ALL NOVEL Chapter 429
“Break through quickly before the magic loses its light!”
“We’re inside the Erosion Zone, so even a trickle of mana should be used to protect ourselves!”
After Shione downed a mana potion and cast two spells for the Special Mission Team and our Baron family,
we began to speed down the path with unmatched swiftness.
Taking a breath and letting my weary legs rest would have to wait until we were outside the Erosion Zone. Escaping this place, where unknown dangers lurked, was our first priority.
Although intense battles with enemies had not yet occurred, the soldiers radiated a tension akin to that of battle. Each of them gripped their weapons so tightly that I half-expected to see fingerprints left behind.
This was especially true for Abel Kalia.
“If it weren’t for the magic permeating this place, one might say winter’s beauty thoroughly envelops the area… Unfortunately, it’s become an Erosion Zone, so all I can think about is the danger it poses.”
Unlike other knights who hone their bodies and swordsmanship through mana,
Abel wielded a unique type of power that allowed him to cut through demons and monsters, stepping beyond mere illusions.
“If we don’t escape before the magic’s duration ends, we might find ourselves in quite an unpleasant situation.”
“The demonic magic that attacked the Kalia Marquis family hypnotized people, making them see illusions, while the magic here actively seeks to devour life.”
“Of course, we likely won’t be instantly poisoned, but there’s no harm in being cautious.”
Even though he had cut through monsters with ease, Abel still seemed deeply engaged in exploring his special powers. While I knew he had developed some resistance from fighting mana-infested demons, he seemed determined to minimize his exposure to it.
Abel’s frown stayed creased, showing no signs of easing up.
“Still, we’ve already covered about half the distance, so if we keep this up, we should reach Arael Fortress without a hitch.”
“That’s good hearsay indeed. Given that we’re passing through the Erosion Zone, our scout team should rest at the fortress and reposition for our next operation.”
I nodded at Abel’s words.
Initially, Abel had planned to rest and resupply at a different rendezvous point along the way, but circumstances had dictated otherwise.
With that in mind, I focused on keeping pace with the Special Mission Team as they moved ahead.
“Young Master, I’ve been hearing troubling news from the Empire lately.”
“It seems news of the Empire has reached the Count’s House. It appears the Empire is beginning to creak under pressure, as the Baron said. Thanks to that, my sister left back home is having a rough time.”
While the news of the Empire’s civil war continued to unfold, they seemed determined not to disturb the tumultuous situation in their own territory.
The Empress had reportedly reinforced their borders, adding troops.
I couldn’t help but wonder if they truly had the capacity to spill even more blood, yet there was a feeling that, thanks to the increased Imperial forces, the tense atmosphere within the Marquis family wasn’t easing anytime soon.
Before I could ponder further, a voice rang out.
“The Special Mission Team has detected the enemy! They’ve been sighted in the eastern mountain valley! Monsters adorned with carapaces engulfed by mana are descending the slopes!”
The unexpected news finally broke the previous silence, and everyone drew their weapons, directing their gazes toward the eastern mountain. Though the distance was significant, those imbued with substantial mana wouldn’t struggle to spot what lay ahead.
Among those searching for hidden monsters in the underbrush, Dorothy gazed skyward, sensing something unusual.
“Head of the Family! A large-scale bombing magic circle has appeared in the air above the eastern mountain!”
As she said, a complex and mesmerizing magic circle soon emerged, captivating all who beheld it.
“…What is this?”
RUMBLE─!
The spell engulfed an entire mountain.
While I didn’t mean to belittle the elite magic squad from our Baron family, in the face of this bombardment spell, their magic looked like mere child’s play.
With the sound of a massive explosion, the mountain was obliterated, sending tremors that felt like they could split the earth itself up through my body, allowing me to feel its overwhelming force.
A single name flickered through my mind.
‘Adelhaite!’
If what I sent to the first princess of the kingdom for assistance had not arrived, why would she be here, casting such a grand spell for us? Monsters seemed to have been discovered even before we sought them out, which made it impossible for them to unleash this kind of magic without prior notice.
