Chapter 120: Chapter 124

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Ares’ Bridge.

A pathway and fortress built where the headwaters of the Beckden Mountain range converged, forming the lower reaches of the river.

Once a symbol of the kingdom’s prosperity, it now stood as a mocking reminder of humanity’s defeat, its fortified entrance blocking the way, its blade pointed towards the kingdom.

Whether due to the demons’ twisted preferences or a complete lack of aesthetic sense, Ares’ Bridge was covered in unidentifiable flesh and blood.

Hans, observing from afar, grimaced.

He had witnessed countless horrors, but the gore decorating Ares’ Bridge surpassed them all, inducing nausea.

He forced himself to endure.

The Commander of the Royal Knights couldn’t afford to show weakness. While he couldn’t prevent his expression from twisting in disgust, fortunately, his unit members misinterpreted it.

‘Even the Commander finds this sight horrific.’

‘He must be thinking of the victims.’

‘As you wish, Teacher... I will...!’

‘I feel sick.’

Hans and his unit members’ thoughts were starkly contrasting, but they shared a common goal, to slay the Mud Guardian and reclaim the fortress.

A month later, the joint expedition of the Human Kingdom and the Royal Knights commenced.

While the distance wasn’t great, the kingdom’s army moved first, deploying catapults and ballistae with practiced efficiency.

Massive rocks launched from the catapults slammed into Ares’ Bridge, sending fragments scattering.

Perhaps provoked by the attack on their lair, monsters poured out of Ares’ Bridge, charging towards them.

The kingdom’s army responded swiftly, raising their shields in a unified defense.

‘They’re well-trained for ordinary soldiers.’

‘They must have been preparing for this.’

‘Indeed... the Human King is a formidable ally.’

Training soldiers to this level wasn’t easy.

It implied constant, realistic training, and indeed, they had extensive experience in monster subjugation.

‘They’re proving more useful than I expected. A pleasant surprise.’

‘And the Royal Guard seem quite competent as well.’

‘Captain Melissa, was it? Not a bad fighter.’

Though she had been overwhelmed by Bayard’s aura, Melissa was the Captain of the Royal Guard. Even Yuren acknowledged her skill.

Initially, things went smoothly.

While not perfect, the battle progressed according to plan. The well-trained soldiers slaughtered the monsters without suffering significant casualties.

It was going well, until something else emerged from Ares’ Bridge. Something fell among the ranks of the soldiers.

Viscera.

“W-What is this?!”

“The entrails are moving?!”

“Aaaaagh!”

Even the most disciplined soldiers would struggle to maintain their composure under a rain of writhing entrails.

Their training and initial success had kept their formation intact, but their morale was faltering. If this continued, their lines would break.

Hans clicked his tongue.

He had wanted to assess the enemy’s strength, but there was no point in delaying further.

He caught Yuren’s eye, and she nodded, leaping into the air.

“This fortress is alive. That means the seven hearts are likely scattered somewhere within it.”

Hans’s conclusion stemmed from his experience.

The game had featured maps with similar mechanics, requiring players to destroy pulsating flesh.

Ares’ Bridge felt similar.

“That’s not entirely unreasonable.”

“Indeed.”

“Should we split up and search?”

“...That’s our best option.”

Hans hesitated for a moment.

‘Should I really send them off like this? Or should I use Time Stop now?’

He ultimately reached a decision.

“Go. Locate the seven hearts.”

Using Time Stop to find the hearts would be nearly impossible. The penalty aside, the enemy wouldn’t expose such a vital weakness unless engaged in combat.

Vwoom!

The sword at his hip vibrated intensely, but in the urgency of the moment, Hans didn’t notice.

His unit members, upon receiving his command, dispersed into the fortress.

“We’ll have to divide our forces.”

“I’ll take Helia with me.”

???? Important Notice ????

); }

“...I don’t want to admit it, but it can’t be helped.”

“Clara, Ruby. I believe it’s time you proved yourselves. Don’t you agree?”

“Yeah! Leave it to us!”

There were seven hearts and seven unit members.

However, he couldn’t entrust Helia, still young, with this task alone.

Yuren would accompany her.

With Yuren’s power, she could easily support Helia from a distance. Clara and Ruby were embarking on their first solo mission.

They had gained experience and proven their strength through training, earning Yuren and Cluna’s approval.

Hans, however, wore a grim expression.

He, too, would have to act alone.

‘I’m weaker than Helia right now. Damn it.’

He had witnessed Helia’s newly developed swordsmanship. It had surpassed the fictional Thunder Dragon Swordsmanship, reaching a new level.

She had even managed a conditional victory against Yuren in a spar.

While Yuren had been holding back, it was a feat that even Clara and Ruby hadn’t achieved.

Helia had been the first.

Unaware of his concerns, the unit members dispersed into the fortress without hesitation.

Hans, left alone, could only stare after them with a bewildered expression.

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[Translator Notes]