded monarch and the invincible general... Such a combination has always been a prominent symbol in history, and it can be said without exaggeration that today's Phoenix is a creation of the glory of these two individuals

After a prolonged period of contemplation, the Fourth Emperor adopted what he deemed the most feasible solution: he granted the Connery-Vice family a status unattainable by all other nobles of the empire—Duke of the Empire and Marshal of the Western Army. Subsequently, he delineated a province composed of the narrow strip of land along the western frontier of the empire, bordering the barbarian territories, to become the hereditary domain of the Connery-Vice family. At the same time, this land, which had just emerged from savagery, was transformed into a cage for the griffins.

Yet history appears to be filled with chance, yet it is all inevitable... Before the sage, a parchment inscribed with divine will is placed, allowing the killer to conveniently pick up a sharp or worn sword... When the time comes, history is always prepared for everything

However, it is precisely because of the duke's special status that the residence in the royal city is merely a guesthouse for its master, and the prolonged absence of the master has rendered it perpetually desolate.

As the two "little nobles" expressed their discontent with a snort, the carriage came to a slow stop... The shiny brass plaque by the roadside indicated the location: 14 Stirlington Avenue—however, in contrast to this ordinary number, it was evident that the building before them had a more distinguished title.

Indeed, we can say that this newly appointed assistant to the Foreign Minister possesses considerable advantages in this regard... With a head of light golden hair that one would expect from nobility, a high nose and deep contours formed by his brow, and water-blue eyes, complemented by a wardrobe that emphasizes a tall and imposing demeanor, this young nobleman wields these attributes with great confidence, serving as an effective tool to attract flattering women and command the awe of the public.

Thus, peace became the first objective set by this emperor for himself

However, His Majesty the Fourth clearly overlooks one thing... Not all those in high positions will concern themselves with the existence of those at the bottom, such as the illustrations and books... Even though he himself has climbed up step by step from the lower ranks

The trust that the Great Emperor placed in the Duke was unparalleled, and the Duke did not betray His Majesty's confidence in any way. In nearly all significant military operations, one could see the shadow of this individual. During the last seven years of the Emperor's life, the imperial army he led became synonymous with victory. Four neighboring nations, once on par with Phoenix, were incorporated into the empire's territory during this period. The last of these, the Seoul Empire, which boasted the oldest civilization in human history, resisted for merely a month and a few days.

Although His Majesty the Fourth has fully met the requirements of an emperor in various aspects, such as wisdom, quick thinking, and a willingness to use any means to achieve his goals, when it comes to ambition and desire, he falls far short of his father. Historical evaluations of his character resemble that of a farmer more than that of an emperor

They formed a loose formation around the entrance, completely different from the orderly lines of nobility, appearing almost indifferent. However, the Deputy Minister had some understanding of this special welcoming party at the border. This formation allowed their warhorses to move swiftly and facilitated their ability to charge in formation. In a place that was always on alert, this combat-ready arrangement naturally became the foundation of the welcoming procession

However, it is evident that these had no effect on the knight before them. Their gazes were cold, looking at the Deputy Minister of Justice of the Empire with an inexplicable indifference, as if he were no different from the carriage in front of them, the two mixed-breed horses pulling it, or the old coachman driving the carriage.

At the moment when he was attempting to sound the horn for the unification of the entire Western Continent, the emperor, in the prime of his life, exhausted all his resources. The exalted imperial authority could not replace the gifts of the goddess of life, and this emperor, who made the entire continent tremble, succumbed to a sudden illness. Thus, the march of the empire's conquests came to a halt

Or rather, this is the most straightforward approach of a soldier. It is difficult to comment on whether it is correct; one can only say that in certain respects, this approach is feasible

Karl Kasak gently twirled the coin in his hand, feeling the slight friction created by the visage of the Fourth Majesty, sculpted in gold, as it brushed against his fingertips. It was as if a devout worshipper were caressing the face of his deity's statue. Although his half-closed eyes and deeper-than-usual breaths made him appear to be in a light slumber, anyone familiar with him nearby would undoubtedly recognize that the minister had once again entered a state of profound contemplation.

