Shadowed Gaze: The Highserk War Saga - Chapter 109

The Labyrinth City, Bergana—a place promised prosperity by the vast labyrinth it housed, one of the continent’s largest, from which resources and artifacts flowed. However, where there is a dazzling light, there must also be a deep shadow. Since ancient times, the city had been a battleground where rulers changed frequently, with barely any time for the bloodshed to dry. The bloody struggles continue to this day.

Following the initial battles over the border with the Libertoa Trade Federation, Walm fought against many nations, engaging in combat across various terrains and with different military branches. These experiences allowed him to decipher the battles that had likely erupted around Bergana. The countless remains of encampments and varied defense facilities were proof and history of invaders pressing in and rulers changing hands.

“There’s a lot of foot traffic, and I haven’t even entered the city yet.”

People of various ages and outfits pulled countless wagons and carts, mingling with lightly armed travelers, farmers with crops, and adventurers. Such diverse traffic of people and goods indicated a thriving economy. A resource production site like the labyrinth also generated significant consumption. For those dreaming of striking it rich and rising in status, the labyrinth was an ideal place. Of course, Walm knew from the information he gathered that many met with failure, bankruptcy, or had their flesh and souls devoured by the labyrinth.

The sea voyage had also positively impacted Walm’s knowledge. After all, the impoverished rarely traveled long distances on merchant ships. In a world where information gathering was challenging, the insights from those with wide social connections were valuable. After overcoming the threat of a massive monster attack together and enduring a long, tedious journey, their tongues loosened, and Walm eagerly listened to their tales. Thanks to this, he learned about the people, environment, and circumstances in Bergana beforehand.

As he neared the city, the number of patrolling soldiers increased. They wore well-maintained armor from head to toe, casting sharp glances at passersby.

“Don’t stop your cart on the road. This isn’t a village path. Move it to the side.”

“Sorry, it’s just this stubborn one… Hey, listen to me. I’ll butcher you into steaks!”

Walm could only guess whether it was due to a cart axle problem or a rebellious ox, but the farmer profusely apologized to the reprimanding soldier and hurriedly grabbed the ox’s nose ring, guiding it to the roadside.

“This is the second time. Get it together. Do you realize how much traffic this road handles? Blocking it could be considered a serious obstruction.”

“I’m sorry, I’ll make sure it listens next time, please forgive me.”

“Anyway, don’t let this unruly ox get the better of you. You don’t want to be fined or whipped along with your cattle.”

The confident posture of the patrolling soldiers suggested experience and training, serving as a deterrent against crime.

The Labyrinth City Bergana was governed by Marquis Borgia, the largest noble house on the mainland among the Galmud Archipelago countries. The Marquis maintained a standing army of 3,000 soldiers just in the city. Including the troops stationed at the borders, they had a force of 40,000. Sustaining such a large force even in peacetime required immense financial resources.

Despite Walm’s initial doubts about the excessive troop strength, he understood after seeing a map aboard the ship. Marquis Borgia’s territory bordered the Meiris Republic and the Aleynard Forest Alliance, making it a dangerous area. Even skirmishes could involve thousands of soldiers, and full-scale conflict could mobilize tens of thousands.

If the three great nations that could even slay dragons engaged in full-scale war, a sea of blood would cover the land. Fortunately, a tense peace had been maintained for decades, and there had been no wars. Walm had little reason for immediate concern.

Walm, gazing curiously at the cityscape, resembled a country bumpkin visiting the city for the first time. Trying to resist this perception, he kept his head still, observing only with his eyes. Finally, he reached the outskirts of the labyrinth city.

Bergana was surrounded by walls centered on the grand labyrinth, and more walls and facilities had been added as it expanded. Houses spread with the growing population, eventually extending outside the walls. Now, the number of buildings outside the walls surpassed those within.

“Well, I’ve arrived but… hah, I don’t know my way around.”

With no familiarity with the city, Walm followed the busier routes and used the distant sight of the city walls as a guide. Even the buildings outside the walls surpassed those of an average city.

Occasionally, he saw newcomers overwhelmed by the crowd, looking dazed by the roadside. Walm felt a sense of kinship but knew he was different. After all, in his past world he had braved the 180% capacity commuter trains. For the former corporate warrior, this crowd was a mere ripple, evoking nostalgia.

Adjusting his pace and stride to match the flow of people, Walm naturally navigated through the crowd. He eventually reached the city gate. Though it lacked a moat, the gate had two gate towers, an outer gate, and an inner gate. Arrow slits and walkways for soldiers were visible.

“That’s not what I’m here for… bad habits. Or rather, an occupational hazard.”

Unconsciously, Walm had begun evaluating the defensive structures. He was no longer a soldier, just a defeated one. Yet, he found himself assessing the height of the walls, the presence of blind spots, and potential footholds as if planning an assault. Realizing this, he bitterly frowned and shifted his focus.

About ten soldiers were stopping people. Observing from a distance, Walm understood they were collecting tolls for entry. Some individuals, seemingly exempt from the toll, carried what appeared to be passes with the emblem of the Marquis. They were likely residents or business owners within the city walls.

“So they’re using the gate as a checkpoint. No wonder the area outside the walls is so extensive. Those who couldn’t or wouldn’t pay the toll started living here, I bet.”

Walm wanted to avoid trouble caused by cultural misunderstandings or unspoken rules. He needed to gather local information before entering the city. This meant finding local taverns or restaurants, essential sources of information for those without connections.

Recalling his path to the gate, Walm found no memory gaps. He left the main road, using his senses to scout the area like a dog. This war-earned instinct had proven reliable.

Soon, he found a tavern catering to the masses, which confirmed the value of his keen senses.

Translator – Lyxxna