Chapter 88 : Chapter 88

Chapter 88

“You filthy bastards!”

Julian shouted as he cut down the heavily armed Brussels infantryman blocking his path.

Slice.

The heavy armor was sliced as easily as paper, and blood splattered.

“Hoo….”

Julian caught his breath and took in the state of the battle.

‘Just as the Commander of the Knights said, many of them are not knights.’

Shing.

The mana gathered on his sword emitted a brilliant light.

Sword Energy.

It was a technique he had been able to use freely since reaching the 4-star level.

Following the arc of his swing, a tangible wave of Sword Energy cut through two infantrymen.

“You bastard!”

Just then, a knight who was a head taller than him blocked his path.

Julian narrowed his eyes as he saw the mana gathered on the man’s sword.

The giant sword was coated in mana, but he hadn't managed to envelop his body in it.

‘A 3-star knight, is he?’

The same type as Centurion Hector, who used destructive swordsmanship based on his physical abilities.

It might have been a different story in the past.

‘Now, someone of your level is no match for me.’

Clang. Clang.

After a few exchanges, the moment his opponent lost his center of gravity.

Crack.

Julian quickly sliced through his armor.

Fwoosh.

Blood splattered and the Red Flame burst forth.

“……!!”

The bewildered Brussels knight screamed and floundered about, not having anticipated the ability of Julian’s Red Flame Sword.

It took less than 20 seconds to decide the match.

“You looked down on me!”

Fwoosh.

Julian, who had extinguished the flames of the Red Flame Sword, plunged his sword into the fallen knight’s neck.

He looked around.

About 200 knights of the Blue Knight Order were engaged in a tight battle against nearly 1,000 Brussels soldiers.

‘Are the mages about forty percent of their forces?’

Though their numbers were double that of the Blue Knight Order, the mages had been unable to play an active role since the battle had devolved into a melee.

The knights, too, were not significantly different in level from the Blue Knight Order.

‘This is doable.’

Julian became certain as he cut down an approaching infantryman with a single stroke.

The high-ranking knights of Brussels were being handled by the dispatched Red Knights.

‘By now, the center and the left flank should have started their engagement as well.’

The Red Knight Order and the White Knight Order in the center, and the Black Knight Order and the Yellow Knight Order on the left.

And the Blue Knight Order, which was in charge of the right flank by itself.

The strategy of the center would change depending on the outcome of the battles on the right and left flanks, which could be called the wings.

‘The first victory report will be mine.’

Without even a moment to drink a recovery potion, Julian cut down two more infantrymen.

He had been swinging his sword in a trance-like state for about an hour when it happened.

“Commander!”

Jesse, who was also covered in blood just like him, approached.

“I think it would be best to retreat at this point.”

“What are you talking about? We’re winning.”

“We’ve moved too far from the central forces. At this rate, we could be hit by enemy reinforcements.”

“We have to push them when we have the chance.”

“But….”

“Brussels’ right flank is a disorderly mob with inflated numbers.”

The two knight orders led by Escardo and the elites led by Count Konrad were clashing in the center.

“We, at least, have to deal a significant blow. If we do, we can change the tide of the war with this engagement.”

“That may be true, but….”

“Vice-commander Jesse!”

Julian raised his voice as he stared into Jesse’s eyes.

“This is the Commander’s order. Tell the elites under Centurion Hector to clear a path. I will personally join them and annihilate the magic order positioned at the rear.”

Thirty knights personally led by Hector.

They were an assault team, funded by the Sepia Merchant Guild, with every member equipped with two or more Magic Tools.

“……I understand.”

Jesse, who had answered reluctantly, could be seen shouting as he joined Hector.

“Blue Knight Order! Follow me!!”

Julian shouted and began to slaughter the enemies.

With every man he cut down, a thrill of being one step closer to victory followed.

‘Killian, even you wouldn't have stopped here.’

Killian, the tactician of the knight order and his personal sword instructor, the Fourth Prince of Eurasia, had repeatedly told him.

A commander must know when to strike and when to retreat.

As Julian saw it, now was the time to strike.

