Chapter 188: Chapter 186: Anomalies in the Imperial Capital

The special operations unit, which had returned to the imperial capital in preparation for the emperor’s assassination and the ensuing chaos, had achieved numerous victories in their battles against Remus’s army. They were among the most skilled and experienced soldiers within the Demon Regiment. They ran all over the imperial capital, always anticipating Remus’ attacks no matter where he came from and preventing his army from invading.

“Zald, Asumi, how are the casualties on your side?” Tigar asked.

“Unfortunately, we lost two on our side.”

“And here, it’s three. It’s clear that the fatigue from the continuous battles is catching up with us.”

However, the squad was far from unscathed. In fact, the number of special operations members capable of fighting had dwindled to about half. Rapidly responding to reinforcements from any direction required them to engage in combat more frequently than anyone else, inevitably resulting in higher casualties.

As a result, nearly forty percent of the Demon Regiment had already perished. Even among the survivors, over half had sustained wounds so severe that, despite the demons’ high regenerative abilities, they couldn’t return to the front lines immediately. The number of soldiers capable of taking to the battlefield had decreased by almost twenty percent compared to before Remus initiated his attacks.

Compared to the entire Demon Regiment, one might say that the special operations unit suffered fewer casualties. However, their numbers had fallen to less than seventy, and the count of those fit for combat was less than forty.

“As expected. We lost only one on our side, but four won’t be able to move for a while. It’s especially troubling that Linardo was seriously injured.” Tigar said.

“One of our main demons is incapacitated, huh? It would have been good if we had someone who could use medicine or healing magic,” Asumi said.

“There’s no way the empire would turn that kind of talent over to the demons.”

Asumi lamented in frustration over the demons’ circumstances. As she pointed out, even if they had just one of those options, half of the deceased might have been saved.

Unlike other units, the special operations unit was disliked by Karelvo, who was considered the creator of the demons. Unless there were exceptions like Julius and the other two, they couldn’t expect additional personnel. Restoring their numbers was impossible.

However, the current situation wouldn’t change even if more personnel were added. They would only be a hindrance and act as little more than a meat shield. Even if additional personnel had been sent, they would have likely died quickly. It was far better to stay as they were than to be left with a bad aftertaste.

“Hey, Dad, when do you think they’ll attack next?” Leo asked.

“I don’t know. Based on how things have gone so far, maybe tomorrow morning?”

“This is just a guess, so don’t assume it’s for sure. For now, rest and recover your strength.”

“Okay, I got it, Mom.”

As Sharl had pointed out, it seemed like there was a certain pattern to the timing of Remus’s attacks. However, they couldn’t afford to let their guard down, as he might launch a surprise assault when least expected.

For now, the only thing they could do was rest their bodies in preparation for the next enemy onslaught. The special operations demons weren’t even allowed to return to the barracks; instead, they were taking a break near the city walls that protected the imperial capital.

“Everyone, it’s time for food distribution!”

“Make sure to eat well.”

Marcellus and Decius brought food to them. They were, respectively, the regimental commander and deputy commander of the Demon Regiment. Despite their busy schedules, they made time to check on the conditions of the various units within the Demon Regiment.

In particular, the special operations unit had found themselves without a commanding officer due to the death of their previous commander in a prior battle. The fighting had started before a new commander could be appointed. Unlike other demon units, they still functioned effectively without direct leadership, but that’s precisely why Marcellus needed to check on their situation personally.

“Oh, there’s a bit more than yesterday, isn’t there?”

“Yeah, we took some from units that had suffered heavy casualties. We thought you guys needed it most.”

“That’ll help.”

Marcellus and Decius were among the few soldiers who accurately assessed the strength of the special operations unit and considered them comrades in arms within the Imperial Army. They quietly supported them in various ways to maintain their well-being.

