Chapter 115
Chapter 115
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 115
Chapter Title: Either-Or (4)
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The kingdom army's propaganda was quite an unusual affair from Cain's perspective as well. Cain had once fought for the kingdom.
And those experiences, whether he liked it or not, were still firmly lodged in his mind. It would have been better if he could forget them.
Unfortunately, the label of "traitor" wasn't something that faded easily... especially since he had clashed with them directly.
Of course, the kingdom's forces weren't as weak as one might assume. But could they match the empire? Well...
Even being generous, they'd barely hold their own against the Seven Kings of the Demon Realm, excluding the Water King, in a head-on fight.
And even that assumed the beastmen discarded all their natural advantages and charged blindly without a thought.
'How could such a kingdom repel the empire's elite troops and advance so swiftly? What power have they grasped?'
Underestimating the enemy was the height of foolishness. Especially for a commander leading vast armies...
Even if it was hard to believe, it was an undeniable reality. The kingdom had crossed the empire's border and reached this point.
So, there had to be solid grounds for it. And as a commander, he needed to stay vigilant about that.
Having reached that conclusion, Cain boarded a carriage for the first time in ages and pored over every piece of intelligence from the spy division.
"...They say they revive even after their heads are severed? An undying immortal legion? And they call themselves the army of God?"
"Andre's lost his marbles too. Army of God... what nonsense."
"But it's no mere ruse. The imperial army wouldn't yield to cheap tricks. Which means..."
"I won't fall for that idiotic 'army of God' stunt, but something on that level must be backing it up."
Morgana let out a sigh and shook her head. At least the 12th Army under Cain was in solid shape.
The imperial forces that had already tangled with the kingdom had their morale shattered. Well, who wouldn't, facing an army that keeps coming back no matter how many times you kill them...
To grasp the full picture, he'd need to witness it firsthand, but if it was literally true, it would be a real headache.
"At least it's a relief their advance halted at the Cliff of Despair. If they'd breached even that..."
"Cliff of Despair?"
"The site where His Majesty personally thwarted the allied invasion long ago. A true natural fortress."
There was only one path in, ringed by mountains so sheer they were more cliff than slope.
Thanks to that, the Cliff of Despair had served as the empire's ultimate shield and ally, pure despair for the coalition.
Evidently, not even an undying army could crack it. Or was there another factor?
Stray thoughts swirled away like water down a drain. Cain lifted his gaze to behold it.
"So that's the Cliff of Despair."
"Yes, it is."
"It does look like a fortress no brute force could breach."
Just taking in the distant vista felt oppressive. The title of natural fortress suited it perfectly.
If he'd been on the other side, even Cain would have faced endless cycles of death to overcome it.
Unless he'd reached Master level, which unfortunately he hadn't yet.
Was it the sublime, overwhelming natural grandeur that awed him? Morgana smirked.
"Impressive fortress, right? Barring any wild cards, even an undead horde would struggle to break through."
"What sort of wild cards do you mean?"
"Say, internal strife... or an insider betraying us."
"............"
"Ah! Anna, I didn't mean you at all!"
He half-wondered if it was some aristocratic jab, but thankfully, no malice was intended this time.
As evidence, Morgana—realizing her blunder—was breaking a cold sweat, unlike her usual poise, and scrambling to apologize.
Fortunately, knowing Princess Morgana's character, Anna brushed it off lightly.
"It's alright. I know exactly what troubles Your Highness..."
"Y-you didn't need to push yourself to come along. Princess Anna. Raising a blade against family is..."
"No, this is my responsibility to shoulder."
Anna shook her head resolutely. Back then, for the kingdom, she'd made the best choice possible.
In the best light, she'd proven her worth; bluntly put, she'd sold herself to the empire.
Yet even after that, her brother had chosen war. Why? What drove him to it?
Given Cain Blackguard and the empire's strength she'd seen firsthand, the kingdom's odds of victory were slim.
That rash call had endangered her own standing too. She was grateful for her unwavering loyalty to Cain so far.
And for Cain and Morgana's generosity. Otherwise...
Anna didn't even want to contemplate it.
"But things are getting rowdy."
"Something feels off...?!"
BOOM!!
A massive boulder crashed down nearby with a thunderous roar. Looked like a catapult lobbed from beyond the walls.
Assuming it wasn't fired from the Cliff of Despair itself. And incoming catapult fire meant one thing.
Siege warfare. Meaning the Cliff of Despair was under active siege right now. The culprits? Obvious enough.
"It doesn't look like the Cliff will fall anytime soon, but we should make haste, Lord Blackguard."
"Understood, Your Highness. All forces! Pick up the pace! The kingdom's launching fresh attacks on the empire!"
Cain's sharp command rang out, and the imperial troops roared in response, surging forward with renewed vigor.
Cain frowned. Something felt wrong.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ In truth, the kingdom's state was a total mess of chaos—especially in the east.
It was inevitable. Everyone had heard the tales of Cain Blackguard, who had shielded them from the empire's onslaught.
In times of turmoil, the masses cling to heroes for protection. The kingdom was no exception.
But the issue was the kingdom discarding the very hero the people depended on. Cue mass confusion.
Folk generally adore and trust their king, drilled into them from youth.
Yet that king branded their protector a traitor and cast him aside? Heads had to tilt.
Then news hit that Cain had surrendered to the empire and even conquered the Demon Realm. Anxiety skyrocketed.
But the unease had vanished now. Thanks to Crown Prince Andre, who toppled the king and claimed the throne.
Nobles who'd voiced doubts or outright rebelled were now tame as lambs, falling in line.
"All preparations are complete, Your Majesty. Now, purge these villains and restore justice. 'Tis God's will."
"From the start, I sought but one thing. Rescuing my family. Beyond that..."
"I know. That's the deal, isn't it?"
"Yes. Good that you do. I can feel it—my dear sister draws near."
Jerod's blood-red eyes flickered with revulsion for an instant, then smoothed away as if never there.
Andre, though, was too preoccupied to notice. He felt it. That familiar breath of hers.
You're here too, journeying this far to see your brother. In the end, we gazed toward the same horizon.
That realization spurred Andre to redouble the assaults. The strategy was dead simple.
Attack, attack. The catch: nonstop barrages around the clock, no pauses, not even momentary pullbacks.
Even crack troops were wearing down, stamina draining, weapons dulling.
"These godforsaken monster spawns—can't they give us even an hour's breather...?!!"
"General! The men are dropping from exhaustion!"
"Damn it...!!"
Veteran imperial elites, seasoned through every trial, were nonetheless floored by this relentless siege—the likes of which they'd never endured.
Only their wealth of experience let them rotate in two shifts, barely holding the line.
But even that was hitting its breaking point. Most soldiers collapsing from fatigue, or swaying on their feet at best.
Yet in that do-or-die instant, teetering on the fortress's fall, someone vaulted atop the ramparts.
"You've all held strong till now. Leave the rest to us."
A voice alone flipped despair to hope in a heartbeat. The empire's unrivaled master tactician, beyond dispute.
Cain Blackguard. He had finally arrived at the Cliff of Despair.