A Knightclub that would last a lifetime — that was his goal.
For now, Fate Knights counted only three members: the Blood Knight, who had reached an agreement with Felix; Viviana, whom he personally invited; and the Dark Knight, whom he had purchased from the Chamber of Commerce for the steep price of more than a hundred thousand LMD.
For that sum, Felix thought wryly, even certain slaves in the black market would have cost less.
He left the task of choosing a base for the Knightclub to Młynar, but before long, Zofia came knocking at his door. She had heard about the establishment of the Fate Knights and hoped to have Maria join as well.
Maria dreamed of becoming a tournament knight like her elder sister, upholding the chivalric ideals of the Nearl family. Młynar, however, dismissed that ambition with a sneer. After a heated argument with her uncle, Maria moved in with her aunt instead. Zofia, worried that her niece might face deliberate obstruction from the Chamber of Commerce in the upcoming four years, believed joining a trustworthy Knightclub would offer her protection.
Felix agreed immediately. As for the matter with her uncle, he left it for Maria to handle herself.
By now, the Chamber of Commerce was already aware of the Fate Knights. To them, this particular patron posed no problem at all. As long as he showed up every four years to "purchase" a new knight or two, they were content.
The Blood Knight, the day after joining the Fate Knights, had already gone to meet with members of the Adeptus.
It was time for Felix to leave. The arrival of November signaled the beginning of Kazdel's harshest winter, and he needed to return and oversee things personally.
Carrying Amiya on his shoulders, Felix took in the sweeping scenery of the Kawalerielki with Muelsyse by his side. By the time he returned here again, it would probably be four years later.
He couldn't help but feel a bit reluctant to part with the old knights, the old craftsmen, and even bald-headed Martin. Perhaps someday he should bring them all to Kazdel — let them open a little workshop there, drink, and relax.
———
Meanwhile, far away on the frozen lands of Ursus, the Brotherhood and the Reunion Movement will have their first encounter.
Mr. Han, with his long sword at his waist, sat at a round table beside Raph, both of them using a translation program to converse. It was their biweekly Brotherhood meeting, where members discussed special events and developments from the past two weeks. If nothing of note had happened, they would simply adjourn.
Most of the Brotherhood's allied players aside from Russia were from North America — notably, the Mighty Rat— though today, it seemed they were running late.
Just as Raph was asking Mr. Han if he wanted to play a round of Counter-Strike later, the tent flap was lifted. In stepped Shroud of the American Players, striding through the snow and wind. He warmed himself by the campfire until the "cold debuff" faded, then greeted the others.
"Apologies for being late," Shroud began directly. "There's something urgent we need to discuss."
Taking control of the meeting without resistance, he continued while Raph and Mr. Han listened quietly.
"We've encountered a group of infected from another faction near our operating area. They seemed highly aggressive. Our men identified their banner — they call themselves the Reunion Movement. Do any of you know this organization?"
Raph shook his head. Mr. Han, however, recalled hearing something about them. Scouts had previously reported seeing a group of Ursus Patrol Squad NPCs attempting to execute a band of ragged infected NPCs in the field. Before the execution could take place, another group had suddenly rushed out from the forest. The rescuers lost a few of their own but eventually wiped out the Patrol Squad. The rescuers had then convinced the infected NPCs to leave with them.
The report from that incident noted that all those NPCs' IDs had been updated to include the "Reunion Movement."
"Our scouts have sighted them before," Mr. Han said, folding his hands. "There was no direct conflict, though. Judging by what we know, the Reunion Movement seems to be an NPC faction like ours. They rescue infected and live somewhere farther north in Ursus."
Shroud frowned. "Then why did those NPCs attack our scouts?"
"They actually made the first move?" Mr. Han asked.
"You know how few villages are left that trade with us," Shroud replied. "Our men went to one of them recently and happened to see members of this Reunion group preparing to set fire to it. A fight broke out immediately."
He spread his hands. "I don't think we did anything wrong."
Raph spoke up in a serious tone. "I think we should try to make contact. If we can trigger one of their quest chains, we might gain some bonus rewards."
Shroud's brow furrowed, but he said nothing.
Mr. Han pressed his fingers together in thought. "Keep observing. We don't know yet whether they're friend or foe. Until we're sure, reconnaissance should be our priority."
