Month: January 2022

The LN is out today for some online store (Japanese), as for the other, it’ll be one 2/2.

5. Chapter 5

“Youth-sama, it seems that the Highserk Empire’s armies that have gathered in the Sarria City, have started to move.”

“Oh, finally huh.”

The sovereign ruler Youth Myard, called by one of his retainers, nodded slowly. People moved hurriedly around the room. They lined up the pieces on the widely distributed map in front of him.

Youth had already requested assistance from the Ferrius Kingdom, the suzerain, for help through a magic tool. He had also sent postal riders to the surrounding villages and towns and had begun to assemble militias.

“In the Ferrius Kingdom, Winston-sama seems to lead the soldiers directly.”

“It looks like Ferrius is serious this time.”

Winston Ferrius was the younger brother of King Ferrius, and he gained a lot of trust from the king because he had experience in combat. The fact that Winston would be the commander meant that the Ferrius Kingdom wasn’t willing to let go of Myard. Moreover, Youth was convinced that he’d lead the decisive battle with the eyesore, Highserk’s army.

When Youth looked out of the window of the room, the post riders were just about to cross the gate.

“It’s been five years since the last battle, it’s been so long but unexpectedly short at the same time.”

Although there were deep-rooted dissenting opinions from the surroundings, Youth carried out scorched earth tactics and left the Kanoa Kingdom. People said that he sold his heart to a monster and lost his mind. He endured the intolerable, endured them, built border fortresses and trained his troops. Ferrius kingdom, which became the suzerain, suffered many humiliating treatments.

All of that was for this time, this moment. Nevertheless, Youth knew very well that people on the borders were doing their best to buy time.

The Highserk Empire that survived the crucible of war could be described as a nation specialized in war, and many peasants there were accustomed to battle.

Youth, was one of the people who made a terrible mistake in evaluating the Highserk Empire. After all, the majority disregarded it as just a country whose national power had fallen due to a series of battles.

In reality, it was a hungry wolf with a thin body, but its fangs and claws were sharpened. And he had tasted how sharp they were. That was the reason why Youth had been preparing for its attack for the whole five years.

“Should we move the troops at Lake Celta too?”

A vassal pointed to a piece on the map that had not yet been moved.

Besides the Highserk Empire and the Ferrius Kingdom, the other two countries were separated by Lake Celta, so the size of the fleet was not exactly small. The troop strength alone was almost 700 soldiers, but if he moved the navy to land, he would only lose capable soldiers, so Youth wasn’t willing to move them.

“Half of the navy can’t play an active part in the land battle. They don’t have to move.”

And then there was the fact that he had to be prepared for an attack that might come there. After all, there was a connection to the Craist Kingdom and the Liberitoa Trade Federation, and most importantly, there was ‘that.’ When Youth saw ‘that’ for the first time, he had no choice but to fall over, even though he was embarrassed. Then he remembered a report he hadn’t yet addressed.

“If I’m not mistaken… The Craist Kingdom asked the cooperation of our navy for dealing with ‘that’?”

“Yes, I heard they needed a harbor pilot ――really, they’re useless.”

Even a decent navy could not save itself from ‘that’. Youth understood why the Craist Kingdom offered to cooperate with Myard, which had the largest navy on the huge lake, so to speak.

At that moment, Youth thought that in this international situation, there would be no lose in gaining one’s favor.

“Cooperate with them to a reasonable degree”

Youth switched gears in his head and listened to the report that came in. But no matter how optimistic he was, the situation at the border could become hopeless.

Even if he sent troops now, there was a great danger that they would all be annihilated before troops from all over the country could gather, and it would be too late for reinforcements from the Ferrius Kingdom.

In this case, of course, the battlefield would be limited. Considering the logistics and the strain on the soldiers, Youth looked at the most suitable land on the map for defense. He pointed to the two highest hills and pointed to the Lilev plain, a plain in front of the capital, Aidenberg

“We will prepare a wedding hall and hold a grand ball for Gerard and his minions.”

◆

The gathered Highserk army couldn’t fit on the training ground in the fort and poured into the nearby vacant lots and boulevards.

The Liguria battalion, the one in command of Duwei’s squad, had arrived early. As a battalion with ample combat experience against the Liberitoa Trade Federation, they were given the honor of standing in the prestigious place, the training ground where it would be visible to see the commander of the entire army, who would be delivering a speech before the battle against Myard’s army.

From the side, it might have looked as if the battalion was wrapped in glory, but Walm didn’t think that way. He thought it looked as if he were in a ceremony to hear the principal’s speech.

The three idiots seemed to have enjoyed the free time, perhaps too much, for their faces were pale from lack of sleep and alcohol.

