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Chapter 113

"Lu Solar, please watch over us with your radiant light...."

The morale of the soldiers marching hastily toward Bellium was low from the start. Prayers and muttered voices constantly reached Ian\'s ears.

"I think we made a mistake...."

"We\'re definitely going to die... damn it...."

The mercenaries following Ian weren\'t much different, murmuring anxiously without hiding their unease. Ian pretended not to hear. There was nothing he could say to change the atmosphere, and he couldn\'t be sure of anything himself either.

In the game, reinforcements arrived after just ten minutes, but in reality, it was uncertain when they would come. Half a day, maybe a whole day—or they might have to hold out for more than a day. And now, there was also the unpredictable factor of the dragon.

The dragon might seek revenge rather than the kingdom\'s restoration.

If that were true, the current target of the wraith army would be Travelga, where the crown was, or Ian himself, who had beheaded the queen. This meant that the number of wraiths coming to Bellium Fortress would be much higher. They wouldn\'t scatter across the Northern regions like in the game.

However, even if that were true, there was nothing Ian could do at the moment.

The forces have increased compared to the game, but so has the wraith army. Still, the basic structure shouldn\'t have changed too much. I guess I need to focus on the giant warriors.

All he could do was keep thinking. Recalling his memories from the game, the contents of the walkthrough he had skimmed through, and considering what he had seen and heard in the North, Ian walked silently.

The march halted only at dawn. Exhausted soldiers lit campfires and began cooking stew with preserved rations in several pots. Too tired to pray, the soldiers lined up to receive their share of stew. While standing in line with the mercenaries, Ian observed General Gelud and his officers huddled together without even setting up tents.

Looks like a funeral over there as well.

The knights, including Mildred, were constantly whispering something to the general. A man in a thick robe, undoubtedly a mage, occasionally nodded while adding his own comments. They were all expressionless, but there was no way they were discussing anything hopeful.

...They\'ll figure it out themselves.

After all, they wouldn’t want to die either.

Finding a spot near a campfire lit by the mercenaries, Ian finished up his stew, which did not differ much from a slop, and immediately began inspecting his gear.

"...."

Even though they kept glancing at Ian, none of the mercenaries dared speak up. Most of them had never dealt with him directly, but knew his reputation well enough.

Upon arriving in Travelga, he swiftly defeated all the mercenaries at the Snowy Toad Inn, instantly gaining the reputation of a tyrant. He was also a skilled warrior who earned the respect of the barbarians. He was also a mercenary who was so skilled that the knight had come and offered him a job.

Even if the rumors about him being the crusader of Tir En or the Great Warrior of the North were hard to believe, it was enough to earn the mercenaries\' respect and fear.

Pushed by the mercenaries\' stares, Trude finally spoke up.

"Hey... um, Captain..."

"What?" Ian continued, polishing the dagger in his hand without looking up.

"How about a drink before we sleep? No one\'s saying it, but they\'re all nervous. If we just leave them like this, at least a few will run away by morning."

"...." Ian finally looked around at the mercenaries gathered around several campfires. Fear and anxiety were clear in the expressions of their eyes.

"...Don\'t worry about my response. Do whatever you want. If anyone wants to run, go ahead. The soldiers will hang you if they catch you, but I won\'t stop you. So, do what you need to."

“...?!"

A few frowned as if they hadn\'t expected those words at all. Trude was no exception.

"Captain, come on, that\'s too—"

"Everyone values their life. So if you don’t have the confidence to survive and are afraid, do that. Instead, for those who follow me to the end and survive, I will make sure they are properly rewarded?. Just as per the contract."

Ian glanced at the mercenaries with sunken eyes and finished speaking.

"So, do as you wish. Don\'t bother me."

He began polishing the iron dagger in his hand again.

Despite his indifferent attitude, paradoxically, the mercenaries\' expressions softened. After all, Ian didn\'t believe they would all die.

"...."

"...Well, if that\'s the case, whatever."

The mercenaries shrugged at each other and began pulling out bottles of liquor from their bags, one by one. They took out packs of preserved rations like jerky as well, and conversations gradually spread around the fires.

"Hey, pass it around."

Some mercenaries offered bottles of liquor to the sentries walking past them. Normally, soldiers and mercenaries would mix like oil and water, but now, just days away from death, such boundaries held no meaning.

"...Thanks."

A soldier who accepted a drink returned to his campfire and shared it with his comrades. The relaxed atmosphere among the mercenaries spread to those around them. Before long, a few tipsy mercenaries started humming a low, mournful song.

The melody, more sorrowful than hearty, seemed to be a traditional song from the North. Other mercenaries and Northern soldiers muttered along, joining in with the refrain. General Gelud and his officers did not stop them. They simply sipped their drinks while observing the soldiers around the camp.

"...." Only Ian snorted indifferently.

It\'s like they\'re advertising that they\'re marching to their deaths.

He shook his head and took a swig of Trude\'s drink before settling into his blanket. The loud snoring of those who had fallen asleep soon replaced the soft echo of the round song, steady as the crackling of the campfire.

***

The march, which had started early in the morning, came to a sudden halt in less than half a day. In the middle of a forest path:

"What the heck is that...?"

"Looks like barbarian warriors. Are they reinforcements...?"

Hearing the murmurs from the front of the line, Ian leaned forward, raising an eyebrow in disbelief.

That kids...

His brows furrowed as he recognized the group blocking their path. Bows on their backs and quivers on their thighs. Clothes and cloaks stitched together from pelts. Each holding a spear or ax—the barbarian warriors.

"So, you wish to accompany us to Bellium Fortress?" General Gelud was speaking to them.

"We heard cursed wraiths were descending from the mountains. We\'d like to lend a hand if the Great Warrior permits," answered Askel, a smaller boy compared to the other warriors.

