Regressor of the Fallen Family (Novel) Chapter 19 - 20 - 21

Note: The Novel Will Be Corrected Until Chapter 105, After That Chapter It Will Be All MTL

C19 - 20 - 21

Episode 19: A Month and a Half of Persistence

One and a half months after tirelessly pushing the elderly dwarf, Hamar completed the work two weeks ahead of schedule, producing not only the ordered crossbows but even a surplus of a hundred extra pieces. Exhausted by his effort, he lay sprawled out, declaring a temporary strike. Of course, Logan received this news with satisfaction.

The very next day, Logan immediately went to find the mercenary troop. The mercenaries, initially perplexed by the sight of the small crossbows, were left speechless after witnessing a demonstration.

“Wow, that’s amazing!”

“They shoot surprisingly far.”

“And they can shoot rapidly. What an intriguing crossbow.”

But the general sentiment among the mercenaries was just that—casual appreciation.

However, there was someone who recognized the weapon’s true value at once.

“Whoa…”

Kai shuddered at the thought of his 300-strong cavalry armed with these rapid-fire crossbows, envisioning the devastation they could bring upon the battlefield. This was a weapon that could endanger even those at a knight’s level if not adequately prepared for.

With that realization, Kai couldn’t help but applaud. “Impressive. This must be what you had in mind when you spoke of a crossbow-armed cavalry unit.” The incongruity he had felt when he was asked to demand rigorous training for a unit that seemed to lack practical efficiency had now completely dissipated.

“And don’t even think about trying to pry open the crossbow’s cartridge or magazine; they’re designed to break if forced,” Logan instructed, ensuring their design remained secure.

“Of course, a weapon capable of such power must have complicated mechanics.”

Ironically, it was quite the opposite. The crossbow was surprisingly simple, hence the additional security measures.

‘Sooner or later, the design will spread, but leaks can’t be tolerated yet.’ At least, not until they overcame the upcoming domain wars and expanded their power.

To this end, even the craftsmen enlisted to aid Hamar were only assigned to create parts in their own workshops, and there were no plans to produce more crossbows than the mercenary reserve.

‘Just the mercenaries alone would suffice to overcome the domain wars.’

Even if more weapons were to be supplied, they would only extend to the level of the knight order.

‘Of course, whether the knights will choose to use the crossbow is another matter,’ Logan mused with a half-smile, as he set limitations on who would receive the weapons.

While providing all regular soldiers with the new weapons was impractical due to time and budget constraints, even if possible, the risk of information leakage was a greater concern.

‘Once the mercenary training is complete…’

Logan’s material preparations for the domain war would be nearly finished.

‘Yes, nearly…’

Only the final phase remained.

“We’ll need to verify its effectiveness.”

“Pardon?”

“Prepare the mercenaries, arm them with the crossbows, and prepare to march out. We’ll clean out every monster we encounter up to the foot of the southern mountains.”

“What? But that’s…”

“Does it seem impossible, even after what you’ve seen?”

“Hmm…”

While most monsters lurking below the mountain were low-tier and not worth mentioning,

“Perhaps it might be possible.”

“It’s not about possibility; we have to do it. Otherwise, there’s no point.”

Kai, who didn’t grasp Logan’s intent, was met with silence instead of an explanation. Shortly after,

“Let’s go!”

Heeeeein!

The mercenaries, armed with the new weapons, left through the gates to test their firepower.

* * * Doo-doo-doo-doo.

As the mercenary troop charged across the plains with the rough sound of horse hooves, a horde of about a hundred crawlers spotted them and scattered in fright.

Just a few months prior, it took ages to clear out such a group of low-tier monsters. Kai, spotting the horde, shone with excitement, raised his fist high and then spread his palm wide.

Simultaneously, the mercenaries, previously in three rows, dispersed horizontally.

“Fire!”

Shushushush.

