Shadowed Gaze: The Highserk War Saga - Chapter 30

The field hospital, established at the battlefield, was constantly filled with soldiers being carried in.

“We’re running out of ointment. Get any available soldiers to help.”

“A broken leg? That can wait. Prioritize the severely wounded.”

“Press harder. Even if the wound closes, they’ll die from blood loss.”

The smell of blood, pus, excrement, mixed with medicinal and deodorizing fragrances, created an unbearable stench. Ayane Sugimoto realized that the nature of the injuries being brought in had changed. While she had treated a variety of battle wounds such as arrow wounds, contusions, and internal bleeding, in the past hour, most of the new patients had severe burns from fire magic.

A soldier from Crest, likely having inhaled fire, was experiencing difficulty breathing due to burn damage to the upper respiratory tract. Ayane promptly placed her washed fingers inside the soldier’s mouth and throat, channeling her magic power to assess the damaged areas. She knew from experience that treating injuries invisible to the naked eye was more challenging. After a minute of continuous healing magic, the soldier, whose body was severely burned inside and out, could breathe to some extent.

“The emergency treatment is done.”

Ideally, she should have also treated the burns on his hands and feet, but there were too many soldiers in need. In the hospital, they had to prioritize treating life-threatening injuries and potential disabilities. With a heavy heart, Ayane moved on to the next patient, who had severe burns on the lower body.

“Aaaahhhh, it hurts… Please, I don’t want to die.”

Ayane grasped the soldier’s hand, who was deliriously begging for his life.

“It’s okay. You’ll be fine.”

It seemed she was reassuring herself as much as the patient.

As she removed the shin guards and touched the pants, Ayane realized the skin had fused with the fabric.

“Maya,” she called her assistant.

Maya skillfully removed the adhered parts and cut the clothes. The soldier’s skin was charred to the subcutaneous tissue, blackened or whitened in places. The injury was extensive, likely a third-degree burn.

Even with modern medicine, it would be a challenging injury, but Ayane possessed a special type healing magic. Her vision blurred from repeated magic use, and other healers were already drained. If Ayane stopped now, the soldiers looking for salvation wouldn’t even see the evening sky. Clenching her teeth to maintain consciousness, she continued her healing magic. For Ayane, who lacked the combat power of Yuuto and Makoto, the hospital was her battlefield.

When the day quieted down, the influx of patients finally ceased. Daytime battle casualties were still brought in, but there were no more severe cases. Yet Ayane couldn’t rejoice, knowing why no more severely wounded were arriving. Nearby, the bodies of soldiers who couldn’t be saved were lined up closely. To prevent demonic transformation due to miasma, accompanying monks sprinkled holy water while reciting prayers. Overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness, Ayane was approached by a soldier lying in the back.

“Miss healer,” the soldier she had treated, a Crest soldier, called out to her, unexpectedly sitting up and bowing his head.

“You need to rest!” Ayane rushed to him, but he reached out, repeating his words.

“Thank you, thank you so much.”

Though many lives couldn’t be saved, Ayane felt slightly redeemed as the patient tearfully thanked her.

“The one with the mask… he was the user of ‘Demon Fire.’ I felt the heat on my skin, saw the azure flames, and thought I was dead. I was lucky. Others around me, everyone…”

Sobbing, the soldier’s shoulder was gently patted by Ayane, who then laid him back down.

“Drink more water. You still need to rest.”

The soldier continued to mutter his thanks, then fell asleep, breathing steadily. Other patients also spoke of the terror of ‘Demon Fire.’ Ayane remembered the ‘Hellfire Beacon,’ a wide-ranging death dealer, nameless and hidden among the common soldiers, feared by all.

Its power was immense, and the fact that such magic was used against people in war chilled Ayane to the bone. She fervently hoped that her childhood friends, Yuuto and Makoto, would never face such a devastating inferno.

◆

In a corner of the Crest Kingdom army’s encampment, key figures of the army had gathered. The entrance to the tent was firmly closed, with strict orders to keep people away. Inside, a heavy atmosphere prevailed as the military council was in disarray. The cause of this turmoil was the rampart that the Crest Kingdom army was responsible for attacking. The discussion was initiated by Gran Rehazen, the leader of the Rehazen Knight Order.

“As everyone here knows, even if we capture the rampart in front of us, the Highserk Empire still holds several more, along with their main defensive structure, the Sarajevo Fortress,” Gran stated, prompting everyone to process the situation.

Since the onset of hostilities, out of the 13 hastily constructed ramparts, six had fallen into the hands of the Four Nation Alliance, but the core ramparts, including the central bastion, remained untaken, leaving seven still in enemy hands. The soldiers in the fallen ramparts didn’t show a staunch defense and moved to rear ramparts upon sustaining certain losses, making the enemy numbers swell the more they were attacked. The attrition of troops was severe; without the Three Heroes, Ayane in particular, many units would have been crippled by the continuous influx of the wounded.

