STGB Chapter 726

Episode 726: Time limit (5)

Druk Druk Druk….

The carriage that entered the road of the Imperial Capital Karnon moves forward with a tremor.

Karnon’s roads, which were usually as clean and well-maintained as Hyundai’s, were different from usual.

A damaged and deeply potholed road.

Rolling stones and broken timber.

Of course, even if Amman is messy, it will not be compared to other areas that would have become real battlefields.

Karnon’s roads are like this because while heavy military supplies and construction materials travel back and forth every day, there is no manpower to manage the roads.

The moment the war ends, things will become as clean as ever.

Other areas… no, to be exact…

‘Unlike District 7.’

I haven’t seen it in person yet and I’ve only heard about the situation, but I already realized it.

What is District 7, which is like my home base, doing now?

‘…let’s think about this later.’

I felt sick to my stomach as I remembered the money and various efforts that went into District 7, but it would not be too late to sort out the ‘loss’ after everything was over.

“Where are you going?”

“To District 5.”

Soon I arrived at the Karnon military platform and moved to Area 5, which could be said to be the front line.

and….

“Nia Lafdonia!”

As soon as I saw the royal emblem of Astarotta, I passed the frozen soldiers and went outside.

Quaaaaang-!

An explosion can be heard quite far away.

But surprisingly, the expressions of the soldiers passing by in front of the platform were relaxed.

Is it too much to say that it is leisurely?

“….”

Soldiers who are so busy doing their job with their eyes wide open that it is not surprising if they collapse at any time.

Thanks to this, I understood it more clearly than a one-line explanation.

Fuuuuuuu-!

This is everyday life here.

“Where are you going?”

“Let’s take a look around first.”

Even if you hear something a hundred times, you won’t know it unless you see it once.

First, I walked around and took in District 5, which had become a battlefield. Sometimes, when I had questions, I asked Astarotta.

“It seems pretty safe here, though. From the looks of it, the sound of something exploding can only be heard from far away.”

“It’s a strategically important place. “Compared to other regions, several times more effort must have been put into establishing the formation.”

“Oh, because of the military platform?”

“yes.”

Actually, even if I were the commander, I think I would have tried to protect the military platform at all costs.

With this, you can receive supplies and support from all areas not occupied by Noark.

‘In the worst case, it is possible to run away.’

Anyway, as I was looking around like an aristocratic person, people everywhere recognized me and started whispering.

“Hey, this is Baron Yandel….”

“The last thing I heard was that the building collapsed…”

“Still, the fact that the Baron has come… could be a sign that the situation is about to change.”

“How can we know what our superiors think? “We just have to do our jobs.”

Sigh… Should I have just covered my face?

‘…Still, I think everyone recognized me.’

Anyway, after continuing to look around, I arrived at the outermost part of the camp formed around the military platform.

‘Martha Brothers Mugu Branch.’

A place introduced by Erwen when disposing of equipment after completing the first exploration.

Of course, the stores that were always crowded with people were closed with the lights off, and the same was true for the roads.

High barricades are erected on the wide roads that accommodate the large floating population of District 5, with soldiers standing guard above them.

‘From beyond, it’s Noark’s land, right?’

From what I heard, it seems that the Noark guys’ offensive is so good that this barricade is gradually being pushed back.

“Are you going to go outside?”

“I’m still thinking about that.”

After completing the inspection to some extent, I checked the sewer system one last time.

Although I heard from Noark that the entire sewer could not be destroyed to use it as a passage, I decided that it was still necessary to see it with my own eyes at least once.

but….

‘I can’t use this place.’

I didn’t go down the sewer entrance very far, but the stairs were blocked with debris, so I couldn’t go any further.

Well, one way would be to remove the debris…

‘It takes too long.’

Hmm, then in the end, if you want to get to your comrades, you have no choice but to break through the middle of enemy lines…

“Astarotta, what is the situation in District 4 right now?”

“I heard it was more intense than any other district. In fact, Noark’s main force is stationed there. “I heard that the leader of Orculis also keeps showing up there.”

Oh… that bastard is over there?

‘He’s a bit picky.’

