Chapter 185
“......What?”
Kiaran’s expression twisted as she marched toward Everblade.
What in the world is happening now?
How could the situation across the continent change so frequently?
“I need to see Hainel.”
Without hesitation, Kiaran made her way to where Hainel was stationed.
They had been advancing toward Everblade, their morale soaring after a series of victories.
They were so close—just a little farther, and they would arrive.
“Duke Hainel.”
“What is it, General Kiaran?”
Hainel turned to her, noting her urgency.
Kiaran spoke quickly.
“You must return to the holand imdiately.”
“Just ?”
“Yes.”
To be precise, Hainel and his forces.
Seeing Hainel’s puzzled look, Kiaran explained.
“There’s an urgent report—Imperial Aura Master Calon is advancing on our kingdom.”
“Calon? I thought he was heading for Artian. It would take considerable ti for him to reach our land.”
“I don’t know the details, but he has found a way. Orders have been given for your imdiate return.”
“......I see. Understood. I will make preparations at once.”
It was an ergency—there was no ti to hesitate.
Though retracing his steps was frustrating, this was not the ti for complaints.
For Kiaran to bring such urgent news, the situation must be dire.
Hainel glanced toward Everblade.
Never in his life had he seen the Empire pushed this far.
He had wanted to see this campaign through to the end.
“What a sha.”
Hainel swiftly turned his forces around.
As his troops moved, soldiers from the Caion Unit took notice from a distance.
“......Huh? Isn’t that Duke Hainel’s unit?”
“Sothing must have happened.”
“Could our holand be under attack?”
The Caion soldiers exchanged uneasy glances.
Hainel was one of the strongest assets of the coalition.
If he was leaving in such haste, sothing serious had to be happening.
Yet Damian rely watched Hainel’s retreating figure in silence.
He had hoped Hainel would stay, but he wasn’t about to let his absence stop what needed to be done.
Turning to his soldiers, Damian commanded firmly.
“We focus on our mission. Stay sharp.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Yes, understood.”
The Caion Unit tightened their formation and continued their march.
anwhile, Kiaran watched Hainel’s departure and thought of the strategist orchestrating the current campaign.
‘It’s almost as if...’
Soone was playing a grand ga of strategy, moving forces across the continent with perfect timing.
At that mont—
“Curious?”
“Ah, General Celestine. About what?”
“The one behind these strategies.”
“To be honest, yes. I heard he’s from Artian, but I didn’t expect him to have such an extensive tactical view.”
“His na is Henry Saint-André. You’ll et him soon.”
Henry was already on his way to Everblade with reinforcents.
This battle was crucial, and every kingdom was fully invested in its outco.
Hearing the na, Kiaran’s eyes widened slightly.
She recognized it.
But...
‘I thought he was quite young... and yet, he already holds this level of authority?’
The mind of Artian.
Clearly, Artian had its share of prodigies as well.
‘Why are there so many young geniuses in this war?’
Her own side had a young commander who had already reached an unimaginable level of mastery.
Kiaran glanced at the Caion Unit marching ahead.
“......?”
“What is it?”
“Nothing... just felt like soone was talking about .”
Damian, who had been idly scratching his ear, responded casually.
Since he had told the troops to focus, the unit was marching in silence, a heavy tension in the air.
Dianal approached Damian with a question.
“Lord Damian, may I ask sothing?”
“What is it?”
“If we take Everblade... are we marching straight to the Imperial capital?”
At this, several soldiers turned their attention to Damian.
They had all been wondering the sa thing but had refrained from asking.
Damian exhaled softly.
“Hm... who knows.”
Honestly, he wished they could bring down the Empire once and for all.
It wasn’t easy for the kingdoms to unite into a single coalition.
And they had gathered an overwhelming army.
However—
‘It’s not that simple.’
Or rather, it was nearly impossible.
Even while waging war against the coalition, the Empire had nearly annihilated Tirkan and continued launching offensives elsewhere.
Damian spoke.
“If Everblade falls, the Empire will focus entirely on defense.”
At that point, no matter how large the coalition was, toppling the Empire would be out of reach.
In that case, the coalition would likely withdraw.
