The Reappearance Of The Kraken?!

Where were antibiotics most desperately needed? It was, without question, the battlefield. Gunshot wounds could easily become contaminated, allowing bacteria to invade, leading to infections that could kill people. Above all, field doctors who had witnessed such outcomes again and again strongly felt the necessity of antibiotics.

Ian immediately began selling an antibiotic he named “Melang,” produced by refining goblin blood. Using the same distribution routes previously employed for selling military supplies, he initially introduced it by including it for free, as if it were a promotional product.

Naturally, both sides could not help but view this move with suspicion. However, it took only about a month for such perceptions to change. The antibiotic “Melang,” shipped separately via airships, was put into use immediately.

With the Polia Kingdom guaranteeing its safety—and with casualties already overflowing and antibiotics desperately needed—it was used right away in field hospitals without hesitation. Of course, there were still watchful, suspicious eyes observing the process.

As expected, the results of this new antibiotic were astonishing. Many people had been dying because bacterial infections could not be properly treated, but that proportion dropped rapidly. These results led to more detailed and careful observations.

As November passed, orders for the antibiotic “Melang” began to pour in. It was concluded that this new antibiotic was absolutely necessary for treating the wounded. It was even discovered to be highly effective against the epidemic Vera.

Since goblins had been continuously captured, drained of blood, and refined to produce the medicine, the available supply was considerable. The quantity sold in a single wave alone exceeded one million units. This could only be called a massive hit.

Until now, medical technology had lagged behind other fields, resulting in relatively small export volumes. But because of this development, exports increased explosively. Even the quantities already purchased and reserved amounted to several million units.

Beyond the battlefield, demand for antibiotics increased everywhere. Hospitals needed antibacterial substances as well, and upon learning that its performance was incomparable to what they had used before, orders flooded in from all directions. “Melang” could clearly be called a runaway success.

As such results emerged, it was only natural that many people became curious about how this medicine was made. In truth, it was not something that could be hidden forever. The goblin capture operations and their transportation were already too conspicuous.

Facilities confining goblins stood out clearly, and once journalists began investigating, they soon discovered the true origin of the medicine, leaving them in shock.

The idea of capturing goblins, extracting their blood, refining it, and turning it into antibiotics was enough to leave anyone pale with disbelief. This revelation was soon reported in newspapers. Everyone felt an indescribable sense of discomfort upon hearing the news.

Even so, the antibiotic’s effectiveness did not disappear. To survive, people needed antibiotics, and demand only surged further. In this situation, those capturing goblins became even more aggressive.

Goblins were profitable. With that fact in mind, hunters formed teams and continued capturing goblins on Bebero Island in the Marin Archipelago—now commonly called Goblin Island. The goblins resisted in their own way, but they fell helplessly before guns.

In fact, even goblins killed in the process were collected, as they still had monetary value. At minimum, more than three thousand goblins were captured this way. Yet even then, after a certain amount of time passed, goblins would appear from somewhere and replenish their numbers on the island.

Knowing this, the treatment of captured goblins became even harsher. Blood was drawn to the point that they nearly dried out, extracted so brutally that they barely clung to life.

In reality, even the amount of blood obtained from a single goblin could be heavily diluted to produce large quantities of product, making overall output extremely high. Although many pharmaceutical companies attempted to imitate this process following these reports, the only place where goblins could reliably be obtained was Goblin Island in the Marin Archipelago, a territory of the Polia Kingdom.

Even if someone tried to secretly capture goblins and breed them elsewhere, there were no females, making it impossible to increase their numbers. While it was theoretically concluded that using human women could make it possible, no one attempted such a thing.

From the outset, it was ethically unacceptable. Anyone who tried would undoubtedly face massive condemnation and criticism. As such, no one could attempt it. The conclusion was clear: for the time being, the only place capable of properly producing the antibiotic “Melang” was the Polia Kingdom.

With this new source of wealth, the royal family began earning enormous profits, and another product—“Ibla”—also began to show signs of becoming a hit. Until then, production had been limited, and inventory had simply piled up, but once they judged that enough quantity had been secured, they announced it.

Once again, newspapers proved to be the best advertising medium. “Ibla,” which demonstrated excellent effects on the skin, quickly caught the attention of noble ladies. After all, a large portion of newspaper subscribers were noblewomen.

When a cosmetic product whose performance was even guaranteed by the king appeared, it was only natural that it drew attention.

“Restore youth to your skin. The effects of ‘Ibla’ are real. Reclaim your youth now.”

This advertisement attracted considerable interest from noble ladies. At the time, it was not yet known that goblins were the raw material. Even so, the price alone was shocking—it was comparable to that of a car.

Many noblewomen scoffed, asking who would ever use something like that. Yet the world was full of people drawn to unusual things, and wealthy noble ladies in particular would often buy first and think later. Once they purchased and used it, they could not help but feel its effects.

Wrinkles on the face and neck disappeared—temporarily, but unmistakably. They were astonished by the smoother, firmer skin. The duration of the effect was also fairly long. With such results, it was only natural for women to want to show it off.

Although large parties had become rare, small gatherings were still held, and these women frequently attended them. Other noble ladies who saw them could not help but be shocked. Amid near-hysterical reactions and endless questions, the users proudly explained that it was the effect of a cosmetic called “Ibla.”

Once this became known, everyone rushed to place orders for “Ibla.” Though expensive, it was deemed well worth the price, and people began purchasing it even if it meant stretching their finances. Naturally, since quantities were limited, not everyone could obtain it. Its rarity only increased.

Originally expensive, “Ibla” gradually became even more costly. At some point, it became difficult to obtain even with money. When it was later revealed that goblins were the raw material, people were shocked—but would anyone really reject it when its effectiveness was undeniable?