The arrows launched by the mercenaries, now in a two-line formation, descended upon the fleeing crawlers with much less noise than the old crossbows. Keeeeeack!

With just one volley, the majority of the crawler horde that reached about a hundred had been decimated. The few lucky survivors soon fell as porcupines under the ensuing second barrage.

Despite their numbers being a mere third of the mercenary force, they annihilated the swarm of monsters in barely ten seconds. Even an encounter with a knight’s order would have taken longer to resolve.

Heartened by the outcome, the furthest back, Logan, brightened noticeably. However, those most astounded were the mercenaries who wielded the weapons themselves.

“Almost no recoil!”

“The range is farther than I thought too!”

“Mine went through one creature and lodged in the head of a second.”

Yet their achievement wasn’t over with that one instance. Under their persistent employer, the mercenaries swept through every subsequent monster horde they encountered as they galloped southward.

Cries of monsters echoed across the fields, and eventually, they started to recede like waves to avoid the mercenaries’ approach. The group of 300 created a reverse monster wave that shook the wilderness of the MacRine territory’s south.

“The heir’s mercenaries! Open the gates!”

“What on earth are they doing at this hour?”

“Right. The south is barren because of the monsters; there’s not even a pioneering village.”

“Shh, even the heir is with them.”

As the day gave way to twilight, the soldiers at the MacRine outer wall hurried to open the gate for the returning mercenary troop, though they complained under their breath. Of course, with the domain’s heir at the forefront, they dared not voice their gripes openly, but the sentiment was not lost on the mercenaries.

Yet the mercenaries paid no mind to the soldiers’ reactions.

“Ha, this thing…”

“From now on, you’re my prized possession number one.”

“If you break it, the captain will break us. Handle with care!”

“Like I would treat it any differently!”

They fondled their crossbows, faces dazed with bliss. While the hunt was only half a day’s work and mainly against low-tier monsters with no valuable by-products, these 300 had returned from a one-sided massacre of over a thousand monsters.

For ordinary C-rank mercenaries, to wield such power was unfathomable; their excitement was justified.

“So the heir created this?”

“Idiot, it was the dwarf.”

“But that dwarf is the heir’s slave.”

“I heard he did the designs himself.”

“Come on, that can’t be right.”

Thanks to that, the peculiar and infamously rich employer, who had largely been regarded in a negative light, saw his reputation among the mercenaries soar.

At the forefront, a middle-aged mercenary smiled proudly and turned to his employer.

“Are you satisfied?”

“To some extent.”

“Pardon?”

Kai, who had been thoroughly content, wore a puzzled look in response to Logan’s less than enthusiastic reply.

“You’re still stuck on old crossbow tactics. Why replace the rank after every shot? Wouldn’t it be good to improve reload speed as well?”

Presented with a new list of demands, Kai made a reluctant face.

‘With such firepower and he’s still not content? What exactly does he plan to do?’

While the thought that he was merely indulging in a noble’s eccentric hobby was long gone, Kai’s skepticism surged at his employer’s excessive ambition. Nonetheless, he did not voice his doubts.

“…I shall readjust the training to match the new weapons.”

“Good. I’ll check again soon.”

Despite listing his grievances to Kai, Logan was actually quite pleased. The crossbows crafted by the dwarf Hamar were beyond his expectations, and the firepower demonstrated by the mercenaries already exceeded his initial estimates.

Making more crossbows was unnecessary at this point, especially since calling soldiers to train with this new weapon amidst the looming threat of war was beyond consideration.

‘The focus should be on my growth.’

If he could win the core knights of his house over in the process, all the better. Even amidst the positive progress, Logan could not completely shake off his worries and refocused his attention.

* * * As the chill of winter came to a close, warm breezes heralded the arrival of a new season. The tales of the mad heir and the genius second son, which stirred controversy throughout the household, had quieted down, especially since the heir had stopped creating new issues.

However, the opinion that the talented second son would eventually take over the domain started circulating publicly, though it was unclear where the rumors originated.

