Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 137
The Last Ravnoma (1)
Soldiers walking down a narrow mountain path.
The sound of a creaking carriage, probably loaded with something, was echoing through the mountains.
“…But there’s been a strange rumor going around lately.”
“What rumor?”
The march was not only peaceful, but also boring.
The supply corps heading to Deirmar had walked such a peaceful path, and everyone was in a situation where tensions were easing one by one.
“They said the supply detachments heading to Deirmar are being looted.”
“plunder?”
One of the soldiers seemed to be bored with the walk and started talking to the man next to him.
However, the soldier who heard this just snorted and laughed as if it was nonsense.
“They say some bandits are robbing a supply detachment full of soldiers.”
“Because it’s real. “When I was in town last time, I heard what the people there said.”
Who would dare attack soldiers armed with weapons?
Even though the supply unit is weaker than the general military procession, it would be a burden for regular bandits to target.
“Don’t talk nonsense. “If it was a group that was capable of robbing soldiers in the first place, rumors would have started a long time ago.”
“…That’s true, but.”
The soldier who was talking seemed to realize that his worries were unfounded, so he just scratched his head and kept his mouth shut.
Moreover, it is currently a war situation.
Even if there are bandits who are capable of robbing the supply depot, now is the time to hold your head and hold your breath as the soldiers come and go.
“huh?”
However, the existence of misfortune has always been outside of knowledge and common sense.
“It’s an arrow! “Fire arrow!”
“The carriage is on fire!”
An ominous being would come closer when its name was called.
“The tree is falling!”
Fiery arrows filled with malice were shot from the bushes, and at the same time, trees began to fall in front and behind the procession.
“It’s an attack! attack!”
“Everyone take up arms!”
The road was blocked in an instant.
Pitch-black soot rising from the top of the carriage and the screams of startled horses. It was the moment when Bayezid’s malice, which had taken root deep in the West, showed its teeth.
“Everyone, calm down!”
It was a sudden and unexpected situation, but the leader of the supply corps quickly tried to calm the situation by encouraging his knights and soldiers.
“Power stop! Protect the cargo!”
A knight in middle age who looks solemn.
As experienced as he looked, he quickly tried to control the situation and prepare for the coming surprise attack.
“…!”
However, the rushing malice was faster and sharper than he expected.
Formidable speed.
But by the time I saw it, it was too late and by the time I reacted, it had already passed.
“Knock gag!”
The hot liquid throbbed along with the cool sensation.
The leader of the supply unit was clutching his neck and twisting as if he couldn’t believe the current situation, but the beats from his heart were already continuously pumping out through his throat.
“…I couldn’t even react.”
While the soldiers were frozen in shock at the sudden situation, someone was laughing behind the spattering blood.
A battle, not a duel.
Nevertheless, the technique of killing with a single blow was applicable in any battlefield.
“At this level… I think it’s worth it.”
Where am I and how far can I deal with it?
The young, inexperienced engineer tried to determine his position through numerous cross-checks, so he was now certain.
“You two, try it too.”
Now I know that I have become strong enough for someone.
“This is crazy! Captain…”
“Yes, you bastard!” Who the hell are you!”
Two knights, embarrassed by their captain’s death, quickly surrounded Vlad with their swords drawn.
Two against one.
However, it was the one opposing the two that was actually dominating the battlefield.
“Who am I?”
A quiet but resonant voice.
With everyone paying attention, a ray of world slowly began to flow out from the blond-haired man.
“I am a person who has received legitimate authority from a noble person.”
A clearly shining aura began to flow from his closed left eye.
Flag name and world.
Now Vlad was a man qualified to carve his own world into this world.
“This is Lady Alicia’s knight, Vlad.”
A cry echoes quietly in the middle of the forest.
The forest began to shake as if it had been waiting for the shout.
“Now!”
“Kill them all!”
Vicious mercenaries, hungry barbarians.
With Vlad’s call, unidentified men began running out.
Shining white teeth were clearly visible between the distorted tattoos.
“You bastards! “Why did you come so late!”
“Now I’m going to take pictures of people instead of trees!”
One scream, one shout.
Soldiers’ helmets exploding under the ugly axe.
Under the constantly shaking Western flag, the grains loaded on the wagon began to swallow bright red blood and quench their thirst.