The new assistant to the Foreign Minister could often be seen fiddling with the legendary coin said to bring good luck, a gesture he made only when deep in thought. The slight bumps occasionally caused him to pause, yet the scenery outside the car windows continued to retreat at an unrelenting pace. This pleased the viscount—this beautifully designed carriage, with its gleaming coat of arms and two crystal lamps on either side of the front that could illuminate twenty to thirty meters ahead, met his expectations for comfort. The spacious seats provided a sensation of sinking into a sofa, and the softness of the cashmere cushions and seat pads was more than sufficient to satisfy the passenger's desire for comfort. The hidden compartment beneath the seat even included a wine cabinet and a bookshelf.

The facade of nobility... When the jolt caused by this operation forcibly pulled the assistant minister from his thoughts for the third time, the newly appointed second-class viscount raised his half-closed eyelids, allowing his gaze to glide over the gilded enamel relief embedded in the top of the carriage. The depiction of the goddess of harvest and the goddess of the forest dancing gracefully seemed to evoke some association in him. The minister's brow twitched as he softly uttered a word, then, with a practiced motion, flicked a coin lightly into the air.

Although, at first glance, the residence of the ruler who governs one-third of the empire's territory is rather unremarkable

They encountered humans who were also expanding their living space while advancing eastward.

Unfortunately, the two races that have survived by plundering natural resources do not coexist peacefully. The differences in culture and religious beliefs have placed them in an irreconcilable state, making them eternal enemies of humanity.

Certainly, this is not due to any shortcomings in the status of the owner of the residence—one could say that Marshal George de Friedrich Connerivis is the true owner of the entire western part of the empire

In the eyes of historians, this individual, known as the second founding monarch of Phoenix, was not a competent military leader; he possessed no particular strengths in strategy, tactics, or combat. Had he personally led the army, Phoenix might have remained in the state of a mediocre nation from four hundred years ago, or perhaps it would have long since become dust beneath the wheels of history

Throughout his life, this supreme ruler adhered to his own beliefs, committing patricide to usurp the throne and fratricide to marry his brother's widow... Despite the absence of any evidence to substantiate these claims during his lifetime... Undoubtedly, what captivated this emperor the most was the struggle for territory—within a mere half-century, specifically during his thirty years of rule, the territory of the Phoenix Empire expanded by at least threefold! It transformed from a relatively small nation among human empires into one of the most formidable empires on the entire Western continent!

However, this does not include the barbarian tribes of the Western continent

The new emperor, who inherited the throne at nearly thirty, did not first see the fertile lands surrounding the empire, but rather the rapidly diminishing population within the country due to prolonged warfare, the nearly collapsed financial system, and the displaced common people. Even though the empire's army continued to achieve victory after victory, the double-edged sword of war had quietly inflicted deep wounds upon itself. The endless conscription and war taxes caused the living conditions of the Phoenicians to deteriorate day by day. The nearly collapsed financial system and the displaced common people—despite the empire's army achieving continuous victories, the double-edged sword of war had also quietly inflicted deep wounds upon itself. The endless conscription and war taxes caused the living conditions of the Phoenicians to deteriorate day by day.

How to handle this sharp sword? ... This is quite a dilemma, one that even the most brilliant scholars and the most resourceful advisors cannot resolve ... The exalted sovereign understands well that he cannot directly disarm this largest armed group; the backlash of the sharp sword would sever even the throat of the highest emperor. However, maintaining the status quo undoubtedly threatens the very foundation of the empire, with enormous military expenditures and military power that poses a threat to imperial authority, which no emperor seeking stability can afford to ignore. He cannot directly disarm this largest armed group; the backlash of the sharp sword would sever even the throat of the highest emperor. However, maintaining the status quo undoubtedly threatens the very foundation of the empire, with enormous military expenditures and military power that poses a threat to imperial authority, which no emperor seeking stability can afford to ignore.