Yet there was an exception.

Within the knights’ circle, a different story unfolded.

“Wow, seriously, his stamina is unmatched.”

“No kidding. Such unreal physical abilities must be hereditary.”

“It’s a pity that with such monstrous stamina he isn’t more proficient with the sword.”

“Then again, considering Domin’s case…”

“That’s hardly a reference; the old man’s skills…”

“But still…”

“Arthur, even you lost to the second son before his awakening, and you saw it with your own eyes.”

“It’s truly strange… How can he be perfectly fit in just that one aspect?”

“Would’ve been something had he spent the time he uses for mischief on practicing the sword instead.”

There was still skepticism, but at least within the inner circle of the knights, no one spoke of the heir as mad anymore. For months, he joined their training, displaying nothing but consistency.

Furthermore, the punishing excise he initially crafted to dispel the heir, sprinting on horseback through the mountains, had now become a new symbol of the knight order. At first, it was a matter of pride that pushed them through this grueling exercise, but they found unexpected benefits beyond motivation for the junior knights.

Flapping softly, “Right, right. Ray, grow a bit more. It’ll be over soon.”

Knight Henderson gently comforted his drowsy steed, a similar scene unfolding all around. Initially, the forced tranquilization led to chaos as horses woke amid training. But as they adapted, they grew more bonded with their riders, the knights.

Knight—which in another sense means cavalryman. A horse is but another weapon that enhances a knight’s combat prowess.

Indeed, as the bond grew and communication flowed more freely, the knights’ abilities improved—not just sentimentally. The higher-ranked knights employed Force to empower their horses, increasing speed and endurance with mounted combat skills.

The closer the bond with their horse, the more efficient the skills.

Post-exercise, even the junior knights seemed to imitate this unconsciously through their strengthened connections, unwittingly training for higher proficiency.

‘It’s not all thanks to the heir…’

Heinkel gazed upon Logan with a newfound warmth—like observing an unexpected blessing. It wasn’t precisely the recognition Logan desired, but it was undoubtedly a positive shift.

* * * ‘It may just work this time.’

Under the bright moon, seated cross-legged on his bed, anticipation gleamed in Logan’s eyes. The hard regiment of the knight order combined with the mental provocation of meditation bolstered each other, pushing him steadily forward.

Every introspection brought a sensed growth in his Force core. And recently, he felt stirrings of change whenever his core throbbed.

Logan calmed his mind, recollecting the knowledge inscribed within, reminding himself, ‘Especially now, don’t rush, don’t fret…’

Nevertheless, the anticipation of advancing another step occasionally unsettled him, an unavoidable reaction given the circumstances.

From the outset, this was natural since elevating personal strength was as crucial as the fate of the house itself, should he fulfill his aspirations.

Assuming everything progressed as hoped, his newfound might would be the critical variable to sway an otherwise perilous future.

‘Those monsters…’

Logan recalled the superhumans of his former life—Aura Masters and Archmages—who alone could turn the tide of battle.

Among those he eventually had to overcome, such fiends were included.

‘I must become stronger, surpass even the limits of my talent and efforts.’

Fortunately, he had knowledge of an arcane method, the Sword of the Spirit, and there remained time.

‘With my next step in growth, even the odds of the domain war could shift.’

It was a pivotal moment even concerning the impending crisis.

Contemplating the daunting future allowed him to regain his composure momentarily. Whispering the meditation incantation, Logan’s mind focused inwards toward the Force core within his heart.

Wuuuung.

Physically, it might be invisible to the bare eye, but in Logan’s consciousness, the Force core felt larger than his body, especially today. Instinctively, he sensed the right moment had come.

Flash!

With his consciousness merging, a brilliant light burst from near his heart. A golden Force core expelled a tiny secondary core.

