The 9Th Class Swordmaster: Blade Of Truth [EN]: Chapter 357

229. The Great War (1)

“Since when?”

Kahlil looked at Dushala.

“It’s been about a week. Due to the nature of the Superior Eye [a magical artifact allowing remote viewing], two-way communication wasn’t possible, but Israfil has always transmitted scenes viewed through the Superior Eye via the communication device at regular intervals.”

“And?”

“He hasn’t reported anything for a week now. We haven’t had the chance to deal with it because of the war, so we haven’t been able to find a way to respond… Do you think he’s alright?”

Dushala asked back with a worried voice. A heavy atmosphere descended upon the room.

[Don’t worry.]

At that moment, Alun answered first, instead of Kahlil who was contemplating.

[That guy Israfil learned magic from me. He’s a bit flimsy, but I didn’t teach him so poorly that he’d die easily. Nothing will happen.]

Thanks to that, the gloomy atmosphere seemed to brighten up a bit. Kahlil also nodded in agreement with his words.

“Right. Suan Hazar is with him. The two of them would never be easily defeated. It’s more important for us to focus on the battle ahead.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

The others answered his words.

Kahlil took a deep breath as if to calm himself and pointed to the massive river that crossed the continent on the map.

“They will initially stop at the Fournine River. To move the large army, they will try to block the waterway and eliminate Tatur’s defense, the currents.”

“That’s right.”

“We’ll strike from behind.”

At his words, Anthem nodded meaningfully.

“When they block the waterway and cross the forest, they will face another obstacle. If they are focused on that and don’t look behind them…”

Anthem pointed to the rearmost of the three markers indicating the Imperial Army.

“Although the vanguard, the 1st Division, has a magic corps, the core is the 3rd Division, the rear unit where the Academy’s mages are stationed.”

“That’s right.”

“It’s better to settle the matter before that. Once they join the main force, it will be difficult to deal with them. Conversely, if we inflict damage on them, we can easily bring the tide of war to our side.”

“But is it possible to strike from behind? The Wyvern Corps is strong, but it’s difficult to annihilate them with just that. Furthermore, the whereabouts of the Platinum Dragon have not yet been identified. It would be good if it were in the main force, but…”

Dushala asked about Anthem’s plan with a slightly worried voice.

“It’s highly likely to be in the rear.”

“How about luring the main force inward and striking from behind through the navy?”

Dushala pointed to the strait between the continent and the Duchy on the map.

“The naval battle is expected to end soon. If that happens, we will be able to quickly move the Duchy’s forces using Karl Mack’s magic warships. However, the key is to hold out until then. According to intelligence, a person named Serga from the Academy has newly risen to the ranks of the 7th Class [a high rank for mages].”

“Hmm.”

Kahlil nodded at his report.

He had sent Mikhail to prevent his growth in the Dawn Society, but unfortunately, he failed.

‘But instead, Mikhail was able to create an opportunity for rapid growth there, so it’s not bad.’

Both Serga and Mikhail were talented individuals needed in the Holy War that would pacify the continent, so Serga’s growth might be uncomfortable right now, but it was a good thing for Kahlil in the long run.

“That won’t work. Tatur also has the Ulkas Guild’s magic corps, but it’s not enough to face a 7th Class Archmage and the Empire’s elite magic corps.”

[What’s not enough? What’s so scary about some fledgling who just broke through the 7th Class barrier? I’m here, aren’t I?]

Alun scoffed at Anthem’s words.

[Bring him to me. I’ll make mincemeat out of him.]

Kahlil looked at him and chuckled.

“Anthem. There’s no need to wait for the naval battle to end. By now, some of the Duchy’s forces, mainly cavalry, will have reached the north. You and Ganes will lead them and join up to strike from behind.”

“Pardon?”

“In the north, at the narrowest passage of the strait, there’s a place where the remains of the Iron Fleet were tied together to create a bridge. By now, the Gnome Kingdom will have repaired it. It’ll be impossible for Golems, but there will be no problem moving troops.”

At his words, people couldn’t help but admire.

‘When did he give such instructions…’

‘To think the Iron Fleet would be used again in this way. Amazing.’

Anthem Howard and Ganes Avelant, who were from the former Duchy, smiled with strange feelings.

“If our role is to bring reinforcements, then who is the unit striking from behind?”

Kahlil pointed to himself with his finger.

“Me.”

At his one word, everyone let out a faint chuckle as if they knew it would be like that.

“Dushala. Kaila Chang will soon join with the warriors of the Chang Clan. When they arrive, have the Chang Clan reorganized and come to me.”

“Understood.”

Dushala nodded and answered.

“There’s not much time left. The war is underway in the north, south, and even far away in the straits. To bring the results they are waiting for, we must cut the line.”