It was only a matter of time before the armor would be roasted from direct sunlight and the one wearing it would start to complain. If this was the battlefield, Walm had to spit curses here and there.

Even if it was plain, it was a ceremony before the war to annex Myard. Anyone here could easily imagine what was about to happen.

The fully equipped soldiers lined up and faced the podium on which the commander climbed without averting his eyes.

An idol would have a pale face given this much attention.

The decorations that decorated the stage were blood-soaked armor. A total of 9 battalions, 18,000 soldiers, in front of such a large number of soldiers, the man who was the main character of this war stood on the podium prepared in a higher place than others.

From a long distance, his gray hair especially stood out. Even though the man had a medium-sized body, an intimidating atmosphere could be felt from him. His unwavering confidence and mental built by experience could be seen in his eyes.

The sounds on the training ground completely disappeared with the appearance of the leading character. The man slowly opened his mouth…

“You did well to be here. I’m Gerard Berger, the leader of this army.”

He was the war god of the Highserk Empire, who had participated in all the wars for 30 years, since the Highserk Empire was just a small nation and won the wars. An old general who was known in the neighboring countries as the Devil of Highserk.

The Aleinard Forest Alliance, the Galmud archipelago, and the Republic of Maylis, these three immovable powers had dismissed the long-running war over the Highserk Empire as a minor skirmish, but still, no one had made a fool of Gerard Berger.

“Veteran soldiers who have won skirmishes with Myard, men of valor who have experienced how to fight those riches of Liberitoa, and strong men who have beaten monsters every day in the demon territory are gathering here in Sarria City. All of you are the symbol of our pride Empire.”

Although he used magic tools, his words echoed not only in the training ground, but also in the surrounding streets and vacant lots. Not only the Highserk army, but also the residents of Sarria City leaned out of the windows, and some stood on the main street listening to the speech.

“As you all know, it’s been five years since the Kanoa Kingdom fell for the sweet words of the Ferrius Kingdom and started a war with our country. Did the war end and life return to the way it was before?”

Gerard took a deep breath and continued,

“The answer is no. Because Duke Myard and the Ferrius Kingdom betrayed the Kanoa Kingdom. Even if I don’t tell you what they did, the Sarria’s citizens that joined our army know it more than enough. But today, let me say it, when they fell into inferiority, they abandoned more than half of their compatriots, burned down the fields that feed the people, and took away food and livestock.”

The typical scorched earth tactic that has been repeated throughout history was also used in the Kanoa Kingdom.

Not only military facilities, but also houses, fields, and forests were burned, and food was taken away. Then those Myard’s soldiers and the Ferrius army retreated to the designated defense line.

Although the Highserk Empire had won many victories, it was difficult for them to transport supplies into the inner part of the enemy country, so they had to rely on local procurement.

In the Highserk Empire, there was a so-called transportation line, which was a combination of rivers and warehouses, but the lack of magic bags and wagons, the important key of logistics, in the enemy territory made it impossible to advance further.

The Ferrius Kingdom and Myard also intended to push back the Highserk Empire from the areas that had failed to get supplies locally, but since the Highserk Empire had a good line of communication, they failed to prevent the Highserk army from transporting goods to the occupied areas of the East Kanoa Kingdom. The Highserk Empire somehow managed to provide food to the citizens to the point that they didn’t starve, but they couldn’t eat a filling meal either. And it took five years to rebuild the occupied territories.

During these five years, neither Ferrius nor Myard remained quiet on the sidelines. Although troops were sent several times to retake the land, they always failed. They tried to disrupt the movement of the soldiers by revolting in the city, but this failed because they didn’t understand the resentment of the citizens.

“With the elite of Sarria City, let’s put an end to the five-year war with them. Be Brave! Overrun your enemies! Everything you want is in Myard! Tell those people of Myard and Ferrius who they are waging war with. Death to them!!!”

” “DEATH TO THEM!!!!” “

When Gerard Berger the podium, the soldiers reacted as if the training ground had exploded. Some loudly stepped on the ground and raised their spears. Some slammed their shields and swords. Walm read the air and participated. Some were like him, just trying to fit in well. But more than half seemed really excited about it.

The speech maximized the morale of the soldiers. The veteran commander was really good at inciting people, and he was exactly the heroic figure of the military nation born after a protracted war.

The city itself seemed to shake with the heat of the people. Although there were many defensive wars, the militarism of the Highserk Empire could be called invasive.

Even though it couldn’t be said that what the Highserk Empire was doing was right, the endless hellish war could end after they get rid of Myard and the Ferrius Kingdom. Maybe then, the lives of the citizens of the Highserk Empire would be better.

Such expectations arose in Walm.

The movement began with the afterglow of speech that had lingered around the unit. A bloodthirsty soldier, an excited warhorse, began to move.

