After Surviving the Apocalypse, I Built a City in Another World

Speaking of the so-called Genius Prince Aurellian, the five-year-old was walking along the long hallway of the palace, followed closely by an intimidating entourage.

The little boy was quite dashing with his shimmering silvery hair and glimmering blue eyes. He also had an indifferent expression on his face and would remain that way until he reached the throne room.

He was only wearing his usual coat. He was not cold at all because a small blue flame was following him around, keeping him warm.

This was his own element, too, and was much more stable than other elementalist’s fires.

Typically, it was not recommended for children to level past ten before 12 (or ten for those with good families) because of the high amount of aether involved.

Similarly, elementalists needed to be around the same age to even try to handle their elements.

However, in history, there were still a handful of exemptions, and—so far—Prince Aurellian was the most prime and exceeding example of this. None have gotten near to his achievements at such a young age.

The silver-haired boy had reached Level five a few months ago, just a little after his fifth birthday, but somehow, he could already control the basic ember to an impressive degree.

This meant that Prince Aurellian, a triple elementalist, at the young age of five years old, could already access one of three of his elements!

It was really unprecedented among humans! His potential was limitless, and the point of pride of the King and the entire City.

Anyway, the little boy arrived at the throne room, which was the warmest area in the palace, to see his grandfather, father, and several courtiers having a meeting.

The entourage was left by the door, and the door was opened for the prince. The old men usually didn’t like to be interrupted in the middle of the meeting, but seeing who entered, they all smiled.

”Aurellian, what are you doing here?” Grandpa asked, voice gentle. The little boy nodded and stood at the side.

”I wanna listen. I’m bored,” he said, his small voice monotonous but adorable to those who adored him. This included the King, who was a fool for his grandson.

”Very well.”

Without further ado, a smaller throne appeared next to the King’s, and the little boy casually sat on it.

The people under didn’t react much. Although it wasn’t often, the little prince had indeed done this before.

The King’s eyes were soft as he looked at the boy. He patted his little head before he turned back to his audience, his soft expression quickly returned to its usual icy state. ”Continue with your report.”

”Father, we must hunt down that snake!” Ussain, one of the sons, vehemently exclaimed.

”It had been more than a week since that incident, Ussain,” Prince Theron, the heir, looked at his brother.

”The Extreme Cold happened. She couldn’t have gone far! Maybe she’s hibernating! How could I just let that snake who led my mercenaries to death go so easily?”

Not long ago, Ussain’s precious mercenary team, the Usan Mercenary Team, was hit with unprecedented losses. Escorting a snake half-orc, among many other things, they were led to a trap that actually killed a good portion of them!

She actually led them to the lair of two level 45 beasts! They were forced to run and scatter, unable to beat even one of those beasts, and many still perished!

Those were forces he painstakingly trained and put resources into. How could he be comfortable?

Everyone knew this, and many empathized with him. The high nobles and princes were not allowed to have large forces, but they were allowed to have a set number of guards (in proportion to rank and number of family members) as well as a mercenary team, which would at least be bound by certain oaths.

This would allow the royals to have their own power and prestige, while not allowing for lingering threats towards the crown.

Regardless, the resources that had to be spent on a team averaging level 30 and above were massive.

Whispers among the tables resounded. ”I heard that something similar happened before. Could it be the same half-orc?” another one of the courtiers said.

”That one lured an entire party off a cliff without them knowing in time. Under that was also a nest of powerful monsters. You lost a dozen people, they lost hundreds, so you’re already considered lucky.”

It was quite a famous story, and it was indeed a similar one.

There was once a team that was ’guided’ out of the forest by a snake, only for them to be led to a tall cliff with a major ravine. Many died, and those who survived had high levels. Unfortunately for them, there was also a nest of monsters underneath to finish them off.

”Witnesses said she is with a tigress halforc this time,” another added. ”I heard its ability was extremely strong—she can handle several people at her level with it. She was not able to defeat them all, but she could defend well, and then they used the level 45 beasts to escape.”

Ussain gritted his teeth. The description of his men was vivid, and they were terrified. These were men in their level 30s!

”Then it will be a tough fight.”

”Why are we even talking about this now?”

”So we can be ready to move as soon as the Freeze ends,” he said.

”We can’t let those two half-orcs be! What if they hurt more people?”

”They’re heading East. They’re no longer in our vicinity.”

”But I can at least use my own forces, yes?” Ussain asked, annoyed. It’s annoying, but he understood why the city guard couldn’t be mobilized.

However, so many of his men died. How was he supposed to lead his own mercenary team if they didn’t trust him?

Aurellian watched on. His face was impassive, no one knowing what he thought. Some might think he was pondering something profound, but there was actually only one thought in that handsome little head of his.

Sigh

He was still bored.