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Chapter 20: Logan’s Growth and Betrayal

At that moment, Logan could feel that he had advanced to a new level. A second core, revolving around the one he already possessed, had formed. He immediately knew that the two cores were intricately connected, more than anything else. The force that used to flow directly from the core to his body was now amplified twofold in an instant as it passed through the second core.

Woong.

The sudden surge of power nearly made his body tremble. Moreover, he could sense that the quality of the force had grown as well. It had become stickier and denser, giving him confidence in its efficiency beyond a mere quantitative increase.

Additionally, achieving a dual-core signified that he was ready to learn the next secret technique of his martial heritage. ‘Iron Splitter, Dan Geum Cham…’ Just thinking about the power of the first technique, he was certain that the second would far exceed his expectations.

If he could master that technique before the war, even advanced knights would pose no fear to him. His elated consciousness naturally brought the secret techniques to his mind, and from then on, his research, which lasted until dawn’s light greeted his closed eyes, did not cease.

“Mm… As expected, it’s not easy.”

Despite the disappointment in his words, Logan’s expression was not too dark. It had taken three months to master the Wave Splitter, the first technique. With patient effort, mastering the second before the war seemed entirely possible.

Just as Logan was contentedly enjoying the new morning sunlight, someone knocked on his door before he fully relished the quiet.

“Come in.”

“My lord, did you sleep well last night?”

The one who entered with a snicker was Rick. Whenever Logan saw that face with such a smile, he knew…

“There’s a problem again, isn’t there?”

“Eh, a problem? If that were the case, I wouldn’t be smiling, right?”

“You only have that expression when there’s a problem for me but something fun for you.”

“Ha… Haha, my lord is joking…”

“So, nothing serious then? I’m off to training?”

“The family head has requested your presence for a meal! The whole family!”

Logan was about to head for the door when Rick shouted abruptly, making him grab the boy’s cheek mercilessly.

“Hey, trouble! What trickery is this?”

“Ahh! It really hurts! What’s so troublesome about having a meal with the family? It’s the first time since you ran away!”

“That’s only in a typical family relation…”

“We always had breakfast together until a few years ago!”

“…Oh?”

Now that he thought about it, that did seem true.

‘That’s right. There were times like that.’

Distracted by memories flashing through his mind, Rick didn’t give him a moment to get sentimental.

“Hurry up, they’re waiting for you. If you were training, interrupt; if you were sleeping, wake up anyway.”

“…Now? Why?”

“What are you talking about! Today is your birthday! And the twentieth at that!”

“…Ah!”

“Ah, what? You should hurry!”

Sighing deeply, Logan exhaled a breath.

* * *

Among the aristocratic families of the empire, some celebrated the coming of age with lavish parties, but this practice was far removed from the Grandia Kingdom’s Maclaine family. It was customary for the occasionally separated family members to gather and celebrate over a meal.

To Logan, however, even this small tradition was nothing but a nuisance.

‘I should be able to ignore such minor customs.’

Thinking from the perspective of the birthday person himself, it was an absurd notion, but given the current mood, anyone could understand.

Discounting the greetings to his father and stepmother before the meal…

“You’re of age now.”

“Yes.”

This was essentially the only conversation during the meal.

‘I’ll just eat quickly and leave.’

With that thought, Logan swallowed the dessert on his plate in one gulp.

“I have eaten well. Then, I…”

“Sit down.”

“…Yes.”

But even leaving this uncomfortable place was not up to him.

Watching Logan’s annoyed expression, Patrick, who also finished his dessert in one go, opened his mouth.

“Logan, you are the heir to the Maclaine family.”

‘What’s he trying to say.’

With an uneasy premonition, Logan’s eyebrows twitched, and, as expected, a rather unpleasant topic arose.

“According to tradition, we should discuss the family inheritance on the day of your coming of age.”

“Dear!”

“…However.”

Calming his surprised wife with a gesture, Patrick continued his words.

“The actions you’ve taken up to now have mostly been unsuitable for an heir to our family.”

With that statement, color returned to Mariann’s face, but Patrick was not finished speaking.