And so, the fire of the Myard annexation war was about to be lit.

TN: Here, an image of the character design of Willart, the only Magic User of Duwei’s Squad

Willart (Character Design 1)

TN: Join my discord channel if you want.

4. Chapter 4

Six days after the Goblin subjugation requested by the village, Duwei’s squad arrived at the annexed former Kanoa Kingdom. 

When you saw the villages in the annexed land, you could see the scars left by the war five years ago.

Further to the northwest and you would reach a city adjacent to the Myard territory called, “Sarria”.

Beyond the defense wall of the city, there was a river and moat. And now, Sarria City was used as a fort by Highserk Empire.

Sarria City, connected by tributaries with the other places of the Highserk Empire, was an ideal place to replenish supplies and troops for the battle against Myard. An army unit, at least the size of a battalion, was always stationed in this area.

In the upcoming invasion, the battalions came from all directions. In total, there were 9 battalions, or about 18,000 soldiers, who gathered there for the capture of Myard.

Sarria was the last city of the Kanoa Kingdom to surrender to the Highserk Empire, but even after five years, the walls and stone bridges were still left with traces of destruction by magic and stone.

After passing through the castle gate and entering the city, you could see that the main street was lined with stores and private houses.

Many of the goods sold there were more expensive than in the other cities in the Highserk territory, especially food. When Walm was a farmer, he couldn’t afford such prices.

Many of the citizens who walked the streets were thin, you couldn’t even say they had a normal proportion. The only exception was the army of the Highserk Empire stationed there.

After reaching Fort Sarria, Duwei’s squad, resting on the training ground, were awaited by…

“The whole army hasn’t gathered as planned yet. Rejoice, today is free time.”

“Hufff! Free time is the best”

“Are you going to drink first? Or straight, a woman?”

“Isn’t it okay to have both at the same time?”

Reinus, Tibird, and Danfan. The three idiots disappeared into the back alley right after they heard it. Seeing this, Commander Duwei grumbled while holding his temples in his hand.

“Oi, it’s not over yet. Seriously… well, I guess it’s okay to leave them alone for now?”

Considering the limited time, perhaps they were right to stay true to their own desires.

After all, their empire kept colliding with several neighboring countries, large and small. Even Walm had long forgotten the word “peacetime.”

Since Walm started serving in the military, he was stranded on the battlefield, playing deadly battles for survival and spending his noncombat time on training grounds and exercise.

And now, they had been given free time just like that? For such an army, that sounded like an incredible story. Walm even thought it was a new kind of training.

“F-free time?”

Showing fear of things that normal people would be happy about, Walm asked, startled.

Squad Commander Duwei answered with a stern look, because he had discovered something strange in Walm’s reaction.

“Yeah, do you hate it?”

“N-No, that’s not the case …”

“Of course, right. Well, you can do whatever you want just like them. Alcohol, cigarettes, or women. It’ll be a big and long battle soon. Live without regrets. But, keep strict on the meeting time. Be in the formation at sunrise. If you’re late, you’ll be whipped.”

As soon as Squad Commander Duwei clapped his hand, the rest of the members scattered like birds and disappeared in all directions of the city. Only he, Jose, and Walm remained.

“So, what’re you gonna do Walm?”

“Ah, uh, hmm… what should I do…”

At Jose’s question, Walm didn’t know what to do with the short-lived free time he’d just been given.

After all, Walm grew up in the countryside and never left the village until he was drafted into military service.

In the first place, when he was in the countryside, except for when he was tinkering with soil, he primarily collected wild plants and hunted monsters in the forest. The opportunity to do something freely had long disappeared. 

To be suddenly ordered, “Do whatever you want”, of course, Walm couldn’t help but get confused.

“How can you have no desires.”

“I’m going to have a drink with Commander Duwei. He’s been there once, so he’s the perfect guide for the tavern. And more than that, it’s with an inn. How about coming with us, Walm?”

Since the lifeboat was coming, Walm accepted the offer and followed them without giving it a second thought.

They turned from the main street into a side street. 

From locals to soldiers looking for the store, to beggars, they passed with various kinds of people.

In a corner of the back alley, a woman was standing, saying…

“How about tonight?”

It was a thin teenage girl. You could almost see the bones of her body, which should be roundish, peculiar to a normal woman.

The girl called out randomly to the soldiers passing by.

Then, she came to Walm…

“How about tonight?”

“No, I don’t need it”

The other two didn’t seem to be enthusiastic either.

Rejected by Walm and all the other members, the girl bit her cheeks and turned her face to the ground.

“Buy something with this”

Walm gave her a few bronze coins, knowing that this wasn’t an action that could be called a solution. Nevertheless, the girl smiled a little and thanked Walm.

