Chapter 195
“The Imperial Army of Everblade has never launched a preemptive strike until now.”
At Henry's words, Kiaran and the lieutenants all nodded.
Everblade had never initiated an attack first, nor did they have any reason to do so.
With the geographical advantage Everblade possessed, there was no reason for them to abandon it and step outside.
However...
“But this time, it might be different.”
“What?”
“What do you mean by that?”
The officers in the conference room tilted their heads at Henry's words.
“Didn’t you just say that Everblade has never initiated an attack?”
“I said that has been the case until now. But aren’t they facing an entirely different situation this time?”
“What do you mean...?”
Matirn, the commander of the Iren Kingdom, couldn’t understand Henry’s point.
They also had a considerable amount of information about Everblade within the Empire.
Unlike typical cities, it was a natural fortress specialized in defense.
Because of that, it had never been breached, and for decades, their strategy had remained the same.
Pure defense.
And now, they were supposed to abandon the advantage of defending within their fortress and come outside?
From Matirn’s perspective, it was hard to comprehend.
However...
“Right now, Everblade is dealing with an entirely unfamiliar situation for the first time.”
An unforeseen circumstance had entered their fortress.
The damage they had sustained was likely the worst they had ever experienced in any war.
“So naturally, they might adopt a different stance. Normally, they would lock their gates even tighter and focus on defense, but...”
Henry let out a small breath.
Judging from how the Empire had been moving so far, their choices were often bold and defied common sense.
'From a certain point onward, that is.'
Henry remained highly wary of such a situation.
“Then we should reinforce our defenses and tighten our vigilance.”
At that moment, Kiaran looked at Henry and spoke.
She had considerable trust in his abilities, given what he had demonstrated so far.
Besides...
“It’s not certain, but if there’s even a possibility, it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared. Strengthening our defenses and vigilance doesn’t require that much additional effort anyway.”
“Hmm... That’s true.”
At Kiaran’s words, Matirn nodded.
It wasn’t something that required significant resources—just a bit of extra effort.
If that could help prevent an unforeseen crisis, it was only natural to do so.
“Then our kingdom’s soldiers will take charge of the watch. We hardly participated in the battle this time anyway.”
“Would you be willing to take on that responsibility?”
“Don’t worry. Of course... those guys aren’t likely to attack first, but they might send out scouts, so we’ll remain on high alert.”
“Then we’ll leave that to General Matirn.”
Kiaran quickly moved to conclude the meeting.
Dragging out discussions on the same issue was highly inefficient.
“Then, after allowing our soldiers to rest sufficiently... At dawn tomorrow, we will advance. General Celestine and Deputy Commander Damian will take the lead, using aura to seize the momentum and push forward.”
Since the fortress walls had been breached, as long as they could push up to that point...
“This war might conclude sooner than expected.”
If Everblade fell, they could immediately advance toward the capital.
At that point, they would assess the whereabouts of the forces the Empire had dispatched to other kingdoms and decide whether to continue advancing toward the capital or pull back.
The primary reason the coalition had been able to dominate the battlefield thus far was their numerical superiority.
Eventually, Henry nodded.
“Then please maintain strict vigilance tonight. If nothing happens, at dawn tomorrow... we will march on Everblade.”
With that, the meeting was concluded.
Considering that it had taken roughly three to four days to conquer other fortresses, Everblade also seemed likely to fall quickly.
However...
‘They will definitely make a move.’
Henry couldn’t help but feel uneasy about how smoothly everything was proceeding.
There was no way the Empire would collapse this easily.
“...Hmm.”
Filled with doubts, Henry made his way back to his tent.
***
“Something will definitely happen tonight.”
“...What?”
At Damian’s words, Dianal tilted his head.
What was he suddenly talking about?
Kyle, who was with them, asked.
“Something will happen? What do you mean?”
“I have a bad feeling. A really bad one.”
“...”
At Damian’s words, the expressions of the other two hardened.
Damian wasn’t the type to say such things without reason.
“Did you sense an omen?”
“Rather than an omen...”
Damian rose from his seat and looked toward Everblade.
Unlike Statznal or Nardern, Everblade was the final gateway before reaching the capital.
And such a crucial location had been hit by an unexpected attack on the very first day.
If the Empire was anything like what he knew...
‘They will undoubtedly reveal a trump card to turn the situation around.’
Unfortunately, he had no idea what that trump card might be.
But one thing was certain.
“Tonight, in some form, they will make their move.”
