Chapter 44
Chapter 44
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 44
Chapter Title: 17th Chapter: Heavy Armored Assault Squad (2)
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When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was a high ceiling. The tips of his fingers felt something soft and plush. He was on a bed. As Raymond sat up, he scanned his surroundings.
He remembered using mana overload to fight the Hashashin from the Edriger Kingdom, collapsing afterward, and then being dragged in his unconscious state to the World Tree's inner realm, where he received the "Eternal Forest's Blessing."
"I never imagined I'd even get the blessing..."
Raymond muttered to himself as he circulated his mana. It felt like the pure mana now carried a faint trace of the forest's energy.
In the original novel, the protagonist Richard had helped Silvia and earned only the "Blessing of Sword and Magic" along with the goodwill of the Platinum Clan. But Raymond had gone further this time, receiving the "Eternal Forest's Blessing" and securing the favor of all elves.
Something's changed.
The fact that they had bestowed the Eternal Forest's Blessing first suggested they had lost many avatars over time. So, their gratitude toward Raymond for saving the avatar in the Platinum Clan's village must have reached its peak.
Does this have something to do with the End Association?
Raymond's eyes sharpened. So far, the biggest variable he knew of was the "End Association."
It was a setting the author hadn't fully fleshed out. Just as Raymond had gained new life through possession, they too had overlapped variables upon variables, completing their own setup on their own.
His thoughts didn't go deeper. Perhaps sensing the faint stir of mana, a commotion sounded from outside, followed by a knock.
"Your Highness the 5th Prince, may I come in?"
The clear voice belonged to Desia.
"Come in."
At Raymond's permission, the door opened, and Desia stepped inside. She wasn't alone. Following cautiously behind her was Silvia, her platinum hair gleaming even in the dim light.
"How many days was I out?"
This was the most important question. Raymond asked it the moment his eyes met Desia's.
"About two days, Your Highness."
Desia replied calmly. Raymond nodded slowly.
He had undergone physical reconstruction, but using the mana swordsman's secret art of mana overload in an unfamiliar body meant side effects were expected from the start.
In fact, being unconscious for only two days was shorter than he'd initially anticipated.
"Nothing happen while I was out?"
"No major changes at the border yet, it seems."
"You sound awfully certain."
Desia instantly realized Raymond wasn't asking about the Platinum Clan's village and responded accordingly. Despite no top-tier mage capable of communication magic in their group, she spoke with unwavering confidence—overly so. Raymond pointed it out lightly.
"Your Highness the 5th Prince. Don't I seem... different somehow?"
He hadn't expected such a sudden question, but Raymond cooled his mind and observed Desia closely.
She wasn't one for jokes. It seemed off-topic, but there had to be a connection.
About a minute passed. As the aftereffects of his two-day unconsciousness faded, Raymond clearly sensed the change in Desia.
"You've reached the pinnacle mage realm?"
A subtle mana aura rose from her entire body, denser now. She wasn't flaunting it deliberately, nor trying to hide it, making it easy to recognize she'd ascended to that lofty pinnacle.
"Thanks to Your Highness."
It wasn't empty flattery. When Raymond received the "Blessing of Sword and Magic" and his physical reconstruction began, Desia had stayed by his side, witnessing the process firsthand. Watching ancient magic unfold had granted her enlightenment.
Truly terrifying talent.
Raymond shook his head inwardly. He'd known from the setting notes and confirmed in person that she was gifted, but he hadn't expected this much.
She was barely into her early twenties, with less than four years of magic study under her belt.
Yet she'd reached the pinnacle realm, which even geniuses took over a decade for and required enlightenment. Historically rare, but undeniably impressive.
"Now you can contact the Azure Tower Lord?"
"Good thing I brought the communication orb just in case."
She said it casually, like coincidence, but Raymond figured she'd planned for it.
She must have been confident she'd reach the pinnacle on this journey.
"Tell the Azure Tower Lord the matter's settled and I'll head there soon."
The last rumor he'd heard was that the Free Isirian Kingdom's Heavy Armored Assault Squad had entered the Black Mountains.
They weren't there for a leisurely picnic in such a dangerous place. By now, battles were surely underway.
"I'll pass it on."
Desia nodded and withdrew. But Silvia lingered, looking like she had something to say.
"Lady Silvia..."
"It's fine. You go ahead."
Desia started to leave with her, but Raymond sent Silvia ahead first.
Having received the Eternal Forest's Blessing, he was curious about this high elf's reaction.
"You've received the Eternal Forest's Blessing."
"Something like that."
Raymond affirmed it.
"Benefactor, may I ask what happened?"
Silvia asked calmly and politely. She'd shown courtesy before, but it had been perfunctory then.
A cold, dead-eyed formality out of necessity. But now it was different.
Her gaze toward the 5th Prince brimmed with genuine concern and respect. Her once-lifeless eyes now sparkled with vitality.
"Should I explain everything?"
"No. It was mere curiosity on my part. You're free to stay silent, Benefactor."
