Shadowed Gaze: The Highserk War Saga - Chapter 96

In the Archipelago Countries, the main stronghold for the jointly managed magic silver mines between Viscount Edgar de Dalimarcus and the former southern division of the Highserk Empire was the supporting castle managed by Baron Josh. However, at the foot of the mine, there was also a Highserk fortress within the mining facility.

Built before the joint management proposal, this fortress served as a base for vein investigation, exploration, and trial mining, and as a depot and outpost against monsters and other threats. Now, the area had been cleared of monsters, and the fortress served as a waiting area for Highserk troops and an emergency shelter for the miners.

Currently, in a thoroughly counterintelligence-secured room within the fortress, Duwey, known as “the patchwork and feared one,” was having a secret meeting with Hadro, the battalion commander of the Highserk Empire’s southern division.

“You’ve come all the way from the east, Duwey.”

“It’s good to see you in good health, Commander Hadro.”

The remnants of Highserk now consisted of the southern division, currently hosting Duwey and the former eastern division, which, although depleted, retained two infantry battalions and the Jeyf Cavalry Battalion, prepared against the Libertoa Trade Federation.

The main road connecting these two areas had fallen to monsters, so although the territories were not directly connected, communication was carefully maintained by the most elite soldiers, including Duwey.

“I have an apology from Brigade Commander Zeleph. We couldn’t send significant reinforcements from the east. That’s all he told me to say.”

“Typical of Brigade Commander Zeleph… It can’t be helped. We can’t let Libertoa notice us.”

For Duwey, it was a frustrating situation. The eastern division, lacking both troops and equipment, could not easily dispose of its remaining forces.

In addition, the transportation routes for large forces were blocked by monsters. Moreover, if the Libertoa Trade Federation learned of the connections among the Highserk remnants, a swift call for their annihilation within the federation would undoubtedly arise.

“However, it’s not all bad. ‘Demon Fire’ has returned from the underworld.”

“That’s a name I haven’t heard in a while. All my subordinates back then were excellent. And then, those scum blasted them away.”

Remembering the battle at the Sarajevo Fortress, Duwey gritted his teeth and growled. Losing his squad, the Reglia Battalion, and contributing to the downfall of his homeland was a cursed memory. His muscles, unable to withstand expansion, bled from his patchworked skin. Realizing his tone was disturbed, Duwey apologized.

“Sorry, I got a bit carried away.”

Using a cloth, he wiped the blood and sealed the wound with a magical barrier.

“It’s understandable. Even I, fortunate in the southern division, feel the same.”

Commander Hadro harbored a quiet yet unextinguishable flame of hatred. The Highserk were mercilessly thrown into a cauldron teeming with the Flame Emperor Dragon and hundreds of thousands of monsters—a fact too recent to need retelling.

No matter how desperately they fought, they couldn’t prevent the fall of their nation. Instead, hundreds of thousands of civilians were tormented, violated, and devoured by monsters.

Amidst the repeated battles that seemed to strip away their entire beings, even Wilart, who had survived until then, was lost. Now, their wishes and grafted skin were part of Duwey.

“So, about the interrogation?”

“It seems that those two young soldiers talked freely once they realized I was an old acquaintance. Apparently, Walm escaped after a grand standoff at the supporting castle thinking he might get executed for it.”

Hadro held his head and sighed deeply.

“Executing someone who achieved such military feats is unthinkable. It was tough. Some soldiers were agitated when they saw the ‘Demon Fire.’ Viscount Edgar and Baron Josh thought I had infiltrated some of our men to their formations. So there was needless suspicion on both sides. It was a hard time, and I tried to clear up the misunderstandings.”

“In combat, he calmly annihilates the enemy, but he seems to be quite a coward in other ways—a troublesome fellow.”

“No doubt about that. But still, we need him.”

“Yes, to kill those who wish for the destruction of Highserk by patching together the scattered remnants of our homeland, he will be necessary.”

