Chapter 1

 

There is a small kingdom at the northernmost tip of the continent.

 

Due to the harsh conditions of the barren north, the population was not large, and naturally, the national power was significantly weaker compared to neighboring countries.

 

Nevertheless, the people took great pride in their kingdom.

 

The Guardian of the North.

 

This title was bestowed upon them since the establishment of the kingdom.

 

600 years ago.

 

After the victory in the war against the 7th Demon King, a companion of a Hero founded the kingdom here.

 

Despite objections from those around, questioning why he chose to establish a kingdom in such a desolate place, he remained steadfast.

 

He claimed it was to prevent the minions of the expelled Demon King from invading the continent again.

 

Thus, the kingdom ‘Sion’ was founded, and it proudly continued its glorious history for 600 years.

 

“Now, what should I do? It’s freezing in this alley.”

 

Seo Woojin hurried his steps, shivering in the biting wind.

 

“Oh, our hero has arrived.”

 

Soldiers on duty nearby made a mocking sound.

 

It was laughter filled with ridicule.

 

Though it was clear it was directed at him, Seo Woojin pretended not to notice those soldiers.

 

Engaging in an argument with them would only result in his disadvantage.

 

However, the soldiers seemed unwilling to let Seo Woojin off easily.

 

“Kak, phew! Why does a guy like him come as a hero? Not even hoping for an S-rank, but a D-rank ‘Sword Soldier’?”

 

“I heard that 100 people were summoned this time, so I had some expectations.”

 

Seo Woojin concealed his job aptitude and grade.

 

It was only natural.

 

Among 99 heroes, if he had revealed that his job was a Demon King, he would have been killed on the spot.

 

Therefore, he chose the seemingly safest D-rank ‘Sword Soldier’.

 

But that turned out to be a mistake.

 

“Should I have called it a bit higher?”

 

Seo Woojin judged that the distribution of grades was naturally pyramid-shaped.

 

So, he chose the lowest D-rank, thinking it would be the most common.

 

But who would have thought it was a rhombus instead of a pyramid.

 

Seo Woojin found himself as the only half-baked D-rank.

 

Honestly, he worried about what would happen if his Demon King’s job was revealed.

 

But in the end, it was a meaningless worry.

 

No one showed any interest in Seo Woojin.

 

D-rank was a grade so low that it received such treatment.

 

After their aptitudes were determined, the 99 warriors, including Seo Woo-jin, received a general education about this world and were dispersed to each country on the continent for growth and support.

 

This was the place where Seo Woojin was assigned

 

 It was Massive Guardian, a fortress located in the northernmost part of the kingdom of Zion.

 

“These bastards.”

 

“Sending Class D to this place, the front line of the Advent War, just means they should all die.”

 

Seo Woojin sighed at the soldiers’ words.

 

The target of criticism was not directed at him.

 

Yet, the heart still throbbed with pain.

 

“Why do I have to endure such humiliation?”

 

In response to the plea to save this world, he willingly answered the summons.

 

Even though it was a reluctant acceptance induced by alcohol, wasn’t he here to help, after all?

 

However, he was treated like a mere pawn just because of his low level.

 

‘Should I just beat them up?’

 

Seo Woojin’s actual level was not D, but ‘Unmeasurable.’

 

Even though he was only at level 1, he could easily defeat a few soldiers.

 

He had been patient, avoiding unnecessary disturbances, but he couldn’t take it anymore.

 

“That’s enough.”

 

It was then.

 

From behind Seo Woojin, who discreetly clenched his fist, a woman’s voice was heard.

 

“Who is it?”

 

When Seo Woojin turned around, the owner of the voice came into view.

 

A female knight in blue armor.

 

Her face was familiar even to Seo Woojin.

 

“Salute!”

 

The soldiers who saw her saluted with contemplative expressions.

 

“Your military discipline is a mess.”

 

Her voice was even colder than the chilly northern wind.

 

The soldiers’ expressions stiffened further after receiving her reprimand.

 

“Irene Kyung.”

 

At that moment, Seo Woojin stepped forward, inserting himself between Irene and the soldiers.

 

It wasn’t to save them.

 

“What are you doing here?”

 

She frowned at Seo Woojin.

 

Irene, one of the commanders of the Massive Guardian, also served as the supervisor of Seo Woojin.

 

‘It’s probably more fitting to be a babysitter than a supervisor.’

 

Since he hadn’t fully adapted to this world yet, he needed someone to watch over him.

 

She took on this role because she was the youngest knight, and as a result, she didn’t particularly like Seo Woojin.

 

Even if she invested all her time in training, she still had to keep an eye on a D-grade Hero…

 

Ignoring her instructions to wait in the lodging today, he had come here to roam.

 

Seeing Irene’s expression, Seo Woojin scratched the back of his head.

 

“Well… Testeron suggested going out and standing guard or something.”

 

As if he wanted to come out only for that?

 

Most people were hostile to him, and he disliked shivering on the city wall on such a cold day.

 

Nevertheless, the reason for coming out like this was not an order from a knight but an order from a high-ranking knight.

 

“Testeron suggested it?”

 

Irene frowned.

 

Testeron particularly looked down on Seo Woojin.

 

It meant that he was very disappointed, but from Seo Woo Jin’s perspective, he was just an annoying person.

 

“I will inform him, so go back to the lodging.”

 

“Is it really okay, though?”

 

Testeron was a higher-ranking knight than Irene.

 

For her to retract the order given by such a person could potentially cause problems.

 

“I’ll take responsibility.”

 

Irene waved her hand at Seo Woojin as if she was annoyed..

 

It meant she didn’t want to talk any further.

 

“Well, if you say so.”

 

Seo Woojin shrugged his shoulders and walked away.

 

‘Whether he likes it or not.’

 

Seo Woojin wasn’t kind enough to pay attention to someone who didn’t like him.

 

I was grateful to have been saved from the soldiers’ ridicule, but that was all.

 

“By the way, one more thing.”

 

As Seo Woojin was heading back to the lodging, Irene’s voice stopped him in his tracks.

 

“I came to tell you this, but I almost forgot.”

 

“What is it?”

 

It had already been a month since Seo Woojin received his assignment as a Massive Guardian.

 

Up until then, Irene had rarely engaged in conversation with Seo Woojin, except for essential matters.

 

This was also the first time she had come to find him directly.

 

Therefore, Seo Woojin waited with a curious expression for her next words.

 

Seeing this, Irene hesitated for a moment before speaking.

 

“Do you know there’s a subjugation mission next week?”

 

“I’ve heard soldiers talking about it.”

 

In the Massive Guardian, a monster subjugation beyond the city walls took place once a year.

 

It needed to be done regularly; otherwise, the number of monsters would increase tremendously.

 

A similar regular subjugation was scheduled for next week as well.

 

Seo Woojin couldn’t understand why she brought up this topic so suddenly, so he tilted his head in confusion.

 

Then Irene’s following words were enough to furrow his brows.

 

“You will also participate in the subjugation.”