The Mad Spearman of the Northern Front - Chapter 110

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Mad Spearman of the Northern Front (110)

Deep within the Imperial Palace.

Second Prince Belkakrode’s office was shrouded in heavy air.

And before him, a man knelt on one knee.

It was Count Adrian Valenluke.

Though he held substantial power within the Empire, he had no choice but to be cautious before Belkakrode.

Belkakrode called to him with displeased eyes.

“Count Adrian Valenluke.”

“Yes, Lord Belkakrode.”

Adrian bowed his head deeply, but his expression was still filled with displeasure.

It was because of the Merit Ceremony held at the Imperial Palace this time.

The pretext was naturally a ceremony to award achievements regarding Aikuled, but it was essentially a ceremony to formalize the northern advance.

Helikel Gorge, Elvarfiel Lake.

And with the situation having progressed beyond Aikuled, there was no justification for not extending into the Northern Region.

As evidence of this, Central had promised full support toward the Northern Front and was already moving troops.

However, from Belkakrode’s perspective, all of this had to be problematic.

The military achievements in the Northern Region would clearly work in favor of First Prince Sedrian.

Sedrian was already recognized as the most suitable candidate from the beginning.

Even if things flowed normally, the next Emperor’s position would fall to him, but if the northern affairs were resolved like this as well…

“The gap between me and my brother will only widen further.”

Belkakrode’s eyes trembled slightly.

He spoke as if grinding his teeth.

“Where are all the spies we planted in the Northern Region? What exactly are they doing that the situation has turned out like this!”

Belkakrode couldn’t contain himself and struck the chair’s handle forcefully.

The air in the room grew even heavier, but Adrian still answered with a calm voice.

“Helikel Gorge, Elvarfiel Lake, and even Aikuled… there is no way to change the current situation.”

“Then are you telling me to just sit back and watch!”

Belkakrode poured out his anger.

But that outcry was trembling weakly.

He was afraid that this incident might completely ruin the imperial succession struggle.

“…”

Adrian remained silent.

But eventually he raised his head to look at Belkakrode and spoke.

“I believe it’s time for you to make a decision.”

“What are you talking about.”

“We cannot change the current situation head-on. Then… we must adjust it in a direction favorable to us.”

When Belkakrode frowned, Adrian spoke a bit more clearly.

“Now that we’ve secured three strategic points, the northern advance is inevitable. But what if the key figures of the First Prince who would push the northern advance were to disappear?”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“Exactly what I said. The current Empire won’t stop the northern advance just because the figures on the First Prince’s side are gone. Eventually, others will have to fill those positions…”

Adrian’s eyes flashed sharply.

“If we fill those positions with Lord Belkakrode’s people and have them achieve merit, wouldn’t all future achievements become Your Majesty’s?”

“Watch your words, Count.”

Belkakrode threatened at the mention of “Your Majesty.”

But contrary to his words, his expression didn’t look displeased.

Because if the situation Adrian described played out properly, he could claim the achievements of the northern advance for himself as Adrian suggested.

However…

“…Those currently controlling the Northern Region are not to be taken lightly. Have you decided on the targets that need to be eliminated?”

“First, our primary target is the Legion Commander and overall commander of the Northern Front, Belkain.”

Though Belkain was neutral, he was effectively leaning toward the First Prince’s side.

This was because his interests regarding the northern advance aligned with the First Prince’s.

“Moreover, considering his abilities… he’s practically the first target we need to eliminate from our side.”

“Who else?”

“Captain Lukael Hargail.”

“Lukael Hargail… isn’t he the one who received an award for his achievements at Aikuled?”

He had seen his face at the Merit Ceremony held at the Imperial Palace a few days ago.

He hadn’t liked how confidently the dropout from the Northern Region had carried himself.

Adrian nodded.

“He’s reportedly almost reached the 6-Star level. If we just leave him alone, there’s no telling how far he’ll rampage… he’s an unpredictable individual.”

“That won’t be easy.”

6-Star was an ability level that could practically earn one a general’s position even within the Imperial Capital.

And he knew the reason why Lukael received such treatment despite possessing such tremendous ability.

However, regardless of such circumstances, his skills were real.

Adrian continued speaking.

“There won’t be anything easy about this operation. However… it’s something that must be done.”

“Are there others?”

“I’ve put a few more on the list, but they’re not particularly important.”

However…

“Ah, there is one… someone who’s a bit concerning.”

“Who?”

At Belkakrode’s question, Adrian spoke without hesitation.

“A boy soldier named Arteon. Though he’s not very old yet… according to rumors, he can handle Aura.”

“…A boy soldier with Aura?”

Nonsense.

Belkakrode frowned, but Adrian calmly continued.

“We previously attempted both to win him over and to kill him, but both failed. Most recently, when retaking Elvarfiel Lake, he reportedly fought on equal terms with two commander-level Kar Tribe members… I think we should put him on the watch list.”

Belkakrode’s expression hardened. Then Adrian added.

