Chapter 160: The Shifting Era (7)
Upon returning from Altair Village, Martin immediately began preparations for war.
The main family decided that Martin himself, along with the White Dragon Knights and the Golden Dragon Knights, would join the effort.
The branch family also planned to contribute, with its head and affiliated knights joining in.
In truth, they could have expanded their forces further, but Martin chose not to.
‘Ordinary soldiers are meaningless in battles against other races anyway.’
No matter how elite they were, soldiers at most at the 2nd Circle couldn’t stand against elves or dwarves who were at least 3rd Circle.
While there were weapons developed through advancements in magitech, the dwarves had similar tools at their disposal.
Bringing only the most elite knights was the best way to minimize casualties.
As Martin focused on preparations, three days passed, and during that time, grim news reached him.
“…The Count of Minert has fallen? What do you mean by that?”
-“Sigh. The leader of the allied otherworldly races used all sorts of despicable tactics, including deadly poison. Count Minert held on for the past three days but ultimately couldn’t avoid being poisoned. More than half of the soldiers at Varehein Fortress have been incapacitated as well.”
“Even with the Count of Minert down, it doesn’t seem like the fortress has fallen.”
-“Yesterday, we sent a request to Marquis Hendrick von Maiyas at the imperial palace for reinforcements. Thanks to that, we’ve barely managed to prevent the fortress from being overrun. However, honestly, holding out for more than two days is a stretch.”
“I’ll have to join you as quickly as possible. While the fortress is critical, leaving Marquis Maiyas away from the palace for too long isn’t ideal either.”
The Emperor had become so frail due to illness that he could no longer sustain the authority he had built, nor could he care for himself.
Thus, Hendrick had to be present to guard him.
‘Even if the imperial palace’s defenses have weakened, the allied otherworldly races won’t be able to bypass the fortress with a separate unit. Marquis Maiyas will never allow it. The real issue is…’
The Klaus family.
If this information reached their ears, they might take action.
If even the young master of the family got involved, the Emperor’s life would essentially be forfeit.
‘I must prevent that.’
The Emperor couldn’t die just yet.
If he passed now, the First Prince would naturally ascend the throne.
There was no faction left in the capital capable of keeping him in check.
If the First Prince became Emperor now, the leash on the opposing faction would be removed.
At that moment, they would stop at nothing to target him.
Thus, the Emperor had to remain alive, at least for the time being, to ensure the plan could proceed smoothly.
-“It’d be greatly appreciated if you could do that. Honestly, things just don’t seem to go our way. Without the Duke’s help, nothing seems to work out.”
“Please don’t blame yourself too much. Both the Second Prince’s faction and the allied otherworldly races possess tremendous power.”
-“Even so…”
“Moreover, Her Highness the Princess successfully defended Varehein Fortress with insufficient forces. In contrast, what about the First Prince? He failed to control the nobles under his command, leading to this mess.”
Despite the size of his faction, Richard’s influence had waned considerably.
He was entirely unable to penetrate the Klaus family or the southern defensive lines.
Amid this situation, his failure to manage his subordinates caused significant damage to the western region, naturally souring public sentiment.
The Third Prince, Muller Altaria, sought to exploit the gap left by this situation.
-“Hearing that from the Duke gives me strength.”
“I’m glad to hear that. We’ll arrive by tomorrow morning at the latest, so please rest until then.”
-“I’ll do that. Thank you so much.”
Claudia replied with a weary smile, and Martin gave a slight nod.
Though the communication ended, there was still much to do.
He had to inform others of the changes to the plan, so he immediately contacted Vincent.
-“What’s the matter, Head of House?”
“Please come to the main estate with the leader of the Silver Dragon Knights immediately. Once you arrive, we’ll head to the capital and then proceed to Varehein Fortress.”
Martin looked at the image of Vincent formed by light as he spoke.
Although there was a significant disparity in status between the head of the main family and the head of the branch family, Martin treated Vincent with respect.
Not only was Vincent older, but he had also steadfastly supported Martin, which naturally warranted such courtesy.
-“Something must have happened.”
“Count Minert has been incapacitated by poison. While Marquis Maiyas is filling in, we can’t leave His Majesty unattended for long.”
-“You’re gathering only a few strong individuals to save the fortress, then.”
“Exactly. Please join us as soon as possible.”
-“Understood.”
“Then I’ll contact the other family heads. See you at the main estate.”
At Martin’s words, Vincent nodded before cutting the connection.
Martin then contacted the heads of the Bitenfeld family, Adel, and the Fezek family, Wilhelm.
“The allied otherworldly races will be dealt with soon enough.”
However, Muller Altaria remained a concern.
The so-called knights of the Covenant were experts at fleeing like rats.
“Well, it doesn’t change the outcome.”
Even if they ran, it was certain their lives would end in purgatory.
Martin would make sure they paid dearly for breaking his warning.
***
The next morning.
Grand Elder Marcel stood with Muller, gazing at Varehein Fortress.
To be precise, they were looking at Marquis Hendrick von Maiyas, who stood tall on the fortress walls.
“The Altaria Empire. I’ve heard of its reputation as the strongest nation on the Cracian Continent, but experiencing it firsthand is truly formidable. Even after we took down a 9th Circle expert, they replaced their forces so swiftly.”