‘That was always the plan.’
The battle for Everblade had one purpose.
To leave an unforgettable mark on the Empire.
To show the world that the kingdoms of the continent were not rely subjects beneath the Empire’s rule.
That if they ever united again, they wouldn’t just hold swords to the Empire’s throat—they could drive those blades into its heart.
“If the Empire recalls its scattered forces, we will likely withdraw as well.”
Kiaran must have already co to the sa conclusion.
To tighten their grip on the enemy, the coalition had to advance swiftly to Everblade.
“We’re almost there.”
As Everblade ca into view, the coalition forces gradually slowed their pace.
Kiaran, seeing the fortress ahead, ordered fortifications to be established at the designated locations identified by scouts.
“Set up fortifications here and form our battle lines! Begin construction imdiately!”
The officers relayed her orders, riding among the troops and shouting instructions.
The soldiers quickly got to work, beginning the construction of fortifications.
“This isn’t just a temporary shelter... Looks like we’re staying here for a while.”
“Unlike other locations, Everblade has high walls and a dense Imperial garrison.”
“This will be a tough battle.”
“For now, let’s finish the fortifications quickly and help the others. Last ones will have to buy drinks with their reward money later, so get moving!”
“What?!”
“Spending money we haven’t even received yet? Hahaha.”
“Well, putting a bet on it does make it more exciting!”
“Alright, teams of three! Start!”
“Yes, sir!”
At Damian’s words, the Caion Unit sprang into action, constructing the fortifications with practiced efficiency.
They were all seasoned veterans, so their work progressed at an impressive pace.
Finishing his own task quickly, Damian moved to assist other groups.
He wasn’t the type to rest while others were still working—everyone had to finish before they could all take a break.
“.......”
Celestine watched the Caion Unit from a distance.
Though they always operated slightly apart from the main force, they stood out significantly.
‘An infantry unit led by an Aura Master...’
She doubted the Baroque Kingdom would neglect them, but their equipnt and treatnt weren’t exactly exceptional.
After observing for a while, Celestine made her way toward Damian.
Thud! Thud!
“Anchor it deeper. If it’s loose, the fabric will shake and tilt later.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Thank you!”
Damian moved between groups, assisting soldiers with the construction.
Then—
“Is there anything I can help with?”
“...?”
Damian turned in surprise.
For an Aura Master of the Artian Kingdom to enter the common soldiers’ ranks was unexpected.
He quickly shook his head.
“No, we’ve finished here.”
“A sha. I ca to see if I could assist.”
“More importantly, are your injuries healed?”
Damian noticed her magic flow was much smoother now.
Celestine nodded.
“I’ve nearly recovered. If I fight again... I won’t lose this ti.”
She spoke with respectful confidence.
Celestine was intrigued by Damian.
‘A young man already at the level of an Aura Master...’
Though she appeared to be in her twenties, she was well over thirty.
She asked Damian a question.
“When did you start using a spear?”
“A spear?”
“Most Aura Masters on the continent wield swords. Before you, I was the only one using a spear... It’s fascinating to see another Aura Master proficient with it.”
She smiled faintly.
Damian scratched his head.
“Is that so? I’ve just used a spear since childhood.”
“You never trained with a sword?”
“No. The spear just felt right.”
As they spoke, Celestine asked several more questions, and Damian answered casually.
Despite being from different nations, Damian found their conversation surprisingly pleasant.
‘Never thought I’d have a casual chat with an Aura Master from another kingdom.’
As their conversation ended, Celestine made an offer.
“If this war ends and you return, you should visit the Artian Kingdom. I’d be happy to show you around.”
“That would be an honor. I’ll be sure to visit.”
Damian smiled.
With that, the two parted, heading toward the completed fortifications.
Night had fallen, and torches were being lit throughout the camp.
Soldiers took their positions, standing guard in preparation for any potential threats.
Then—
“Summon all unit commanders.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
At Kiaran’s order, the coalition leaders gathered in the war room.
It was ti to plan the assault on Everblade.
As the officers assembled, Kiaran spoke.
“Let’s begin.”
The strategy eting comnced.
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