“However! I’ve heard from the knights recently that you’ve shown a considerable change. As I promised earlier, I will give you a one-year grace period. After that, your position in the family will be based on the behavior you show.”

“Dear! That’s…”

“Let it be. I’m not saying I won’t give Ronian a chance.”

Though she had more to say, Mariann’s face turned red and white as she refrained from speaking further. Ronian simply forced himself to swallow his food, whether it was meat or rubber, he wasn’t sure.

In the midst of this suffocating situation, Logan dropped a bombshell.

“Why wait for a year? Just give the heir position to Ronian. I’m not interested.”

Unbeknownst to others, the family crisis was ongoing. Even if they survived this immediate crisis, another dire one was expected within a decade.

‘There’s no guarantee of survival focusing on that alone; I don’t have time for an heir issue.’

Firm in his resolve, Logan spoke again.

“Ronian, with his natural talent for martial arts, fits better as the heir to a knightly family.”

Though it was partly an excuse, it was also part of his sincerity. But the father’s thoughts seemed to differ.

His brow furrowed, his lips quivered, and soon his face reddened as he burst into a bellow.

“The heir to the Maclaine family! Does this proud position look frivolous to you? Who are you to decide who gives and takes!”

The resounding shout filled the mansion.

His father, Patrick Maclaine, seemed as if he had received an unprecedented insult as he glared fiercely at his eldest son.

At that unexpectedly tense moment, everyone froze until…

Bang!

Crash!

“My lord, Marquis of Teslon has declared war!”

An unforeseen variable shattered the icy atmosphere in an instant.

* * *

[We bear a grudge against the Maclaine family for the unjust death of our ancestor Kael Teslon!]

Out of nowhere, a magical communication had thrown the Maclaine family into chaos.

A state of emergency was declared, and a family council was convened.

It was an issue that dated back 60 years, to the time when the Maclaine family began to fall. No one understood why this grudge from the past had suddenly resurfaced – whether to investigate the cause or to send emissaries – but it was decided to determine a course of action in a grand assembly.

As everyone was taken aback, Logan, too, was perturbed for a different reason.

‘Why so early?’

The event had occurred almost two months earlier than his previous life’s memories.

‘I thought there would be more time.’

Though he had no idea what had brought on this situation earlier than expected, he didn’t have time just to worry.

“My lord! It’s time for the meeting!”

“I know.”

Had he had a bit more time to master the second form of the divine sword, he would have been more confident, but even now, he was not overly anxious.

‘Winning is all that matters whenever it may be. The power is enough as it is.’

The unexpected variable had arisen, but his confidence, built over careful preparation, remained unshaken.

However, others had different thoughts.

“The Teslon Marquisate has an army of knights that outnumbers our own by half. Even with our family head’s presence, the odds are…”

“Their potential regular forces exceed a thousand men, more than double our resources! We must seek a truce…”

With both knights and common soldiers vastly outnumbering them, the Maclaine family was at an objective disadvantage.

Thus, the conference hall inevitably became chaotic.

“If tradition is followed, they will set out one week after the declaration of war. The distance from the enemy’s fortress to ours is three days’ march…”

“We have fewer soldiers, so a defensive strategy should be…”

“First, issue a conscription decree. Gather as much force as possible, set up defenses, patrol…”

“No, we must send emissaries first…”

Amidst the chaos, not typical of aristocratic meetings, the chamber was filled with uproar.

With a scowl, Patrick, who was watching this confusion, suddenly stomped his foot.

Bang!

“Silence, everyone!”

His thunderous voice silenced the noisy assembly.

“Even if the royal authority isn’t as it used to be, these people have declared war without royal permission. This is clearly a deliberate act. To those who are speaking of truce—do you really think before speaking?”

His stern look swept across the chamber, and those who had been voicing opinions of sending emissaries and seeking peace all shut their mouths. With a stern rebuke, the lord who steered the family’s opinion toward war continued to shout.

