462 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 462 "They're finally leaving." "Are they really going?" "Look over there. They're all moving towards the eastern gate." Ron also glanced at the imperial army in response to the small voice beside him. However, the sight was still something he was not accustomed to. "They're finally leaving." "Hooray, it's finally happening." "Shh! They might hear us." "Oh, come on..." People, their voices filled with fear, were whispering as quietly as possible. All of them were merchants who had been requisitioned for supplies while the imperial army was stationed in the city. It was natural to resent having their properties seized, regardless of them being part of the same empire. Yet, this situation felt different from usual. "There's no noise, apart from the sound of footsteps." "Shouldn't we be hearing at least some chatter from a group that large?" "Yeah." "This is scary..." The imperial army's atmosphere was chaotic when they first entered Regal. But gradually, they grew quieter, and by the third day, there was hardly any sound even within their camp. That was when the inhabitants of Regal started becoming terrified. It was unnatural for an army of over 300,000 to remain so silent, raising suspicions. Rumors spread among the residents that the imperial soldiers had lost their souls to demons — stories that were obviously absurd but understandable. It was around the time when the last of the imperial army's rear guard exited through the eastern gate. A pigeon flew out from deep within Ron's shop, heading east. * * * "We have urgent news from the Regal branch of the Eyes of the Flame. The imperial army stationed in Regal has started its march." A voice filled with urgency. However, the responding voice was brimming with calm. "Yes, it's about time. They're actually a bit late." "And... there's an observation attached regarding a strange atmosphere. This accompanies rumors circulating within Regal." "Atmosphere?" Demian's brow furrowed slightly at the subordinate's words. "They say there's no sound at all from the army of 300,000 as they march." "...What does that mean?" It was an unbelievable story. No matter how disciplined an army was, there would always be a few who show anxiety, especially when the tension of upcoming battle looms. Even more so for an army riddled with internal and external challenges, like the current imperial forces. Moreover, it hadn’t been long since rumors of desertions had been heard... "All information from within has been completely cut off. None of the outsiders who entered with the army, including military suppliers, have returned, making information gathering difficult." Demian's eyes twitched at the bizarre report. Something he had overlooked came rushing back to him. "Why are you only telling me this now?!" "With no definite information, we were cautious..." Expensive magic communication devices weren’t available in every branch. The subordinate, about to add more, held back, realizing his superior was already aware of this fact. And Demian wasn't looking for an explanation. "Damn it!" The strategist who stood up from the desk sprinted towards the war room. "...An army of several hundred thousand moving as if they were one? Without a single noise?" Logan's expression hardened slightly. "Indeed. As you mentioned before, Cassel Tower specializes in mind control..." Demian's intentions were immediately clear, though the situation was still hard to comprehend. "Could they really have influenced such a massive army in such a short time? It seems unlikely... Ria, what do you think?" Both of their gazes shifted to Victoria, who was off to the side. Victoria, who had been preoccupied with worries about her mentor, sighed softly under their scrutiny. Despite her concerns, she knew she needed to address her lord's questions. Fortunately, she already had an answer. It related to something Logan had recently ordered to be analyzed. "If there were hundreds of 'those things,' it would be possible. However, the budget required to produce them would be astronomical." "Astronomical? How much are we talking?" "For the Empire, half a year's budget might be needed. But the cost for producing just ten of those dark knights would equal that, and the effectiveness would definitely be in favor of these items." "I thought the Empire no longer had that kind of leeway?" "...They might think they have nothing to lose this time, and go all out." "Hmm." Logan fell into deep thought following Demian's addition. Half a year's budget for the Empire was no small amount. If a chunk of those funds, likely earmarked for critical allocations, were to suddenly vanish, the whole state could face immediate paralysis. In other words... "...If the Empire is willing to risk bankruptcy, pouring funds in to align with Cassel Tower, then it's possible." The Empire had already suffered losses far beyond any potential gains from subduing Maclaine. War, after all, even in victory, doesn’t yield immediate rewards and often results in resource depletion. 'Even if they secure a victory, they might collapse from the aftereffects.' He wondered if the Emperor was truly insane. No, it must be that he was cornered into desperation. "...Indeed. Most of Cassel Tower's wizards are likely suffering from magical exhaustion if they prepared in such a short time." Despite this statement, Logan's expression didn't relax. Magical exhaustion for wizards could be recovered from in days for those of mage caliber or higher, and mental magic of a lesser standard would hold no sway with him on the battlefield. "Damn it." The underlying faith in the Nine Gods, inherent to varying degrees among all star-dwellers. Their country declared heretic by the center of this faith. Considering the situation, even well-trained armies would experience plummeting morale under such conditions, which had initially pleased him. "I thought I'd rendered the imperial army into a ragtag group..." Faced with the possibility that the entire army had been brainwashed, he couldn't help but lament. The overwhelming advantage painstakingly achieved had vanished in an instant. No, it was even worse. If an army of over 300,000 advanced without fear of retreat, the enemy's forces had essentially been vastly enhanced. It posed a threat incomparable to the addition of a few transcendents. Even though the imperial army had begun its march from Regal, there were only a few days left before the war would commence. There was hardly any time to think of a solution, let alone implement any sort of strategy, given the incredibly short timeframe. And the Empire had most likely planned for this, tightly controlling all information. Even if it meant pushing themselves to the limit for a few short days, they ensured everything stayed under wraps. Once Logan reached this conclusion, only one thought filled his mind. 