The Empire's current work was largely divided into two categories.

One was reconstruction. Repairing the damage caused by the war.

Compared to the desperate situation, the damage was minor, but that was only in comparison to the entire Empire. The absolute number of deaths and injuries was by no means small.

While they were busy recovering from the damage within the Empire, such as transporting and collecting corpses and contacting bereaved families, the area that immediately consumed a lot of resources was, of course, the barrier.

Despite Frondier's use of Restoration, most of the barriers had suffered considerable damage from the bloody battles with the monsters.

In other words, if Frondier hadn't used Restoration, some barriers would have undoubtedly collapsed.

And the other task was to advance to the collapsed Manggot.

Originally, the Empire had built barriers to protect itself from the monsters outside.

However, Manggot had survived for a long time without any barriers and had even grown strong enough to wage war against the Empire. This was due to the natural terrain of Manggot.

Being at the end of the sea, there was no possibility of monsters invading from one direction, and in the other direction, the lack of resources on land meant that monsters wouldn't approach.

Of course, resources were also scarce from a human perspective, but Manggot could go hunting and gathering in the way they wanted, when they wanted.

Naturally, there were many sacrifices in the process, but with those sacrifices, they had now acquired a considerable amount of knowledge about the outside monsters.

The Empire now had the opportunity to gain a relatively safe area like Manggot and knowledge about the outside monsters.

If they could build a road connecting the Empire to Manggot, they would have a chance to rewrite the history of mankind, whose territory had been endlessly shrinking.

However, that was just an ideal story, and...

“...Are we still on standby?”

For the people who were actually trying to do the work, it was just a 'continuation' of the war.

Expanding the territory to Manggot. To achieve this, two knight orders were moving.

The Shroud Knight Order and the Roach Knight Order. The two most reliable pillars of the Empire.

However, that was from the Empire's perspective. The two knight orders were quite uncomfortable with each other. This was because the citizens had been vaguely aware of the gap between the two knight orders.

The Shroud Knight Order, which had been hiding within the Empire and declining day by day, and the Roach Knight Order, which still firmly defended the barrier at the northernmost front. It was clear which side they would support.

Of course, the Shroud Knight Order wasn't without its arguments. It was the Imperial Palace that had summoned them, and even though they were doing relatively safe work, they weren't failing to carry out their duties.

Were they being criticized just because they weren't guarding the barrier? Did that mean all knight orders should voluntarily go to the barrier to die?

──Imagine if the Roach Knight Order didn't have Lord Enfer. They would all scramble to retreat to the inner part of the Empire.

Eventually, such rumors began to circulate. Whether it was the Shroud Knight Order that started it or not was unknown.

This might have been the Shroud Knight Order's best defense, but it scratched at the Roach Knight Order's pride.

Even though the war was over, the rift between the two knight orders was not mended.

And now, at present.

The biggest disagreement ever between the two knight commanders, Sanders and Sylvain, was taking place.

"How long are we supposed to wait? In this place without any barriers, the knight division is already at its limit due to fatigue and stress."

Sanders said. Although he was a long-time friend with Sylvain, his tone was formal and stiff because it was a meeting room.

And even if this wasn't a meeting room, he would still disagree with Sylvain.

Sylvain, with his arms crossed, said,

"It's an order. It's a time when patience is needed."

"...It's been over a week since we arrived here. Even if we have managed so far, we don't know when the monsters outside will target this place and attack."

In fact, the two knight divisions had already arrived at Manggot.

Not only Manggot, but also the monsters had suffered a great deal of damage in the war. It was natural for them, who had intelligence, to protect themselves and hide since the simultaneous offensive had ended in failure.

Taking advantage of this gap, the knight divisions arrived at Manggot relatively safely, but the problem was what happened afterwards.

"The temporary barrier won't last long. If we really want to conduct a proper investigation, we need to call for more troops. Otherwise, it's right for us to retreat. It's too much for the knights alone to stay here."

"Soon the next order will be given, so please wait a little longer,"

"It's not the Emperor's command! That damned devil or whatever! In such an uncertain situation!"

Sanders couldn't help but shout in agitation. At his words, Sylvain, who had been calm all along, glared at Sanders.

Sanders said,

"…Where is Lord Roach right now? Who did the Lord receive information from and issue such an order?"

"Commander Sanders."

"I need to see him now."

"Sanders! Calm down, we've already considered the time,"

"I can't let my knights die like dogs!!"

Sanders shouted and left the conference room.