The Spearman's Resolve
“Arteon.”
“Why are you wearing such an expression?”
A scar stretched from his left eye all the way down his cheek.
His body was not bulky, yet it conveyed an iron-hard physique honed through rigorous training.
Though he was known as cold-blooded, to those close to him he was a mischievous older brother figure.
He had reached the rank of low-ranking noble, yet he never discriminated against fellow commoners like himself and even acknowledged their abilities.
When Arteon asked why his demeanor had changed, the man replied.
“If we win this battle, we’ll be able to strike straight into the heart of their tribe. Then… this endless war will finally end.”
“…”
“What? An old man like you asking that? If anyone hears, they’ll think the war is already over.”
“…”
Arteon’s words only drew a faint smile from the man.
But then.
“Arteon.”
“…”
“If anything happens to me, I want you to take over from behind. There’s no one more trustworthy than you.”
“…”
“Don’t talk nonsense and keep leading from the front. If a commoner like me becomes a commander, will the soldiers even follow?”
“Hahaha, anyway, ninety percent of the soldiers here are commoners. What of it? And who knows—maybe the commoners will band together and pull off a miracle.”
He always had that relaxed air.
A warrior who could wield aura at the mid-4th stage was an idol and the object of respect to Arteon.
The unusual behavior unsettled Arteon, yet he did not dwell on it.
Since the man led from the front, defeat was impossible. And indeed… they won the battle.
Just as always.
Yet the ominous premonition had always come true, hadn’t it?
In the battle that pierced the Kar tribe’s heart.
“Ah… ah, ah… no… nooo!”
The man’s chest was pierced.
Arteon roared and swung his blade, severing the Kar captain’s neck while he was still fighting.
“Hu-hu-hu… it’s… over. My rear… take over… gulch!”
“Don’t say that! Medic! Medic!”
Arteon’s desperate cry echoed, but the man gripped Arteon’s hand and spoke.
“Rear… I’ll handle it… they… must all… die…”
“Medic! Medic!”
Thud.
“Ah, no! Nooo!”
In Arteon’s tear-filled cry, he took his last breath.
The reason he had survived this hell, the reason he could endure… had been this man’s help.
In a way, he had been Arteon’s spiritual pillar, his commander, his comrade.
His death left every soldier in mourning.
Later, following the man’s wish, Arteon led five thousand soldiers and massacred thirty thousand Kar tribesmen.
When they finally ended the northern war by slaying the Kar tribe according to his last words, he had been betrayed and slain.
“…”
In an instant, past memories flashed like a streak of lightning.
The moment he entered the tent, Arteon’s dazed expression drew a question from the special unit commander.
“What is this? A stupid-eyed brat?”
“Subordinate Arteon, Third Sergeant of the Third Platoon. A soldier recommended by the division commander as a guide for the special unit.”
“…Arteon? The top performer in the first frontline?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Bilk answered without hesitation.
Yet Arteon, standing beside him, stared at the special unit commander without blinking and muttered to himself.
“…Isaac Lieutenant… sir.”
His former direct superior. The strongest commander he had ever known.
He had always prioritized his troops and victory over his own safety, his light brighter than the setting sun.
But at Arteon’s murmur.
“Did I introduce you? But don’t cause trouble. I’m still a lieutenant.”
“…”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
Isaac’s low voice filled the tent.
Only then did Arteon snap to attention, clenching his right fist.
“Steel heart! Third Sergeant Arteon reporting to Lieutenant Isaac!”
“Now everyone’s here.”
Impressed by Arteon’s disciplined posture, Isaac’s lips curved slightly.
He then glanced at the map spread across the table.
“The special unit consists of thirty members. I wanted more, but too many troops moving would create too many risks for the operation.”
Isaac pointed at one spot on the map.
“We’ll move along this road toward the lowlands west of Helikel Canyon. From here we head central, confirm the enemy deployment inside the canyon, and then withdraw.”
The soldiers at the table nodded in unison.
Only thirty men, yet every one possessed strength at the first star or higher.
But at that moment…
“Lieutenant Isaac, may I offer an opinion?”
“Go ahead, Sergeant. As our guide, I’ll listen to your thoughts with open ears.”
Arteon looked at the spot Isaac had indicated.
“Lieutenant’s strategy is stable and excellent, but this is where we must climb. Enemy sentries will be placed here no matter what. We cannot avoid combat.”
He pointed to another section of the map.
The eastern cliff of Helikel Canyon.
Exactly the opposite of where Isaac had pointed.
“The eastern cliff is steep and dangerous, but a river flows right at its base. We can move along the river without being spotted by the enemy.”
“…”
“And once we reach the cliff along the river, if we climb it…”
Thud.
Arteon’s finger pointed at the center of the canyon.
“Enter from the center and head straight to the rear of the canyon. If we blast a section of the central wall with explosives, we can sow chaos among the enemy. We’ll also block their retreat, allowing us to finish them off from behind.”
If the main force attacked from the front, the enemy would be caught between two fires and wiped out.
The soldiers stared at Arteon in stunned silence.
“…”
“What unit are you from?”
“Fourth Platoon, Fourth Squad.”
“…That Arteon?”
“Yes.”