‘I will prove that I am a knight no less than you.’

Led by the massive Hector, about thirty knights were tearing through the battlefield in a group.

It was as Julian was closing the distance to join them.

Boom!

Suddenly, a knight was thrown in front of him.

“Cough… Commander Julian… flee….”

A 5-star knight from the Red Knight Order.

A knight several levels above Julian was coughing up blood.

‘Reflux……!!’

The moment he hurriedly tried to take out a recovery potion.

“So you’re the Third Prince.”

“……!!”

At the chilling voice, Julian hastily swung his sword.

Clang!

Even though his entire body was enveloped in mana, the impact was like being hit with an iron club, and his insides seemed to shake.

“Hmm. A 4-star, are you.”

The Brussels knight approached, catching his breath.

With one arm dangling and a limp in his leg, he was clearly not in a normal state.

‘This pressure… he’s a 6-star…….’

Gulp.

Julian swallowed his dry saliva.

Currently, ten 5-star knights and three 6-star knights were dispatched to the Blue Knight Order.

The knight before him was clearly a 6-star.

He was an opponent he would have normally turned and fled from in an instant.

‘But this guy isn’t in a normal state either.’

In comparison, he himself was relatively unharmed.

‘If I aim for a reflux, I have a chance of winning.’

Julian’s mind raced.

A battle with one's life on the line could also elevate a knight to a new level.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

His heartbeat quickened.

To shake off his fear, he tightened his grip on the Red Flame Sword.

Fwoosh.

The flames, having accepted his mana, flowed along the blade.

“Interesting… you use amusing little tricks.”

The Brussels knight’s face hardened.

In a sensation where time seemed to slow down, Julian slowly raised his sword.

He lowered his center of gravity and expanded the muscles in his lower body.

Zzzzzzz.

The mana, raised to its maximum, flowed through his body.

“For Eurasia!”

His twisted muscles interlocked, and his body shot forward.

First Flash.

A single strike, unleashed with all the might of a 4-star knight.

Clang!!

It struck the 6-star knight.

***

“Hazard will be starting a diet from today.”

“……”

“How could you….”

Serena’s eyebrows twitched, and Gala, who was about to argue, closed her mouth.

Yulian had an expression that said it was only natural.

[Grrr?]

Hazard tilted his head with an innocent look.

“Haman.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Relay that to the Head Apothecary as well. He is strictly forbidden from anything other than his designated meals.”

“……Understood.”

Loen had been periodically checking on Hazard’s condition and feeding him various recovery potions.

‘Her care was a big reason why Hazard grew enough to consume 7-star mana. Still, obesity is not an option.’

“Commander, should I perhaps instill some of the pride an Annihilation Squad member should have in this fellow?”

“Don’t. You’ll get hurt.”

“Hahaha. I am the second sword of the Annihilation Squad. I’ll control my strength and teach him moderately.”

‘No… I mean you’ll get hurt, not Hazard.’

Although it was with Killian’s mana, this was the beast that had torn apart the magic of an Arch Mage who had mastered 7-star magic.

If Yulian messed with him under the guise of training, he might end up seriously injured.

[Grrr! Grrr!]

As if wanting to give it a try, Hazard stomped his feet and his fur bristled.

“Huhuhu… you insolent thing. I will make you a true male.”

“Yulian, the Commander has not yet permitted training with Hazard.”

“Serena, it’s because you’ve been coddling this thing that he’s in this state.”

“Hazard is a valuable asset to the Annihilation Squad. I cannot permit a duel with the risk of injury for personal feelings.”

“Tch. So you’ll pull out your rank as the first sword only at times like this? Commander, please leave him to me. I’ll make Hazard the manliest of males within a month.”

‘Leave what to you. I’m telling you, you could die.’

Killian swallowed the words that rose to his throat and shook his head.

“What’s important right now is the war with Brussels. All of you, stop this pointless power struggle.”

Gala nodded her head in agreement.

“Yulian, did you get any useful information from Count Revric?”

“That’s a bit strange.”

“Why? What is?”