They redirected the provisions that were supposed to be allocated to units that had suffered many casualties in the recent battle. While it would likely be a problem if discovered, there was no room in the current imperial capital to investigate such matters. Inspection was lax, so it was easy to steal food.

“Hey, Mika, we’re counting on you!”

“Please leave it to me.”

“Yeah, I’ll help too.”

Mika and those inspired by him took charge of preparing the provisions. Among them was Lappy, who had previously shown little interest in cooking beyond eating but was now actively trying to learn.

The reason she was learning to cook was that she wanted her “big brother” to enjoy her food when her returned. Although it was unknown whether he was alive or dead, some people found it painful to watch her learn how to cook for someone who was almost certain to be dead. And since Lappy had no doubt about her big brother’s survival, some even worried that she might be suffering from a mental illness.

However, because this hope was what kept Lappy going, no one pointed it out. Lappy had been informed by the Popi people that her “big brother” Antares, was alive. That’s why she was learning to cook from Mika with pure intentions, free from any mental illness or emotional issues.

“Everyone has become good at cooking,” Mika said.

“That’s because we have a great teacher.”

“Haha. Thank you, Miss Rinne.”

It was Rinne who responded in kind to Mika, who stood watching the members of the special operations unit efficiently prepare and reflected with a deep sense of emotion. Ever since she accompanied him and the others on that infiltration mission, she had taken on a role akin to Mika’s assistant. The exact emotions that led her to this position were understood by everyone, including Mika.

Mika, too, had feelings for Rinne, who supported him, but he couldn’t act upon those feelings. He couldn’t protect two important people to him. Even if he were to respond to her feelings, he believed it would only bring her unhappiness. That thought had firmly taken root in his mind.

Because she had been a constant presence by Mika’s side, she was aware of his inner turmoil. She never pressed him for answers or solutions, choosing instead to offer her silent support. Everyone was rooting for Rinne from behind because of her unwavering dedication.

“Huff~, I’m stuffed. So, what are the folks above thinking?”

“There’s not much change. They’ve been focusing on post-war plans and are busy scheming in high spirits. They seem completely oblivious to the fact that we’re at a severe disadvantage. The generals have been advising them repeatedly, but…”

“They’re turning a deaf ear, huh?”

Marcellus, who was sharing a meal with them, had a smile that had now turned into a grim expression. At the moment, it appeared that the imperial capital was putting up a good fight. However, when taking a long-term perspective into account, it was clear that the imperial capital was the one being cornered.

The imperial capital was currently under siege. The victory condition for this siege was either receiving reinforcements from the outside or enduring until the enemy gave up and retreated. However, the current empire was in a state of civil war, and no aid could be expected from the other regions.

Moreover, due to the ample number of soldiers required to defend the imperial capital, the food supplies stored there were dwindling at an alarming rate. If things continued as they were, both the soldiers and the civilians would soon face famine. As Remus continued to tighten his grip, the imperial capital was gradually wearing thin, like a hare strangled by a noose.

Remus, who was a military expert, fully understood this. Moreover, he had an in-depth knowledge of the defenses in the imperial capital. Consequently, he knew the city’s weak points inside out.

He was aware that the most targeted area in a siege, the city gates, was also the most fortified. No matter how numerous the soldiers were, defending the entire city walls was a difficult task. That’s why his forces didn’t attack the same location but instead launched small-scale assaults from various places.

Despite the officials repeatedly reporting the dire situation, the Gnaeus camp, which was not as militarily savvy as Remus, failed to comprehend the situation. In fact, they even ordered devising a quick way to defeat Remus. Among the officials and soldiers, frustration and anger towards the Gnaeus camp began to build up.

“After successfully repelling the initial major assault, His Highness Remus… I mean, the rebel Remus and his insurgent forces are launching frequent small-scale attacks. But on the contrary, their leader over there is a war strategist. He fully understands what we dread the most.”

“So, we’re in dire straits. Isn’t there any way to turn this damn situation around?” Tigar asked.