It was the money that I stole from the corpse. I’m sure the coins will be more pleased to disappear in her stomach than to disappear in the soldier’s liquor and cigarettes.

After that, she disappeared into the back alley without showing a happy expression on her face.

“Feeding them again? Walm, keep it moderate, okay?”

Shouted Jose, who was standing behind Walm, to him. Walm frowned at the vulgar words.

“She was smart, so it’s all good, but if she’d been too happy, you’d have been surrounded by a lot of beggars by now.”

Walm looked around and saw people and children who’d lost their limbs to the war begging for money. And the truth was that he wouldn’t be able to give everyone the same.

“…Yeah, right. I’ll be careful next time.”

Maybe Jose was satisfied with that answer, because he nodded in satisfaction.

“I’m not saying it’s meaningless, just that, if anything, it’s better to give it for something in return. Even I, would be reluctant to do it in this kind of place or in front of other guys.”

As Walm followed Jose’s line of sight, he saw other soldiers disappear into the back alley. And when he focused his ear to listen, he could hear a sweet voice coming from the darkness, from the gaps between the houses. Somehow, he had the feeling that the voices of the three idiots were mixed there.

“That’s not a managed prostitute. The area where the brothels are located, is far from here. Since many soldiers have gathered for this war, amateurs are starting to prostitute themselves because they want some living expenses. And if they get found out, there’ll be disputes.”

The red-light district was a complex structure of concessions. And in any world, many people would take radical measures to protect existing businesses.

Squad Commander Duwei continued deep into the alley, not caring about the people. In the first place, he looked scary, and the only one who was called was Walm.

“But, even though you’ve killed so many on the battlefield, you’re ignorant in a strange place, eh, Walm? You’re not a priest, nor a knight who values ​​chivalry, so it’s a little bit of meaningless action, if you want me to say. No matter how far we go, we’re just soldiers.”

Jose was like Walm, he was drafted. But his background was a little unusual. He was the fourth son of a merchant. There would have been another option for him, such as living as a servant to another merchant, but he said making money on the battlefield was the surest way to have a wagon or a business.

Nevertheless, Jose had adapted to survive on the battlefield and had already changed his way of thinking. Walm, on the other hand, still could not get rid of the mindset from his previous life, nor could he throw it away

As Walm listened to Jose without denying or affirming it, Squad Commander Duwei lonelily muttered.

“Originally, this place, which used to be part of the Kanoa Kingdom, was fertile land. Because of the war, it became like this.”

“I see, so it wasn’t originally like this?”

Jose, who seemed interested in this topic, asked Squad Commander Duwei.

“Five years ago, Kanoa interfered with the Highserk Empire, which kept expanding its borders. We somehow managed to win the war and even captured a village. You see, they used the beans I usually eat as feed for their livestock.”

With these words, Squad Commander Duwei took out a pouch from his bag. The contents were beans, which Walm had eaten many times during the march. Walm had eaten them often because Squad Commander Duwei used them as an ingredient for the hot pot.

“And now, it became like this. The former Kanoa nobleman, Grand Duke Myard, abandoned the Kanoa Kingdom and went to the neighboring country, Ferrius Kingdom. But, the army dispatched from Ferrius and the runaway soldiers took livestock from the other territories of Kanoa Kingdom, mowed the paddy fields in the area, and burned down the fields. The Highserk Empire which lacked troops postponed the invasion until now. “

“Ahh, really. That’s terrible.”

Jose shook his head and seemed tired of it.

Scorched earth tactics would be very effective for troops dependent on enemy territory, even in a world where logistics circulated through magic bags, horses, and animals stronger than in the normal world. And the Highserk Empire had a hard time sustaining itself.

“Grand Duke Myard gave up on his territory once, but although not much, he wanted to provide food support, as he planned to take the territory back. But, the grudge of the former citizens of the Kanoa Kingdom against Grand Duke Myard and the Ferrius Kingdom is heavier than that directed at the Highserk Empire. Well, when you got betrayed by the one you trusted the most, anyone will get angry, right?”

“I was worried when I heard that a battalion consisting of former citizens of the Kanoa Kingdom would also participate in this war, but it seems, it’ll be okay.”

And so, Walm was able to deepen his knowledge of the Kanoa Kingdom.

As they continued to talk about it, they finally arrived at the tavern.

It was a two-story building with a bar on the first floor and an inn on the second. The outside wall was dirty with soot that might have been created during cooking, and the front door was covered with small scratches as if it had been smashed before.

As they pushed the door in, the brass bell signaling that a customer had entered the store sounded softly inside.

Seated at the table near the counter were five Highserk soldiers and in the back of the store, there were men, perhaps regulars, neatly dressed and well-tailored

Walm decided that these people might be the merchants of the city, judging by their appearance.