Shroud nodded reluctantly. "Our people report that the enemy has numbers on their side. Their weapons aren't as advanced as ours, but the infection rate among them is high, and their Originium Arts output is strong. If it comes to a full-scale battle, it'll likely be a bloodbath for both sides — unless we're defending a fortified position."
With that, the meeting adjourned.
Back in the city, Mr. Han discussed the matter with Xiao Ran Asagiri and the other high-ranking officers. They ultimately reached a simple conclusion — if no one provokes them, they will not provoke anyone. As for main quests, their Holy Knight Federation, now part of Tomorrow's Development, was neither short on missions nor on funds.
He thought things would remain peaceful like this.
But few days later on their next hunting expedition, when he and Xiao Ran A led the team beyond the city walls, they ran headfirst into the Reunion Movement.
———
"Who are you people?"
Xiao Ran A quietly tightened his grip on the weapon at his waist, scanning the figures that emerged one after another from the swirling snow. Each was clad in white, their faces hidden beneath hoods, blades fastened at their sides. Their presence alone was enough to signal trouble.
Although Mr. Han's team had far superior gear and weaponry, he still didn't dare let his guard down. The last thing they needed was for one of these NPCs to unleash a self-destructive Originium Art in close quarters — the infection debuff from that would be a nightmare to deal with.
For a while, no one spoke. The silence was only broken by the sound of footsteps approaching through the snow. A hooded figure stepped forward, and when she lowered her hood, the firelight revealed a young woman with a scar running across the bridge of her nose.
"Reunion Movement," she said calmly. "Codename: FrostNova. And you are?"
Mr. Han's pulse quickened. He glanced at Xiao Ran A, who returned the same knowing look.
They had watched the 2.0 promotional video countless times. The girl standing before them wasn't just featured in it — she was the centerpiece, the unmistakable central figure. A major NPC with her own storyline. Any player who managed to earn her favor would reap significant rewards.
"Reunion Movement…" Mr. Han frowned. "My friend told me your group tried to burn down a village. You're not part of that them, are you?"
At those words, the white-clad NPCs surrounding FrostNova instantly grew tense, their hands inching toward their weapons. Before things could escalate, FrostNova raised her hand, signaling for them to stand down.
"I won't deny that it happened," she said coolly, "but we weren't the ones who did it."
Xiao Ran A stepped forward slightly. "So, what you're saying is that while you're part of the same organization, your actions differ from theirs — is that right?"
FrostNova gave a faint nod. Her gaze flicked over their attire, lingering briefly as if she had recognized something.
"You're with Tomorrow's Development, aren't you?"
What?
Mr. Han froze for a moment, exchanging another surprised look with Xiao Ran A Had Tomorrow's Development's name really spread this far into Ursus?
If this NPC could identify them by their uniforms, it meant she had previously met members of their faction. And if that were true… she might have met the Pioneer himself.
Xiao Ran A recalled that Felix — the Pioneer — had once traveled through Ursus. It wasn't far-fetched that he might have encountered her.
"Yes, we're part of Tomorrow's Development," Mr. Han said cautiously. "Miss FrostNova, do you know the Pioneer?"
"I do," she answered without hesitation. "We're friends."
FrostNova ignored the stunned looks from the players around her and continued, "Are you here to expand Tomorrow's Development into the northern territories of Ursus?"
That made Mr. Han pause. From what he knew, the Pioneer had never mentioned establishing a branch in Ursus. In fact, when asked about it, he had once mocked the region's entrenched nobility — saying that if Tomorrow's Development ever settled here, it would likely be torn apart by the aristocrats within a week.
So what were these people doing here, claiming affiliation?
After realizing FrostNova was an acquaintance of the Pioneer, Mr. Han and Xiao Ran A visibly relaxed. They briefly explained their current circumstances, choosing their words carefully but honestly.
The more FrostNova listened, the more astonished she became. To the south of their base, they said, there existed a settlement housing thousands of people — a joint community formed by three small factions, all operating under the name Tomorrow's Development.
When she looked again at their armor and weapons, she couldn't help but feel a pang of embarrassment. Their gear was leagues above what her own Yeti Squad used, not to mention the rest of Reunion, whose uniforms were scavenged from fallen Ursus Patrol Squad soldiers.