When we met in the past 20 years ago, I used some tricks to get it together, but if he wasn’t an asshole, he wouldn’t fall for the same thing again.

‘Besides, I heard there’s a main team there too….’

Okay, I guess I shouldn’t even go to District 4.

“Then what about District 8?”

“The rebellion has been quiet since the rebels took over. “I heard that the royal army tried to recapture it for several days, but failed every time because it was guarded by key members of Orculis.”

“Core members?”

When I asked for more information, familiar names poured out of Astarotta’s mouth.

Blood Knight, Black Claw, Screaming Witch.

And corpse collectors, etc…

‘Someone said something because he was a core member.’

As someone who has battled with the ‘Lighthouse Keeper’ before, Area 8 seems the easiest.

Well, it may not be as easy as you think since there are some ‘rookies’ who debuted not long ago and haven’t even received a nickname yet.

“Then what about the road from District 5 to District 7?”

“The front line in Area 5 is commanded by Maan, and the 3rd Army is stationed in Area 7 and is providing support.”

“What about the Third Army…? “Are you talking about the place where Eltora Tercerion was the commander?”

“Due to information control, the civilian population believes that the Third Army was destroyed, but in reality, it joined the rebel group along with the Prime Minister a few days ago.”

After listening to the story, most of the Third Army was forced to join the rebel forces by Eltora Terserion, so it seems that infighting could occur within it given the circumstances.

“Also, according to information, Eltora Tercerion was not aware of this plan and reportedly refused even when the incident occurred.”

“Huh? But that guy is over there?”

“The Prime Minister must have used some kind of coercive tactic.”

Well… if you think about it, that might be the case.

That’s because the Prime Minister’s son is an ‘evil spirit’.

He is not really his father, and there is no way he would be willing to join the Prime Minister when he carries rice straw and jumps into the fire.

‘…Maybe this will become a key later.’

Afterwards, she took some time alone to gather her thoughts.

What is the optimal route to pass through Area 7 and reach the Barbarian Shrine where my colleagues are?

It didn’t take long for the answer to come out.

“I guess I should go to District 9.”

In terms of distance alone, starting from Zone 5 was the shortest, but the risk was high.

Even if the Magic Eye is said to be in command from Area 5, Area 5 is adjacent to Area 4, where Noark’s main unit is located.

‘Maybe that leader might pop out.’

Astarotta shrugged her shoulders at the decision made based on that judgment.

“Going to District 9 would mean going past District 8.”

“But why is there a problem?”

In response to my question, Astarotta just smiled and said one word.

“Beware the body collector. “It seems like they have been preparing for this war for a very long time and their performance is amazing.”

uh….

I think he’s really saying this because he’s thinking about me…

Eat.

It was advice that wasn’t particularly helpful.

“Yeah, that’s him.”

We’ve already reached a level where we can’t lose to someone like Poison Nek even if we want to.

***

Before taking the military platform to Area 9.

I asked Astarotta in advance for a few things needed for the ‘plan’, and he willingly agreed to all my requests, which may have been excessive.

So, all preparations are complete.

‘Now all I have to do is get a signal…’

As I wait in front of the tightly closed castle gate, I see Raven with a nervous expression.

“Raven, what are you so nervous about?”

“Then you won’t be nervous? “I had no idea it would be this reckless.”

It seemed like Raven thought I would mobilize the military and push them in.

Well, I know how long it will take.

“Don’t worry too much. “There are times when it is better to move with only a small number of people rather than with too many people.”

“Ha… let’s comfort it now….”

“If you’re feeling uneasy, you can just stay and not follow.”

“It’s okay. Because I think I’ll feel more anxious if I don’t follow along. Besides, it’s not like I don’t know everyone…”

Whatever it may be, he is ultimately a very affectionate guy.

As I was thinking about that and laughing, Astarotta approached me.

For some reason, he looked happy.

“Is there anything you want to say?”

“I have some new news. I received a call from District 5’s command center. “Your demands will be fulfilled by tomorrow morning.”

“…It’s pretty late, isn’t it?”

“Don’t make noise. “You’ll need that much preparation time, too.”

Well… it was like that.