Too absurd. The name didn’t even come to mind. Isaac exhaled quietly and said, “If only it were that simple, but there are problems. First, although there is a river on the eastern cliff, the current is strong and the depth is great—crossing is impossible. Second, even if we crossed the river, the cliff is too steep and high.”
Isaac spoke calmly, drawing from old Empire records of the canyon and recent scout reports.
Seeing this, Arteon barely suppressed a laugh.
‘…This is Isaac’s true face.’
He ignored even subordinates and accepted their words as far as possible, then faced reality with cold judgment.
His martial strength was one thing, but this broad tolerance and coldness were the most terrifying aspect.
A soldier beside him spoke sharply.
“Enough reckless talk. You’ve only been in for a year, right? This battlefield isn’t that easy. Just because you got lucky and scored one success doesn’t mean everything is a joke.”
The soldiers around turned to look at him.
Arteon shifted his gaze to the man.
The rank insignia on his shoulder was Sergeant.
Arteon asked.
“What’s your unit and name?”
“Second Platoon, Fourth Company. Lieutenant Ponlaron. Different post from our squad leader.”
He already knew Arteon was the fourth squad leader.
But Arteon turned his head and faced Isaac again.
“As you said… the river below Helikel Canyon has a strong current and is not easy to cross. But… it is not impossible. And the eastern cliff… we cannot climb it, but Lieutenant Isaac can, can’t he?”
“…”
“What?”
“What is this brat saying? So we can’t climb, so Isaac is supposed to climb the wall?!”
Ponlaron suddenly burst in and shouted.
Arteon nodded.
“That’s right. If Lieutenant Isaac climbs with a rope and sets up a foothold, we can all climb.”
“Are you crazy?”
Telling your superior to climb a sheer cliff.
The man must be out of his mind.
But at that moment.
“…”
Isaac watched Arteon, shoulders shaking with laughter.
Biting his lip, he could not hold back the grin.
Ponlaron and the other soldiers turned to stare at Isaac.
Ponlaron spoke urgently.
“Lieutenant Isaac, ignore this man. He seems to have lost his mind.”
“Ha-ha, it’s been a while since I laughed like that.”
After laughing for a long while, Isaac murmured and looked at Arteon.
“You think I can climb that?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
“…”
Isaac’s eyes flashed sharply.
He then asked in a serious tone.
“So the river can definitely be crossed? Do I have to do something too?”
“No. The current is fast and crossing is difficult, but there is a shallow spot in the middle. If we cross there, it should be safe.”
“How do you know where the shallow spot is? Doesn’t it carry too much risk?”
Isaac’s expression twisted slightly.
He was angry at the unrealistic plan.
But Arteon shook his head.
“One person crosses first and sets up a rope on the opposite bank. The rest can follow.”
“So who sets up the rope? It’s not a shallow river. Who would take that risk?”
The atmosphere turned immediately tense.
Yet in that instant, Arteon answered calmly.
“I can cross.”
“What?”
“The width of the river in Helikel Canyon is only about forty meters. With a thick rope, it can withstand the current.”
“…You can cross? If you get caught in the current, you’ll die.”
Isaac’s gaze turned fierce.
But even so.
“I can. No, I will do it no matter what.”
Arteon answered without hesitation.
Isaac nodded.
“Very well, then we’ll do that.”
“Lieutenant Isaac!”
“What’s the problem, Ponlaron?”
“Does that mean you’ll climb the cliff alone?”
“Then is there anyone else who can climb that cliff?”
“But how can Lieutenant Isaac…?”
“Ponlaron, are we going on a picnic?”
“…”
Isaac’s eyes turned icy.
He looked at the special unit soldiers around him.
“If there is a way, we’ll use any means. Whether it’s me climbing the cliff or rolling in a pile of horse dung.”
Arteon clenched his fist without realizing it.
‘…This is Isaac.’
The commander Arteon knew.
A man who would jump into the flames without hesitation if it meant leading them to victory, even if he had to sacrifice his own body.
Isaac spoke to the special unit members without delay.
“This war will be won no matter what. And for victory, I will do whatever it takes. Anyone with weak resolve can leave here now. No one will be punished.”
The soldiers’ eyes changed under the words of determination.
And in the changed atmosphere.
“No one will leave, right?”
“Yes!”
“We’ll follow no matter what!”
“We’ll fight together even if we die!”
The soldiers gathered at the table shouted loudly.
Isaac took out his watch and said,
“By 23:00, finish all preparations and gather here. We leave at that time.”
Before dawn tomorrow.
“We will cross Helikel Canyon.”
At those words, the soldiers began to move busily.
The steel heart had sounded sharp and clear.
Isaac nodded with a satisfied smile.
“Very good, Arteon. I’ll remember that name.”
Arteon straightened his back and replied formally.
“It is an honor to have earned Lieutenant’s recognition.”
Bilk’s eyes gleamed with admiration as he watched the exchange.
“Hahaha, this is why I joined the special unit,”
Isaac laughed heartily.
“From now on, we march at first light. Rest well, everyone.”
The soldiers nodded, already buzzing with excitement.
Outside the tent, the wind howled through the canyon, carrying the distant sound of rushing water.
Arteon felt a faint, uneasy shiver run down his spine.
But he pushed it aside.
Victory was within reach.
With Isaac at the helm, nothing could stop them.