Reunion might have numbers, but could it truly subjugate a thousand-strong faction like theirs? From Talulah's perspective, FrostNova doubted it. These weren't destitute infected clinging to survival — they were organized, disciplined, and most importantly, hopeful.
And people with hope could not be easily conquered.
In such a situation, how could Reunion possibly bring them under control?
FrostNova's mind raced through countless thoughts. Ever since she became leader of the Yeti Squad, her way of thinking had begun to shift — influenced, perhaps, by the Pioneer's pragmatic ideals. To her, recruitment was out of the question. Cooperation, however… that was possible.
Still, she couldn't help but wonder — was what Reunion sought truly aligned with what these people wanted?
Lost in thought, she nevertheless began to introduce herself properly. She explained the nature of the Yeti Squad and Reunion's general mission, neither exaggerating nor hiding the truth.
After some brief exchanges, FrostNova made a suggestion.
"Our numbers are large," she said evenly. "If we hunt together, we can form a much stronger encirclement."
It was an invitation.
Mr. Han immediately understood. The members of this Reunion group were clearly not the same as the hostile faction Shroud had described earlier. He knew well that every large organization had its share of zealots and reasonable individuals — and today, they had met the latter.
While the players were sizing up the Yeti Squad, the squad members were doing the same, their gazes filled with undisguised envy. It was hard not to be—they were drooling over the adventurers' equipment. Each piece looked advanced, warm, and practical, perfect for surviving the harsh northern cold.
FrostNova noticed the longing looks from her team and sighed inwardly. She couldn't exactly ask Felix for gear like that, could she?
Besides, she had once made a bet with him—he claimed she would eventually join Tomorrow's Development. If she went begging for warm clothes now, wouldn't that be the same as admitting he was right? Saying one thing while her actions betrayed her?
Before long, the players got to witness the Yeti Squad's efficiency firsthand. In the northern frontier, uninfected prey was scarce; most hid deep within the forests. But the squad knew this terrain well. They moved ahead with practiced ease, their footsteps stirring the woods. The noise flushed several animals from hiding, and the squad members swiftly raised their crossbows, pulling the triggers with precision.
At the center of it all, FrostNova unleashed her Originium Arts. A burst of icy light swept outward, freezing the ground and coating nearby trees with frost. A few unlucky creatures, still within range, were instantly trapped in ice.
The players exchanged looks—her efficiency was undeniable. Mr. Han and Xiao Ran A knew they had technology on their side, though. Overhead, drones circled silently, scanning the area in thermal vision. Every living creature appeared clearly on their arm-mounted displays. With targets marked, the players split up, weapons ready, and moved out with calculated precision.
It wasn't long before they returned, carrying their catches with ease.
FrostNova was impressed by their speed. These weren't amateurs—they clearly knew how to hunt.
The joint hunting effort continued until late afternoon. By then, the forest's healthy game had either been caught or wisely fled. What remained were the old and weak—tougher meat, not exactly pleasant to eat, but still valuable for its energy. The players could trade their haul with nearby villages or post food transport missions through Tomorrow's Development's internal marketplace.
The same couldn't be said for the Reunion forces. They had more people to feed—many of them elderly or injured—and not enough supplies. As a result, some soldiers resorted to robbery, the same kind of incident Shroud's group had witnessed earlier.
FrostNova had already reported such cases to Talulah, who did punish those responsible. Yet, despite her efforts, the problem persisted.
She found herself missing the early days of Reunion, when it was just a few hundred infected standing together—pure in their resolve and united in purpose. As the organization grew, its strength increased, but so did the cracks within.
"Miss FrostNova," Mr. Han spoke up, breaking her thoughts. "If you don't mind, I'd like to talk to you about Reunion. I want to understand your group better—your goals, your struggles. We all live here in Ursus's northern frontier, and we share the same enemies. Maybe… we can work together."
FrostNova gave a small nod. That was exactly what she had been thinking. As both a high-ranking member of Reunion and the leader of the Yeti Squad, she had a duty to engage in such exchanges.
"If you don't mind," Mr. Han said calmly, "Allow me to invite you to our camp. You'll be safer there, and we can talk in detail."
Mr. Han glanced at the frozen carcasses slung over their shoulders and smiled slightly.
"And let us help you preserve the meat. Even in this cold, it'll spoil if left untreated."