The southern and eastern armies, in communication with each other, desired the reconstruction of the homeland. For that purpose, it was essential to gather as many soldiers as possible. This made him an indispensable force, having continued to set ablaze Libertoa and Crest with the “Demon Fire.”

“However, there is a little problem. It seems that he has received a transplant of a monster’s eyes in Dandurg, and the side effects have now begun to manifest. It appears it won’t be long until he goes blind, and he is traveling through the Labyrinth City and the Aleynard Forest Alliance in search of a cure.”

“Cursed eyes, huh? Ordinary medicine probably won’t be of use. Perhaps the Deep Crimson Grass from the Labyrinth City, or the long-eared ones’ healing potions, or maybe the supreme healing mage who remains in Selta of Mayard.”

“She still has doubts about whether the great rampage was caused by Libertoa and Crest, which is admirable for someone from the cursed otherworld. However, relying on old enemies certainly brings complex feelings.”

“Don’t say that. The new Duchess of Mayard has come to see reality after experiencing the great rampage and war.”

Under the policies of the Duchess of Mayard, the integration of Highserk and Felius troops is intense. Many Highserk soldiers hd formed relationships with local widows and were getting homesick. Such types were likely to find their new home and final resting place in Selta. Duwey, a man himself, could not deny this.

“As the military strength in Selta is reinforced, Crest’s military force seems to be turning towards Mayard. They appear to be planning to rebel against the two nations that inflicted the great rampage on their lands.”

“What about the alliance talks?”

“As soon as the main roads in the south and east, as well as the opening of the Flame Emperor Dragon Corridor, are completed, swift action will be taken.”
Duwey asked with a softer voice.

“And what about the declaration of independence?”

“The emperor’s orphan will handle it.”

It was ironic. All those of imperial descent had been consumed by the Flame Emperor Dragon or the great rampage. However, the only survivor was the emperor’s illegitimate thirteen-year-old child, who had no right to the throne.

A tiny hope linking the divided empire. Without the child, the remnants of the empire would have dissipated, and warlords would have emerged. It may be mixed blood, but blue blood had the power to unite the remnants on its own.

Thus, ensuring the child’s safety was imperative. The remnants of Highserk were attempting to rally under the name of the emperor’s orphan. Should this become known to Libertoa, they would’ve abandoned everything to obliterate them. Until preparations were complete, it was necessary to pretend that the southern and eastern armies were still in conflict with each other.

If they regained the road connecting the south and east, they could next connect with the remaining military forces that fled to Selta. Ironically, the groundwork for this had already been laid because the Flame Emperor Dragon, an extraordinary existence, had carved a massive single path. Even now, albeit secretly, a few soldiers and merchants travelled this road under escort.

“Duwey, you have a ceremony in the republic soon. Regarding Walm, we will send someone from the southern army to find him.”

“Understood. I will leave it to you.”

Having exchanged the necessary information, Duwey left the room and called out to an accompanying officer from the east, who was the only survivor from the squad besides Walm. A man with a tan skin.

“Kept you waiting, huh?”

“So, what will we do? Return to the east?”

“That’s what I’d like to say, but we’ll be entering the Aleynard Forest Alliance. It’s time for the fun ceremony that’s held every four years, and it’s an excellent opportunity to demonstrate Highserk’s martial prowess.”

“Glad to hear it’s fun for you, but it’s got nothing to do with me.”

The man was chosen to accompany Duwey not just because he was familiar with Duwey’s methods, but also because he had experience dealing with the aftermath of his rampages. He, unlike Duwey and Walm, hadn’t forsaken his humanity.

“But just thinking about it is exciting. Those who’ve passed on to the underworld must be looking forward to us wiping out the folks from Libertoa and Crest. Right, Walm?”

His eyes, while darkening, were filled with an undying hatred. Beside his deranged superior, Jose let out a deep sigh.

Translator – Lyxxna