Chapter 35
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: The Scout's Senses
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“My plan is to start from the outskirts and spiral our way in.”
At Wilkis’s words, the others’ expressions stiffened.
“Commander, while that is a sound strategy, wouldn’t it be more critical to head straight for the center of the forest now?”
Basel directed his question to Wilkis.
The sheer scale of the Bronserian Forest was one concern, but more importantly, the number of monsters corrupted by the demonic energy could continue to grow over time.
Tarone, who was standing beside him, chimed in.
“That’s right. Since the first corrupted monster appeared, I understand a significant number have already been infected. I believe dragging this out will only put us at a greater disadvantage.”
But at their words, Wilkis furrowed his brow.
“What if we move to the center of the forest and find nothing—no source of this demonic energy? Are you willing to stake your neck on it?”
“…”
“That’s…”
Tarone’s and Basel’s expressions hardened at Wilkis’s threat.
It was an absurd ultimatum.
But just then.
“There is a very high probability that it’s in the center of the forest.”
Claire, who had been observing the situation, spoke up.
Wilkis’s gaze shifted to her.
“A high probability means it isn’t a certainty, does it not?”
“The demonic energy grows thicker the deeper we go. Based on the direction, the probability of it being in the center is high. No, it’s a certainty.”
Claire stated it firmly.
Having spoken with him a few times, she knew that beating around the bush wouldn't work on Wilkis.
He was a man with strong opinions and a stubborn streak.
Moreover, he enjoyed using his rank to put others down and assert his dominance.
That was why she felt it was best to speak with such conviction.
Claire continued.
“The death toll from the first day alone has already reached a hundred. The longer we delay, the more our forces will dwindle, and the more enemies we will have to face.”
Eliminating the source as quickly as possible was the best option.
It was a fact that everyone present understood.
“Yes, I believe the best course of action is to eliminate the source of the demonic energy first, retreat, and then take our time dealing with the remaining stragglers.”
Basel added his thoughts to Claire’s opinion.
But Wilkis shook his head.
“Wouldn’t that take too long? Now that the subjugation force has been assembled, the best way is to deal with all of them, including the stragglers, before we leave.”
“It may take longer, but it is the safest and most certain method. A forced march could mean some soldiers never return to their families. Please, value your soldiers, Commander.”
“…Are you suggesting my strategy is a forced march and that I treat my soldiers carelessly?”
“No, that’s not what I meant…”
Basel couldn’t hide his flustered expression.
How could this man be so obstinate?
Wilkis declared.
“A soldier of the kingdom does not fear death! Even if they die, their deaths are noble sacrifices for the kingdom. It is something every soldier must accept.”
“Commander…”
Tarone clenched his fists tightly and glared at Wilkis. But at that moment.
“Commander.”
“Hm?”
A monk who had been dispatched from the temple with Claire opened his mouth.
It was Hemeren, who had come as the commander of the temple’s forces.
Hemeren said to Wilkis.
“If we move directly to the center and eliminate the source of the demonic energy, we will have accomplished our goal on the spot. In other words, the subjugation will be a success.”
His voice was low but powerful.
And it carried a strange persuasiveness.
“If you can end this subjugation quickly and send the soldiers home, that in itself will earn you the respect of many as a successful commander.”
“Hmm…”
“Anyone could eventually succeed in this subjugation given enough time. But finishing the job quickly is something only a man of your caliber can achieve, Commander.”
“Is that so?”
Wilkis asked.
Basel seized the opportunity.
“That’s right. The Bronserian Forest is especially vast. If you were to complete its subjugation in a matter of days, wouldn’t that in itself prove your incredible leadership and ability, Commander?”
“Yes, our objective isn’t to eliminate every single monster, but to destroy the source of the demonic energy.”
“Hmm, if you all put it that way…”
The corners of Wilkis’s mouth lifted slightly.
“Very well. In that case, we will advance directly to the center of the forest and destroy the source of this demonic energy.”
At those words, Tarone swallowed the rage boiling up inside him.
The others seemed to be feeling a similar sentiment.
Amidst it all, only Wilkis wore a pleased smile as he commanded.
“Assemble the troops! We advance to the center of the forest at once!”
“Yes.”
“Understood.”
The suffocating meeting was finally over.
* * *
“Captain, what happened?”
“Did the meeting go well?”
As soon as Tarone returned, a few squad members who had been waiting approached him.
Tarone said.
“We’ve decided to advance straight to the center of the forest.”
“What’s… in the center of the forest?”
Aaron asked.
The center of the forest could be considered its deepest part.
Naturally, it was also the place most likely to hold great danger.
“They say the source of the demonic energy is in the center of the forest.”
“Is something like that really in the center?”
“I don’t know, but according to the priests, that’s the most likely possibility.”
At Tarone’s words, Aaron’s expression hardened, and he pressed his lips together. But just then.
“What’s the formation? Where do we stand?”
Demian, who had followed Aaron, asked.
Aaron frowned slightly, as if to warn him.
“This isn’t a conversation for a rookie to butt into.”
“No, it’s fine.”
Tarone didn’t mind.