“Nevertheless, our Crest army managed to capture two ramparts, leading the effort within the Alliance. But that was only until yesterday,” Gran continued.

“As you know, when our infantry that had approached the enemy ramparts through the trenches attempted a breakthrough, it resulted in the loss of 102 soldiers killed in action and 117 injured, effectively erasing two 100-man units from our records. This disaster was caused by a single enemy soldier.”

The 1000-man commander who had the two units under his command and the knights all displayed grim expressions at this revelation.

“The skill likely used was ‘Demon Fire.’ In terms of sheer destructive power, Yuuto and Makoto might be stronger. The problem lies in its duration and range. Let’s hear from an unit leader who survived the frontline,” Gran said.

The badly burned unit leader stepped forward from the edge of the tent, capturing everyone’s attention with his grievous condition.

“There was no need to drag an injured soldier into this council. A report would have sufficed,” Johanna of the Rehazen Knight Order commented, frowning. Gran knew Johanna’s tendencies; while a competent subordinate, she tended to be overly compassionate. Gran was about to respond when the unit leader interrupted him.

“I may not move my limbs, but my mouth works fine. I requested the Commander Gran to allow me here. I apologize for causing unnecessary concern to Johanna.”

Sensing the soldier’s strong will, Johanna gracefully accepted her fault, “I was hasty. Please continue.”

“I was part of the fourth row as my unit ascended the rampart during the all-out assault. Just as the front-line soldiers were about to breach the rampart, someone shouted, warning of the presence of a ‘Demon Fire’ user.”

The unit leader paused for breath, then exhaled and continued.

“I had a chance to speak with a company commander from the Libertoa infantry and heard about ‘Demon Fire.’ Initially, I thought it was an exaggerated tale or rumor, but seeing the widespread burn injuries among their ranks, I believed it to a certain extent. That belief saved my life.”

He continued, struggling to maintain composure, “Soldiers within 5 meters of the first charge vanished in blue flames instantly. All of them died on the spot. Those within 10 meters who couldn’t use magical defense or physical enhancement were scorched by the flames. Even in my unit at 15 meters, we were singed by the fire. Anyone within 20 meters was affected in some way.”

Those participating in the military council were all experts in magic attacks. It was speculated that the power of this ‘Demon Fire’ was comparable to advanced fire attribute magic, such as “Firestorm,” in terms of both potency and range.

“Normally, in training, we’re taught to take cover or lie flat on the ground when under magical attack. But ‘Demon Fire’ is different; the only option is to flee. Even the trenches offered no protection as the flames and hot winds penetrated them. The front of the trench became a literal crematorium. The flames and hot winds persisted intermittently. Only one knight survived in the first two rows.”

Johanna knew about the injuries to the knights of her order and had been speechless at the horrific burns. Yet, hearing it directly impacted her differently.

“I ordered a full retreat of my unit before receiving commands from my superiors. Still, half of them suffered burns. As a child, I scoffed at tales of ‘Hellfire Beacon,’ but it undoubtedly has roots in reality.”

A heavy silence enveloped the tent.

“For such a force to be in the rampart under our responsibility…”

The 1000-man commander lamented bitterly.

“Pushing forward with infantry numbers alone is futile. The only options are long-range attacks or soldiers with knight-class magical power to encircle and defeat the enemy,” Gran weighed in heavily.

“The main concern is how to lure the enemy out.”

“Based on information from Libertoa soldiers, this enemy usually blends in with common soldiers. Sniper or area attacks are less effective against him,” the 1000-man commander summarized the gathered intelligence.

“We might need to intentionally create an exposed point to draw him out,” Gran suggested thoughtfully.

“…I volunteer my unit for this task,” Johanna offered decisively. Gran hesitated, knowing her strengths and weaknesses well. Johanna’s abundant magical power made her suitable for this mission, but her tendency to be overly concerned about her subordinates was an issue.

“You may proceed, but ensure you wait until the target is engaged, and put aside personal feelings. Failure could result in greater losses,” Gran instructed firmly.

“I understand. I’ll ensure our success,” Johanna affirmed, her eyes showing strong resolve.

“Yuuto, Makoto, you and the other mages will provide long-range lethal support. It’s a demanding task, especially for you who’ve led a life far from war’s chaos,” Gran acknowledged their youth and inexperience but knew the necessity of using every available resource on the battlefield.

“We understand,” they responded gravely, accepting the heavy responsibility.

Gran turned away, setting the weighty plans into motion, as everyone in the tent braced for the challenging task ahead.