Chapter: 354
After a final breather in the Hablem Duchy, the Central Army moved toward the border, merging with the two divisions already stationed there, forming a complete force of 250,000. Let’s not even think about how much money was poured into gathering this expeditionary force. Wars eat money like a bottomless pit, don’t they?
But it’s a bit scary, you know? Just moving about has already racked up a hefty expenditure. Just imagine how much money is going to be used like trash once the real war kicks off.
‘Is this a professional hazard?’
In the past, I wouldn’t have worried about money before a war. Guess I’ve become somewhat of a bureaucrat in the Finance Ministry after all.
And thinking of the Minister who would have bled over budget plans just makes me chuckle a bit. That martial warrior from the last war is now the Finance Minister, working on budgets. Life really is unpredictable!
“Executive Manager, Your Highness has summoned you.”
“Got it. I’ll head there right away.”
I stood up at the voice calling from outside the tent.
One more step and I’d cross into the Northern territory—not Imperial land anymore. The high command is all gathered in one place, so this will probably be the last meeting we have on Imperial soil.
When I return to the Empire, I hope the meeting is for preparing a victory celebration.
*
Unlike the last meeting, the Northern and Western commanders were also present, making even the tent of the Vice Captain feel cramped. I was genuinely worried some of them might have to stand.
Of course, the close aides of the Vice Captain aren’t incompetent enough to mess up the seating arrangements; everyone managed to get a seat.
“Thank you for your patience, everyone. I know many of you are eager to cross the border at once, but well done in keeping it under control.”
“Your words are too kind, Your Highness.”
Seated at the head of the table, the Vice Captain praised the efforts of the Northern and Western troops standing by at the border, and the Northern Division Commander answered on behalf of his peers.
You might think waiting around aimlessly isn’t much, but considering we weren’t sure when the nomads would start their hit-and-run tactics, and the excitement buzzing among commanders and soldiers eager for glory, maintaining order without making a sound was quite an achievement.
Of course, the Empire’s military law is strict. But there’s a saying that when five people gather, at least one is bound to be trash. In life, you often encounter the crazies who can’t control their excitement and do something reckless. Thank goodness none of that happened this time.
“There haven’t been any hostilities from the nomads, and control during the waiting period went smoothly. The morale of our expeditionary forces remains high enough to cross the border at a moment’s notice.”
At the Vice Captain’s words, the Northern Division Commander, who had been looking down, and the high-ranking officials staring at the map turned their attention back to him.
“According to our scouts, there have been no signs of nomadic movement in the territory of the Muskar tribe. We will immediately move into Muskar territory once we cross the border.”
At that statement, the commanders and staff all nodded in agreement. The Muskar territory is the southernmost point bordering the Empire, and it was also the first tribe to fall during the last extermination war, a land that the Imperial Army had comfortably occupied for two years.
It’s a vast plain suitable for a large army, with rivers and hills nearby for easy defense and access to drinking water. It’s actually a bit rude not to use it as a garrison.
“Once we secure the Muskar territory, we will deploy purification magic as before.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
In response to the Vice Captain’s orders, the head of the Platinum Mage Corps bowed respectfully.
The fact that the Muskar territory is easy to use for a garrison is something the North is well aware of. Since there could be some curses or traps involved, it’s essential we purify the area as soon as we arrive.
‘Damn it.’
I frowned as memories from the past came flooding back. I remember the pain of drinking cursed water and suffering for days.
“Once the base is established, we will occupy the territories of the Sutio tribe to the east, the Bakira tribe to the north, and the Hitira tribe to the northwest.”
“And what about the Naralan tribe to the west?”
“Exclude them. Rather than excessive occupation, we will secure the minimum land and focus on reconnaissance.”
The Vice Captain quickly pointed to the map as he spoke, while his aide took notes on his remarks.
The tribes mentioned by the Vice Captain were all like the Muskar tribe, which had been subdued in the last war. An area that the Imperial Army can effortlessly take control of, and even if other tribes are living there, they would have limited numbers.
“Conflict with the nomads is inevitable, but we don’t have to fight on their terms.”
He meant that rather than aimlessly wandering around the plains and getting poked from all sides, we should broaden our operational range centered around the garrison.
It’s what you’d call a “you come at me” strategy, but it’s not a bad method. After all, if I have to battle thousands of cavalry, it’s better to do so in a fortified garrison rather than an open field.