The fact that he had followed his squad leader to him meant he was deeply invested in this subjugation.
Tarone answered.
“We’re at the vanguard.”
In a way, it was the most dangerous position.
It was something that had been anticipated from the moment the subjugation force was formed.
Demian said.
“If we’re the vanguard, can’t we operate a scout team? The rearguard will be covering our backs anyway.”
“…I suppose that’s fine.”
The issue of scouting had already caused a problem once.
Not operating a scout team now could become an even bigger problem.
At that, Demian raised his hand.
“I’d like to scout.”
“Nonsense. You just do what you’re told.”
Aaron immediately warned Demian.
But Demian looked at Aaron and said.
“I’m one of the fastest in the unit. I move well in the forest… and I have good eyes.”
Rank was meaningless.
In a real combat situation like this, it meant nothing.
A higher rank and more experience only meant a higher ‘possibility’ of survival.
It wasn’t a guarantee.
Besides, within the Neokalitz Unit, very few could match Demian’s level.
Tarone looked at Demian.
“…”
When you lead a unit for a long time, you develop an eye for people.
From that perspective, Demian was a special case.
‘I can’t get a read on him.’
A commoner who could use mana.
A boy who, at just thirteen, graduated top of his class and then ‘volunteered’ for the Neokalitz Unit.
Everything about Demian was a contradiction.
Mana and commoner.
Thirteen and top of his class.
But above all else.
‘Volunteering to come here…’
What on earth was this kid thinking?
“…Captain?”
“Fine, I’ll allow it. But you won’t have command. Aaron, put Beks in charge and form a scout team.”
“Understood.”
If Beks was going with them, he could rest easy.
Aaron immediately brought Beks and a few other members to form the scout team.
“You called for me?”
“Beks, take these men and form a scout team. You’ll need to leave immediately.”
“The rookie, too?”
“Yes.”
At Tarone’s words, Beks glanced at Demian.
He had shown some impressive speed during training, but…
“He doesn’t have any experience yet.”
“That’s why you’re going with him.”
“…Understood.”
Beks replied, his voice tinged with concern.
Unfortunately, however, there were few others in the unit faster than Demian.
And for a scout team, speed was life.
“You’ll be leaving right now, so leave your spears and switch to short swords.”
“Understood.”
“Yes!”
A twenty-man scout team was formed in an instant.
Beks looked at Demian.
“Rookie, you stay in the middle of the formation. If anything happens, fall back immediately.”
“Understood.”
With Beks at the lead, the scout team began to run.
And at its center.
‘…Now then.’
A glint appeared in Demian’s eyes.
This was, in a way, the most crucial part of the subjugation.
Finding the abomination that harbored the demonic energy.
‘There are risks, but…’
As time passed, the entire subjugation force could be put in danger.
If they could just find the source, half the battle would be won.
With that, Demian drew on his mana and focused intently on his surroundings.
A moment later.
“…?”
Demian suddenly froze, his gaze darting to one side.
The senior soldier behind him asked.
“What is it? Why’d you stop?”
“I sense something over there.”
“A presence?”
Beks turned his head and looked at Demian.
The rookie.
“What is it?”
“He says he senses a presence over there.”
At the squad member’s report, Beks frowned.
What was this nonsense all of a sudden?
Beks let out a small sigh.
“Let’s head that way.”
On the off chance it was something, Beks moved in the direction Demian had indicated.
If there was nothing there, he planned to give the kid a serious talking-to.
The scout team changed direction and pushed through the undergrowth that obscured their view. And then.
“…!”
“H-Hah!”
Beks instinctively raised his fist.
At the same time, the squad members froze in place, holding their breath.
Monsters were coming into view up ahead.
All of them had glowing red eyes and black spots on their bodies.
“…Monsters corrupted by demonic energy.”
But something was strange.
The creatures moving in a pack were not all of the same species.
“S-Sir Beks. Is that even possible?”
A squad member asked cautiously.
Beks shook his head.
“This is a first for me, too.”
Goblins, orcs, and steel wolves, all moving together in a single pack.
And they all had one thing in common: they were walking in a single direction.
Straight toward the subjugation force.
“…Damn it.”
Beks cursed under his breath.
They were less than ten minutes from the main force’s position.
And the monsters were already this close?
*Gulp.*
For a moment, Beks wondered what would have happened if they hadn’t looked this way.
A chill ran down his spine.
The hair on his body stood on end.
Beks looked at Demian with astonished eyes.
But then.
“Damn it… You three, hurry back to the main camp and report this.”
“Understood.”
Beks sent the three fastest members back. Then he looked at the remaining men and said.
“We’re pushing in a little further. We need to gauge the size of their force.”
Just from what he could see, there were over a hundred of them.
These were qualitatively different from the Morcs they had first encountered.
The only fortunate thing was that they had discovered them before they could launch a surprise attack.
“…Demian.”
“Yes.”
How he knew didn’t matter.
What mattered now was…
“If you sense anything suspicious, report it immediately.”
“Yes!”
At Demian’s reply, Beks stared straight ahead.
He didn’t know what lay before them, but…
“We’re moving in.”
There was no choice but to find out.