“To be fair, even he cannot be said to fully represent the Empire’s strength. Had it not been for the civil war, neither I nor the Grand Elder would have succeeded in our plans.”
“True. But hypothesizing about what didn’t happen is futile. What matters is that we’ve acted and successfully threatened the western front.”
“I agree entirely.”
Muller nodded in acknowledgment.
Marcel turned his gaze toward Varehein Fortress and noticed the emotions flickering in Muller’s eyes.
“You don’t seem to like that place,” Marcel remarked.
“It’s not just that I dislike it… I absolutely hate it. I’ve lived there since I was a child. You could say I was practically confined.”
“The plight of an illegitimate child, I see.”
“Exactly. Despite being a direct descendant of the imperial family, I was stripped of my right to succession simply for being born illegitimate. On top of that, I was scorned by other nobles, even though I awakened a unique ability just like them, making me no different from any other noble.”
“Is that why you dream of revolution? Abandoning even the opportunity to live as part of the privileged class?”
“I acknowledge the necessity of favoring the strong because of the existence of dungeons. But that’s as far as it goes. With the advancement of magitech, individual prowess is becoming increasingly irrelevant, isn’t it?”
Muller’s point was valid to a degree.
Ordinary knights and mages could be replaced easily.
However, those above the 7th Circle were still irreplaceable.
For those below that threshold, unless they possessed extraordinary unique abilities, a single shot from a mana cannon could end their lives.
There was a reason the current era was called the Age of Magitech.
“But to determine one’s status solely based on strength? It’s ridiculous, no matter how you think about it. Watching the continent’s progress being delayed by such a useless system is unbearable.”
“I suppose someone like you would naturally empathize with the grievances of my kin and the dwarves,” Marcel commented.
“Even though our situations are different, I understand all too well the bitterness of persecution.”
From a young age, Muller had resolved to usher in a new era.
‘Even achieving it before my death would have been enough.’
The Klaus family’s declaration of independence and Theodore Altaria, his elder brother’s rebellion, had thrown the Empire into chaos.
The resulting civil war left administrative voids in territories outside the northern region.
Exploiting those gaps had been surprisingly easy.
Additionally, many people enraged by the old social order had supported the growth of his organization.
“I’d love to see the capital fall, but I can’t. I need to secure full control over the territories we’ve acquired so that His Majesty can officially appoint me as a lord.”
“Didn’t I already provide you with a secret passage leading directly to the capital and even the imperial palace? That alone should make you grateful. At the very least, you now have a real chance of meeting the Emperor.”
Marcel’s voice carried determination as he mentioned the Emperor.
Even if it meant his death, he was resolved to confront him.
To show the elves and dwarves the extent of the anger they had long suppressed.
“It’d be nice to secure a promise for the other regions to treat my kin and the dwarves as the north does.”
“The north… Indeed, the new Duke of the Adalbert family is remarkable. If there’s such a thing as a hero of the era, I firmly believe it is Duke Adalbert.”
“I agree. Beyond his accomplishments, no one else has treated the elves and dwarves with such respect. Honestly, I hope that if I die, it’s by his hand after we reach the capital.”
The thought of fighting a benefactor of his people pained him.
Yet he was certain Martin would be the one to defeat him.
The elves and dwarves who fled to the north would continue to be treated well.
But then, suddenly—
Flinch!
Marcel’s body shuddered slightly as he sensed an overwhelming presence.
“This is… troublesome.”
“What’s wrong?” Muller asked, confused.
“I didn’t think someone destined to fight in the capital would appear this soon.”
“No way?!”
For the first time, shock appeared on Muller’s face.
If it were anyone else, he wouldn’t have cared, but he couldn’t afford to show his face to that man.
Swish.
To shield Muller, Marcel moved his hand.
Plants surged from the ground, wrapping around Muller before pulling him back into the earth.
Shortly after—
Wooom!
A spatial rift opened above Varehein Fortress.
From within, Vincent and other elite warriors of the Adalbert family began emerging one by one.
But Marcel’s senses were entirely focused on the young man who appeared last.
Though it was their first proper meeting, Marcel knew exactly who he was.
“I am Marcel, the Grand Elder of the village of Redis.”
“Martin von Adalbert.”
“Even in these circumstances, I’m truly glad. To meet a benefactor of my people, even once.”
“I’m genuinely sorry. If you had contacted me, none of this bloodshed would have been necessary.”
“With you, I’m sure that would have been possible, Head of House. But that’s not what I want. I want to meet the Emperor and show him our resolve, even if it means my death.”
“I understand how you feel, but…”
Rumble!
Golden mana radiated around Martin, exuding a fierce aura.
“Your resolve will not come to fruition.”
“…Perhaps not.”
Marcel responded calmly.
The moment he saw Martin, he understood.
The terrifying power Martin held within him.
If he treated Martin as an ordinary 9th Circle mage, it would cost him his life.
Though Marcel didn’t fear death, dying meaninglessly wasn’t an option.
‘I will show the pride of the elves.’
Whirr.
The wind swirled as Marcel’s body lifted into the air.
In response, the rest of the warriors descended toward the fortress walls, leaving only Martin and Marcel.
They all instinctively knew.
The outcome of this battle would decide the war’s fate.