Chapter 960 |
Chapter 960
"Commander. The size of the remaining monsters has exceeded expectations. Yuder asks if you can prepare 'the second method.”
“...”
Kishiar, before responding, took a long, sweeping glance around him.
Their surroundings were mired with piled-up fragments of monster carcasses, so much so that their feet were submerged. The stench was unbearable. With no time to properly dispose of the bodies, they were haphazardly scraped together and burned on carts. The noxious smoke billowing from not far away had continued for hours, causing many to faint.
Those who had endured and remained were far from being unscathed. The members and soldiers, who had fought tirelessly throughout the day without rest, were almost delirious due to exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and the aftermath of their spent abilities.
The situation would have been far worse had Kanna not begun isolating those whose condition worsened after the ninth wave. By the time the thirteenth wave hit, she had been carried away by Lusan, nose bleeding incessantly.
Those in other regions were slightly better off, not having to face the massive tentacles, but their plight was the same, having fought through the night. Ever in Mclara, who managed the distribution of strength better than others and thus held out longer, Kurga, who leveraged his knowledge of the South to firmly take charge of Tuban and Sluban, and Sunz, who was using his vision abilities consecutively in Alsara—a place Yuder had particularly worried about for its geographical vulnerabilities—also received reports of having fainted several times.
The medical unit, soldiers, and mages were no exception. Alik and the mages were so short of magic tools they had to produce more on the spot. Lusan had already exceeded his limits, showing signs of divine power depletion. Myra, who had tirelessly rallied the Southern forces and dispatched aid where needed, and General Gino, who generously provided support and troops even while dealing with traitors within the Southern army, were equally exhausted.
And now, that person had sought Kishiar's help, sensing the end was near.
"Cavalry Commander, what exactly is this 'second method'?" Emon asked cautiously, unaware of what it entailed. Thanks to Kanna, he had retreated in time for treatment and had held up relatively well, despite his body being battered by the monster's toxic fluids.
Kishiar opened his mouth with a faint smile.
"... Think of it as if asking me if I can come there."
"Commander… You mean, into the sea?"
"Yes."
To prevent a repeat of the previous game's southern earthquake, Kishiar and Yuder had devised a three-phase contingency plan. Yuder's request was part of the second phase.
-If it is deemed that Kishiar's strength is needed more than his leadership, he will join Yuder for a direct response.-
The people looked bewildered, unable to guess what Kishiar could possibly do in the sea. Some showed signs of panic and unease at the prospect of his absence from command.
In that moment, it was evident that Nathan Zuckerman, Commander Kishiar's steadfast adjutant who had supported him more than anyone else, shared similar concerns. Wiping the grime off his soot-blackened chin, he spoke in a low voice.
"Are you sure you'll be alright, my lord?"
To Nathan Zuckerman, at least, it was clear that his lord's condition was not as unblemished or fine as it appeared to others. To be frank, Kishiar had shown an almost unnaturally robust demeanor despite having expended a tremendous amount of energy for an extended period, yet it didn't mean his vessel had suddenly become as durable as steel.
Kishiar had used his aura and the power of an Awakener excessively throughout the day. He had cleverly exhausted other powers as well, in an attempt to maintain balance in his vessel, but it was uncertain how effective this had been.
Recalling the times when his lord, even after becoming an Awakener, had struggled with the overflowing power within his vessel, Nathan Zuckerman spoke cautiously.
"You've only recently recovered from the day of the hailstorm. If there's an alternative that doesn't require you, my lord, to overexert yourself..."
"Well, I did push myself a bit," Kishiar casually agreed with his adjutant.
"But Nathan, this time there is no alternative. I didn't die then, and I have been fine up until now. I won't die this time either, so don't worry. I'll return safely. Take good care of things here for me."
The man who was as tall as his adjutant patted his head as if he were a younger brother and then began inspecting the sword he held. Nathan Zuckerman, witnessing such a calm demeanor, inadvertently blurted out another question.
"How can you be so sure? No matter how formidable the strength you, my lord, possess, isn't there always a possibility of the unexpected?"
There was no guarantee of safety just because he had survived before. From the standpoint of an adjutant who knew how miraculously he had survived to this point, it was inevitable to worry about his lord possibly sustaining even graver injuries than during the hailstorm.
Kishiar stopped wiping his sword and looked up, his face, which had been devoid of smiles due to the weight of the situation, suddenly softened with a smile.
"That's quite a childlike question you're asking. Were you that worried when I lay bedridden last time?"
"I know it's a question a knight shouldn't ask."
A knight follows his lord's decisions to the end. So, this was more akin to the attitude of a servant who had served him for a long time. It was unusual for Nathan Zuckerman, who was often praised as the epitome of knighthood.
However, Kishiar, uncharacteristically, did not rebuke Nathan Zuckerman. Instead, he lowered his voice, playfully like a young prince.
"Alright. Then, shall I tell you why I'm confident that I'll return unharmed?"
"..."
"There's someone in that sea who risked everything to save me."
The words were light and playful, yet the gravity they carried was so immense that it left the listener speechless, unable to reply. Despite not understanding precisely what it meant, the sheer weight of it was so profound that it was beyond comprehension.
"The truth is, it's not just about saving me. But as long as there's someone out there, who doesn't hesitate to risk everything for what they wish to save, I will not die here."
In the silence, Nathan Zuckerman saw an ocean filling his lord's eyes.
Throughout all the moments of slaying monsters and frantically issuing orders, he realized only now that he had been fixated solely on that one place.
"But what does it matter, even if it's difficult to return unscathed? He is calling me. That reason alone is sufficient for me to leave."
"..."
"...My lord!"
Just then, someone called out to them urgently from behind. It was Hellem, accompanied by others. With her were none other than Mick Shuden, the owner of the Shuden Trading Company, and the Eldore siblings.
"I apologize for the delay in responding to your call. We've just arrived!"
Mick, unlike his usual sluggish demeanor, immediately bowed his head. His darkened eyes and the unkempt beard suggested he had rushed here without even a moment to shave. Hellem, seemingly understanding, shrugged her shoulders and spoke up.
"He was delayed because the conditions around the south were unfavorable. Fortunately, he met someone who helped him arrive faster."
Mick, who had struggled to enter Charloin quickly due to the near-blockade in the southern region, had tried to find a shortcut by detouring through other areas. It was the Eldore siblings who met him and offered their help, aiding in the movement of other members in different regions.
Despite their exhaustion, they managed to utilize their abilities to their limits and successfully transported Mick to Charloin almost instantly.
While it may have only saved a little time, that shortened duration proved to be incredibly valuable to them in their current situation.
Kishiar glanced for a moment at the nearly collapsing Eldore siblings gasping for breath, then turned his head.
"Mick. It's truly fortunate to meet you before leaving."
"You said you needed my abilities. What would you have me see? The monster, or......"
"The sea."
"Pardon?"
"I'd like you to accompany me and observe the sea. To see what lies beneath it, exactly as it appears."