“Let’s get started quickly. If this continues, all of your men will die.”
“This…”
Contrary to Vlad’s seemingly relaxed expression, the two knights were just confused.
Incessant screams coming from behind.
Nevertheless, this is why the knights cannot easily extend their swords towards the intruder in front of them.
“Aren’t you going to come in?”
Because this was Vlad’s battlefield now.
Because the world that was flowing out naturally was slowly coloring this world with its colors.
※※※※
“Thank you for your hard work.”
“no. father.”
A city with the history of Bayezid. Sturma.
The two Bayezids there were looking at each other.
“As you ordered, I have brought the soldiers from all the fortresses on the Northern Limit Line. “There are approximately 1,000 soldiers.”
“good night.”
After hearing Rutger’s report, Peter nodded with satisfaction and accepted the map given by Advisor Ragmus.
“The enemy is currently moving north toward Deirmar. “It’s about 5,000 in size.”
Peter explains the battlefield in detail with a map.
If the soldiers were moving openly like now, there would be no reason not to notice.
“The total number of Hainal’s troops opposing him is about 3,000.”
“……yes.”
Gaidar was not coming up alone.
Since they were coming with direct and indirect support from the six families that followed him, it was safe to call them the Western Allied Forces.
“What does Steelworker say?”
“They said they would prevent any possible threats from barbarians, but it seems that direct participation in the war will be difficult.”
However, despite the West’s strong provocation, the northern protector, steelsmith Timur Baranov, was unable to participate in Gaidar’s northern advance.
The most urgent task for him would have been resolving the evil existence of Baron Utman.
The forces in the center, still clumping and sticking out like thorns, were tying up Steel Ball’s limbs.
“On the surface, it is a battle between Deirmar and Gaidar, so other than us, who are direct allies, other northern lords may have no justification for participating.”
Peter couldn’t help but furrow his eyebrows at the appearance of a disadvantage that seemed as if someone had put it together.
A war between 7 families and 2 families.
If you look at the simple numbers, it would seem like the direction of the game has already been decided.
“But there are definitely gaps that can be penetrated.”
Peter’s finger was pointing to one side of the map.
The back of the West.
It was a place where western families who had not yet decided on a clear route settled down.
“Gaydar is not yet the complete ruler of the West, and their allies are like straw bales held together by loose bands. So we’re aiming for this.”
The biggest reason why Gaidar is targeting the north is the stability of the system.
The top goal of this war will be to acquire scarce resources and at the same time solidify their system through strong military power.
“I will give you 800 soldiers.”
“Command. father.”
To win, you must know your enemy and know yourself.
And in addition to their strengths, Peter had already seen Gaidar’s fatal weaknesses.
“You take the soldiers I gave you and go down on the ship.”
“…Are you taking a boat?”
Sudden southward direction.
Unlike Rutger, who was perplexed, Peter’s finger was firmly pointing to the river starting from Shoara.
“The enemies are like grains of sand, so we fill in the gaps.”
The direction of war is decided from the preparation stage.
From the beginning, Peter had no intention of deciding the outcome of this war in a giant slalom between the 5,000 and 3,000 men.
“Lead your soldiers and occupy Nassau, the city of the Barony of Iznik.”
“…!”
Peter’s fingers were pointing towards the sea along the river.
No one would expect it.
In the current situation, it is unlikely that Bayezid would take out his soldiers and strike preemptively.
“It’s okay if we don’t occupy it. Instead, destroy it thoroughly.”
It will not be possible to enter Iznik’s port directly, where there are many ships.
However, it was clear that the city of Nassau would have no way to stop Rutger’s soldiers if they were to successfully fall to the nearby area.
Their remaining land forces were busy running a supply detachment for Gaidar.
“All right. father.”
Rutger, who had finally figured out Peter’s intentions, took the order he handed over and bowed his head.
“Perhaps we can gain an immovable port through this war.”
“…It’s not time to consider the benefits yet.”
A war that no one can help.
It was clearly an unfavorable condition, but if you think about it the other way around, it also meant that all the spoils from this war belonged to Bayezid.
The monarch named Peter was a monarch who prepared not only for the worst but also for the best.
“Go. “Be careful.”
“All right. father.”