As a nomadic social form, they possess a strong aggressiveness. The orcs, as the main subjects, have a high reproductive capacity, and within a few years, a tribe must split off a group of orcs to migrate far away in search of food. Otherwise, the orc tribes will continue to grow larger, and even the most lush green mountains will be gnawed down to bald hills. The reduction of living space leaves the barbarians unable to support batches of adults; that fertile and civilized land represents their hope. They can only choose to move eastward, to plunder, or to face death

Governor's Residence of the Western Frontier of the Empire

Connery Viss has lost the possibility of development, and can only rely on the strength of www.hetushucomcom to face the relentless attacks from the orcs, who possess an almost limitless military power, a situation that has persisted for four hundred years

This is His Majesty Leirfu III, known as the Iron-Blooded Emperor of a generation, with a famous saying from a certain court meeting... This monarch, who has left a profound mark in history, is an irreplaceable figure even across the entire continent—he existed in this realm for only forty-nine years. Even among some subhuman races, this lifespan is not considered long, but the prophet Rabbi once said that the value of life is not only measured by its length but also by its depth. Even across the entire continent, he is an irreplaceable figure—he existed in this realm for only forty-nine years. Even among some subhuman races, this lifespan is not considered long, but the prophet Rabbi once said that the value of life is not only measured by its length but also by its depth.

It is not surprising that to earn the respect of knights, one must accomplish two things: either you can openly defeat them with sword and blade; or alternatively, you may attempt to travel to the western frontier of the Empire and behead more than ten orc warriors on the battlefield

This sword, named Connolly Vise, was thereafter sheathed in a sturdy scabbard... Its sharpness remains, yet it no longer appears easily before the world

Even in the face of the fierce griffins, the barbarians are utterly powerless to contend with them. The territory of the Connolly family has expanded year by year, and to date, it has differentiated into two provinces, Turad and Hood, which together occupy nearly one-third of the Empire. However, compared to the almost limitless lands of the Empire's western frontier, this can only be considered a modest expansion

However, in today's world, several hundred years later, it seems that only when facing the emblem adorned with the white-headed griffin does each imperial figure recall this phrase at the first moment

It seems that Casas has never engaged in such matters. Therefore, even though he is a viscount of the empire and holds a lofty title within the political apparatus, in the presence of those who are accustomed to forging their reputations through iron and blood, he remains no different from a frail commoner or even an animal

The two horses pulling the cart seemed still unaccustomed to the equipment purchased for eight hundred gold coins—a complete set of gilded saddles, a long carved yoke, and the six-foot-long carriage at the back, which only emitted a slight thud against the ground even when jolted. Despite Old John, the driver, having twenty years of experience, these two animals, having just left their foal stage, instinctively resisted the work they were about to undertake for a lifetime, much like the young noble descendants accustomed to indulgence who had just been assigned to serve under the viscount and were beginning their bureaucratic careers.

In response to all of this, Karl Kassas chose to smile, only allowing his gaze to briefly pass over the shield adorned with the white-headed griffon, as the viscount murmured to himself in a voice only he could hear

On July 1, 349 A.D., the Griffin Knights were established with the authorization of Emperor Raelph and the High Priest of the Three Gods Temple at that time. As a select force, the Griffin Knights became the totem of this unit due to their fierce and formidable attacking power. After successfully repelling the orc's eastward advance, the Connolly family was granted the western territories of the Empire. To this day, this beast still resides there. Composed of direct descendants of the Connolly family and integrated with legions of various ethnicities within the territory, their fierce combat strength is known as the Claws of the Phoenix. After successfully repelling the orc's eastward advance, the Connolly family was granted the western territories of the Empire. To this day, this beast still resides there. Composed of direct descendants of the Connolly family and integrated with legions of various ethnicities within the territory, their fierce combat strength is known as the Claws of the Phoenix.

However, to conclude everything in such a perfect manner and become a member of the long-awaited peace is undoubtedly an unrealistic nightmare for Duke Connolly V, who has spent two-thirds of his life on the battlefield. He may be powerless to resist the tide, but after the final decision was made, it became almost a routine for the Duke to disparage that "dreamless kid" in private settings.

Even in anger, even in resentment, Connolly Viss can only accept the reality