Chapter 188
It was an entirely unexpected situation.
When Damian looked at Apel with a startled expression,
"Why do you look so dumbfounded? Did you see a ghost?"
Apel approached and extended his hand to Damian.
"Apel?"
"Heh, it's been a while."
"Wow, look who it is!"
Instead of shaking hands, Damian pulled Apel into a light hug.
He had never expected to run into a fellow training camp recruit in a place like this.
And Apel was someone his age, a friend from their training days.
For a moment, he was so overwhelmed with excitement that he was at a loss for words. But soon, Apel coughed and grumbled.
"Hey, let go already."
"Haha, I was just happy to see you."
This unusual display from Damian even surprised those around them.
Especially Kiaran, who widened her eyes as she watched him.
Ahem.
When Kiaran let out a small cough, Damian immediately straightened up, his posture snapping into discipline.
"S-Sorry, Commander. I got a bit carried away seeing an old friend from training."
"It's fine, I understand. It was just surprising to see you act like that. No need to blame yourself."
Kiaran brushed it off lightly and then turned toward Henry.
It was time to start the strategy meeting.
At her cue, Henry picked up his staff and unfolded a large map.
“…Oh.”
“Hm…”
The officers let out quiet breaths of surprise as they examined it.
It was a detailed layout of Everblade Fortress.
Even the surrounding terrain was mapped with remarkable precision.
‘Unless there’s a spy inside, there’s no way they could’ve obtained something this detailed.’
‘When did they get their hands on this…?’
Though no one said it aloud, their expressions betrayed their astonishment.
Henry spoke as he looked around.
"As you can see, the main path to Everblade isn't steep, but it winds and narrows the closer you get to the entrance."
This meant that even with superior numbers, they would struggle to exert their full force.
"And if Alexandro comes out to block the way, breaching the fortress will be even more difficult."
The situation was undeniably challenging.
To overcome it, they needed an unconventional plan.
"That’s why I intend to straighten out the winding slope and create a proper battlefield for us."
"You’re saying… you'll level this path?"
"Yes. We’ll clear away all obstacles, cutting down trees and flattening the ground."
"Hmm…"
If they could manage that, the assault would certainly go smoother.
"But the enemy won’t just sit and watch."
"We’ll have to accept some losses. There will be casualties during the excavation, but we must do it—otherwise, we won’t be able to fight effectively in this terrain."
Clearing the path would require both time and sacrifices. But they weren’t just going to endure enemy fire without countermeasures.
“The eastern forest of Everblade has rugged terrain, and most of its trees are rubbervine trees. When burned, rubbervine branches produce thick, dense smoke.”
“You plan to use the smoke as cover for the workers?”
“Exactly. The enemy’s only means of interference will be archery, so we’ll build high barricades to protect our workers.”
"That’s a solid idea. In that case, we should start construction on the barricades immediately."
"I’ve already ordered it. We’re also securing rubbervine branches to create the smoke cover."
The officers in the room let out murmurs of approval.
“Oh… As expected of Henry.”
“Truly impressive.”
“This will speed things up considerably.”
This battle wasn’t just about Everblade—it was a means to force the Empire to recall its troops stationed in other regions.
A swift and decisive operation was essential.
Henry continued.
"And once the path is ready for a proper frontal assault, a team of four elite warriors will be launched into Everblade’s interior."
His gaze swept across the room.
"They are General Celestine, Vice Commander Damian, Commander Vasili, and Commander Apel."
At the announcement, the officers turned to look at the four individuals.
Each one was an exceptional warrior in their own right.
Entrusting them with this mission was an easy decision.
And more than anything—
A strategy that involved using rubbervine trees to construct a massive slingshot…
It was nothing short of ingenious.
"This mission must remain absolutely secret. If word gets out, our forces will be in grave danger."
"You have my word. This plan stays within these walls."
Nods of agreement followed.
And with that—
The strategy for Everblade's assault was finalized.
Now, all that was left—
Was to execute it.
—
After the meeting, as the officers dispersed, Damian immediately turned to Apel.
"What the hell happened?"
"Heh, I see you’ve become quite the famous figure while I wasn’t looking."
"Where are you stationed?"
Apel tapped the insignia on his left shoulder.
"Blackflame Knights. I’m the commander."
"The Blackflame Knights?"
Damian had heard of them before.
In his past life.
During the Empire’s ruthless conquests, few units had managed to resist their advance effectively—
And the Blackflame Knights were one of them.
They were known for their ferocity and unparalleled bravery in battle.
‘And Apel is their commander?’
It made Damian see him in a new light.
No—perhaps this was simply a natural result of the potential Apel had displayed from the very beginning.
"Still, it’s good to see you again. If you’re in the Blackflame Knights, that means you’re part of the 1st Army?"
"That’s right. I’ve been hearing about you for a while now. To be honest, you’re the reason I got promoted so fast."
"…Because of me?"
"Yeah."
Apel answered without hesitation.
Of course.
His old training partner had risen to prominence, making a name for himself across the continent.