“Anyway… I guess the fact that you said news means there’s more to say?”

“Oh, I almost forgot this. “Two of the four colleagues who went missing have been found.”

As soon as I heard those words, my heart skipped a beat.

“Who is it?”

There were a total of four people who were separated from the clan members currently in the Holy Land and whose news was unknown.

Sven Farab Liris Marone.

and Auyen Rockrobe and Amelia.

“…Speak quickly.”

“To be serious. The two people found are Auyen Lockrobe and Emily Raines.”

“Where are you two now?”

“In District 4.”

“…in District 4?”

“According to the report from Sejak. “I heard there was an armed conflict in District 4, and they were the culprits.”

“So what happened to those two?”

“We don’t know that either. “But fortunately, they say he escaped from the scene safely.”

after….

How did they end up in District 4 after getting separated from the group in District 7?

I’m curious about the situation, but I’m also very worried.

“…don’t worry too much. “He would definitely take care of his own body.”

“…I guess so.”

Since I couldn’t rush to District 4 right away, I decided not to think about it as much as possible.

When I think about it, only the worst case comes to mind.

As always, anxious premonitions become seeds and sprout.

“They say Raven starts tomorrow morning, so in the meantime, go somewhere and get some shuteye.”

Today is the last day of this kind of rest.

Tomorrow, the hard days will begin in the morning.

Until then, I tried to take a break, but they say all accidents happen when no one expects it?

Drurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

A sound that should never be heard comes from far away.

Drurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrl

The sound of a pulley operating and the closed gate opening.

“What is it? Why is the gate suddenly opening? It’s not like they’re attacking you, right? If this happens, the plan will go wrong from the beginning….”

Oh no way.

Probably not.

The soldier must have made a mistake.

I heard there has never been a battle on this wall. There is no reason for the Noarks, who should be heading towards the ecliptic in the first place, to expand their power to the side.

I threw away those positive thoughts the moment they passed by.

That’s because there’s no way that’s possible with my arms.

“Get ready.”

In fact, as soon as I finished speaking.

Tuk-

Something falls from the sky.

Not once, but several times.

Tuk tutuk. Tuk-!

A sound too heavy to be called the sound of falling raindrops.

Kwasik-!

“Kya!”

It was only after it fell in front of my eyes that I realized its identity.

“Human corpse…?”

An unrecognizable corpse, as if removed from a corpse golem. Such a corpse fell over the high castle wall and fell here.

and….

“Raven behind you!”

Kwazijijijit-!

Starting with the bodies that fell to the ground exploding all at once and spraying poison.

“It’s an attack!!”

Alarm bells installed here and there begin to ring loudly along with the cries of the soldiers standing on the walls.

Big love-! Big love-! Big love-! Big love-!

In the midst of the busy soldiers who came out after hearing the bell, I quietly checked the equipment and the half-open castle gate.

[Grrrrrrr!!]

Under the gate, which was open enough for a carriage to pass through, a group of familiar corpses was entering.

“Stop it!!”

“Nia Lafdonia…!”

Although the troops garrisoning the walls responded immediately, it was not enough to stop the army of corpses.

In the first place, it wasn’t just corpses that we had to be careful about.

Kwaaaaaaut one another – there up there?

A meteorite falls from the sky and lands in the middle of the soldiers, instantly disintegrating the front line.

Also at the same time.

[Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr]

A horde of corpses began to surge in like a tidal wave, as if a dam had collapsed.

“Hey, Mr. Yandel?”

“You stay here. “Astarotta, you protect him.”

“Sure.”

After leaving Raven in a safe place, I headed to the castle gate, breaking the pots of corpses with a hammer.

That’s because, beyond the completely open gate, I saw a man majestically entering the city riding on a ‘Chimera’.

“This is it, this is it! You can’t even use your own hands like this just because the castle gate is open! It looks like you let your guard down quite a bit! Pississit!”

This guy goes around like that even on his own.

“I am officially declaring that District 9 will also be under the control of our Orculis as of today…!”

huh?

“…Huh?”

Why did you suddenly stop talking?

“Bjorn… Yandel…?”

Ah, it’s because our eyes met.