"Great Warrior...?"

"Aren\'t they supposed to get the general\'s permission...?"

The knights on horseback looked at each other, confused.

"It\'s a welcome sight to see brave warriors join us. It\'s heartening to know that the Northern spirit still lives," Gelud said with delight before adding, "But who do you mean by the Great Warrior?"

"That would be—"

"Probably me," Ian answered, cutting off Askel.

"...?" Gelud turned his head, his brows furrowing as he watched Ian Hope, the leader of the mercenaries, approach.

"Ian, sir...!"

The warriors immediately straightened up, standing tall and giving Ian a slight bow.

"....”

Gelud frowned as he silently observed Ian. He had heard of Ian through Mildred—a capable mercenary whose achievements were notable enough for the church to recognize him as the Stern Goddess\' crusader. Despite this, Gelud hadn\'t thought of keeping him nearby, as he didn\'t believe anyone truly noble would do mercenary work. His bearing seemed anything but noble.

However, at this moment, Gelud had no choice but to change his assessment. The prideful barbarian warriors were paying Ian their genuine respect.

He doesn\'t even look like a Northerner..., thought Gelud.

Ian looked up at Gelud at that moment.

"May I speak with them for a moment?"

Gelud had many questions, but he nodded without showing it.

"Make it quick. We have little time."

"It will be," Ian replied flatly, and approached the warriors with large strides.

A few flinched and stepped aside, allowing Ian\'s gaze to fall on the two standing behind them.

"What’s this?"

"...We\'re ashamed," Charlotte said with her head bowed.

Thesaya, standing beside her, smacked her arm. "What is there to be ashamed of? We tried to stop them, Ian. They kicked up a fuss and said they had to follow the Great Warrior."

“...”

Yeah, of course. Ian\'s gaze shifted to Askel and the other wild warriors.

Askel bowed his head slightly. "Great Warrior, you fight the wraiths, so we can\'t just sit back. Please, let us follow you."

"...." Ian let out a sigh and glanced at the other warriors. They all had that stubborn look, as if words would have no effect unless he beat them into submission.

They keep calling me the Great Warrior, but they do whatever they want. Why are they so eager to die?

At that moment, a quest window appeared before him.

[Northern Warriors.]

The first aim was to lead these warriors to the Bellium Fortress.

Looks like the barbarian class had it easy in the North, he mused as he addressed Askel.

"If all of you leave, who\'s going to protect the village?"

"We left enough warriors behind. We decided through fair combat. Besides, everyone, from the elders to the women, knows how to fight. They\'ll be fine."

"They\'ll be fine, huh...." Ian stared at Askel for a moment.

It was clear that Askel and the Black Forest Hill warriors had taken the lead in convincing the others.

Still, having these warriors join would be a significant boost. He could already feel the expectant gazes of the soldiers and commanders behind him.

"Wait here." Ian turned and approached Gelud.

"May I ask a favor?"

"A favor?"

"If these warriors join us, the settlers will become vulnerable. I\'d like to send the remaining villagers to Travelga."

"You think they might have already closed the gates and want a pass?"

"Yes."

Gelud scratched his chin, surprised by the request. But it wasn\'t a difficult favor to grant. He dismounted and gave Ian a faint smile.

"It seems they only listen to you. I\'ll appoint you as a temporary centurion, Sir Ian. You\'ll also attend the meetings from now on."

"...Very well," Ian replied with a stifled sigh as Gelud took off one of his gloves. A ring with a seal engraved on it was visible on his middle finger.

"I\'ll have the passes prepared right away."

As Gelud turned back to his knights, Ian returned to the warriors and gestured with his head.

"You heard him. We\'ll send the settlers to Travelga."

"Thank you, Great Warrior...!"

Ian looked down at Askel, who had answered.

"You\'re leading them, Askel."

"Me...? But—"

Ignoring Askel\'s protest, Ian looked at Charlotte.

"Help him out. Move quickly. Drag him if you have to."

"Sure." Without hesitation, Charlotte struck Askel\'s neck, knocking him out and slinging him over her shoulder. She looked back at Ian.

"Then we\'ll wait for you in Travelga."

"Make sure you come back safely, Ian." Thesaya clenched her fist as she followed Charlotte, who was heading toward Gelud.

Ian took in the remaining warriors. Valeri and Volber from Gray Valley were among them.

A bunch of guys that I\'ve beaten up, thought Ian.

"Follow orders properly. If you act on your own, I\'ll break something."

The warriors chuckled softly at his words.

I’m not joking, though.

Ian sighed and turned back toward the column.

"Follow me. We\'ll be at the very end."

***

They arrived at Bellium Fortress in the early hours of the morning. Everyone was exhausted, but there was no time to rest. General Gelud immediately inspected the fortress\'s condition and began preparations for defense.

They reinforced the main gate with several layers of bars, and instead of filth, they filled the moat with firewood and oil. The defenders stacked stones for throwing in layers on the walls and watchtowers, and they positioned the few cannons they had prepared in suitable locations.

Only after making these minimal preparations to face the wraith army did Ian and the soldiers get some rest in makeshift barracks.

But of course, their rest was not long.

"...!" Ian abruptly opened his eyes and sat up.

Frowning, he looked around the dim barracks and kicked Trude and Valeri by his feet.

As they woke up in a panic, Ian said, "Wake everyone up. Now."

"Suddenly? What are you—"

Trude\'s drowsiness disappeared in an instant.

"You mean...?"

"Yeah."

Ian tightened the straps on his cuirass and added, "They\'re coming."

Trude and Valeri glanced at each other before springing up. Within moments, the barracks became a flurry of activity.

Ding—Ding—Ding—

The clanging of the alarm bell echoed just a few minutes later.