"The Caion Unit. There’s not a soul in our kingdom who doesn’t know your name. I’d say you’re among the top five most famous warriors on the entire continent."
"That much? I don’t think so."
"No, you’re just the only one who doesn’t realize how great you are."
Apel chuckled.
It was comforting to see that Apel hadn’t changed much from before.
Damian and Apel exchanged stories—how they had been, where they had fought, and what they had accomplished over the years.
"You were the one who defeated that cursed beast in the Bronselian Forest?"
"Yeah, it happened when I was with the Neokalitz Unit."
"Damn… You’ve really had a ridiculous journey to the top, huh?"
But why are you still just an officer… and without a title, too?
Apel swallowed the question he wanted to ask.
After all, he had been granted a noble title upon becoming a knight, and when he was promoted to commander, he received the rank of baron.
Apel had followed a textbook path of advancement.
But this guy…
Damian had built his name and reputation purely through his skill and accomplishments.
It was both impressive and, in a way, enviable.
More than that—
"I heard you reached the level of an Aura Master."
"A while ago. I got lucky."
"Come on, you and I both know that’s not something you achieve through luck."
Apel examined Damian closely.
It was clear—
An unimaginable level of effort had gone into reaching that state.
Coupled with natural talent, it had allowed Damian to ascend to the realm of an Aura Master.
Apel prided himself on his own relentless effort, believing he was second to none in sheer hard work—
But…
This guy’s talent really is something else.
He had sensed it when they first met, but he never imagined Damian would grow this fast.
Apel smirked and lightly punched Damian’s chest.
"Anyway, it’s damn good to see you again. Let’s work well together."
"Likewise. We have to take Everblade and put a stop to the Empire’s advance."
"Of course."
At that moment, Apel’s eyes gleamed with a cold, murderous intent.
Damian furrowed his brows slightly at the sight.
…What’s this?
It wasn’t the kind of killing intent just anyone could have.
Damian’s own hatred for the Empire stemmed from his past life—he had been crushed beneath their power, trampled under their boots.
That was why his thirst for vengeance burned so strongly.
But Apel was his age.
Yet he carried the same kind of raw, unrelenting bloodlust.
…Something must’ve happened to him.
Damian didn’t know the details, but it was clear that Apel and the Empire had a history.
A history soaked in hatred.
Damian nodded.
"See you later, then."
"Yeah."
The two parted ways, heading back to their respective units.
—
When Damian returned to the Caion Unit’s camp, he called out.
"Kyle."
"Yes?"
"Apel’s here. He’s the commander of the Blackflame Knights."
"…Who’s Apel?"
"A training camp recruit. You don’t remember?"
"…?!"
Kyle’s eyes widened, his pupils trembling as if shaken by an earthquake.
Creon, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow.
"Hey, who is this guy that’s got you so worked up?"
"…Why the hell is he here? No, wait—what did you say? Blackflame what?"
"The Blackflame Knights. And he’s their commander. He’s a noble now, so watch your mouth."
"Shit. The gap between us just got way too big."
Seeing a fellow recruit rise so far ahead was something to celebrate, but it was impossible not to feel the sting of comparison.
But then—
Tap.
"Don’t worry. After this war, everything will change."
"…You really think so?"
Kyle looked at Damian with a hint of expectation.
For all the countless achievements they had stacked up, for all the fame that spread across the continent—
The Caion Unit had received little in return.
But they understood why.
There hadn’t even been time for rewards.
They were always on the battlefield.
Always at the frontlines.
And because of that, Damian had always felt a sense of guilt.
Am I making my men sacrifice themselves for my own goals?
But—
"I swear on my name. Don’t worry."
"Hey, Baldy. The Vice Commander’s giving his word, so stop worrying."
"Yeah, have you ever known him to say something he didn’t mean?"
Jerka and Terka chimed in.
Kyle, flustered, shouted.
"Who the hell are you calling Baldy?!"
"You, obviously. Hahaha!"
Jerka’s teasing instantly brightened the mood.
Damian smirked and addressed his troops.
"Alright. We’ve got a lot to do, so let’s get moving. We’re heading to the eastern forest of Everblade to help construct the launch platform."
"Yes, sir!"
After the loud response from his men, Dianal stepped forward.
"Vice Commander Damian, am I not able to join the launch squad?"
Dianal’s tone hinted at his desire to enter Everblade alongside Damian.
But Damian shook his head.
"This was decided by Sir Henry. It’s not my call."
Then, he placed a reassuring hand on Dianal’s shoulder.
"Do what you can here. Give it your best."
"…Understood."
Dianal looked slightly disappointed.
If only I were stronger… would I have been chosen to go with him?
But for now—
I’ll do what I can here, just as Damian said.
When this battle was over, he would make sure he was stronger than before.
—
Once the unit finished preparations, orders for groundwork operations were issued.
Damian turned to his troops and commanded:
"Caion Unit, move out to the eastern forest!"
"Yes, sir!"
From this moment on—
The real operation to take Everblade had begun.