What Do You Wish For With Murky Eyes: Record of Highserk War - Chapter 25

The four-country alliance, which had been advancing rapidly with overwhelming numerical superiority, began to show signs of decline. The Highserk Empire’s Jáfe Cavalry Battalion, conducting mobile warfare, targeted the main forces of the Craist Kingdom, launching persistent attacks on flanks, rear, and protruding units. Despite Craist’s numerical superiority, it was challenging to capture the highly accelerated and evading cavalry.

The Rehauzen Knight Order, using mounted cavalry for pursuit, achieved some results, but at times, the knight group was lured into pursuing, suffering painful losses in ambushes. Craist, not having detailed knowledge of the local geography, had to advance in collaboration with the Ferrius and Myard troops, making it impossible to maintain the initial rapid advance.

Moreover, thorough destruction of roads and bridges, intentional landslides and rockfalls through earth attribute magic in mountain passes and paths, and delay tactics were executed. The progress of the Liberitoa Commercial Federation had also come to a complete halt at the Refun Mine.

In their attempt to force their way against an enemy battalion with 7,000 soldiers, the Liberitoa Commercial Federation suffered damages far beyond expectations. With 1,200 deaths and 2,000 injuries, the enemy holding the entire mine area was still active. Arson attacks at night were a serious problem, and many of the Liberitoa soldiers were becoming afraid of fire.

Emrid, a member of the infantry unit of the Liberitoa Commercial Federation, felt his lips and throat completely parched due to tension. Emrid served as the company commander, entrusted with 250 soldiers from his homeland, the Commercial Federation, and the information provided to him was more extensive compared to an ordinary soldier.

To prevent a decrease in morale, accurate numbers were not disclosed, but at the defensive facility with ramparts and side guard towers that Emrid’s company was attempting to capture, an entire company had already become casualties. The previous company commander, having suffered severe injuries, was transported to the rear.

In addition to the defending soldiers from the Highserk Empire, the mountainous terrain was indeed a challenging location. However, what troubled Emrid was the soldier bearing the nickname ‘Beckoning Fire of the Underworld.’

Although his real name was not known, this soldier possessed the skill «Ignis Fatuus», known for its formidable power and extensive damage even among skills that alter reality. Manipulating clinging blue flames and strong winds, the user of «Ignis Fatuus» inflicted fatal damage on densely packed formations.

In fact, a platoon that had launched an offensive suffered 21 fatalities and 14 serious injuries in a single battle, and was forced to regroup. Among them was the platoon’s leader. As a platoon leader skilled in magical manipulation, he should have been able to endure some degree of high temperatures, but, he turned into a dying bonfire illuminating the battlefield.

Since then, they had abandoned the use of sheer force, opting for a slow strangulation approach in their offensive strategy. With Emrid at the forefront, they curved and dug trenches towards the walls.

Forming embankments steadily, they approached the walls, and finally, Emrid’s platoon reached a distance where a simultaneous assault was possible.

Soldiers, in anticipation of the all-out attack, sprinkled water on themselves as a futile precautionary measure against «Ignis Fatuus». Some even resorted to covering their bodies in mud.

After comrades burned to death, there was no one mocking the soldiers who escaped with minor injuries thanks to the mud. Since then, the number of soldiers applying mud had increased. Emrid himself would have preferred to apply mud, but as a commander, appearances were crucial.

“Commence the attack!”

The short command spread instantly, and the entire platoon rushed toward the ramparts. Projectiles were launched towards the soldiers overflowing from the trenches. Magic-formed ice spears and earth clumps, though slightly delayed, mowed down the soldiers.

Nevertheless, the fallen soldiers were few. The soldiers had already reached the base of the walls and were setting up ladders. The intense resistance until now seemed like a lie.

Emrid considered the possibility of capturing the fortress today, but he felt a tingling sensation on his skin. Hastily, he turned his gaze to a corner of the rampart. A hot wind blew around the area where soldiers were already attempting to enter, and azure flames erupted.

“R- Retreat!!”

Those who were climbing the ladders moved quickly, descending as if rolling and taking cover behind obstacles.

“Cease the attack, fall back to the trenches!”

Even some of those who were about to climb the rampart literally chose to fall, escaping instant death. Still, four or five soldiers became victims to the flames.

“Don’t move, quickly throw dirt over it!”

“That damn user of «Ignis Fatuus»!”

The soldiers, literally with their backs on fire, cursed continuously. Nevertheless, the response was faster than initially, and the damage was minimized.

Emrid jumped down from the ladder, grabbed the edge of the armor of a soldier whose legs were broken, exerted all his strength, and dragged him into the trench.

“Doesn’t he care about the surroundings?!”

Until now, «Ignis Fatuus» had been directed towards the soldiers below the wall, but now it was setting the rampart, which should be defended, ablaze. Faced with the rampart erupting in flames one after another, the total assault was temporarily halted.

It was then that Emrid felt something strange. No matter how you looked at it, it was too audacious – Emrid hesitated, and then he realized the true nature of the discomfort.

“… Ƒuƈkіng hell, we’re heading back to the wall! Continue!!”

Drenched in water, Emrid grabbed an unburnt ladder and ran into the wall alone.

“Commander Emrid!?”

The voice of a subordinate confirming his intentions echoed, but they quickly followed their superior.

Emrid solidified his resolve and ascended the ladder at a running pace. The rampart still retained a stifling heat, but there was not a single soul in sight.

“They were pulling their troops back little by little. The rearguard deliberately set fire to everything for the retreat.”

Emrid kicked up a discarded helmet from the ground. Despite his youth as a commander leading a company, he issued orders to his subordinates one after another.

“First platoon, put out the fire. Second and third platoon, focus on vigilance. Don’t bring the wounded up to the ramparts yet. There’s a risk of a counterattack. Send scouts from the fourth platoon to find out what’s ahead.”

The orders were transmitted from top to bottom, and the soldiers focused on their respective tasks. Albeit with significant delay, one of the key points had fallen. Still, Emrid couldn’t shake off his unease.

After about 30 minutes, the scouts returned, and Emrid’s face, upon receiving the report, turned into a grim expression, as if he had bitten into a bitter bug.

“The enemy has quickly established positions just ahead. They’ve created a complex stronghold combining embankments and dry moats, incorporating depth into their defense.”

Faced with the feared situation, Emrid looked up at the sky. The enemy, using the wall with ease, swiftly abandoned it and constructed positions deeper inside. They diverted attention with magic, including the «Ignis Fatuus», gradually withdrawing their troops.

Caught in the deception, Emrid cursed his own foolishness and felt disheartened by the efficiency of the Highserk army. He couldn’t express it verbally or through his expression.

This was why wars against the Highserk Empire didn’t pay off. Unlike the regions managed by Craist and Ferrius, this was an area where detours were impossible, and they had to cross the mine. Emrid felt dizzy thinking about the future damages and efforts.

As if reassuring both his subordinates and himself, Emrid spoke.

“Don’t panic. It’s just a makeshift stronghold. Construction time is limited. It lacks the height and sturdiness of the wall.”

Thinking positively, the «Ignis Fatuus» had been used extensively on the wall. Considering the consumption of magical power, even if it could be used today, it was for a limited time. Now could be considered the time to attack.

Due to the nature of this offensive, another company was positioned in the rear. In place of Emrid’s company, which had worked hard to take the ramparts, they should be able to conquer the makeshift defenses. The issue was that there are likely several makeshift defensive positions of varying quality. Emrid sympathized with the company in charge of the assault. Some might not be able to put roast meat down their throats for awhile.