Waaaaaaah—!!

Waaaaah–!!

As soon as Kahlil’s words ended, as if they had heard his words, the soldiers’ shouts echoed throughout Tatur.

Encouraged by their voices, he said to his subordinates.

“The Empire’s lifeline.”

* * *

[You seem worried.]

Alun said to Kahlil, who was looking down at Tatur, which was bustling with war preparations even late at night.

[Is it because of Suan and Israfil? Well, that’s understandable. Nothing like this has ever happened before.]

At his words, Kahlil nodded and gave a bitter smile. Although he didn’t show it in Dushala’s report, Kahlil was inwardly concerned about the weight of the place the two had gone to.

The Blood Cave was the place where the demonic realm’s fruit, called the Black Spore, was discovered. And that place was none other than a place related to Wooden Cloud [a mysterious organization].

“I think the reason why the Order and Wooden Cloud have been in conflict until now is because of the late Emperor Tyran Stefan. He used the power of the Order but was wary of Wooden Cloud.”

[It was because adjustment was needed. The balance of power, I mean. If the Order and the Wooden Cloud guys openly merged, the Empire wouldn’t be able to easily control them.]

“That’s right. So Wooden Cloud sided with the Duchy, and the Order sided with the Empire.”

[But the Duchy has fallen, and Olivon, who is related to Wooden Cloud, has ascended to the throne, so now Wooden Cloud will be absorbed into the Empire. Hmm… Then what happens to the Order? Those guys have the same roots as Wooden Cloud, but they are definitely different forces.]

“There are two possibilities. They will either be absorbed or disappear.”

[Clear.]

Alun nodded at Kahlil’s words.

“The question is whether they will be involved in this war.”

[We can’t rule out the possibility. If Olivon is in cahoots with Wooden Cloud.]

“The key is whether they will participate as Wooden Cloud or in the guise of the Order. In my previous life, when Olivon established the Empire, both the Order and Wooden Cloud existed.”

[Then there’s a high possibility it’s the Order this time too. It was the Order that received the oracle, wasn’t it?]

“Probably. But this is a war that didn’t exist in my previous life. It wouldn’t be strange if something changed.”

[You mean there could be an unexpected enemy.]

Kahlil looked down.

‘Wooden Cloud later founded a fanatical cult called Blue Lore. The fact that they eventually remained in the form of religion means that that form is what they do best.’

Wooden Cloud was no longer a veiled existence. Now that they knew that Kahlil was tracking down clues, the main topic would be whether they would completely reveal themselves directly above the surface.

“We have to catch them. Wooden Cloud isn’t just related to Olivon. I met Rael, who can be said to be their leader, in the Platinum Dragon’s lair.”

The experiments I had confirmed in the lair.

Nardie Maugh was conducting unknown research with countless races, including humans.

If Wooden Cloud is part of that experiment, then Wooden Cloud’s Blood Cave may also have been touched by the Platinum Dragon.

‘The plant growing in the Blood Cave is from the demonic realm. Maybe that Platinum Dragon is one of the culprits who opened the gate to the demonic realm.’

Kahlil narrowed his eyes.

[If you want, lend me the power of Duat [a powerful magical artifact]. Then I’ll investigate the Blood Cave.]

Alun spoke as if he had noticed his inner thoughts. But soon Kahlil shook his head.

“No. Whether he’s in the main force or the rear guard, that Platinum Dragon will definitely come to this battlefield. He’ll be waiting, setting traps in some form. If Duat and you are missing to deal with him, I might not be enough alone.”

[Hmm… Is the great Kahlil afraid?]

“I just want to be sure.”

Kahlil didn’t fall for Alun’s light provocation. He knew it was a joke, but the opponent in front of him was not easy.

“He’s not a clumsy opponent like Python. Besides, there are four Sword Masters and one Archmage, including Kwell, who will assist him. We have Ganes and Randal, but it’s difficult to face all five of them.”

[Hmm… That’s certainly true. It would be nice if we could quickly move that giant Golem called Revol, but the downside is that it takes time to move it because of its weight.]

At Kahlil’s words, Alun clicked his tongue as if he was disappointed. However, despite the clear difference in power, Kahlil spoke in a calm voice.

‘That’s why you need to be there. And haven’t you been waiting until now to stick the sword of revenge into the Platinum Dragon’s nape?’

Alun laughed as if he was dumbfounded by Kahlil’s ability to say such things in this situation.

[Of course. Of course.]

He stretched out his hand and stirred the air, and a giant magic mirror appeared, showing the 모습 [Korean word for appearance] of the Imperial Army at a distance that could not be seen with the naked eye as if it had appeared right in front of him.

“Let’s go. To meet him.”

[Heh heh…]

Kahlil pointed at Alun and said.