Together with Commander Duwei and Jose, Walm sat down at the table, away from the two groups.

“Today, it’s my treat. You see, two newcomers have survived their first battle. It’s been a while since Walm.”

Hearing this, Jose whistled happily while Walm smiled complacently.

Squad Commander Duwei raised his hand and averted his eyes, and the host came from the back of the counter.

“Give us three ales and a bottle of wine, also are there any dishes that can be made immediately?”

For a moment the host made a thoughtful gesture, before giving a reply.

“We can serve the soup with hard-baked bread, buffalo, onions, and beans as soon as we heat it, also there’s enough catfish for three people.”

“Give me both for the three people. The catfish should be fried.”

The host nodded and disappeared into the kitchen. Perhaps the other guests had already been served, because the soup and bread, along with the beer, were brought earlier than Walm had expected.

“Following the Liberitoa’s border, may we be victorious against Myard!”

Saying so, Squad Commander Duwei raised the mug. 

Walm didn’t hesitate to hit the mug vigorously. 

CLANG!!

After a rumbling sound, they drank the contents in one go.

It was a kind of custom, but for soldiers who lived in war, they just had to toast exaggeratedly when they had a drink.

Walm was taught that soldiers who didn’t do this were considered unreliable.

The host poured more ale into the cup while carefully checking to see if they wanted anything else or not.

Walm cut the bread into bite-sized pieces, soaked them in the soup, and threw them into his mouth. The umami that overflowed from the buffalo meat, the rich taste of onions and beans spread in his mouth.

He stabbed the ingredients sunk into the soup with a fork and brought it to his mouth. The hard buffalo meat was also properly softened. The beans also boiled moderately, and as he chewed lightly, he could feel the texture of meat, onions, and beans balancing each other out.

“I thought I was tired of having a bean soup, but with the ingredients and the skill of the cook, it turned out better than I expected.”

While Walm praised the food, Jose nodded in agreement.

“Well, usually, there were many half-cooked things inside.”

After they finished the soup, fried catfish was on the table. The catfish fillet was cut into three pieces, but since it was a whole fish for each person, Walm reached out, thinking it would be quite satisfying to eat.

Walm brought it into his mouth with a fork. After the texture of the crust, the taste of catfish spread on his tongue. Since it was white meat, the light flavor blended well with the crust, and he felt he could eat as much as he wanted.

“Fried catfish, is the best”

For Walm, who had grown up in a rich food culture in his previous life, eating only baked or boiled food was torture. Especially when he could enjoy it in an environment where he didn’t have to think about late-night attacks or morning runs. As expected, nothing could beat the feeling of being able to eat nice food in a safe space.

“When was the last time we had fish? Was it before the dispatch to the Liberitoa’s border? Well, that was also a river fish, but yeah, catfish is better.”

Squad Commander Duwei, who was in a good mood, immediately finished the ale and reached for the wine bottle.

Duwei, Jose, and Walm drinking Illustration

“Like this, eat and drink”

As prompted, Walm finished the rest of the ale and poured the wine into the empty cup. It had a strong acidity, but was suitable to balance the oil taste in the mouth.

The sun hadn’t yet set, but there was nothing to stop them from drinking liquor. 

Forgetting everything, Walm continued to enjoy the food and drink in front of him.

TN: Here, an image of the character design of Jose and Squad Commander Duwei

Jose (Character Design 1)

Duwei (Character Design 1)

TN: Join my discord channel if you want.

3. Chapter 3

The devastated Liberitoa Trade Federation retreated far beyond its claimed borders and rebuilt its position around the rivers.

A dry moat and a dam built with earth magic, the items from the magic bag and carriages formed a fortress that could be called a night castle. The Liberitoa Trade Federation, lacking sufficient manpower, and the Highserk Empire, preferring the status quo, reluctantly continued the war.

On such a stalemated front, the prisoners of war were released when the Liberitoa side paid the ransom.

The release of aristocrats and high-ranking military officers occurred as Walm expected, but ordinary soldiers were also paid by the Liberitoa Trade Federation.

Fortunately, a great aristocrat who owned a labyrinth issued a large magic silver coin in a lump sum. For this reason, Walm and the other members of Duwei’s squad guarded the area for the exchange of prisoners.

“Perhaps, I was born in the wrong country.”

As Walm muttered this, he was hit in the flank.

It was Jose, his comrade.

“Oi oi, you’re lucky you’re in this squad, if it’s under other commanders, you’ll be sunk in the river, you know?”

Many ferryboats made a round trip on the river, and prisoners of war were carried across the river. Many archers and soldiers who could use magic were stationed on the opposite bank of the river to protect against surprise attacks.

There was even a large ballista stationed there.

Hmm, I wonder from where did they bring that?

