Chapter 337-
“Hohoho! Recall when I conquered ten orc warriors…?”
“Quiet! I witnessed you flee like a frightened hare, you rascal!”
“That's comical! I was merely far ahead, dashing away while I could see your back!”
“Puhaha! Those deities…”
The tavern was buzzing, brimming with the clamor of soldiers for hire.
In a corner, a man with brown locks and a weathered countenance sat solo, staring at his ale which had lost its froth.
He seemed lost in contemplation, yet his ears were keen, picking up useful tidbits from the conversations around him.
Demian’s intelligence network, 'Flame’s Gaze', had not yet extended throughout the Empire, and he had hurried here without setting up proper contacts.
He remembered from his past life that rumors circulating in places like this could be quite valuable when he couldn't access a formal intelligence network.
“The entire empire is in an uproar over the expulsion of the holy maiden.”
“This upcoming grand shrine event is quite eventful, isn’t it? But is it true?”
Luckily, there were no reports of the holy maiden being captured, indicating that Viktor was fulfilling his duty effectively.
“What's the fuss about?”
“Seems there's a clash with a nation to the east?”
“Why bother with such distant matters?”
“It could escalate into war, you know.”
“With Grandia? That small nation and the Empire? Haha, that's ridiculous! Enough with the nonsense, let's drink!”
Despite being soldiers for hire usually vigilant about wars, it was reassuring to see their disinterest in the kingdom's news.
‘That's a relief.’
Logan managed a slight grin as he gulped down the lukewarm ale in one go and made his way to the bar.
A tavern that doubled as a mercenary guild and an inn.
*Thud.*
As he casually placed the tankard on the counter, the bartender, also a guild member, fixed his gaze on him.
“Another drink?”
“No. If there are any opportunities heading towards the Crown Mountains, could you recommend me?”
He wasn't truly keen on embarking on a quest like a typical mercenary.
He was simply curious if there was anything noteworthy happening at his intended destination, but the bartender let out a soft chuckle.
“It appears you're not from around here. Your accent sounds eastern.”
“Is that an issue?”
“Certainly.”
“Excuse me?”
There shouldn't be any bias based on origin within the mercenary guild, right?
Did the bartender grasp the meaning behind his gaze? He gave another sly smile.
“The Crown Mountains have been off-limits for over three months now. How could there be any opportunities there?”
The situation he mentioned seemed somewhat different from what Logan anticipated.
“What do you mean?”
“It might be unfamiliar to you due to its recent occurrence. Sadly, you'll have to seek other opportunities.”
In the northeastern reaches of the Empire lies the mercenary city, Coliseum. This region, renowned for its harsh climate and proximity to the Northern Beast Forest, was notorious for disputes.
True to its reputation, it teemed with mercenaries from all corners.
Furthermore, one of the most common tasks in this mercenary hub was escorting traders through the Crown Mountains via the Hunter's Path.
‘It did feel a bit more deserted than I remember.’
While the Hunter's Path was perilous, it was also the fastest route.
Merchants wouldn't shy away from risking danger.
“What's the reason behind this? Did a monstrous creature appear?”
“If it were just a beast, that would be good news.”
“What do you mean?”
“The Imperial Knights declared the Crown Mountains restricted, citing the possibility of creatures crossing over from the Beast Forest. They cautioned against entering without authorization.”
“What kind of absurdity is this? Since when did the royal family care about the safety of mercenaries?”
He couldn't believe they were sealing off the mountains for such a reason.
Even mercenaries, accustomed to hunting in the notorious Beast Forest, were quick to dismiss such news.
It certainly wasn't a logical course of action.
“Haha, you make a valid point. But what can we do now?”
“...What's the actual reason?”
“The royal knights aim to control the creatures and utilize that region as a training ground.”
“What absurd nonsense...?”
“I've heard that reaction many times before. If you're frustrated, go inquire with the royal knights yourself.”
As if he had countless lives to spare, the bartender chuckled and shook his head, causing Logan to furrow his brow.
‘Even though it's recent news, there hasn't been a whisper outside. So they enacted the ban and managed the information.’
Such an event never occurred during his previous life as a mercenary around this period.
A sense of unease prickled under his skin persistently.
“Were you planning to head to Aserian or Parzentiem? Or maybe Noviens? Regardless, you can't access the Crown Mountains. Coming here, hoping to cut your journey short would be a mistake... Hey, where are you off to? Just leaving?”
Disregarding the bartender's words as he departed, Logan's expression hardened slightly as he glanced towards the Crown Mountains and the fading sunset.
* * *
*Bang.*
“Three months! Three months! Are you absolutely certain about this position?! Are you not digging in the wrong location?!”