Rutger, who recognized the sincerity contained in his dry tone, left the office with a small smile.
Caw-caw-
The office Rutger left.
Peter and Ragmus, who were quietly looking down at the map, were greeted by the sight of a crow tapping on the window.
Judging from the fact that he was striking without hesitation, it seemed like it was something he had only done once or twice.
“You’re finally here.”
“hmm.”
A crow brought the long-awaited news.
It was a letter sent from an undercover group that Peter cultivated with as much effort as the Knights Templar.
“…I guess he changed his name to Marcus this time.”
The name would be different each time the telegram was sent, but that probably didn’t matter.
What is important is whether or not what is written in it can satisfy Peter.
“Good.”
Peter did not easily reveal his emotions, but this time he was smiling faintly.
“Lagmus. Get ready to shine the crystal ball on Josef.”
“All right. “Count.”
Looking at Peter, who had a satisfied expression on his face, Ragmus was able to guess what was written in the telegram.
The light of the crystal ball begins to become brighter with Ragmus’s low incantation.
Peter’s gaze, staring at the light, was gradually moving away.
“…Since you started it, it would be right for us to finish it.”
A pillar and noble family of the North. Bayezid.
The eyes of the head of the family, Peter Bayezid, were focused on the western usurper, who was approaching the north beyond Deermar.
The ruthlessness of the North had no intention of letting go of those who invaded it.
※※※※
The battlefield has suddenly become quiet.
This place is full of swords being slashed mercilessly following the occasional moan.
There, Vlad was sitting on a half-collapsed carriage, muttering something.
“Is that delicious?”
“I won’t sue. depending on.”
The hands are busy peeling off the half-scorched wheat husk.
However, it is a fact that no one can deny that his behavior does not match his appearance.
“Hey Lieutenant. “Did you burn all the food?”
“I burned everything.”
“And arrows?”
“Of course I burned that too. “Why don’t you try this once or twice?”
Age was reporting Vlad’s question with a sigh, as if he was confident.
After all, looting and arson were one of the barbarians’ specialties.
“Did you steal all the gold coins?”
“…….”
“Bring it.” “Everything left.”
Age sighed as he looked at Vlad’s palm waving as if he was telling him to give it up.
“No matter how you look at it, I think this suits you better, not as a knight.”
“Bring it quickly. “You’re saying they’ll distribute it all later?”
A gangster in the back alley who naturally preys on the magic bandits of the grassland.
Josef’s selection was very accurate.
Stefan shook his head as he watched the scene of evil being overcome by evil.
“If you’ve cleaned everything, let’s go now.”
I don’t know which family it was, but Vlad’s strike force succeeded in raiding the supply group as instructed.
Following Vlad’s instructions, the carriages begin to catch fire in various places.
The fragrant smell of burning wheat seemed to mask the slightly fishy smell of blood.
“Leader. excuse me. “The crow is coming.”
“Hmm.”
Like a barbarian with good eyesight, Age found a crow circling in the sky.
Looking at that, Vlad could only nod his head crookedly.
“How on earth do they come to me every time?”
An unknown article. The crow, which must have been sent by Marcus, slowly circled down and began to approach Vlad.
The black feathers that had suddenly fallen reminded me of him full of scars.
“…I heard that crows like shiny things.”
“however?”
Age shrugged his shoulders and answered Vlad’s question.
“Isn’t your blonde hair shiny? I think even a crow would find it easily.”
“…Now I see you’re a crow expert.”
Vlad, who was responding to Age’s nonsense with a chuckle, took out the sword attached to the crow’s ankle with familiar hand movements.
“Where should we go next?”
As soon as the mission was over, another job came in, but no one here complained.
After all, they were at war right now, and they knew that Bayezid would have an advantage whenever they continued to move.
And Bayezid was one of the few employers who paid generously.
“Follow the crow?”
Two instructions written on a small note.
One will follow the crow.
And one remaining command.
‘The last remaining Ravnoma?’
From there, we will rescue the last remaining Ravnoma.
Unlike before, the bold handwriting showed the importance of this mission.
Caw-
After reading the last command, Vlad naturally looked at the crow that was stealing and eating the wheat he was carrying.
The look in our eyes seemed to be asking us if we were ready to leave.