Chapter 142
The Crown Prince Wishes to Retire
53. Protect the Supply Line! (2)
Even as the flesh burns under the widespread attacks from the Fire Priests, the warriors of the Black Moon do not moan; instead, they reveal their murderous intent and summon their strength.
The demons of Hell may not have been able to wield their Divine Power effectively, but it didn’t matter.
The power of the Black Moon was formidable, even without them.
Leading the chosen elite from the Roman forces, the Black Moon launched a full-scale assault.
In response, the Shadows gathered all their strength to counterattack.
The assault on the supply line from the Roman side had officially begun.
It seemed they had no intention of stopping at just one place, as the temporary base extending to the north entered the fray.
“Report! The northern base 2 is under attack from the rear.”
“We have received news that the northern base 4 has been raided.”
“There are also Roman troops appearing at the northern base 3.”
At the reports from the Shadows, Talion’s expression grew cold.
The supply line extended from the Giant’s Fortress and all the way to northern Roman territory.
There were three key points along that route, important strongholds like the Giant’s Fortress.
Starting point: Giant’s Fortress – Midpoint Balon – Destination: Weild.
The Giant’s Fortress was undoubtedly magnificent, and the midpoint Balon was one of the oldest centers of distribution in Roman history, making it solid.
Weild, too, was one of the key areas in the north where Ignit’s main forces converged.
All of these key points were brilliant, but the issue lay with the temporary bases connecting them.
Of course, the supply line between the Giant’s Fortress and Balon had plenty of sturdy castles, so there were no issues there. They had created numerous strongholds in case the Giant’s Fortress fell, as they used those places as bases.
However, the supply line extending from Balon to Weild was problematic.
Especially since the area transitioning from the west to the north was dotted with steep mountains and limited routes, it was the perfect place for ambushes.
“Just as expected?”
“Yes.”
With a grim look, Talion examined the map in the wake of enemy ambushes.
As anticipated, they attacked the bases located in the most favorable canyon for ambushes. Although they had taken precautions, some damage was unavoidable.
“We can’t defend the entire canyon. From now on, gather all troops around the bases.”
“Yes.”
At Talion’s command, all the Shadows bowed their heads in response.
Beldon Canyon, known for its roughness in the East Continent, made it hard for airships to maneuver.
If they flew too low, they could be attacked at any moment, and besides, the winds were fierce.
Thus, there weren’t many suitable landing spots.
The only place capable of serving as a stopping point in Beldon Canyon was the midpoint where Talion stood.
Therefore, the Black Moon would undoubtedly launch a massive offensive here.
“An attack will begin here shortly. Everyone prepare.”
“Yes!”
The numbered Shadows answered as they lowered their heads.
Talion then gave a small nod and dispersed his subordinates.
The numbered Shadows would certainly survive even if they confronted the Black Moon alone. He ordered them to monitor the surroundings.
“I must live up to His Majesty’s trust…”
Muttering to himself, Talion bit his lip.
His lord had solely relied on him and gathered all the Shadows to fortify the defense here.
If that wasn’t the case, they would have built the supply line perfectly and advanced, even if it took a little longer.
He had gambled on the belief that Talion and the Shadows would guard the supply line, so he could not betray that hope.
“We have at least three days until the air forces arrive. We must hold out until then.”
“As for other places, this one…”
At Talion’s words, the man with the number one designation trailed off.
This spot, corresponding to the midpoint of Beldon Canyon, had a fairly broad terrain.
Thus, a substantial number of troops could gather here.
The special forces tasked with guarding the northwest of the Empire had scheduled to arrive here via airships, so if they could hold out until then, victory was possible.
After that point, they would fortify this place along with several others.
“It’s tough. But we must make it happen.”
The number one nodded slightly at Talion’s words.
The main forces had advanced close to the Demon Gate and were just observing the situation here.
If the Shadows failed, one of the Masters would have to descend to defend this canyon. That role had been designated for Glen.
The main forces already believed they would guard the supply line and commenced their attack.
They were pushing through the defenses of the demons to conquer the Demon Gate. For Glen’s detached unit to join the main forces and fight as soon as possible, victory news had to reach them.
“They’re coming.”
Sensing a presence, Talion noticed something rapidly approaching him.
Predicting that this area would be the battleground, the Leader of the Black Moon showed himself personally.
He had intended to leave command to number one in case anything happened, but that decision seemed to be correct.
“I now transfer command authority to you.”
“…Yes.”
As number one bowed and faded away, Talion gave a small nod, putting on black gloves and drawing two swords.
As the numbering labeled 0 flashed on his wrist, the Leader of the Black Moon materialized before him.
“Are you the leader of the Shadows?”
“Yes.”
At Talion’s answer, the Leader of the Black Moon silently unsheathed his black sword.
The sword, embedded with a red gemstone, exuded an unusual aura at first glance.
“The power of Hell…?”
“You’re quite perceptive.”
The Leader of the Black Moon smirked slightly as he spoke.
“Are you wary of my hidden strength?”
“…”
Talion silently summoned his aura, intrigued by his demeanor, to which the Leader of the Black Moon responded with an amused smile.
“I wonder if you can reveal my strength.”
Talion frowned at his words.
‘Am I standing on the edge of the line?’
He had felt this impression when Glen and Duke Welch crossed the threshold with Kariel’s assistance.
At that moment, he had sensed something like this.