The table within the hastily set up tent shattered into fragments under a casual punch. It didn't merely break; it disintegrated into fine dust.
That not only showcased the strength of the massive fist's owner but also that his muscular frame exceeded two meters in height.
Despite the overwhelming display of power, the man facing the table remained remarkably unperturbed.
His gray hair, meticulously styled back, showed no signs of disorder.
“It's definite.”
A faint smile lingered on his wrinkled face.
‘Is he a man or a puppet?’
Observing that composed demeanor, Yassel, the commander of the Eastern First Legion, felt his anger simmer.
Thanks to this sorcerer who emerged from the imperial palace, he had been enduring unnecessary torment for the past three months. Relying solely on the assertion of certainty seemed far too prolonged.
“Why do we see no signs of progress? How deep must we dig?”
“I received this intel from his highness, the first prince. Do you doubt his highness's word?”
Yassel's mouth snapped shut at those words.
Ughh!
‘Damn it.’
To say more at this point would be akin to rebuking the first prince, a significant heir to the throne.
Even the notoriously impulsive Yassel wouldn't dare such a thing. Despite his many rash actions, he couldn't bring himself to oppose superior royal lineage.
Suppressing his trembling hands, Yassel tried to gather the patience to endure.
“...So how much longer do you estimate this will take?”
“It shouldn't be much longer. The barrier should become visible soon.”
“What?!”
“It shouldn't be a lengthy wait. Most likely within a week, or maybe a few days.”
“Is that so?!”
Yassel's eyes sparkled with sudden hope.
“Indeed. So you should carry out your duties diligently. On the day the barrier is revealed, prevent the sacrifices from acting recklessly.”
The term ‘sacrifices’, which he pronounced with particular emphasis, made Yassel's face contort in displeasure.
‘Are you truly intent on proceeding with that ghastly plan?’
That had been Yassel's primary concern since he first encountered Havi.
The reason for the secrecy was simple;
This excavation plan—a response from the Dongwang faction, in conjunction with the first prince's proposal—was fundamentally based on a horrifying act of human sacrifice involving the lives of laborers.
“...Is this magic truly real?”
*Snicker.*
“Is it so vexing that you think one cannot spare the lives of mere laborers? If those insignificant lives can serve the Empire's glory, isn't it a worthy sacrifice?”
“...It's just that 'sacrifice' isn't meant to be interpreted that way, Wizard.”
Anger towards this involuntary plan surged within Yassel, directing his frustration towards the sorcerer.
He felt as if this entire bloody endeavor was orchestrated by this irksome wizard rather than the first prince.
Yet,
“So, are you defying the Imperial Command?”
“...That's not what I meant.”
Havi's words made Yassel bow his head weakly.
He couldn't dare oppose the emperor's decree; it wasn't just a matter of choice, but an absolute command that couldn't be contravened.
He was an Empire knight, taught from childhood to respect the Emperor's orders as an unavoidable duty.
“Then it's settled.”
However, Havi's smug demeanor only deepened his sense of guilt.
“Since it's a matter of confidentiality, try not to hold it against me, dear knight.”
“Um?”
The two merely referred to each other as “knight” and “wizard”, accentuating their alienation.
It made Havi's words seem surprisingly considerate, though they were thinly veiled sarcasm.
Nonetheless,
“Everything is subject to his highness's will.”
Standing there with a countenance tinged with madness, Yassel could only grit his teeth as he shot a scowl at Havi.
He felt anger rising within him once more, frustration not only directed at Havi but at the situation as a whole.
“That final detail doesn't sit well with me. Simply noting that when the day of sacrifice arrives, they should not stray.”
A sense of foreboding surged in his heart as he observed the laborers stationed nearby.
He feared intimidation overwhelming these workers, knowing the dreadful sacrifice that awaited.
If the laborers were to discover their fate, who could predict the horrors that might unfold?
“Any communication should pass through either of us. Your commendable sacrifice ought not to go to waste at this juncture!”
But even as he felt remnants of affliction, it was no prolonged concern for the endgame ahead.
“Just proceed and enjoy, and trust the first prince.”
While he wished he could quell any rebellious thoughts on the matter,
he was fully aware of the impending doom looming, pondering the fate awaiting these unfortunate laborers.
“...”
In the depths of the nearby forest, where sunlight barely pierced the canopy.
The tree silhouettes loomed like phantoms whispering in the night, beckoning him back.
There, visible in the distance, Logan stood, lost in contemplation of the unfolding catastrophe escalating around them.
* * *
A sudden cry shattered the silence of the mine and disrupted the tension within.
“Who's there?!”
“Ahhh! The enemy!”
The frantic shouts echoed, and everyone in that dim tunnel turned pale at the sound.