“Regarding Arteon, I’ll attempt to win him over once more. If he still doesn’t comply after that… then we’ll need to kill him for certain. However, since Belkain and Lukael come first, may I humbly make a request to Lord Belkakrode?”

At Adrian’s words, Belkakrode tilted his head.

“A request?”

“Please allow us to mobilize Teratos.”

“…!”

At Adrian’s words, Belkakrode’s pupils began to shake greatly.

*    *    *

Having moved his base camp to Helikel Gorge, Belkain calmly analyzed the battlefield’s terrain.

The north of the Northeastern Region was vast, but the rugged mountain ranges were becoming obstacles to advancement.

Therefore, he planned to advance north toward the Northwest, occupy it, then move east to control the entire northern territory.

‘If that happens…’

He could isolate those bastards at the northeastern edge.

‘Just driving them that far would ensure those bastards never set foot on Empire territory again.’

Belkain’s eyes flashed.

Originally, the barren Northern Region was land where people could barely survive.

Crops wouldn’t grow and there was no fertile land.

However, the resources buried within that barrenness were vast enough to move the Empire’s budget for decades.

Gold, silver, and various minerals were pouring out of the Northern Region’s mines.

On top of that, they could secure the safety of Imperial citizens from the barbarian tribe called the Kar Tribe…

‘It’s truly killing two birds with one stone… no, we can achieve even greater effects than that.

Of course, Central’s thinking might be a bit different.

Until now, the Empire had regarded the Northern Front merely as a labor camp for prisoners.

They had used them as meat shields to die fighting the Kar Tribe.

But now, many things would change.

Belkain visualized the future situation in his mind.

If they could fully claim that northern land through the northern advance, the Northern Region would no longer be abandoned territory.

‘It could become the foundation stone that makes the Empire strong.’

Based on that power, someday they might even dream of unifying the continent.

However, Belkain soon shook his head.

Thinking that far ahead in the current situation was quite unrealistic.

That’s when it happened.

“Legion Commander.”

Claw entered the barracks and approached to report on the status of the reinforcement forces.

“I believe preparations should be ready within 6 months. The number of troops we need to prepare is quite large, and this time regular army units are being deployed as well, so it seems time is needed.”

“Have all the special units in Aikuled been disbanded?”

“Yes, they’ve all been returned to their respective units.”

He would have liked to develop that special unit a bit more, but the interference from Central Command was more severe than expected.

‘Useless fools.’

He knew that quite fierce behind-the-scenes power struggles were taking place regarding this northern advance.

Perhaps… those struggles could even spread to this place.

But Belkain looked at Claw with a calm expression.

Claw continued his report.

“However, among the special unit personnel, we haven’t yet dealt with soldiers whose affiliation isn’t clear.”

“…Doesn’t Lieutenant Arteon lack an affiliation?”

“The last place he was stationed was the 1st Company of the Northeastern 4th Defense Line. However, it would be somewhat unreasonable to call that his original affiliation.”

“I see.”

Belkain’s eyebrow twitched.

If Arteon had no fixed affiliation.

“Assign him here. If he has no affiliation anyway, there won’t be any complications.”

Once they began the northern advance in earnest, he would be an essential person for the main force.

Military power capable of wielding aura was equivalent to company-level or greater force by itself.

But Claw’s expression darkened.

“Yes, that shouldn’t be difficult. But… if we assign him to the main force, what about his position…?”

“…”

That was the problem.

Considering only Arteon’s abilities, he should rightfully hold a position of company commander or higher.

But considering his age and military experience, it would be somewhat unreasonable.

“Phew.”

Belkain sighed and shook his head.

Well, because of that extraordinary individual, the situation required more thought than expected.

But…

“Sergeant.”

“Yes, Legion Commander.”

“How about calling Captain Isaac and placing him under his command?”

“Captain Isaac…”

Claw mulled over his words.

Captain Isaac was someone who lacked nothing in military experience, rank, and ability.

Soon Claw’s eyes sparkled.

“That seems like a good strategy.”

“He’s someone who can command company-level forces without any problems. If we place Arteon under him, all the miscellaneous issues should be resolved.”

Claw nodded and said. 

“Considering their past coordination, they’ll definitely work well together. Moreover, though I didn’t report it separately, Captain Isaac also requested to work in the same unit as Lieutenant Arteon.”

“Perfect.”

He would have liked to keep Lucael with them as well, but he had to command at the front of the main force.

In the upcoming battles, the clash of force against force with the main army would be most important.

The moment they advanced beyond Helikel Gorge, the battlefield would change from gorges and mountains to vast plains.

Of course, even plains required their own tactics.

However, it wouldn’t be the kind of warfare consumed by guerrilla tactics and mind games like now.

It would be a more fundamental picture of war, where force clashed head-on against force.

Belkain stood up and gave his orders.

“Then proceed immediately.”

“Understood!”

Claw answered firmly and quickly stepped outside the barracks. 

And alone in the barracks.

Belkain could only let out a low sigh while looking at the map of the Northern Region.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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