What Do You Wish For With Murky Eyes: Record of Highserk War - Chapter 34

The war between the Four Nations Alliance and the Highserk Empire was reaching a critical point. Despite incurring over 10,000 casualties, the Four Nations Alliance had annihilated two battalions of the Highserk Empire’s army, and with the exception of the small fortification in front of the fortress gate, the bastion layers had fallen.

With a general assault on the gate scheduled for the next day, the captured outposts had amassed a significant amount of supplies and troops. Over half of the soldiers were asleep in preparation for the major offensive, with exceptions being the commanders from each nation participating in prolonged war councils and the soldiers standing watch.

Jackson, a soldier from Ferrius, unfortunately found himself assigned to the night watch. Despite the Highserk Empire’s forces having retreated behind the fortress walls, Jackson’s heart found no solace. Under the cover of night, there was a fear of enemy infiltrators or scouts entering the camp. Moreover, Jackson had heard that the combined death toll on both sides had surpassed 15,000.

Among them, the battle at the defensive stronghold referred to as the Third Bastion by the Highserk Empire resulted in the most significant casualties for both armies. The bastion, breached by the two otherworld heroes of the Kingdom of Craist and numerous magic soldiers, had several large craters, burying over 5,000 soldiers in a chaotic manner.

Despite the efforts of military priests and the distribution of holy water, there was an increase in undead transformations. Even with crushing limbs and gouging out eyes to reduce their threat level, some fools’ practical approach led to a surge in the rate of undead occurrences, possibly due to vengeful spirits or a curse. Jackson himself had engaged and defeated an undead Highserk soldier with both eyes gouged out.

Jackson harbored a growing sense of disgust towards the Highserk Empire. Despite his aversion, he had not succumbed to madness to the point of killing defenseless prisoners, committing atrocities, or mutilating corpses. Ironically, Jackson, an advocate of such principles, found himself assigned to guard an intermediate point within the Sixth Bastion, a section within the massive graveyard encompassing the Third Bastion and the Sarajevo Fortress, both transformed into colossal burial grounds.

This area marked the highest concentration of undead sightings, with Jackson and 40 other soldiers regularly patrolling. Their vision was maintained by magical stone lamps, torches, and the moonlight. Jackson, from his post, heard a sentry three spots away raise an alarm.

He couldn’t discern the details, but witnessing friendly soldiers engaging in cheerful conversation in the fortress-turned-graveyard felt unsettling. From a distance, the person hailed failed to respond. Judging by their equipment, they seemed to be Highserk Empire soldier. Jackson scanned left and right, turning his gaze towards his comrades.

Had another undead risen? Jackson felt exasperated, but duty was duty. Ignoring it would lead to consequences. As he approached, a growing sense of unease enveloped him. The slain prisoners were supposed to have their equipment confiscated, and their eyes, hands, and legs crushed. Yet, the figure standing there did not fit any of those descriptions. Jackson, holds a magical stone lamp in the hand with the shield and grips the hilt of his longsword at his waist.

“Hii――this can’t be. You should be dead.”

The condescending attitude shifted into a frantic tone as a nearby soldier, coincidentally a magic user, illuminated the figure with the «Torch» spell. The entire body was soaked in blood, and all the fingers on the left hand were twisted; up to that point, it resembled any ordinary corpse. However, when he saw the expressionless figure had a mask on its face, Jackson couldn’t help but shiver uncontrollably. The figure, believed to have fallen during the Third Bastion’s assault by the Rehauzen Knight Order, wore the famed red oni mask as rumored.

“Oh, the «Ignis Fatuus» user, the ‘Beckoning Fire of the Underworld’!?”

Jackson reflexively exclaimed. It was an unknown Highserk soldier possessing a terrifying skill that could burn a group alive. Jackson vividly recalled the wounded soldiers repeatedly murmuring about an enemy with such characteristics. That memory momentarily dulled Jackson’s preparedness for combat.

The moment the leading soldiers aimed their weapons, a blast of heat instantly dried Jackson’s eyes and lips. His mouth, filled with inhaling fire, blistered. Still, Jackson was fortunate. The distance and the backs of other soldiers blocked some of the flames, allowing him to avoid a fatal blow. The choking heat and the azure flames shining in the night formed in an instant, enveloping the soldiers in fire. Jackson could no longer scream. With weakened hips, he crawled to create distance.

Damn it, you beasts! Should’ve let the corpses rest in peace. This is what torturing the dead gets you!

Jackson cursed the unknown comrades. Like the unfortunate soldiers before him, he would soon be dancing madly in the flames. Prepared for his imminent death, Jackson’s envisioned demise remained just that—imaginary.

The «Ignis Fatuus» disappeared into the shadows of the bastion walls with the scorching heat, at an unbelievable speed. Jackson understood. He wasn’t spared. That person went wherever there were even more people. The destination was undoubtedly the Sixth Bastion, attacking the vulnerable soldiers sleeping defenselessly. Despite knowing this, Jackson’s legs felt unbearably heavy, as if under a curse, and he was unable to warn those around him.

TL Note:

I just had to say I can’t help but think of Monty Python’s “I’m not dead yet” scene when they keep talking about Walm being undead.