“Everyone prepare for war! And speak of strategies for victory! All other opinions will not be tolerated!”

Abruptly defined in direction, the vassals’ opinions quickly organized.

“Conscription will take place over three days…”

“The soldiers’ weapons and armor…”

“Knights’ training…”

As preparations and organization for war were set in motion, opinions concerning Logan began to surface.

“Will the young lords join the battle?”

It was obvious for the force-using brothers.

“Now that I think about it, the eldest son trains with the knights.”

“Will the young lords join the knightly ranks?”

It was the Maclaine family, long descended from knights, though now fallen.

For them, it was only natural for the family’s direct descendants, now of age, to participate in combat.

At that suggestion, Patrick nodded without hesitation.

“My sons will also join the battle. Especially Logan, who has come of age, should fulfill a role befitting him.”

Logan didn’t object, and so his deployment was confirmed.

However, there was a bit of an issue with his role.

“I heard your mercenaries are training for cavalry, is that correct?”

“That’s right.”

“A well-trained cavalry can be considered the equivalent of at least three infantrymen. Can your mercenaries take on that role?”

“Absolutely.”

At Dwayne’s words, Logan responded with a confident smile.

However, very few truly believed him.

“At least it’s better than nothing.”

“Perhaps the young lord’s toy soldiers might actually be useful.”

“Doubtful. They’re just lowly mercenaries. They’ll probably run at the first sign of trouble.”

The disparagement towards Logan extended to his mercenaries, and those who had never seen their training denounced them with unanimously negative opinions.

Logan steadfastly presented his argument without wavering.

“Father. My mercenaries will not just replace three infantrymen, but ten. We have been training in unison for several months, so please allow us to operate as a separate detachment.”

“…Are you saying you won’t follow the family’s command?”

“It would be more helpful to the overall military power if we act separately.”

“That’s fine. Permission granted.”

The approval came too easily.

Probably because the mercenaries were not considered a substantial military asset.

For whatever reason, it was good news for Logan.

“Thank you.”

Still, not everything went according to plan.

“However, you will assign someone else to command them. You will join the knights.”

“…Excuse me?”

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Chapter 21

“Can it be that there’s no one fit to command the mercenary troop?”

“…We do have someone, but since I created the mercenaries, I should be the one…”

“You are the firstborn of our family. Do you really desire to join the lower mercenaries on the battlefield and claim some feats for the enemy?”

The majority of those listening nodded in agreement with the head of the family’s scolding.

It was clear what they thought of the mercenaries.

But Logan remained unyielded.

“My role in the Order of Knights is not significant. It would be better for the overall war effort if I move separately with the mercenaries.”

“What?!”

Logan had initially planned to operate with his mercenaries during the territorial war.

With the repeating crossbow perfected and plans to join the Order only as a last resort no longer necessary, he continued his participation in the Order’s training for personal growth and future plans beyond the territorial war.

‘After all, my father commands the Order. It’s better for me to move with the mercenaries. At least they’d pretend to die if I told them to.’

Logan’s decision was logical from his perspective, but naturally, Padric did not agree.

“Have you considered the negative impact it would have on our allies if you were to be captured or killed while moving with the mercenaries!”

“That won’t happen.”

“Is this some kind of child’s play to you? Do you think the lowly mercenaries you trained are an invincible force? Or are you too foolish to distinguish between reality and fantasy?!”

His last words were laced with tangible anger.

Padric saw his son as naive, unable to grasp reality in an emergency, pushing only his own arguments.

Yet what would truly test his patience was yet to come.

“I am neither foolish nor ignorant of reality. I am merely seeking the place where I can exert my greatest strength.”

“Is that with your petty troupe of soldiers?”

“My mercenaries are not playing at war! We will prove our worth in this war and earn our merits.”

Logan’s eyes did not waver, but Padric saw it as nothing more than a tantrum, fueling his anger further.

