Chapter: 369
The one and only Emperor of the continent and protector chosen by heaven, Aiman Ka the 16th, Khan of the North—under his authority, Duke Hablem initiated a campaign to eradicate the villainous impostor claiming the title of Khan. Naturally, the Emperor’s valiant soldiers and the nomads from the outskirts who worship the skies cheered, finally making it clear to even the villains that heaven’s decree lay with the Empire.
—
This war was quickly heading toward its conclusion, destined to be recorded in history books. It was only natural, considering the overwhelming power gap that made defeat for the Empire impossible unless a Kagan rose from the ashes.
—
‘Guess we won’t wrap this up before the new school opening.’
Now, all that was left was to take down Dorgon, and the war would be over. However, with the preparations for departure, border movements, securing strongholds, minor battles, and integrating tribes consuming time, summer was already slipping away.
—
Even if I managed to off Dorgon today, dealing with the aftermath would mean we’d inevitably roll into autumn. In that case, the second manager would have to step in and monitor the Academy in my stead. I felt a bit sorry for the Principal and Villar.
—
‘At least the sun hasn’t set yet, so that’s reassuring.’
A sigh of relief escaped me. Compared to the two years of scrapping we’d gone through, this war was coming to a close in just a few short months. Remembering all the high-ranking officers and aides who had been dropping like flies before makes today’s lack of casualties seem like a blessing.
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Of course, I couldn’t let my guard down. If I raised a “defeat flag” at the last moment, my blood pressure could very well shoot up and take me out.
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That’s why I had entered my own full-preparation mode.
—
“Everything’s done.”
I nodded at the cautious report from the mage. I clenched my fists a few times and felt a distinct increase in my physical power.
—
‘Nice.’
The rush of power felt fantastic after so long. Impressive indeed is the effect of reinforcement magic; it’s always top-notch.
—
“Thanks for taking care of my personal request so well.”
“You’re too kind, Your Excellency.”
As I handed over a gold coin, the mage hurriedly bowed and accepted it. In truth, for a great mage, a single gold coin is just a standard amount, but considered as proof that I had a current Bureau Chief’s favor, it bore more value.
—
On top of that, it symbolized assistance to the spouse of the Grand Mage Duchess. From the mage’s perspective, it would feel like a royal bestowal.
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“Master.”
“Yeah?”
Just when I was about to call for a priest after sending off the bowing mage, the second manager spoke up.
—
“With just the enhancement magic currently in place, it’s already excessive. How about giving up on any further enhancements?”
It was a very valid point, so I couldn’t help but smile. The effectiveness of reinforcement magic and enhancement spells is obvious, but using them excessively leads to strong backlash as well. If there were no side effects, I’d have put all the knights on full-doping and sent them to battle by now.
—
Moreover, as the second manager pointed out, the enhancement magic on me was indeed over the top. A reinforcement spell cast by a fairly skilled mage would easily surpass what an ordinary body could handle. If we add the enhancement spells on top of that, I could end up feeling torn apart.
—
But that’s okay. I’ve been there, done that.
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“It’s alright. I tried it before, and it’s just within the bearable limits.”
“What?”
The second manager seemed a bit dazed by my unexpected answer. Of course, I never mentioned about my full doping back in the Khan suppression battle, so this reaction was expected.
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Honestly, why would I prattle on about all the spells, enhancements, potions, and artifacts I had hanging off me while killing the enemy? I nearly died a few times even then, so boisterously bragging isn’t my style at all.
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“If anything happens, Beatrix will patch me up quickly, so don’t worry.”
“Oh, yes…”
Anyway, once I pushed when she was flustered, she quickly nodded in agreement.
—
That being said, witnessing the second manager show such naive behavior was a rare sight, a good treat for my eyes.
—
“Still, it makes me happy to have someone worrying about me. Thank you, Penelia.”
“Worrying about you, Master, is the least I can do.”
As a show of gratitude, I hugged her, and the second manager trembled slightly but embraced me back.
—
That familiar and comforting vibe. Yep, that’s my second manager.
—
An army numbering 300,000 was on the move to bring the war to an end. Whether it genuinely reached 300,000 or not, isn’t it a matter of cultured dialogue to inflate our numbers during wartime?
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And even if not, it surely exceeds 200,000. So it should be enough.
—
‘Pretty impressive, huh.’
That thought crossed my mind. If an army of 300,000 moved from the Eastern Front, one nation would be obliterated, if not two. The composition of this expeditionary force was simply astounding.
—
In other words, a force capable of redrawing the continent’s map was on the move merely to take down Dorgon. That’s a pretty pricey head, worthy of a kingdom. Truly a remarkable existence.
—
“Inspector.”
“Yes, Commander Excellency.”
My train of thought was cut off thanks to the call from the Northern Front Commander.
—
“We’ll be making contact with them soon. Dorgon should be waiting for us near the front lines if he hasn’t run away.”
“If he were the type to flee, he wouldn’t have shown his face in the first place.”
“True enough.”
Nodding, the Commander subtly adjusted the sword hanging at his waist. The Northern Front Commander was a veteran who had spent decades in military affairs, a warrior associated with the might of the Empire. He’d undoubtedly have a mix of tension and excitement at the prospect of facing Dorgon.
—
“Still, it feels strange to see you as the vanguard instead of in the middle forces.”
With his joking words, I couldn’t help but smile wryly. I doubt I’m the only one who finds it odd to be in the frontlines.
—
“Your Excellency is a Commander yourself, yet you’re at the front too.”
“With a Grand Duke around, what’s the point of the Commander of the northern front? I need to take the lead in order to avoid being called a payroll thief.”