Something would undoubtedly happen.
Of course, he hoped it wouldn’t be anything too dangerous...
‘But I have a bad feeling.’
An unsettling premonition.
Damian looked at Dianal and Kyle in front of him and spoke.
“For now, keep the night watch active around our camp and maintain high alert.”
“Understood.”
“Don’t worry, that’s something we always do.”
At Kyle's response, Damian nodded and began patrolling the perimeter of the encampment where his troops were stationed.
Before long, night had fallen.
True to Everblade's mountainous nature, the thick darkness was accompanied by a sharp drop in temperature.
The crisp night air of the mountains.
Soon, torches were lit throughout the allied camp, and soldiers on duty started patrolling the area.
However, the surrounding darkness was so deep that even with sentries making rounds, it was impossible to grasp the entire vicinity.
Step. Step.
Naturally, standing watch was a task assigned to ordinary soldiers.
However, due to the lingering unease from earlier that day, Damian began inspecting the area himself.
Expanding his senses as far as possible, Damian remained vigilant.
Due to Everblade's layout, movement was only possible through the northern and southern gates, so most sentries focused their attention on the main gate of Everblade.
Otherwise, they merely patrolled the area near their own camp.
Damian acknowledged the salutes of patrolling soldiers as he continued his rounds.
Then.
“Damian.”
“Lady Kiaran.”
Damian saluted as Kiaran suddenly approached him.
She then asked,
“Why aren’t you resting?”
“I was just inspecting the perimeter of the camp. But why are you still awake, Commander?”
The night was already nearing dawn.
Even if Kiaran wasn’t actively fighting, she needed to rest when she could.
Kiaran offered a faint smile.
“I couldn’t sleep. There are things on my mind... Besides, wasn’t today’s battle quite impressive?”
Judging by her expression, she seemed rather pleased with their accomplishments.
'No, that’s not the reason.'
She must have been satisfied with how they had driven their blade right up to the Empire's throat.
Who could have imagined it?
That they would be fighting against the Empire.
Even if it was a coalition of multiple kingdoms.
'This is the first time anyone has achieved it.'
It was understandable if she was feeling exhilarated. However...
“The Empire will not fall so easily. Especially Everblade.”
Damian spoke with a firm expression.
He knew better than anyone that the Empire would not let things proceed so easily.
Kiaran nodded.
“I know. That’s why I’m doing my best.”
At Damian's words, Kiaran's expression turned cold once more.
Recalling all that the Empire had done, she understood that now was not the time to let their guard down, despite their victories.
Even with the allied forces gathered here, there was no guarantee of victory if the Empire fought with full strength.
Kiaran lightly patted Damian’s shoulder.
“Rest while you can. Tomorrow morning, another grueling battle awaits.”
“...Understood.”
They were fighting a formidable enemy, but the allied forces had already accomplished remarkable feats.
And as their commander, Kiaran would do her best until the end.
Damian nodded and walked toward the camp where his troops were stationed.
As Kiaran said, now was the time to rest.
'When dawn breaks, the attack will begin...'
This time, it would be a frontal assault.
And at the forefront, alongside Celestine, he would have to carve a path forward.
'...Am I going to fight him?'
Alexandro Falcoz.
The continent’s strongest Aura Master.
Even with Celestine fighting beside him, Damian knew there was no guarantee they could defeat Alexandro.
However,
'We must win.'
If they couldn't overcome him, they wouldn’t be able to bring down the Empire.
Moreover, right now, he was alone without the support of other Aura Masters.
If they could kill him here...
'The Empire’s strength would be halved.'
Alexandro’s influence within the Empire was unparalleled.
Damian entered his tent and began polishing the spear crafted by Torrel once more.
He always maintained his weapon before battle, but tonight, he felt the need to do it again.
Then.
CRACK! BOOM!
“Uwaaaah!”
Suddenly, the sound of something breaking echoed, followed by a thunderous roar and terrified screams.
Damian immediately rushed outside and looked toward the source of the noise.
The encampment near the eastern side of Everblade.
As he spotted a figure in the distance, Damian’s expression twisted.
“...Damn it.”
He had felt that something was off.
“Slaughter every last one of those coalition scum who dared set foot on the sacred soil of the Empire!”
“Follow General Alexandro!”
“Kill them all!”
Imperial soldiers poured out of Everblade, launching an attack on the allied encampment.
And at the center of it all.
Step. Step.
The Empire’s First Aura Master.
Alexandro Falcoz was walking toward them.