405 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

**Chapter 405: Alliance of the Ten Western Nations - Declaration of War Against the Empire** An unexpected setback had stalled the relentless advance of the Imperial Army towards Macline. "The Empire has never attempted assassination. It’s the work of the Black Serpent!" The Empire’s initial excuse failed to convince anyone. Given the timing and the evidence pointing to their involvement, the mere claim of falsified evidence could not persuade the victims. The Emperor quickly made a decisive move. Contrary to what everyone expected, the Imperial Central Army, already near the battlefield, did not retreat. "I trust the Western legion of our Empire will prove our innocence." "We will swiftly settle the East and punish the lawless Western nations." The Emperor dismissed the protests and unification efforts of the ten Western nations against him with a single word, calling it lawless. His declaration exposed his ambition for continental conquest, and the entire continent was in an uproar. * * * "He doesn't stop, does he..." Logan murmured with a stern expression inside Kyle’s inner fortress. Even though they had unveiled their brilliant strategy, the enemy refused to take the bait. It was one of the anticipated scenarios, yet facing reality made him sigh. The hope that the war could end easily was just that—a fleeting hope. "In the end, we have to see this through. Well done, Damian." [Not at all. This was a result of unknown terrorists, not my machinations. Perhaps...] "It must be the work of the Cassel Magic Tower." [Yes. Even the ghost’s corpses and artifacts left at some sites perfectly matched what His Majesty described. They even left the Imperial insignia. This is the first time I've known that the Ares Royal emblem could be forged. Haha.] Since it made no sense for the Empire to commit such acts at this time, there could only be one possibility. The Western countries affected couldn’t rationalize it either, but with evidence on site, they had to follow public opinion. Given the circumstances, Macline had no reason to defend the Empire, so the formation of the Western Alliance would proceed as planned. The issue was: "We must withstand another, or perhaps several more offensives." [It's completely possible, Your Majesty. We've done it once; can't we do it again?] "Indeed." Logan answered but felt uneasy about the situation. "Must we only keep defending forever...?" If they manage to repel the Empire's attack again, if Macline wins, will the Imperial Army just retreat? If they don't retreat, how long will this war continue? And even if they do go back, will they truly abandon their invasion ambitions? Countless negative thoughts filled his mind. Inevitably, the root cause of all this came to his thoughts once more. The one who had once looked down at him with arrogant laughter, as though the world belonged to them. "If we could kill the Emperor..." [Excuse me?] "If we could kill the Emperor, would the Empire abandon its ambitions?" [Historically, there have been cases where, after defeat, they launched another war two decades later and annihilated the country.] At Damian's reply, Logan chuckled inadvertently. "True. That's how they became the Empire." [But our kingdom is different. As long as Your Majesty stands firm, everyone believes it will never fall. One day, we'll become a nation that even the Empire bows beneath.] "True." Despite Damian's resolute belief, Logan himself had none of that confidence. "We’ve had a lot of luck till now." There was no longer any future knowledge available to him. As long as he remained in power, thwarting this war would aid in the kingdom’s prosperity, yet the disparity in land size and population was too vast from the outset. Should even one element like the magical agriculture methods or the secrets to mass-producing artifacts slip into the Empire, they'd quickly catch up in development. No matter how he considered it, there was only one conclusion. "...Defending alone won’t suffice." He must protect. He must defend. To protect his family and those within his circle, by any means necessary. His life, led solely with the thought of atoning for a past life. Yet, perhaps it was a subconscious evasion of a fundamental solution. An overwhelming task that felt impossible rather than merely improbable. But to truly safeguard this kingdom... "We must subjugate the Empire." The mere utterance sent a tremor through his body. Repelling the Empire's invasion and subjugating it were worlds apart. Naturally, Damian's reaction to those words was extremely intense. [What?!] Damian’s eyes, fervent just moments ago with belief, now widened with shock. [Uh, Your Majesty? I think I’ve just heard something extremely unsettling! Was it a hallucination? Please say it was! I beg you!!!] "Your response is starting to resemble Rick’s more and more." [What a terrible thing to say! No, before that, what did you just say...!] Damian's earnest eyes seemed to plead for assurance it was nonsense. Yet, Logan confided his recent thoughts to this counselor, hoping for a brilliant solution. And moments later... [...Your point is valid.] With his gaze hollowing instantly, Damian confirmed Logan’s fears. "What?" [I, too, had been overly optimistic. It's only human, but... Ah, life...] Logan thought he heard an exclamation of despair, but perhaps it was his imagination. ‘I should warn him not to spend too much time with Rick. They’re getting too similar in speech...’ As Logan pondered these trivial thoughts for a moment. Damian, having finished his deliberations, began to lay out his thoughts with a face that seemed a bit older. "As long as Your Majesty stands, I still believe we can indefinitely fend off the Empire's provocations. However, considering the generations to come, it's clear that leaving things as they are isn't a solution. The Empire has consistently pursued expansion." "Indeed." "Even if we resist, they will ultimately expand westward. Given how things have played out recently, it seems likely that Gaiana or Lynden from the west won't be able to withstand the Empire either." Even with me here, the future remains uncertain. "I’ve already used all the knowledge I had." Logan swallowed the bitter truth threatening to spill from his throat and continued with composure. "So, what should we do?" Perhaps we are discussing a future that's too distant when the Imperial attacks haven't even ceased yet. Despite this thought, Logan couldn't stop speaking. He felt strongly that this conversation would chart the kingdom's future course and might even redefine the immediate goals of the current war. "We can't face our descendants if we leave it unresolved." "True, but is it feasible for us to subdue the Empire with our current strength?" "It's challenging, but a complete subjugation isn't necessary." "What do you mean?" "If we seize Luspelheim, or rather Penna, we could dominate the eastern continent. Though not an easy feat, even that portion is significant." "About a third of the current Empire's territory? Would that suffice?" "It would be more than enough. That would force the Empire to focus solely on maintaining its existing territory." "Hmm, a third." This prospect felt more achievable than a complete conquest, slightly easing Logan's mind. However, his trusted advisor soon reminded him of reality. "But the question is whether that's possible with our forces. In battles where strategic formations are lacking, and the destructive power of our weapons is diminished, we must obliterate the Empire's elite troops. We need to contemplate how to achieve that." To this, Logan had only one answer. "We have to try, somehow." "You must have some sort of plan, right?" "We'll have to confront it and..." "Oh, come on! Please think before you act rashly..." With a sigh-laden outburst from Damian, their conversation continued extensively that day. * * * When word reached that the Emperor's forces were crossing the border, Logan received visitors at Kyle Fortress requesting a private audience. "I greet the ruler of Macline." In the secluded meeting space, Logan's gaze upon the middle-aged man kneeling before him was complex. Politically, the Eastern King might hold greater stature, but in Logan's personal interest and immediate military needs, this man was incomparable. "The Divine Sword..." He had heard that Haman Killarbrew, the famed Divine Sword, appeared ordinary with brown hair and blue eyes, typical of Western Continent inhabitants. Yet before him stood a man with brilliantly glowing silver hair and eyes, even more striking than the infamous Moonlight Knight, Plants. "With such a disguise, perhaps simply donning tattered clothing would be less conspicuous?" The man's appearance was captivating enough to warrant such thoughts. Yet, the immense power sensed from this peculiar exterior quickly dispelled any frivolous notions. It had been a while since Logan faced someone whose strength he couldn't quite measure. After a brief assessment, Logan nodded slightly in acknowledgment of the visitor's greeting. "Thank you for traveling such a long way. How should I address you? As Sir Hayman, as noted in the visitor’s register?" The alias was so flimsy it drew a wry smile, yet the Divine Sword, maintaining a stern visage, nodded in assent. "Yes, that would be satisfactory, Your Majesty." The Divine Sword's eyes met his, clearly wavering. The visitor likely felt a similar jarring realization. Perhaps even more shocked than Logan. Realizing this, Logan found a measure of composure. "Stronger than anticipated, but... fine." His confidence renewed, Logan deemed victory possible. Utilizing his unique abilities, he believed he could handle the situation. However, at the instant of his confident smile, he noticed the Divine Sword mirrored his expression. It wasn't merely a polite smile; there was an undercurrent of assurance that left Logan uneasy. "Could he have something else up his sleeve?" His thoughts naturally became tangled. This brought to mind someone in the Sacred Nation. "Did Ilia indeed send him to confront me? Why on earth?" Asking Viktor hadn't provided clear answers, only the inexplicable instruction to regard him as an adversary. "Better to remain cautious." Logan felt he could handle it. He sighed subtly and offered a congenial smile to the ally who could potentially become an enemy. "Very well, Sir Hayman. It's perhaps presumptuous, but we won't assume responsibility for any disputes between the Empire and 'that place' caused by your distinct traits. You're aware of that, I assume?" The Divine Sword's eyes flickered momentarily, but only briefly. "Of course, I'm mindful of that." Any renewed conflict between the Sacred Nation and the Empire could only benefit Macline. With such suspicions temporarily set aside, Logan returned his focus to strategic smiles. "I will not forget this encounter. Please rest well, as the day the Imperial Army resumes its offensive is not far off." "Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty." As the Divine Sword withdrew, his steps unwavering and precise, Logan did not avert his eyes, watching him intently until he was out of sight.