Moreover, the Emperor’s desire for Northern conquest is not one that requires an exhausted army to achieve. He aims to incorporate tribes that follow the Empire’s order in as peaceful a manner as possible. Considering that, the Vice Captain’s strategy seems appropriate.
“Right now, it’s essential to discern the exact positions and balance of each tribe. Utilize the Intelligence Ministry’s forces for reconnaissance—”
“But even if we are trying to avoid conflict, wouldn’t it be worth showing a display of force? If the mages launch spells into the air or at the mountains—”
Various opinions followed, but to be honest, I just let them go in one ear and out the other.
I’m quite far removed from strategies. I’m just an observer there, not in a position to involve myself in tactics.
If I were part of the military command, I’d go all out, but I blocked the Crown Prince from rushing into the military. That damn guy is the cause of it all.
*
When we arrived at the Muskar territory, something unexpected happened.
Knights returned with news that there were no nomads hiding nearby, mages were casting purification spells in every corner, soldiers were building tents and digging trenches, and all the high-ranking officials gathered in the tent belonging to the Vice Captain.
Every person, busy with their respective tasks, suddenly felt a change and looked up at the sky.
“I can see that again.”
At the Vice Captain’s irritated words, some sighed in agreement, while others stared blankly, perhaps having missed out on the last war.
Still, seeing them in a stupor is a relatively good reaction. Last time, many were mentally shattered because they witnessed it in the midst of battle. Thankfully, this isn’t a war zone, so the shock is lessened.
Of course, it’s only lessened compared to the last time; it’s not that there’s no shock at all.
“The sky tearing…”
I caught a glimpse of the Northern Division Commander mumbling while a relatively young aide flinched. Yeah, seeing a disaster like that, which you only read about in records, must be quite thrilling.
I, too, couldn’t help but look up at the sky, but inside, I felt a chuckle bubble up. Only either me or that bastard could tear the sky like that.
‘That bastard.’
Pretending to be all grand as if it’s welcoming me.
‘But at least it’s not close.’
Since the owner greeted me first, it would be courteous for a guest to return the greeting—but judging by the size of that sky tear, it looks like it originated from quite a distance away. Responding in kind seems impossible.
Well, it would indeed be strange if the Khan were to come any closer when even a single nomadic soldier isn’t in sight.
‘So it is you.’
As I observed the torn sky, a grin crept up on my face.
To be honest, I was a bit worried before coming up North. Considering the cunning of a nomad bound to pick up the pieces of their defeated brethren, I was concerned that perhaps some ambitious nomad was using your name as a shield. I worried that you were already dead or buried somewhere remote, and that some nobody was claiming to be the Khan.
Thank goodness that’s not the case. Yeah, some punk using someone else’s name couldn’t possibly tear the sky. It’s either me or you who could pull off such madness under this sky.
‘Thank you.’
Thank you for being alive and showing yourself in front of me. Now, I just need to kill you, and everything will be resolved.
With that thought, I drew the sword at my waist. The people nearby flinched at my sudden movement, but soon seemed to notice what I was about to do and willingly stepped back.
‘If I’ve received, I should give back.’
Although it’s just a vague gesture of thanks from a distance where the owner is far away.
I exploded my mana. Not with some cheap trick learned at the Academy, but with the method I once used in the North.
The mana surged and roared through my body centered around my heart. Soon, a large amount of mana gathered in my right arm wielding the sword.
‘Perfect.’
Everything is in order. No need to worry about injuries, so there’s no need to overexert my right arm. The recoil from tearing the sky can be distributed across my whole body.
With that in mind, I swung the sword. A simple upward cut, akin to a straightforward slash.
– ■■■■■■■■■■■──!!!!
And so, I tore the sky apart.
*
Not long after I sliced through the sky, it was once again split.
“Just as I thought.”
Even from a significant distance, the mark could be seen with the naked eye. A horrific scar that brutally tore through the sky.
I should feel some intimidation from this sight, but instead, satisfaction filled me.
“So, you’ve come.”
A laugh escaped my lips. Under this sky, only two dare to tear it asunder.
One of them is me. And since the recently torn sky wasn’t my doing, it’s obvious who the other is.
“Krasius Kal.”
The one who crushed the North’s resolve, the one who ended the great hero’s dominion.
“Yeah, I expected you’d come.”
Just as I sought you, I’m sure you sought me too. Thus, it was only natural you’d come to the North.
Thank goodness. I can finally wrap up this tiresome bond.
‘Only you can end my story.’
The reverse is also true.
That’s how I see it. Krasius Kal.
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