“Well, there is one way. It’s to claim the head of the enemy general… Remus’ head. However…” Marcellus trailed.

“The ‘Imperial Sword Knights’ are all mighty warriors, even stronger than the white-armored soldiers. If we attempt to break through them, it’s uncertain whether we can carve a path even if we stake all our lives.” Decius said.

“Hmph. Not very realistic, is it?” Asumi added.

As Marcellus had pointed out, breaking through the situation might be possible if they could successfully eliminate Remus. However, it would be sheer madness to aim for the life of the strongest force Remus possessed, not to mention the strongest unit in the empire, the Imperial Sword Knights. It was no wonder why Asumi snorted.

Marcellus seemed to be pondering the exact same thoughts, and he just smiled bitterly. Whatever lay ahead, the Special Operations unit, including Marcellus and Decius, had no choice but to fight. They took their time to enjoy a warm meal, rest, and steel their resolve.

After Marcellus returned to the main camp, the demons with night vision were assigned to night watch duty. The Special Operations unit was no exception, as they organized rotations to prepare for a potential night assault. However, that particular night, they weren’t subjected to any nighttime attacks, and they safely welcomed the dawn, but… suddenly, an unexpected event unfolded in the imperial capital.

“Huh? What’s with this strange sound…?”

“U… Uuuu…!?”

“Hey, what’s happening?”

“Gugigu…!”

Many of the demons scattered throughout the imperial capital, preparing for a possible night assault, suddenly began to suffer. They clutched their heads and writhed on the ground, complaining of intense headaches and nausea.

However, not all demons were suffering. More than half of the special operations unit members experienced no change in their condition. The key difference lay in one aspect: whether they were Orvo-type demons or Karelvo-type demons.

Karelvo’s method was a rough modification of Orvo’s original technique so that demons could be mass-produced. Consequently, there were several defects in the Karelvo method, which Larman discovered while investigating them. Karelvo-type demons had a fatal flaw: they would turn berserk when exposed to specific frequencies of sound.

These sounds were beyond the audible range of normal humans but were perfectly clear to demons. Larman had created a device to broadcast this sound throughout the entire imperial capital, and it was activated at this moment.

The mechanism of this sound was fundamentally different from the spiritual art used in the Battle Beast Arena, which forcibly induced frenzy in battle beasts. Instead, it heightened instinctual impulses towards destruction to the utmost extreme. Since it wasn’t the effect of spiritual art, it was difficult to resist. Even veteran warriors who had crossed countless battlefields found it incredibly difficult.

“Hey! Are you okay?”

“My head… feels like it’s… splitting!”

“Agaga… Ugaaaah!”

Just like the other Karelvo-type demons, Asumi and the other demons who were synthesized with multiple beasts also couldn’t escape the influence of the sound. They struggled desperately, trying to endure without hurting their comrades.

However, to withstand the impulse of destruction, they began pounding their heads against walls and the ground or scratching their bodies with their claws. At this rate, they might die from their own efforts to restrain themselves. Tigar and the others were desperately trying to stop them.

“Settle down, Buumoo!”

“Hihiin! It’s dangerous! Stop!”

The heroes of the moment were Shuu and Apao. Since they were originally an ox and a horse, they were particularly large among the demons and were capable of restraining several of them at once.

With the help of others like those with exceptional physical strength, such as Gora and Tuhru, and demons suited for restraint like Sophie, they somehow managed to subdue them. Linardo, who was injured, even caught one using his tail.

Rinne, who was skilled in spiritual arts that affected the mind, forcibly put them to sleep. This is how the special operations unit managed to calm Asumi and the others down.

“Well done! Hey, Zald! What’s going on!?” Tigar asked.

“Don’t ask me. I can hear demon roars coming from all around. It seems like it’s not just Asumi and the others who are acting strangely.”

“I have no idea what’s happening! Is it because of this weird sound… Hey, Zald. Can you hear that?”