'We've been outsmarted.' Logan clenched his lips tightly, while Demian spoke with a pale expression. "It's alright. Our allies' morale is soaring higher than ever. If they've been brainwashed, they won't be able to think straight. Besides, we have His Majesty's power in Maclaine, so we should be able to fend them off easily." At that moment, something flashed in Logan's eyes. "Wait a minute?" Demian's words seemed to spark an idea. "What did you just say?" "Uh, I just meant we have His Majesty on our side, so we'll be fine..." "No, not that... Hold on, this might actually work." His muttering, almost to himself, made Demian's eyes light up. But before he could say more, Logan cut in swiftly. "Ria, when you analyzed those things, did their patterns look similar? I mean, is it true that the magic from a single school often follows certain patterns?" "Yes, usually." "Then you could tell me the pattern of that magic, right?" "It's possible, but why would Your Majesty, not being a mage, need to know this...?" "Well, I think we might be able to turn this to our advantage. We'll have to see, but there's a good chance." Perhaps they could turn this magic against its users. As a triumphant smile flitted across Logan's face, Demian and Victoria felt the anxiety in their hearts dissipate completely. Whether it was due to the experience of watching their lord in action or just the enchanting influence of an Aura Master's presence, they couldn't say. "Ria, let's discuss that pattern more in detail. Demian, go back and prepare for the war. Leave this matter to Ria and me." "...Yes. I trust you, Your Majesty." In the past, he might have argued, but Demian nodded obediently. 'A strategist shouldn't be like this.' Even though he found it absurd, he didn’t voice it. The thought dominated his mind that the words of his lord must be right. 'Our lord, who charges forward without a plan... Why does it seem so natural?' Puzzled by this strange sense of acceptance, Demian soon forgot his little resistance and turned back with a smile. 'Hmm. He’s unusually compliant today.' Logan involuntarily tilted his head, noting how Demian, who he expected to question his orders, simply turned away. But he didn’t dwell on it. The pressing issue at hand was far more urgent. As they prepared to delve into the topic, Victoria broached an unexpected subject. "I can provide the pattern, Your Majesty. However, before that, you haven’t given me an answer about my master..." There was a pause. "Ah, right. We were discussing that..." Logan bit his lips tightly, reproaching himself. Although he knew she would be curious, he had subconsciously avoided the subject. Despite being a mage, she was still not of age, a child still reliant on family or mentors for support, and he didn’t want to relay bad news. But now, the topic had been brought up, and he could avoid it no longer. "...I'm sorry, Ria. We haven’t found a way to revive Clayton yet. What the Saintess went through involved divine power..." Victoria's expression immediately darkened at his words. "...So that's the case." "I’m sorry, Ria. But someday, we’ll restore him. For now, trust in me." Victoria, on the verge of tears, forced a smile at those words. Logan had saved both her and her brother, a guardian for the country's monarch, while her master Clayton had unlocked her potential, enabling her to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Her mentor had even risked himself to protect her, so the guilt she felt was ever-present these days. But her lord had always proven his words with actions—no matter how reckless or impossible they appeared. Oddly enough, the lord’s baseless promise gave her renewed hope. "Yes, I trust you." "...Alright. Let’s talk about that pattern again, then." In the ancient office of the former lord within Rusfelheim Castle. Logan and Victoria worked tirelessly together, researching the scroll left by the Emperor—or rather Cassel Tower—for three straight days. Four days later. "The imperial army!" With the guard's cry, the entire fortress of Rusfelheim was thrown into commotion. "Everyone to your stations!" "Check liberatio and your magazines!" "Mages to your positions!" The Maclaine forces moved swiftly. In their minds echoed a message from their absolute ruler. [We will surely prevail! Trust in it.] "Uwaaah!" The resolute voice filled their hearts with tremendous courage. But that wasn't all. Soon, their minds received a general overview of their forces’ positions and the approaching enemy. Each soldier recalled their assigned role, swiftly turning it into steadfast confidence. "We can't lose." "We have His Majesty!" "Glory to Maclaine!" "Homage to the unyielding flame!" Without orders, shouts of loyalty erupted. Feeling the overwhelming morale surging sky-high, the Maclaine army eyed the advancing imperial forces. Then, unexpectedly. – Vile invaders, deceitful Maclaine that even tricked the temple, will be punished in the name of the Empire! A mighty voice from the imperial side reverberated through Rusfelheim, temporarily quelling the disorder. "What is...?" "Ugh, what's happening?" "What?" A wave of fear rose starkly with just the power of the voice. The soldiers instinctively rubbed their arms to dispel the chills that had crept up their skin. Seeking reassurance, they turned their gaze towards where their sovereign stood. Those stationed closer to the central wall could clearly see the fierce and twisted expression on their lord's face. The thought, "Something is wrong," struck them instantly. At that very moment, a massive ball of fire appeared in the sky above, seemingly about to engulf everything.