Her response might have seemed cold, but Silvia smiled faintly and shook her head. He was the World Tree's benefactor; she couldn't demand answers.
"First, allow me to express my gratitude."
"Just words?"
"If there's anything you need, we'll do our utmost to..."
"I'm kidding. No need to worry."
Watching her tense reply, Raymond couldn't help but chuckle.
The Platinum Clan had suffered heavy losses from the 2nd Prince's schemes.
Raymond disliked coming out behind, but he had no intention of extracting anything from them right now.
He'd gained the "Blessing of Sword and Magic" and the unexpected bonus of the "Eternal Forest's Blessing" on this Blue Forest journey. One planned, one extra. These two blessings were reward enough.
Even with the Eternal Forest's Blessing, this wasn't a game world. Excessive demands or tyranny would only distance him from the Platinum Clan. Raymond decided against greed.
"You'll be leaving soon, then?"
"Naturally."
One of the protagonist's major fortunes was the Blessing of Sword and Magic. No reason to linger in the Blue Forest anymore.
"Does leaving the forest feel regrettable now?"
One of the conditions he'd set for purifying the World Tree was Silvia Platier herself—her loyalty.
"Regrettable? Not at all. I will serve you without fail, Benefactor."
To her, Raymond wasn't just the one who'd saved her clan from extinction; he'd saved her life too. Even without the blessing, this level of favor was natural.
The short conversation ended, and silence followed.
"Your Highness the 5th Prince!"
A knock and Desia's urgent voice shattered the bedroom's quiet peace.
"Come in."
"Emergency contact from the Azure Tower Lord."
"What is it?"
Raymond frowned at "emergency." The Azure Tower Lord was dramatic, but not one to raise such a fuss with emergency channels. Something must have happened at the border.
"Tell me."
"Well..."
Desia hesitated. Looking closely, her gaze ended on Silvia. Military intel from the border—she was wary of leaks. Silvia quickly caught on.
"I'll step out."
"No need."
Raymond stopped the quietly retreating Silvia. His gaze then turned to Desia.
"Silvia will soon join my guard. No need for your concerns."
"Understood, Your Highness. Then, the report: The Free Isirian Kingdom's Heavy Armored Assault Squad attacked and captured Alvin Fortress in the Black Mountains."
"The fortress?"
"Yes. Not just outposts—they took the fortress, destroyed key facilities, and left."
The last news had been three outposts destroyed by the squad. He hadn't expected them to assault and capture a fortress with heavy garrison.
"Are they aiming for all-out war in the Black Mountains?"
Raymond muttered, frowning.
The Black Mountains were nominally under the demilitarization treaty, so even military clashes couldn't draw proper diplomatic protests. No troops were supposed to be stationed there anyway.
There was an argument for monster subjugation garrisons, but that was a stretch, not treaty text.
"This is serious. We head to the border now."
"I'll guide you the swiftest, safest path."
Silvia said. With the "Pathfinder" leading, they'd arrive far sooner than planned.
No loyalty oath, but Raymond trusted she wouldn't betray.
The plot was twisting slightly now, but in the original novel, Silvia hadn't, and her settings left little room for it.
Blind faith was unwise, but needless suspicion wasn't called for.
"Gestain!"
Raymond called as he left the bedroom with Desia and Silvia.
"My lord! You're awake!"
Gestain, standing rigidly like a statue in the hall, rushed over joyfully.
"We're going to the border immediately."
"We should reach the border by tomorrow,"
Silvia said. He'd felt it coming to the Blue Forest, but her wind spirit mastery was astounding. Her blessing boosted speed and sent spirits ahead to scout dangers, finding the fastest routes.
Compared to the two Tower Lords or Gestain, her combat power was low, so it might seem minor. But she was essential for Raymond's survival in this harsh novel world ahead.
She's vital to survive the Bloody Funeral.
Among events tied to extra Raymond, the "Bloody Funeral" impacted the novel world most.
No escaping it, so he'd have to give his all to survive that hell.
"When do the Imperial Army and Mage Tower combat unit join us?"
Gestain asked Desia. Since reaching pinnacle realm, she'd been in constant magic comms with the Azure Tower Lord en route.
He didn't know why, but her bringing the comm orb had been wise.
"They're heading here now. Should join in three hours."
"Urge them to hurry. We need more escorts."
After recent dangers, Gestain—as Raymond's guard commander—could only prioritize his safety.
Normally, Crayer territory forces would escort upon leaving the Blue Forest, but Raymond refused to slow down.
Silvia could bless for speed, but dozens to hundreds of escorts? Her mana wasn't enough yet.
So they'd link with the Imperial Army near the border, but Gestain was still restless.
Tormented by 2nd Prince's men and Edriger Hashashin, his nerves were frayed.
Even in Crayer Marquisate, he feared attacks anytime, eager to unite with the army.
"Someone's approaching."
Time passed in vigilant watch. Silvia calmly announced it.
"About 140 in number."
She continued reporting. 140 matched their total: Imperial Army, guards, Mage Tower unit. Gestain finally relaxed, and soon the Imperial Army banner crested the hill.