With Bronya, acting as the deputy commander, paving the way ahead, Kevin easily followed the group through several forward defense lines of the Silvermane Guards, eventually stepping onto the territory of Belobog step by step.
After crossing the front lines, Kevin clearly felt that the surrounding temperature was steadily rising as they advanced, until the overwhelming blizzard of goose-feather snow completely disappeared from sight.
Although the ground was still covered with perennial ice and snow, a hazy sunlight finally spilled from the sky, and the temperature here was already barely acceptable for normal people.
From his own perspective, Kevin could clearly sense that after crossing a certain boundary, an invisible barrier enveloped the entire area, isolating most of the wind and snow.
This was different from simple heat dissipation like the sun, because it wasn't actually emitted from within; however, it also had its own center—the massive fortress-like city standing before them amidst snowstorms and mountains.
So, how should one evaluate humanity? In most cases, their individuals are so ugly and fragile, yet in such desperate situations, human civilization can surprisingly burst forth with incredible resilience.
"Welcome to the 'City of Preservation'—Belobog."
Standing beneath the city-state towering over ten meters high, an uncontrollable sense of pride welled up in Bronya's heart. Especially in front of Kevin, an outsider, she couldn't help but introduce everything to him:
"Seven hundred years ago, monsters from beyond the sky ignited the planet. The land became scorched earth, filled with burning flames and boiling smoke."
"At the brink of life and death, a sudden frost descended—a sweeping blizzard without warning buried the invading armies. Only Belobog remains today—the steadfast 'Builders' established this city. Under the protection of 'Preservation' Qlipoth, Belobog, though battered by wind and snow, remains forever warm."
"..."
Under Bronya's slightly expectant gaze, Kevin remained as cold as ever, showing no signs of shock or emotion. Instead, he commented: "You recited that well, but it would be better to have some of your own insights."
"Hmm..."
Indeed, this was actually a direct quote from a textbook.
This bizarre scene made the nearby Silvermane Guards scratch their heads in confusion because they couldn't understand why the usually serious Lady Bronya was acting like a child being scolded by a parent?
"But I still want to understand: what is this 'Preservation' you speak of?" Kevin followed up.
"It is said to be a great Aeon standing at the edge of the universe, also the entity worshipped by the 'Builders.' They firmly believe that the 'Amber Lord' has always watched over Belobog and protected its people."
From Bronya's words, Kevin couldn't hear much faith in Him. Because in her view, it was likely the soldiers on the battlefield who had been protecting Belobog all along—those who fought tirelessly, building walls for their homeland with their lives.
But Kevin could clearly perceive that this intangible yet majestic energy indeed existed. Even if he were to try, he couldn't possibly protect an entire city uninterruptedly for hundreds of years.
Yet it seemed that for that Aeon of 'Preservation,' this was merely a trivial matter easily accomplished with a glance.
Kevin slightly raised his head to look at the sky, his gaze seemingly piercing through the clouds, reaching into the vast unknown of the universe.
"Aeons... they truly sound like remarkable existences..."
———— ————
Qlipoth Fort, located at the center of Belobog, is a towering structure that seems to defy traditional physics. It serves as the headquarters of the 'Builders' and the residence of the current 'Supreme Guardian.'
This fortress named after an Aeon is undoubtedly the heart of Belobog. After all, most administrative activities take place within the castle, making it the most important administrative center.
As for those bizarre enemies outside the city, they are born from the 'Fragmentum' that inexplicably appeared along with the frost's descent.
Apart from a few Anti-Matter Legion units awakening from the ice, these Fragmentum creatures are Belobog's primary enemies.
Of course, all of this was just told to Kevin by Bronya. However, the appearance and birth methods of these Fragmentum creatures always gave him a sense of déjà vu, as if facing Honkai Beasts.
Yet clearly, whether from perception or reality, their actual forms are vastly different from so-called Honkai Beasts...
Actually, there wasn't much extra time for Kevin to ponder these matters seriously because shortly after he entered Qlipoth Fort, the so-called 'Supreme Guardian' had already begun summoning him for a private audience.
As for Bronya?
She said today's assignments had been delayed due to the earlier incident and she must immediately go complete them now.
To be honest, it had been a long, long time since Kevin had heard that term... but if asked whether he missed it, definitely not.
And when he stepped into that most special room, standing at the highest point was unexpectedly another 'acquaintance.'
"Welcome, visitor from beyond the sky."
This tall blonde woman placed her hand over her chest, displaying authority while showing appropriate respect: "I am Cocolia Rand, Guardian of Belobog. I am here to listen to your purpose."
For an unknown outsider, this was already a very polite way of receiving a guest. Unfortunately, Kevin wasn't accustomed to giving lengthy explanations to others and didn't believe a qualified leader would easily trust his words.
"These words may sound somewhat offensive, but I still hope you can seriously accept my proposal."
Even though she was the one looking down from above, for some reason, Cocolia suddenly sensed from the other person that he seemed to be the one standing at the pinnacle. Even the surrounding temperature noticeably dropped several degrees.
And Kevin's words were naturally quite direct: "I believe that as a leader, you must know more truths than those soldiers. I think you should also understand the real reason why this planet was suddenly struck by frost and why the Fragmentum is eroding this world."
"Merely telling me these things won't have any impact on you."
As for what he would do next... Kevin would naturally have his own plans after hearing it, but he didn't intend to explain further to her, even if it might escalate conflicts.
"Preposterous! Outsider..."
Kevin's straightforward words even took Cocolia by surprise. But whether to conceal something or uphold dignity, her best course of action was naturally to have guards detain this brazen outsider first.
Yet in her mind, another voice suddenly began advising her not to do so.
[Agree to him, agree first, quickly agree! This guy...]
Thud————!
As Kevin lightly lifted his back foot and stepped down again, a crisp sound echoed through the room, simultaneously cutting off that indistinct murmuring voice in Cocolia's mind—unclear whether it was male or female.
Only after shock completely occupied her icy face did Kevin calmly explain.
"This sneaky method of temptation reminds me of something I don't particularly like. However, I also learned from an old friend how to block such beings."
Kevin remained standing in place without moving, but the cold breeze brushing against his hair served as a constant warning to Cocolia that this wasn't an illusion.
"What I want to hear is your thoughts as a leader."
Not some strange thing attempting to distort human civilization itself.
There is an illustration here; it can be viewed after updating to the latest version.