“Yeah. It’s from outside, right? They’ve launched an attack without letting this opportunity slip by.”

“Damn it! It’s an enemy invasion! Linardo!”

“Leave it to me. I have a son, you know? I’ll defend this place.”

With the sudden outburst of the demons causing chaos in the imperial capital, Remus initiated an attack at that moment. Tigar and the others, having calmed down Asumi and the others, barricaded them with the injured and those who couldn’t fight yet in an empty house and quickly prepared their gear to head to the city walls for a counterattack. They had to fight here; otherwise, they would all perish.

The special operations unit armed themselves and climbed to the top of the castle wall, but then they faced an unexpected situation. As soon as they reached the top of the walls, they found themselves facing imperial soldiers who were pointing their blades at them. These soldiers exuded a strong sense of hostility, and it was clear that this was no joke.

“What do you think you’re doing!?”

“Silence! Deranged demons are rampaging throughout the capital! The order is to eliminate demons on sight!”

The information about the demons suddenly losing their rationality had already spread throughout the imperial capital. The cause remained unknown, but given the ongoing battle between Remus’s army and Gnaeus camp, they had to suppress it urgently. The Empire swiftly made its decision regarding this matter—to get rid of the demons.

The argument for eliminating uncontrollable “weapons” made sense; Tigar and the others understood the empire’s reasoning…. but they had no intention of silently accepting their own deaths.

“Kill those monsters before the rebels arrive!”

“Like we will die! Defend with everything you’ve got!”

Remus and his forces had already initiated their attack, and fierce battles were unfolding not far from their location. It would be foolish for them to turn against each other in this situation, but they began to fight seriously, as their lives were at stake.

However, Tigar and the others couldn’t harm the empire’s soldiers due to the binding spiritual arts. Thus, all they could do was continue to protect themselves from harm.

“Ugh!”

“Ariel!?”

“Be careful!”

However, the special operations unit was severely lacking in numbers. Gradually, they found themselves at a disadvantage due to the overwhelming number of enemies. In such a situation, those who were not adept at fighting on the front lines were the first to fall.

Ariel couldn’t fend off the soldiers’ attacks and ended up sitting on the ground. Julius wanted to help, but he was preoccupied with his own troubles. It was Lappy who was nearby who stepped in to assist the girl, but this left her vulnerable to an attack from the side. She couldn’t evade a swinging blow as a spear handle struck her head, causing Lappy to fall to the ground while bleeding.

“Ouch…!”

“Show no mercy even to the children! Die, you mutant monster!”

The soldier who had struck her was about to bring down his spear on Lappy’s fallen form without hesitation. However, that spear was never brought down. Because the soldier was already dead.

There was a gaping hole in his body, and a sword was stuck into the castle wall up to its hilt right by his feet. Considering the situation, this sword must have pierced through the soldier’s vital points and killed him instantly.

It wasn’t just swords that rained down from the sky this time; there was also something like spears, falling like a torrential downpour, but it seemed to target only the soldiers. The top of the city walls turned into a living hell for the soldiers.

“Gyaaaaaaaa!”

“R-Retreat! Retreat!”

“Spears made of sand…? No way!”

The imperial soldiers didn’t know what was happening, but they knew one thing for sure—staying here meant certain death. The panicked soldiers quickly fled. The pointless battle on top of the city walls concluded with the imperial soldiers retreating.

On the other hand, the members of the special operations unit knew what had descended upon them. The sword that Tigar had pulled from the wall was a familiar white sword. And the spear-like weapon Zald had touched crumbled instantly. It was a spear made of sand; this was something they had seen numerous times on the battlefield.

“This can’t be…!”

“You said it. He really made it out alive, Boss!”

At the same time as Tigar let out a roar of joy, someone wearing full black attire fell before them. Underneath that person’s hood, familiar compound eyes were gleaming in the reflection of the light.

************

TN: This one was a big a chapter. But I have no qualms about it.