The cold wind outside the window carried the unique, biting chill of the Northern Territory.

When Louis woke up, the room was as warm as spring.

This was because hidden geothermal pipes under the floor were slowly sending out warm air, keeping the entire bedroom at just the right temperature.

Therefore, he only covered himself with a light wool blanket and could sleep soundly through the night, free from the cold's intrusion.

Louis slowly sat up and casually tidied his slightly messy hair.

The first thing he did after getting up was the same as usual; instinctively, he raised his hand, and a translucent light screen spread quietly in front of him.

[Daily Intelligence Update Complete]

[1: An adult Ice Vein Giant Snake has been found hibernating in the northern canyon of Red Tide Territory today.]

[2: Emperor Ernst August of the Ironblood Empire has officially agreed to the proposal of the Governor of the North, granting Louis Calvin the title of Viscount.]

[3: Grand Mage Jurgen Locke unexpectedly fell into a coma near the northern border of Red Tide Territory, current situation unknown.]

As soon as Louis glanced at the first piece of information, he immediately became alert and spirited.

In the Northern Territory, the Ice Vein Giant Snake is a magical beast ranked among the most valuable!

Its gallbladder may not directly enhance Fighting Energy, but it can cleanse impurities from the bloodline, increase talent, and accelerate cultivation progress.

For someone like himself, with mediocre talent, such improvement was more important than anything else.

Not to mention the nourishing snake meat, cold-resistant scales, and precious snake fangs…

One could say that the entire Ice Vein Giant Snake is like a treasure trove!

However, normally, hunting an adult Ice Vein Giant Snake is not easy.

Just coiled up, the body of an adult Ice Vein Giant Snake is as thick as a sizable house, like a giant monster of the icefield.

Moreover, this magical beast has a strong ice element within its bloodline, and a single breath can instantly freeze its opponent.

Not to mention, their scales are as tough as cold iron, able to withstand most weapon attacks.

Taking it down, even with the current military strength of Red Tide Territory, would require a very severe price.

But now, with deep winter approaching, the Ice Vein Giant Snake has entered hibernation.

Its alertness is extremely low, and it reacts slowly, making it the perfect time to strike!

Louis clenched his fist, eyes sparkling with irrepressible excitement.

Missing this opportunity might mean waiting several more years.

Must take it down!

Then Louis saw the second piece of intelligence, which made him even more excited.

His confirmation of being granted the title of Viscount!

A wave of relief swept through Louis's heart, even making the corners of his mouth lift slightly.

Though he already knew he had a great chance.

In the Northern Territory, appointments and titles below Count are almost procedural once supported by Duke Edmund, the Governor.

In theory, this was true.

But what made Louis anxious was the attitude of the Emperor himself.

After all, he bore the title of "direct bloodline of the Calvin Clan."

As the son of a target currently under intense scrutiny by the Emperor, being allowed to mingle in the Northern Territory as a Prefect, this despotic Emperor likely had reservations.

Even with Duke Edmund's strong recommendation, efforts could still be in vain.

"Thankfully, no unexpected events occurred," Louis breathed a sigh of relief.

At that moment, he finally felt the heavy stone in his heart was lifted.

The third piece of intelligence, however, left Louis almost speechless with shock.

Jurgen Locke, Grand Mage, unconscious in the northern part of Red Tide Territory.

"What the hell! Grand Mage Jurgen…?"

That name almost existed only in fairy tales and history books for him.

Mages are extremely rare in this world.

As a noble, he only saw them a few times within the family, shrouded in mystery.

Legends say that a thousand years ago, mages were active and numerous in the world.

But later, due to unknown reasons, a massive witch hunt erupted.

Since then, mages almost disappeared entirely from public view.

Rumors claim they collectively hid deep in forests, while others are sure they've been exterminated.

Of course, in this thousand-year history, mages occasionally appeared, but they were extremely rare.

And now, an unconscious Grand Mage appeared within the territory of Red Tide.

This alone was enough to be astonishing.

But what stirred Louis' heart even more was that name—

Jurgen Locke.

He had seen that name in his studies of imperial history, and it was very familiar.

A legendary mage who followed the first Emperor of the Ironblood Empire into battle — four hundred years ago now.

"Probably just a namesake…" Louis muttered to himself.

But if it were the person from historical records, it would be a storm capable of altering the entire Northern Territory, indeed the entire Empire.

Regardless of the truth, since this matter has appeared on the lands of Red Tide, he cannot sit idly by.

"Since the cause and effect have already entangled, it's better to face it head-on."

Louis murmured softly, gently closing the translucent intelligence panel.

"Lambert. Assemble the knight team and hunter squad, prepare to set off for the last hunt of the year."

Louis didn't offer much explanation.

But Lambert and the knights were accustomed to it.

The Lord would take a whim now and then to go hunting, and each time, he would always find some magical beast prey.

Thus the main force quickly gathered, and set out in a grand procession.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the gray clouds, as warhorses trotted through the snow.

Along the way, they caught quite a bit of game—wild deer, snow foxes, and even some wild boars, low-tier magical beasts from the wasteland.

The atmosphere was great, as the knights hunted and speculated about today's catch, laughter echoing in the wind.

Because they knew, according to the Lord's usual practice, most of the demon beast meat would be shared with everyone.

But Louis's true target was clearly not the meat of these low-tier magical beasts.

His gaze was fixed straight ahead, through the swirling snow, directly at that northern canyon.

That's where his true target lay.

Suddenly, a flurry of urgent hoofbeats interrupted the rhythm of the marching team.

"Make way! Quickly make way!"

A breathless hunter ran back from the front of the team, his face flushed and steam rising from his forehead.

Nearly stumbling and crawling, he rushed to Louis, one hand supporting his knee, breathing heavily.

He spoke quickly, "Cough, cough… My Lord! At—at the edge of the canyon ahead… there's a huge snake!!"

"A huge snake?" The knights paused in surprise, exchanging glances.

Louis straightened up on his mount, thinking it was finally here, and asked directly, "How big?"

The hunter, still catching his breath, stammered as he formed a circle with his hands, "Coiled up… much, much bigger than a house… We didn't dare go near, just ran back here!"

"Take me there." With a flick of his cloak, he was already at the forefront.

The knights immediately followed suit.

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