For women—especially those approaching middle age—“Ibla” had become firmly recognized as an essential item that simply had to be purchased. Under such circumstances, demand for “Ibla” only continued to grow.

Eventually, rumors of its effects spread even overseas, prompting some to send people directly to purchase it. Once it was sold abroad and people personally experienced its effects, its promotional power grew even further.

Unlike the Polia Kingdom, where large parties had largely disappeared, grand parties were still held abroad. Some noble houses even hosted parties despite the ongoing war. As more noble ladies learned about “Ibla,” the number of buyers exploded.

This too was an exclusive business of the Polia Kingdom, since goblins were the raw material. Creatures that had once been troublesome nuisances had now turned into gold. As these developments continued, time passed, and before anyone realized it, December had arrived.

Before long, the year had less than a month remaining.

World Era 1915, December 6. Inside the royal palace of Pullea, capital of the Polia Kingdom.

“Time really flies. How did another year pass so quickly?”

At the start of the year, an ambassador named Miblanc—a mage—had arrived. Because a mana user was required to enter ancient ruins, Camyu had been sent, and thanks to that, they managed to obtain a White Crystal.

Meanwhile, the newly completed subway began operating, and the tide of the battlefield shifted with the appearance of biological weapons, causing the situation to rapidly favor the allied forces. In the midst of all this, he had married—and then learned just how much of a golden goose goblins truly were.

“In earlier eras, it probably wouldn’t have been possible to develop items with such effects from goblins.”

If production had been easy, the value of goblins would have been known long ago. This had not been created casually; it was the result of thoroughly investigating and analyzing goblins.

The creation of the outstanding antibiotic Melang and the excellent cosmetic Ibla was possible because specialized pharmaceuticals and accumulated medical technology already existed. Certain substances that reacted strongly with blood and bones made it possible to manufacture products with remarkable effects.

In any case, as Ian spent the final month of the year, his thoughts were actually directed toward Queen Adrina. Several months had already passed since they began living in the same room. Anyone hearing it might curse him, but in reality, they had not even properly held hands.

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”

He was extremely clumsy when it came to dealing with such feelings—and cautious as well. If he developed feelings on his own while she had none, it would be absurd.

Unconsciously, he touched his lips. During the wedding, due to a misunderstanding, he had kissed Adrina on the lips during the vow, and the sensation of her lips remained vivid in his memory even now.

Knock, knock. Startled by the sudden sound, Ian quickly lowered his hand and spoke toward the door in a deliberately calm voice.

“What is it?”

“Viscount Rubingston has come to see you.”

“Is that so? Let him in.”

With those words, Viscount Rubingston entered. His brisk steps and stiff expression made it clear that something had happened. Erasing his earlier thoughts, Ian hardened his expression and asked.

“For what reason have you come?”

“Your Majesty, a serious problem has arisen.”

“A serious problem? What kind of problem would make you look so grim?”

“It appears that the Kraken has reappeared.”

“The Kraken? Did you just say the Kraken?!”

For Ian, this was shocking news. He had encountered and hunted the creature when he was nineteen—six years ago. Since then, he had become king and experienced countless events, making it feel like a distant past. Regardless, what mattered now was that the Kraken had appeared again.

“Yes. Sightings of the Kraken are increasing, much like in the past. We believe there may already be ships that have fallen victim.”

“I see. It was the same before, so it makes sense. But where has it appeared?”

“The Colonial Continent. It seems to be appearing frequently in those waters.”

“Then it must be exterminated.”

Considering the resources flowing in from the Colonial Continent, a Kraken rampaging in those waters was an enormous problem. Yet there was an even greater issue.

“The problem is that there are no forces capable of hunting the Kraken.”

That was the reality. A world-war-scale conflict was underway, and fierce naval battles continued, with fleets firing upon one another at sea. The Doicheun Empire had deployed all its fleets to defend its own waters, while the allied forces pressed in.

“They too need the resources of the Colonial Continent, but they cannot afford to all set out on a Kraken hunt.”

“In other words, the only nation capable of properly hunting the Kraken is ours.”

“Wouldn’t you say so?”

Only they had the leeway to mobilize a proper fleet. That fact weighed heavily on him. If they alone hunted the Kraken, they could suffer significant losses. For that reason, acting alone was not an easy decision.

The Kraken’s overwhelming strength resurfaced vividly in his mind. Its massive pillar-like limbs could deliver devastating impacts to warships. Back then, he had used telekinesis to block such strikes, yet the shock had been so great that everything inside had been violently shaken.

“If I’m incomparably stronger than before… would the outcome be different?”

With his current strength, perhaps he could hunt the Kraken. Now, he possessed not only telekinesis but also the power to control the weather. If he struck it with repeated lightning from the sky, the Kraken could be roasted alive.

“The fleet deployed to the Vincent Kingdom and the Rubid Kingdom—that was the 9th Fleet, was it not?”

“Yes. The 9th Fleet, commanded by Admiral Nudelria, is deployed there.”

Since both kingdoms were newly independent, treaties had been signed for protection, and a single fleet had been dispatched, later split between the two kingdoms.

Once they were able to build even a single defensive fleet of their own, the deployment would end. But with the Kraken’s appearance, the matter inevitably fell to the 9th Fleet.

“Can the 9th Fleet really handle it?”

Once derided as a leftover fleet, the 9th Fleet—now commanded by the renowned Admiral Nudelria—had been completely transformed. Newly constructed ships made up the majority, and it was no longer inferior to any other fleet.

“Can the 9th Fleet hunt the Kraken on its own?”

“I believe it can. However, the damage will undoubtedly be significant.”

“As expected.”

Ian agreed. With that realization, he could not help but sink into deep contemplation.