What Do You Wish For With Murky Eyes: Record of Highserk War - Chapter 46

The Anti Ferrius Army Command, established in the Sarajevo Fortress, was in turmoil as if the world had been turned upside down.

“The security forces in the city of Yainen are retreating, and there are over 40,000 monsters, with numerous casualties among the citizens.”

“The cities of Gantria and Merryburg have fallen, and according to the last messenger, there are over 90,000 monsters besieging both cities.”

“Lillyanchor is also under attack by a horde of monsters. While the exact number is unknown, they are clearing the forests and the advance seems unstoppable.”

Only dire news comes in, a mix of screams and reports transmitted through magical communication devices and messengers from various units dedicated to maintaining order.

“Your Excellency, this is…”

One of the staff members solemnly addresses Gerald. The message is clear, something they might not want to put into words.

“It seems like a massive outbreak.”

It’s a detestable phenomenon that occurs when a significant portion of the demon territory is rapidly destroyed, causing monsters to go on a chaotic rampage, turning the surrounding area into dust. Gerald himself had experienced it during the expansion phase in his homeland.

At that time, even a small-scale demon territory had annihilated a neighboring country, resulting in 110,000 casualties. The Highserk soldiers who blocked the borders also suffered significant losses, deeply etched in Gerald’s mind to this day.

The problem this time is that it occurred in a demon territory known as the largest and strongest on the continent. Just from what Gerald confirmed, reports mention 130,000 monsters.

“Considering the cities and villages that were not only unconfirmed but completely destroyed, the scale is beyond comprehension.”

“The Four Nations Alliance must have foolishly provoked to avoid Highserk’s victory. While it’s true that there won’t be a clear winner, everyone will equally become losers.”

Gerald falls into silence, staring at the map, lost in thought. A half-hearted approach could lead to complete necrosis. Choosing the areas to sacrifice is essential.

A decisive battle on flat terrain is out of the question. While it might be possible to bury them if the numbers are a few times greater, the scale of this massive rampage, akin to a swarm, easily reaches several hundred thousand. Although there are some core entities estimated from past events, distinguishing them is difficult, and the method of aggressively trying to crush them head on would be futile.

“Abandon Sarajevo Fortress. Establish a defense line at the border of Myard, Kanoa and troops from the homeland will attack.”

“Abandon Myard!?”

The staff couldn’t hide their dismay at Gerald’s instructions. Gerald spoke to them like scolding a troublesome child.

“Myard? You’re not thinking clearly. Even Kanoa is a doubtful cause. If we can just defend the homeland, that would be an accomplishment.”

Defending the homeland itself was uncertain, but Gerald wasn’t one to easily give up on that.

“But… What about the people of Myard?”

“Rescue only those who can make it to Kanoa. The rest should be redirected to the Celta territories of Ferrius and Myard. There is no other way for them. Make it clear.”

The fundamental principle of a massive rampage is the monsters pushing each other. While it might be possible with the combined forces of the three major nations, even Gerald’s command, along with the entire Highserk Imperial Army, would not be enough.

The command center fell into an eerie silence, as if time had stopped. Gerald’s subordinates, now facing the reality, were frozen. It was quite pathetic. Even the staff, the brains of the glorious Highserk Imperial Army, were in this state. In any situation, one should keep their body and mind active. Even if the empire were on the brink of death…

Gerald scanned the entire command center and shouted, “Get to it! Our every move will determine the fate of the Highserk Empire!!”

Officers and soldiers alike began to move as if propelled by a shock. Instructions flowed from battalions to companies, companies to platoons, and squad to squad, and a synchronized mobilization commenced. The Four Nations Alliance war was coming to an end, all for the sake of countering the horde of monsters. The war between humanity and monsters was on the eve of beginning.

————

The operation was a success. The Highserk Empire’s forces couldn’t withstand the rampage of monsters, and abandoned the Sarajevo Fortress, retreating recklessly. Yes, the operation was a success. Almost too successful. The Emrid platoon, which successfully retreated to the main camp after burning down successive demon territories, was fortunate.

Out of the deployed 6000, only 2800 managed to reach the main camp, and the units that couldn’t be reorganized were even fewer. The results of the operation manifested immediately. Monsters overflowed into Myard, overwhelming and trampling not only Highserk soldiers but also Myard citizens. It was a sickening sight. However, Emrid couldn’t just stand by.