His remarks carried a strangely genuine undertone, and we both chuckled. Right, with the Grand Duke as the Supreme Commander, the northern front commander is just another chief among the lot.
—
Although, wielding a sword at the forefront isn’t something just anyone can pull off without being a little eccentric.
—
“Anyway, I’m glad we can finally end this nightmare. Just knowing that Dorgon is alive has made it a challenge for the Northern Front to keep their focus, something words cannot express.”
I could fully relate to that sentiment, so I just nodded in response. Even I, stationed at the Capital, would go mad just thinking about Dorgon; how much more nerve-racking it must have been for the Northern Front Commander? I imagine every day felt like a blood drain alongside the previous Margrave Sorden.
—
While it’s unfortunate that the mastermind has restarted his army, if we can succeed in taking him down again, a great calamity would finally be eradicated. From the Commander’s perspective, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a smoother life ahead.
—
“So, I’ll be counting on you, Inspector.”
“Yes, of course.”
The suggestion was to rush in together and beat Dorgon down right away. Being a natural response, I accepted it without hesitation.
—
I wanted to slay Dorgon with my own hands; I’m not stubborn enough to think only I can kill him.
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If I stubbornly held onto that idea and let him slip away again, it’s the worst disaster possible.
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…Honestly, I would like to do it alone, but personal feelings can’t take precedence in national matters.
—
‘I already had my share of chances to tackle him alone, but I missed them all.’
Years ago, there were plenty of opportunities to take him down solo; I just blew it every single time.
—
Nothing is uglier than a person who keeps insisting on their stubbornness after having missed opportunities.
—
The horn blared. I could feel the earth tremble.
—
Simultaneously, the hail of arrows filling the sky and the ominous energy of magic routines were becoming familiar sights. Every time these guys showed up, it felt like they were formally welcoming us with arrows and spells, so I had no choice but to grow accustomed to their tactics.
—
However, the fact that they remain unchanged is a testament to their effectiveness—
—
“Magicians, respond immediately! No need to think about our backs!”
At the same time, it implied that some method of response was established.
—
Under the Northern Front Commander’s orders, the magicians initiated defensive spells and counterattacks in unison. As the Commander indicated, this battle was the final showdown where we need not worry about our backs. It’s time to focus on sheer power rather than mana efficiency.
—
‘First wave held up.’
Gazing at the sky where magic and spells crossed each other noisily, I turned my eyes back down. The nomads, drawn by the arrows and magic, had once again dashed forward, making it right to our doorstep.
—
‘Second wave is still wild, though.’
It’s overkill to label them the “second wave” when they’re basically running towards us like crazed bulls, but I can definitely feel them charging in. However, sensing them does not equate to repelling them.
—
With their defensive spells cast as they charged, I couldn’t block them with weak attacks, nor could I fully commit to repelling the second wave while being attacked by the first. If I had to stand there and take the spells falling on me, I’d rather block them using the second wave.
—
“Let’s show those peasants the wrath of the plains!”
“Etch the spirit of the wolf into this land!”
I could see the soldiers flinch at the battle cries of the frontline warriors. After all, those who rode and bore fierce expressions would naturally make anyone shrink back when they invoked words of wrath and wolves.
—
Dorgon, standing ahead of the frontline warriors, said nothing. He merely fixed his gaze on me with a deep smile.
—
‘That creepy bastard.’
Guess it’s because he’s drawing on some wolf thing, but his sense of smell seems sharper than a dog’s. Even from this close distance, it’s hard to believe he could single me out among this crowd.
—
As I glared at him, I pulled out my sword. In retrospect, I shouldn’t be concerned; that creepy nature of his isn’t new.
—
“I’ll lead the charge.”
“Go on then. I’ll be right behind you.”
—
Receiving the Commander’s consent, I dashed towards Dorgon. My intention was to draw Dorgon’s attention while the Commander snuck in from the flank. It’s a crude plan, but it’s certainly effective. Now that we’re in for a 2-for-1 fight, I need to make the most of our numerical advantage.
—
“Looks like we meet again, Krasius Carl!”
As I stepped forward, Dorgon burst out laughing, speeding up.
—
But wait a second, is this guy crazy? The commander is charging so fast that his troops might not be able to keep up! Has he given up on command?
—
“Of course, I knew you’d come out! Thanks for saving me the trouble of finding you!”
—
Upon hearing that, it dawned on me that from his perspective, I must seem like a madman too. I could have waited until he exhausted his energy and then dropped down on him, but I chose to expose myself right off the bat.
—
So it’s a Khan Derby followed by a Madman Derby. The North has turned into an unprecedented carnival.
—
“This is my gift! No need to decline!”
As the distance between Dorgon and me shrank to mere meters, he pulled out a shred of paper from his robe and tore it.
—
Just like that, the battle cries on the field faded into silence.
—
‘…Huh.’
Actually, it’s more accurate to say the place has changed.
—
‘I’m really falling for this.’
I was now stuck in the same situation I had once employed against Kagan to separate him from his forces.
—
I must be going crazy. Should I be flattered to be regarded as someone at the same level as Kagan?
—
“How’s it feel? A welcoming place, huh?”
Dorgon’s smirk-induced words made me chuckle dryly. Just like he said, this place felt quite familiar.
—
“Is this where you wanted to die with Daddy? Such an affectionate little child.”
“That’s a bit unfair! I’m just giving you the chance to be buried next to a friendless loser!”
—
This was the battlefield where I had fought Kagan and his crew.
—
Is this guy really nuts?
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