“…If that’s how you intend to proceed, from now on I will not think of you as my son. Even if you are captured or die in battle, you will be treated as unrelated to our family. Are you okay with that?”

Padric’s extreme words shocked the retainers present.

Yet, the grand duke’s response was more surprising.

“That is fine with me.”

“…Must you really turn my insides out in such grave times? What are you thinking! Do you think everything will go your way! Are you so thoughtless!”

Padric’s fury erupted, his red-faced outcry pouring over Logan.

“Go on. Do as you please. But remember this; in this war, you are not to expect treatment as a direct family member!”

“I will earn our merits.”

“Unbelievable…”

Perhaps due to the crisis, Padric could not control his emotions any more than usual. Unfortunately, unsettling Padric was not solely Logan’s doing.

“Master! Emergency!”

A servant barged in amid the family council.

It seemed impossible there could be anything more urgent than the war situation, but the news he brought was indeed startling.

“The Kairos family has informed us they will not send military support! They mention timing and financial liquidity, but…”

At those words, all eyes turned to Merian.

She stammered, trying to make an excuse.

“There must be some sort of mistake. That can’t be true!”

Her voice rose with disbelief, yet the servant confirmed firmly.

“Sir Dwain says it’s a matter repeatedly confirmed.”

Merian’s face went pale.

“I will verify it myself!”

As she rose from her seat to leave hastily, a familiar bulky figure entered with a somber face, confirming the news.

“There’s no need, Lady. The Kairos family’s official refusal stands. They have also declared they will cut off financial support to our family, effective today.”

Dwain’s words brought shock, met with silence rather than discussion of the grave financial implications.

The most pressing issue was the immediate absence of support troops, throwing the council into disarray.

“No! Can’t be!”

“Mother, calm down.”

“There must be some mistake! It’s a misunderstanding!”

“Mother!”

As Merian rushed out, Ronian bit his lip and slumped into his seat.

Logan approached his disheartened brother and patted his shoulder.

“It’ll be okay. Everything will work out.”

“…Brother.”

Ronian couldn’t help but bow his head further, thinking his brother’s hopeful words were mere bravado amidst their desperate situation.

The shock from the Kairos family’s withdrawal was profound.

Other retainers muttered in confusion, unsure of how to proceed, simply watching the red-faced head of the family for cues.

Only one remained calm and collected.

‘So, it’s come to this, as expected.’

Logan knew from his past life that the Kairos family had refused to assist during the territorial war.

Whether there was a more significant reason or it was merely a line drawn, considering the estrangement that persisted even after Ronian rose to prominence as an Aura User, meant the ties were likely irreparable.

To Logan, however, it was all irrelevant.

‘With this, my stepmother won’t be able to wield the same influence as before. If we win the territorial war, there will be no more obstacles within the family.’

It was as if a troublesome hindrance had been cleared.

Logan fearlessly stepped forward.

“I shall go ahead and prepare. If there are further instructions, please contact me.”

His departure echoed hollowly, met with no response, but Logan’s stride was decisive.

* * *

“War… you say?”

“Yes. You don’t seem surprised.”

“Had there been no war, I would have desired to start one.”

“What horrendous words…”

“To have a weapon and wish to use it is a natural human desire.”

The mercenaries laughed heartily at Kai’s words.

Though accustomed to war, their confidence seemed excessive.

‘But rightfully so.’

The monster horde that invaded the MacLaine’s estate last winter numbered only a tenth of the previous years.

Inside, it was dismissed as an anomaly, but Logan knew better.

‘Last winter’s monster horde was unprecedented.’

Most had been slaughtered by a mere 300 mercenaries.

Their self-assurance wasn’t arrogance but confidence borne from solid evidence.

“Let’s sweep away the enemies!”

“Yes!”

Amidst the unease within the MacLaine family over the unexpected war, only 314 people were confident of victory.

* * * The war began earlier than the MacLaine family anticipated.