And just as though to confirm my suspicions, after the ground settled and the calm returned, when we were about to move forward again, the Special Mission Team that had raced ahead came to a stop.
Shione approached me, accompanied by a woman.
“The reinforcements sent by Your Highness the Princess have arrived.”
At Shione’s words, I focused on the woman following her.
‘Princess Rephelia.’
Indeed, only the royal sorcerers and a select few noble houses could wield such a level of bombardment magic in the kingdom.
Leona Rephelia, the Duke’s eldest daughter, greeted me.
“It’s been a while, Baron Karpel. We’ve been dispatched to assist the Special Mission Team and the Baron family in their charge through the Erosion Zone.”
Much like before in the cult,
her calm and elegant voice resonated throughout the area.
“From now on, the Rephelia family’s war mage squad will ensure everyone’s safety.”
The Erosion Zone had been rendered nothing more than a barren land that no longer instilled fear.
*
After the Rephelia family joined our ranks, our march progressed swiftly.
Given that we had already cleared the path we had taken, and many enemies hiding in a mountain had been thoroughly crushed, there was hardly a chance of encountering many foes.
Once we had safely exited the Erosion Zone, we could finally see the gates of Arael Fortress before our eyes.
“Younger Master, the bloodstains remaining on the castle walls… They don’t seem to have been there for long. Although the dragon has yet to appear, it seems they’ve endured quite a few battles.”
As Hanelrn pointed out, we could feel a clearer and more profound scent of death than back at Kisia Fortress.
‘They mentioned there would be considerable monsters fleeing here to escape demons and dragons.’
Even if it wasn’t as bad as the Count’s defensive battle, it felt like they had weathered several fierce offensives.
As I passed by the busy soldiers burning monster corpses and workers reorganizing the castle walls, I got a general sense of the atmosphere.
“Open the gates! The Special Mission Team from the Shianella Count’s House and Baron Karpel’s troops have arrived!”
With that, the firmly closed castle gates swung open, revealing the interior of Arael Fortress.
Within, a tranquil tension lingered, reminiscent of the calm before a storm.
Among the five northern fortresses, it was hard to imagine any being different, but Arael Fortress felt particularly distinct.
At the very least, Kisia Fortress hadn’t been this stiff.
It seemed Shione felt similarly, judging by the look on her face as they were shown to their designated quarters.
“Hanelrn, Theia, Dorothy. I know you must be itching to rest after just arriving at the fortress, but… will you keep an eye on the soldiers in my stead? I want to speak with the commander of Arael Fortress, Count Shianella.”
“Since the Young Master is standing, how could we sit idly by? You can trust us.”
After entrusting the unit to the officers, I began to move.
‘Abel had gone with Princess Rephelia…’
It made sense to greet the commander upon arriving at Arael Fortress.
And it seemed unthinkable to visit Count Ainel without Shione.
With that in mind, I headed toward the midpoint of the two posts, and soon I spotted Shione.
“Princess Shione, have you been waiting long?”
“No, I was just looking around the area. It felt somewhat similar to what was happening back at the Count’s House a while ago.”
“……”
“They’ve surely been in multiple battles to protect the fortress… and without knowing when the next fight will begin, they probably haven’t slept soundly. I can’t help but worry for my mother.”
Shione, who had a look of worry on her face, shook it off and said.
“Let’s not dawdle here; we should hurry. Seeing her face will resolve everything.”
With determined strides to erase her worries, Shione led the way.
I simply followed quietly behind her.
*
“Enter.”
“Excuse me, Commander. I have news to share.”
“News? Has the scout team returned safely?”
“…The scout team’s news has not yet reached the fortress. However, the Special Mission Team and Baron Karpel’s forces have just arrived at the fortress.”
The icy gaze of Ainel rekindled with life.
“Princess Shione Shianella and Baron Ray Karpel have requested to speak with the commander.”
Her lips, which had seemed to forget how to move, curved upward ever so slightly.
From her opposite side, Adelhaite couldn’t help but smile warmly.
“Wonderful news. I’ll step away for a moment, and I simply hope the Count enjoys his time here.”
This smile marked the first time the Count had shown genuine warmth since his arrival at Arael Fortress.