Though he was not among the Masters, the situation was still precarious.
He wasn’t sure how long he could hold the Leader of the Black Moon with his own power.
“Ah… I’ll go first.”
Acknowledging his weakness, Talion moved first, and the black sword of the Leader of the Black Moon swiftly swung through the air.
Finally, the clash between the special forces representing both continents—the Shadows and the Black Moon—had begun in earnest, initiating the full-scale supply line defense operation.
Demons were summoned from all directions, and the traps and Magic Cannons they had set up roared to life, creating a thunderous noise.
Even from a distance, one could immediately tell that a fierce battle was unfolding.
Lights flashed, and the sounds of explosions echoed continuously as the fight raged on.
With elite troops able to use mana, a long-term battle was feasible, and as long as fatalities didn’t occur, combatants healed with potions and rejoined the fray endlessly.
Thus, intense skirmishes continued throughout the night, and naturally, this information reached the Empire’s capital and the main forces as an urgent report.
*
“What’s the damage report?”
“As of now, we are unable to ascertain the situation.”
In response to Kariel’s inquiry, the Minister of Military replied immediately.
The situation was so grave that despite it being midnight, all the ministers had gathered in the conference hall.
“How far has the air force reached?”
“To the target location, it is three days away, but if those carrying the troops go at maximum speed first, it could be reduced to two days.”
Although they were moving with supplies, if only the troops on the airships moved quickly, the distance could be shortened.
The problem was the elevation and strong winds at the canyon’s location.
Furthermore, in a situation where they had no idea when or where an attack would come from, moving at maximum speed was risky. Focusing on speed would inevitably weaken the power of the mana barrier protecting the airships.
“It seems we need to move the airships carrying troops quickly…”
“They’re already moving that way.”
“However, tell them not to move at maximum speed.”
No matter how urgent it was, they could not sacrifice the safety of reinforcements to get there quicker.
If it were Roman, they would anticipate reinforcements coming, and thus, they would aim to target the airships without fail.
“Is it a race against time from here on?”
Having done everything possible, all that remained for Kariel was to wait.
Thus, this situation felt quite frustrating.
Especially since Talion, his closest aide, had gone straight to the front lines.
His heart was heavy, knowing that Talion, who had always been beside him, had stepped into a battlefield where the risk of death was high.
As if sensing his state of mind, the other ministers also silently awaited updates.
How many hours had passed like this?
“Your Majesty! We have repelled the first wave of attacks!”
The news brought by the attendant brightened the expressions of Kariel and the ministers.
“What are the damages?”
“Currently, 30% of the troops, including the Shadows, have sustained casualties. However, due to the presence of priests, many may be able to return to combat.”
Kariel tilted his head at the attendant’s report.
‘Less damage than expected?’
While a 30% casualty rate was painful, it was low considering they had held off the Black Moon.
Moreover, most of those casualties were due to non-fatal injuries, making it even less severe.
“It seems there might be some ulterior motive at play.”
Perhaps the Minister of Military felt the same, for he quietly spoke while looking at Kariel.
At that moment, an attendant rushed in and discreetly whispered something to the head attendant.
Upon hearing it, the head attendant’s expression grew serious, which was rare for him.
“What’s the matter?”
“Your Majesty, please listen for a moment…”
At the head attendant’s words, Kariel leaned in to hear him.
The head attendant quietly said in a whisper, “We’ve found several of our people dead near Sandria.”
Kariel’s expression hardened at the head attendant’s report.
“Which side?”
“The area we were keeping an eye on under Your Majesty’s orders.”
“How many?”
“Twenty.”
The Secret Guardians had lost as many as twenty members.
Additionally, if other agents assisting them had also perished, it meant a significant decrease in their strength.
“When was this?”
“Considering how long it took for the information to come in, it was at least two days ago.”
At the head attendant’s words, Kariel gestured for the Minister of Military to come closer.
He briefly informed him of the news he had just received from the head attendant.
“What is the likelihood that they were sent to aid the supply line mission?”
“It seems to be at least 60%.”
The Minister of Military replied with a grim expression, causing Kariel to let out a small sigh.
“Time… It’s not only our advantage.”
The enemy had their schemes in motion too.
“Is there a reason they moved so suddenly like this?”
Kariel tilted his head in confusion.
If the hidden forces near Sandria intended to assist Roman, they could have moved beforehand.
He couldn’t understand why they’d rush now.
“It seems it’s to prevent the risk of being detected.”
At the Minister of Military’s words, the head attendant nodded in agreement, as if he shared the same thought.
Instead of exposing their strength by moving ahead of time, they probably calculated their movements to arrive just in time for the attack.
It was a meticulous maneuver, accounting for the scheduled arrival time of Ignit’s reinforcements and when their information would reach Ignit.
“If that’s the case… it means they might arrive before our troops.”
“…Yes.”
The Minister of Military replied heavily at Kariel’s words.
“…For now, relay this information to the troops currently engaged in battle.”
“Will you not issue separate orders regarding this?”
At the Minister of Military’s question, Kariel nodded.
“They’ll make their own judgment. I trust my commanders.”
At Kariel’s words, the Minister of Military showed a look of admiration before quickly hiding his expression and exiting.
“As you’ve heard, the situation is dire. So we must also prepare for any unforeseen events.”
In response to Kariel’s comments about preparing for a possible collapse of the supply line, the ministers handed him reports they had prepared for such an eventuality.