“Teslon’s forces have appeared at the western border! Sir Haman Teslon has been confirmed in the rear.”

“Those scoundrels disregarding all conventions…”

Only a day had passed since the declaration of war.

Teslon’s forces had already been sighted in MacLaine territory.

Given that their main force would have left the Teslon holdfast, they must have set out the moment war was declared.

And the enemy’s numbers were staggering.

“There are over a hundred knights. Regular forces appear to number over a thousand!”

“Add to that around ten thousand drafted soldiers! It’s a total war commitment!”

“What?! Has that Haman gone mad?!”

As the shocking reports flooded in, Padric’s outrage erupted.

This wasn’t an international conflict but a domestic territorial war.

Initiating a total war scenario with draftees from the attacking side was unheard of.

Even more so, knights, almost superhuman to the average person, constituted the primary combat force of the era.

Though numerous, draftees could only turn the tide of battle or slow down a defeat…

‘Haman Teslon must be out of his mind to want ‘that’.’

Even from Logan’s knowledge of the true cause of the war, this was astounding, sending the MacLaine family into disarray.

“Crazy bastards. Drafting ten thousand? Have they squeezed out their own territory?”

“Over a hundred knights?!”

“When did they manage to…”

From a few dozen knights they knew of, the enemy’s lead force had swelled.

“That maniac Haman has staked the fate of his territory.”

Padric ground his teeth.

“How is our status?”

“The Order of Knights—53 men ready.”

“Regular forces—552 men ready.”

“Draftees will need about a day more.”

“Logan’s mercenary troop—314 men ready.”

Ignoring his eldest son’s discouraging report, Padric frowned.

‘Why, why!’

Even as proud as he was, Padric knew his estate was no significant prize.

Wrapped in his thoughts amidst the enemy fast approaching, the reasoning behind it all felt irrelevant.

‘Get a grip, Padric MacLaine. Focus on what needs to be done.’

He encouraged himself, straightening his posture.

A noble house may have declined to a mere baronetcy, but he was still a ruler.

He could not afford to show weakness or falter.

“Summon all men capable of bearing arms! We’ll meet them with full force!”

“Yes!”

“We march as soon as the troops are assembled! We’ll pulverize them daring to trespass on our front lawn!”

Even at maximum mobilization, MacLaine’s forces barely numbered five thousand.

Excluding draftees, the knights and regular forces differed by a factor of two.

The disparity was dire.

Under such conditions, Padric ordered an open-field battle rather than a defensive one.

Yet his retainers offered no objections.

‘It’s as before.’

Logan grimaced, listening to his father’s orders.

Despite the disadvantage in numbers, the choice for an open-field battle was inevitable.

At the time, knights, comprised of higher-level force users, represented the primary military might.

A group of such superhumans, well-armed, and formed into a phalanx, were nigh unstoppable to anyone but equals in strength.

MacLaine’s robust yet magic-less walls stood no chance against such numbers of knights.

It was better to focus on a frontal engagement than face an unfavorable melee after a breach.

Moreover, the MacLaine family had a particular ace up their sleeve.

Namely, the superior knight Padric MacLaine himself.

Few knights reached such a peak, and he was one of them.

Even middling force users, middling knights, could be considered the elite of a typical order.

A superior knight could take on over ten such elite fighters.

Thus, with their superior knight as head, the retainers believed they could at least match the Teslon knights despite being only half their number.

Territorial wars end either with the surrender or death of the ruling lord.

If Padric, a superior knight, could capture or kill Haman Teslon, the conflict would conclude.

‘…That’s what they must be thinking.’

In a war between border territories where power clashed, it wasn’t entirely absurd to rely on simple tactics.

‘If I hadn’t known the family would fall…’

But this life was different from the past; Logan and his mercenary troop were present.

‘I will change the outcome. I must.’

While everyone else was busy, Logan clenched his fist, his eyes shining with resolve.

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