The Sarajevo Fortress became a refuge for the displaced Myard citizens and, subsequently, was attacked by monsters. Although containment was initially intended at the Sarajevo Fortress, a report from the unit guarding along the magical territories sent shockwaves through the Four Nations Alliance forces. Monsters were pouring into the Ferrius Kingdom through the burning forest.

The issued command was not to counter but to retreat, and even that was barely under control. The reason being that the Ferrius and Myard civilians forced by the onslaught of monsters, flooded into the defensive positions deployed by the Four Nations Alliance forces.

Emrid took pride in the initial response. With the skills and magic of the Three Heroes, they managed to repel the second and third waves. But someone eventually noticed the increasing frequency and scale of the incoming waves of monsters.

The Four Nations Alliance forces collapsed on the fifth occasion. Each country began retreating to its homeland, and even the Ferrius soldiers started seeking asylum abroad, abandoning their own country. Emrid could easily imagine the consequences of trying to transport both soldiers and civilians through the Celta Lake route, and it wasn’t a pleasant thought.

Overcrowded ships that set sail overturned in the lake due to soldiers and civilians jumping in, and there were even ships resorting to indiscriminate killing to avoid sinking by shedding those clinging to them. From the port, people fell into the lake, trampled by the crowds, and crushed to death. Emrid found such a death unacceptable for himself and couldn’t afford to let his subordinates die in vain. Making a decision that could be considered discretional, Emrid quickly followed the path of the Rehauzen Knights and chose the land route, aiming to return through the Craist Kingdom.

“Ignore what’s behind, focus only on the front and sides. If we get blocked, everyone dies.”

Emrid’s unit swelled to the size of a battalion due to the surviving Ferrius soldiers and stray soldiers from various countries. Commanders at the battalion and regiment levels were lost in the fortress siege, reaching a limit due to the attacks from the Great Rampage.

“What about those behind…”

Leetia, the adventurer who had been leading the group, responded to Emrid’s words. He could see that the girl’s heart was breaking as she realized what they had done. Or, perhaps it was already broken.

“Those who can’t keep up with the speed will die. Shocked? But it’s reality. It might sound improper coming from me, one of the parties involved, but we shouldn’t have involved monsters in human wars.”

If questioned by higher-ups, punishment would likely be unavoidable. However, high-ranking officers who paid attention had either died or escaped by ship, leaving only the multinational forces united to avoid death.

“I, I…”

Emrid had no interest in providing mental care for an adolescent girl, but her firepower was something he couldn’t easily let go of now.

“If you have time to hesitate, save even one person. Fight now, think about it after you survive. It’s fine to become a nun who spends her life in repentance. For now, adventurer, fight and save people from the monsters. There is no death that will make you feel better. Resist every second, every moment counts.”

The girl didn’t respond to Emrid and rushed towards the forefront group. Emrid then turned to another adventurer.

“Lefty, you don’t seem to be holding back.”

“Yeah, I knew there would be sacrifices among the people. Didn’t expect it to spread this far, though.”

“Then why did you join? Do you enjoy fighting?”

“Enjoy? Nah, I don’t enjoy it. I don’t like to talk about it but… The one I like is… Leetia. I want to support the woman I fell for.”

Emrid couldn’t close his open mouth. The reason for jumping into such a deadly situation was for the sake of the person he fell in love with.

“Are you an idiot? Normally for that reason, you would stop the person.”

“No one asked you to butt in. Besides, I’m not good with words. This is the only way I can support her.”

“Ha, I thought you were a guy who didn’t know what he was getting into, but it seems you’re just a weirdo.”

“I’m aware.”

In their short acquaintance, Emrid laughed with the gloomy guy for the first time.

“Go and support her.”

The man followed the girl. He found himself playing a ridiculous farce in the midst of this deadly situation. To the girl on the verge of breaking down, the gloomy adventurer brought a smile. Even in his almost punk state of mind, there was a little room for relief.

“Volk squad, slow down the movement of the monsters in the rear. Don’t push yourselves too hard.”

“We’re ready to support the vanguard group.”

“They say two skilled adventurers will fight until they’re exhausted. Quite the curious decision.”

“Well, if that’s the case.”

Emrid chose to increase the chances of saving those who might risk their lives, even if he couldn’t save all the people.