“Whenever I try to extract information about the royal castle, he keeps spouting nonsense.”

“Nonsense?”

“He said Hazard is a polymorphed dragon.”

“……”

“……”

Killian and Haman fell silent at the same time.

“He kept saying that fat thing is hiding its scales or something… I think the impact to his head during his capture….”

“Pathetic, Yulian.”

“Yes…?”

“To think you can’t even eat from the meal I've prepared for you.”

“No… it’s not my fault, it’s the aftereffects of being beaten by you, Commander….”

“That’s enough. Gala.”

“Yes.”

“From now on, you will be in charge of interrogating the mage we captured along with Count Revric.”

“Understood.”

Gala left the Annihilation Squad Leader’s office right away, and Yulian was left with an expression of injustice.

“Serena, has Portran’s report arrived yet?”

“A carrier pigeon should arrive within the day. I will report as soon as it arrives.”

“What about the ones who infiltrated the castle?”

“Still… no contact.”

“Our intelligence network is too poor.”

Although they had joined hands with Hennessy, the war between the two nations was still ongoing.

He couldn’t use Hennessy’s intelligence network conspicuously.

‘Thinking about after the war, I’ll need to consider securing funds to expand our intelligence network… whatever I do, money is the problem. Should I ask Pyrope about distributing the steel?’

He could already vividly picture the Old Dwarf’s dumbfounded face.

In any case, it wasn’t a problem he could solve right now.

“The three of you may leave now. Report as soon as any information comes in.”

“Understood.”

Just as the room seemed to quiet down after Haman took Hazard to the Apothecary.

“……Prince!”

“……?”

At the sound of a woman’s voice from a distance, Killian enhanced his senses.

“Is Prince Killian here!!”

“……”

“This voice is….”

Bang.

The door to the Annihilation Squad Leader’s office opened.

“Move aside, you!”

Shoving aside the Royal Guard who was trying to stop her, Emma Eurasia revealed herself.

Rhodos followed behind her with his eyes cast down.

“My, my apologies. Her Majesty the Queen, without permission….”

“It’s fine. You may leave.”

At Killian’s gesture, the Royal Guard gave a sword salute and quickly retreated.

Belatedly, he met Emma Eurasia’s gaze.

“What brings you here?”

“Prince Killian….”

“If you had sent word….”

“Hic… sob… Prince Killian……!!”

“……”

Killian stared blankly at Emma Eurasia as she collapsed in front of him.

“What are you doing?”

“What… what am I to do…….”

Emma Eurasia, who had been whimpering, finally burst into tears.

‘Something has happened to Julian.’

Killian shifted his gaze to Rhodos, who was fidgeting behind her.

“An explanation seems to be in order.”

“Th-that is….”

“Sob… Aaaaaah….”

Rhodos glanced at the wailing Emma Eurasia and opened his mouth.

“It seems the Blue Knight Order has suffered a great defeat in the war, and His Highness Prince Julian has been taken hostage.”

It was a report he had just received via a carrier pigeon from the Sepia Merchant Guild, which was out on the battlefield.

With his eyes cast down, Rhodos began to pour out information that even Killian did not know.

‘Sepia’s intelligence network is faster than the Annihilation Squad’s.’

The power of a merchant guild that dealt with money.

He was once again realizing the true strength of Sepia.

“Sob, Prince Killian… that gentle child Julian, taken hostage……”

Emma Eurasia dabbed her tears with her sleeve and looked at Rhodos.

Rhodos stepped forward and bowed his head.

“There must be a reason you’ve come. No need to beat around the bush.”

“W-well… His Highness Prince Killian is also the tactician of the Blue Knight Order, and you have the authority to move the Annihilation Squad, so….”

“You want me to move the Annihilation Squad and rescue my brother Julian?”

“Y-yes, that’s right.”

“……”

Killian let out a small sigh.

“Chamberlain Rhodos.”

“Ye-yes…… P-please speak.”

“Do you want to die?”

At the killing intent emanating from Killian’s body.

“Heek……!!”

Rhodos hurriedly dropped to his knees and slammed his head on the floor.

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