Chapter 1806: Chapter 1806

Depending on the number of phantoms that manifest during Event A-03-5-2737, "The Ghost of the Dragon Hunter," one to three "captain-class" phantoms will emerge. These phantoms are distinguished by their larger frames, more intricate full plate armor, and greater overall strength.

The armaments of these captain-class phantoms also differ from those of the regular phantom cavalry. They are equipped with staves and are masters of nearly every common elemental spell, in addition to five or six other spellcasting abilities that even the Orthodox Churches cannot identify.

Once this event triggers, it can only conclude under two conditions: either the dragon is killed, or the phantom cavalry is repelled seven consecutive times. Victory is defined as the complete annihilation of every single phantom. After each defeat, a new wave of phantom dragon hunters will materialize within one to five hours, and their numbers are guaranteed to be greater than the previous wave.

If the phantom formation reaches its maximum limit of ninety-eight individuals before the seventh wave, their numbers will no longer increase. Instead, the spellcasting abilities of the captain-class phantoms will be terrifyingly amplified.

Nolan had been shrouded in fog recently, so while the Evergreen Forest remained largely unaffected, no one gave it a second thought when mist began to cling to the cliffs and woods near the red dragon's lair. It was only when an abnormal drop in temperature drew attention that people began to investigate. It took some time to identify the almost forgotten Cursed Item event. After communicating with the red dragon and holding consultations within the Twelve Orthodox Churches, the decision was, of course, made to help the dragon fend off these phantom hunters.

This wasn't merely because the red dragon had always been an ally to humanity, even promising to continue fighting alongside them if it couldn't return to its homeland before the end of the epoch. More importantly, while the dragon hunters were phantoms, all of their weapons were entirely corporeal.

The alloys used to forge their weapons have yet to be successfully analyzed by human science, but their strength and their ability to enhance rituals and abilities are on par with weapons forged by the Church. Although the items carried by the phantoms aren't indestructible like numbered artifacts, to mortals, every single piece is a treasure.

If the event could be triggered seven times, it would mean the Church could acquire a three-digit number of complete sets of cavalry armor and weapons. The Church, in any era, would never turn down such a windfall. This was especially true now, with the Church's elite forces concentrated around Nolan; they had no fear of being unable to defeat these strange phantoms emerging from the mist.

Still, the phantom dragon hunters were a manifestation of a Cursed Item. While the event itself was rated as low-danger, that was only because of its low probability of occurrence. A full complement of the phantom cavalry was only slightly less powerful than a cataclysm-level Cursed Item, so the Church couldn't afford to be complacent.

"So, the fighting will mostly happen in the sky," Bevanna explained. "And since there are so many targets, all of them highly mobile and capable of evading danger, this operation requires people who are on standby. You should go to the reception this afternoon without any worries and focus on preparing your speech for tomorrow."

Miss Bevanna said, and Jenkins mulled it over. She had a point; he really wasn't needed for this particular engagement.

"But if you need me, I'm ready to help at a moment's notice."

He relaxed, reassured that his afternoon plans for the reception were secure.

"Of course," she replied. "Everyone not on the primary team must be ready to join in. After all, this is an event-type Cursed Item, and the Church hasn't encountered one in an entire epoch. You never know when something unexpected might happen."

Despite the concerns about potential accidents, the evening arrived without any unusual incidents. That afternoon, Jenkins went ahead with his original plans, attending a grand reception with his female companions. The event was held at a sprawling estate outside the city, and it seemed as if every prominent figure currently in Nolan had been invited.

With the addition of reporters, the estate's own staff, and a motley assortment of other guests, it was likely the most crowded event Jenkins had attended in months.

He had come merely to make an appearance and had no specific duties, so he spent the entire afternoon with his cat, mingling with the young women. Fortunately, Miss Windsor saw it as an excellent opportunity to introduce Jenkins to his supporters, ensuring his time wasn't wasted.

While it felt a little odd to be politicking at a reception hosted by Queen Isabella, Jenkins didn't object. He met with his supporters, discussing their political views, explaining their respective philosophies and beliefs, and outlining their visions and plans for the future of the Fidektri Kingdom.

His performance that afternoon earned him unanimous praise from the ladies. Perhaps it was because he had always projected an image of caution and a slight detachment from politics and social functions that they were so impressed. Seeing him handle the situation with such skill, Hathaway even teased him.

"I think you could become king even without Miss Windsor and Dolores," she quipped. "You just don't put your heart into it. If you treated politics with even one percent of the devotion you show your cat, you'd undoubtedly be Nolan's biggest political star."

Jenkins offered no comment; he knew his own limitations. Participating in social events and offering political opinions was one thing, but he was certain he could never successfully rule a powerful nation without the help of people he could truly trust by his side. Official source ıs novel[f]ire.net

King Salhir II, who had not attended a social function in a long time, was also present, accompanied by his children. This meant Jenkins had no chance to speak with Dolores alone. After Julia hurried off to attend to the princess, however, Alexia returned to his side.

Alexia now served as the tutor to the future queen of the northern kingdom, effectively acting as an advisor at Dolores's side. Today, she wore a flowing, sky-blue gown. Jenkins couldn't help but notice that the young ladies attending these functions never seemed to wear the same outfit twice.

He wasn't sure if it was some unspoken rule of high society or just a matter of extravagance and competition.

Alexia had already heard about the dragon and the phantom cavalry from the Church, so they didn't dwell on the topic. Instead, Jenkins recounted his eventful previous day, focusing on the possessed corpse and the Mechanized Body Curse. He still omitted the part about being turned into a mouse, but he did tell her about the amber stone and how he had acquired it.