Seeing that, Walm had no choice but to be amazed

The Highserk Empire, on the other hand, also had some sort of troops that could attack the opposite bank. Although, if it were to be compared… if the troops on the opposite bank were a regular army, the troops on Walm’s side were just a bunch of bandits wearing the equipment of a regular army.

If you were going to war as a soldier, you might choose to side with the Highserk Empire, but if you were spending your time as a citizen, the Liberitoa Trade Federation might be better. But of course, you didn’t know how people lived in other countries. So there was no point in comparing them.

POWs (Prisoners of war) passed by Walm’s side. 

From their clothes and skin condition, you could guess that these people must be high-ranking people who could pay the ransom individually.

On the opposite bank, human dramas were playing out, such as those of the scolded and those of the embraced. As a boring threepenny opera played endlessly before his eyes, Walm felt like he had heartburn. His colleague Jose was also desperately holding back his yawns.

Walm, who couldn’t afford to look away and abandon his mission, turned his gaze back to the line of people. Next in line were the low-status people. There were 200 prisoners of war, and there were endless lines waiting for the ferry.

As Walm looked around among the prisoners, the one who had dug the grave the other day passed by. The moment their eyes met, the guy hurriedly averted his gaze.

Unlike then, there was no blood in the armor, and the spear and sword, dirty after use, were clean. But still, he was obviously frightened.

The POWs were scared and had no meals. Even if one bothered to cook something digestible, the prisoners seemed to think it contained poison. At the time, Walm said, “Do you think we would use such a confusing and time-consuming method?”. From what he understood, it was better to stab a sword than to use poison, which was also difficult to hold.

That said, they left an empty grave as ordered. Of course, it wasn’t to bury them but to bury those who died from their severe injuries and couldn’t survive the night. But, the prisoners of war weren’t convinced by this explanation.

The Battalion Commander’s order, that the prisoners had to dig many graves to expend their energy to prevent a prisoner uprising, backfired.

After the last soldier was seen off, the prisoner exchange ended without incident. And so the farewell party was finally over.

Walm hoped that the stalemate would continue.

But the struggle between the Highserk Empire, which wanted to maintain its territory across the river, and the Liberitoa Trade Federation, which wanted to push its territory back to its claimed border, would likely continue.

◆

As the construction of the camp for the frontier progressed, troops were withdrawn one by one, and the battalion to which Walm belonged was the first.

Since moving 2,000 men was a strain on logistics, some of the platoons and companies had to change roads on their way to the designated location.

Several platoons and squads were tasked to move from the southeastern Liberitoa Trade Federation to the annexed former territory of the Kanoa Kingdom in the northwest, where territorial disputes were still ongoing. Duwei’s squad was one of them.

Walm was ordered to subdue the goblins that nested near the water source. Even though not as accustomed to killing humans, he was accustomed to killing monsters too.

There were many corpses on the battlefield, which pleased the monsters. For them it was like a buffet. To drive away the persistently disturbing guests again and again was a familiar task for Walm.

If left unattended after killing them, the corpses would turn into a ghoul or undead. And if that happened, you might have to take their lives not just once or twice to let them rest in peace. But since you have already killed them once, it might be easier on your nerves if you have to kill them again.

In most countries, defeating monsters and exploring mazes were often adventurer tasks, but some countries, like the Highserk Empire, rejected the adventurer system per se.

The Highserk Empire, which could be said to have more troops than the other department, couldn’t afford to let the soldier rest. Therefore, Walm was also made to do the adventurer’s job too.

It was as if the army was dispatched to exterminate the pests just because they were in the field.

But as could be expected, if a high-class monster appeared, a special unit was dispatched, but if it was a group of low-threat goblins, they were cleaned up by the surrounding squad or platoon.

That said, some villagers, who weren’t even trained, were expected to subdue a small number of goblins or even orcs themselves. Even Walm had a hard time fighting off goblins and orcs a few times during his youth in the village.

According to information from the nearby village, more than 50 goblins were initially sighted and some were exterminated by the villagers, but one day a man and woman working in the river were attacked and taken away.

After that, the goblins that got to taste humans began to appear around the village, and the damage to livestock increased. Since further damage was expected as the number of goblins increased, it was then decided to dispatch the army there.

Led by Commander Duwei, the squad left the village and headed into the forest.

The forest was roughly flat land, although there were slight ups and downs. Unlike demon territory, where powerful monsters were subdued, here there were only low-class monsters.

Walm continued walking, but when he saw that Squad Commander Duwei suddenly stopped, not only he, but also the others stopped.

“Hoi, listen carefully, in about half an hour, it’ll be their nest. The footprints and animal trails are piling up. Don’t let your guard down.”

Squad Commander Duwei was considered an alert fighter who surpassed even many Platoon commanders in combat techniques, but it was also easy to understand why such a veteran wasn’t elected Platoon Commander.

Squad Commander Duwei was basically an optimist who could afford anything for better and was a bit rough for worse. Walm was convinced that it must be difficult for such a person to be a Platoon Commander or higher, who might have to do paperwork in a building, to demonstrate his true worth.

More than that, Squad Commander Duwei himself hated the position of Platoon Commander itself as he would be expected to do complicated work.

The member of Duwei’s squad moved forward cautiously, following the path taken by the one before them, slowly disposing of the branches that had become entangled in their sword and armor.

Cloth was wrapped around the places where the metal could easily rub against something else. Walm was no exception. The cloth he used belonged to a soldier he had fought in battle the other day and no longer needed.

Although Walm was reluctant to remove a dead person’s clothing, now, if he thought it necessary, he would do and take anything

The deeper they went into the forest, the greater the distance between the dense vegetation also became.

The members were crawling on the ground, but then all eyes focused on one point.

What they saw was a small humanoid, the size of a child. The teeth were pronounced canines and the ears were more pointed than a human’s. The skin was green with noticeable breakouts and irregularities. There was no doubt about it, it was a goblin like Walm was used to.

In the goblins’ hands were mostly primitive stone spears, clubs, or farming tools that perhaps, were stolen from somewhere. Another thing Walm had learned from experience: intelligent monsters were troublesome when they were in a group.

How should I kill it…

Just when Walm thought that, he was selected by Squad Commander Duwei.

With a gesture, Walm was ordered to kill. He nodded slowly, left the formation and moved towards the goblins’ side without changing his stance.

Walm carefully chose where to place his feet, dodging branches and fallen leaves. As the distance drew closer, his breathing became thinner and thinner.

After lightly moistening his dry lips, Walm squeezed the back of the spear handle and pierced the throat with one blow.

The goblin that the spear had pierced died on the spot without making a sound. While supporting the goblin, who was about to collapse, with the spear, he laid him on the ground and dragged him. A companion joined and hid the corpse in the shade of a tree.

Squad Commander Duwei tapped Walm on the shoulder and told him,

“Good job. That was a good skill you showed there.”

Soon after, the squad arrived at their destination without encountering any of them

The goblin nest was located several dozen meters away from the goblin guard. It was a small cliff where branches and earth were used to build dwellings, and the caves of the cliff were also used as a nest. Looking at it, one could hardly think it was a naturally formed object, so it had to be an artificial cave.

Walm, keeping his posture low, slowly poked his eyes through the gaps between the vegetation to look at it

30 Goblins could be seen within the visible range. Bones were scattered near the fire. Livestock such as buffalo and goats could be seen. Wild boars, a kind of monster, were also among them. And finally, human skulls could be seen laying around.

It must be the kidnapped villager’s…

Walm wasn’t surprised by what he saw because it was one of the end routes for people who had been abducted by demons. Violated, killed and eaten… that was their basic behavior.

“Willart, do it.”

The Squad Commander ordered one of his men. There was no prior interaction, but everyone, including Walm, could understand what was going to happen.

Willart went forward without making any response. He was a quiet man with a hobby of shaving all over his body when he had time. But he was a talented man in the squad and was respected by the others.

Willart concentrated his mana on his hand, and soon a fireball appeared. He was the only ‘Magic User’ in the squad and was relied on in a wide range of fields, from fighting to cooking.

The fireball hit the center of the nest and caused an explosion. The bones were scattered by the blast, as were the goblins. Even the goblins in the vicinity had suffered severe burns.

The goblins were frozen by the sudden event. The other members of the squad, on the other hand, knew what to do, and for Walm it was as if fireworks were setting off a feast.

The members of the squad immediately closed the gap without raising their voices and used their weapons to kill their prey.

Walm was no exception to this example. He pierced the abdomen of the absent-minded goblin twice with a spear and crushed its fallen head with his feet.

One of the goblins, running back and forth, didn’t know whether to flee or fight back and turned its back to him, unprotected. The result was that the spear went straight from the back into the abdomen.

Goblin, a monster with high vitality, although it was ranked at the lowest. Even if you left wounds that would normally stop humans, the Goblin could still crawl and try to escape. If it escaped, it could gain wisdom and become a troublesome opponent in the future. So Walm had no intention of letting one of them get away.

Walm held the spear with his other hand and swung it downward toward the goblin’s neck. After a moment of twitching, the goblin stopped moving.

As the smoke began to clear, a shadow appeared at the edge of Walm’s field of vision. It was a goblin with a club, knocking the corpse to the ground.

Walm slashed the spear horizontally, severing both of the goblin’s eyes and making it wince in pain. Then he stabbed and killed the goblin, who unreasonably swung a club around that could become a troublesome thing if not stopped.

The other members of the squad also killed about the same number.

Commander Duwei used his skill《Strike》to bounce three goblins at once. One of the goblins had its body split in two and the other two had their heads blown off.

The rest of the goblins were overflowing from the cave, but as soon as they came out, they became prey to blades and blunt weapons.

“Reinus, Tibird, Danfan, take half and clean up the leftover on the outside. The others come with me. The spear won’t be useful. Use your sword. Willart, gives us some light.”

Walm was selected as a member of the group for the cave assault. The command for the one who stayed outside was entrusted to the so-called ‘three idiots’ who’d a lot of combat experience.

Because of the narrow cave, the spears were thrust to the outside ground and the group charged through the cave with a longsword and a round shield in hand.

“<Torch>”

As Squad Commander advanced unconcerned deep into the cave, Willart, who was right behind him, used magic and the inside of the cave was illuminated by flames.

It was the goblins who were surprised. The goblins, accustomed to the darkness, brandished their weapons, but what awaited them was a stormy attack from Squad Commander Duwei.

In the end, Walm had to kill the goblins hiding in the dents and pretending to be dead… although, in reality, they would die―― by the longsword in his hand. In the back, there was an open space about the size of a classroom.

Because of the poor ventilation, the smell soon got into Walm’s nasal passage.

Walm wanted to raise his voice to complain, but he couldn’t, because there were still goblins left and also their leader.

Their leader, an adult, human-sized goblin――the Hobgoblin – bravely raised a rusty sword it might have picked up somewhere. No matter how brave the hobgoblin was, Walm couldn’t help but feel sorry for the monster.

After all, the opponent was Squad Commander Duwei. 

Despite its size, the time it took the hobgoblin to be slashed was about the same as other goblins.

The hobgoblin fell to the ground covered in blood, was stabbed again as a precaution, but as expected it was dead

While Walm was scrutinizing for any other omissions, he noticed a shadow behind the pile of straw that looked like the goblin’s bed.

It was… not a goblin, but a woman who was there. Scratches were engraved all over her body, the ones on her shoulders and back were especially severe.

Walm guessed why she had survived, even though the other man had been eaten. It was because goblins could use the belly of other creatures to reproduce.

“Are you still alive? I’ve come to help.”

Walm called out to her, who didn’t move. What he got was only a short reply.

“Ki-kill me.”

Walm took some time to chew over the words he’d thrown. He called out again and shook the girl’s shoulders, but the response was the same. He looked around, but no one spoke.

“Ple-ase, k-kill me.”

Only Commander Duwei, who nodded slowly. Walm’s instinct and heart tried with all their might to stop him from killing another person, but at the same time, the “reason” in his head was also working hard.

The limbs that had been crushed into a goblin birthing bag wouldn’t heal naturally, of course, but neither would ordinary recovery magic be any of help.

I guess, the wounds carved on the whole body won’t heal nor the mind either...

If she goes back to her village, could she live like a normal person again?

―― Walm wanted someone to do it for him. In any case, someone had to do it. If Walm didn’t do it, someone in the squad would have to suffer in his place.

And so, Walm decided.

When Walm thrust the tip of his sword against the girl’s skin, she groaned softly. The tip of the sword penetrated the gap between her ribs and reached her heart with a thud.

Walm stared at her, who stopped moving at all. Ironically, his face remained calm. It was the first time he had killed a woman. Although the woman was at death’s door and should have been grateful to him―― still, he couldn’t help but look down at the dirty sword and the woman who had stopped breathing again and again. Before he knew it, Commander Duwei was standing next to him.

“I’ll do it. It’s a hindrance if you keep standing there. Go outside, have a drink, and take a break.”

What was offered was an expensive distilled liquor in a hip flask.

“It’s the one I got from the Liberitoa’s people. It’s not to my taste.”

Walm never thought that such a word would come out of Commander Duwei’s mouth, because he always drank everything like water

Walm staggered out and sat down with his back against the foot of the big tree.

The unrefined fighting-loving three idiots said nothing to Walm, perhaps because they had noticed that something was wrong with him.

Walm put his hand on the chinstrap, took off the helmet and let it roll to the ground. The chain rang as if to protest. The scalp exposed to the outside air felt pleasant. While stroking the stuffy and itchy head, he opened the lid of the flask and brought it to his mouth.

The smell of alcohol rose to his nose and his throat and stomach immediately became hot. But soon the taste disappeared, leaving a faint, sweet aftertaste on his tongue.

The time was still early in the morning. In contrast to his cloudy heart, the blue sky beyond the trees was cloudless.

After spitting one swear word, Walm once again gulped the liquor.

TN: Here, an image of the character design of Walm

Walm (Character Design 1)

TN: Join my discord channel if you want.