What Do You Wish For With Murky Eyes: Record of Highserk War - Chapter 8

he Myard border defense forces, having failed in their defense, were gathering in the capital, Aidenburg. The scorched-earth strategy that was anticipated did not take place, and the Highserk Empire was gaining control of untouched granary areas. The cause for concern was the Sarria Battalion, composed of former citizens of the old Kanoa Kingdom. Although they significantly contributed to the capture of the key mountain fortress, rampant looting and rape of both civilians and soldiers were occurring. While it was undeniable that they were compatriots who had betrayed their own, their actions had gone too far, leading to the deployment of monitors within the battalion.

Despite the issues with the Sarria Battalion, their presence served the role of a whip, effectively assisting in the exploitation of villages and towns. Due to governance concerns after annexation, the Highserk Empire did not actively seek villains and actually hoped the Sarria Battalion would be the ones to ‘pull the chestnuts out of the fire’.

After the siege, Walm led his squad in scouting through the forest. An enemy unit that had escaped the encirclement was engaging in guerrilla warfare. Isolated from their source of supplies, the constant seemingly well-coordinated attacks, suggested covert assistance from surrounding villages providing information and food.

“This has got to be magic.”

“Yeah, wind and fire attributes, I’d say.”

Squad leader and Jose accurately identified the magical attributes used based on the scars as they examined the lined-up bodies.

“…There are at least two magic users.”

Magic soldier Willart, who had been observing from a distance, joined in.

The wounds on the bodies were caused by wind attribute magic, resulting in lacerations, and fire attribute magic, causing explosive burns. While Walm considered the possibility of a dual-attribute magic user, given the limited timeframe for magical projections, it seemed more natural to assume the presence of multiple individuals.

“Hey, is this also magic?”

“What’s this? The face is crushed.”

Newcomers Noor and Barito were grimacing at different corpses. Amid the many victims with fatal slashes or stabs, the corpses they found had crushed faces or missing heads. It definitely looked like the result of blunt force.

“It’s not from an axe or spear. The impact is too widespread for a war hammer.”

Walm was familiar with bodies beaten to death by war hammers. He had been using a captured halberd since the last fight, and he knew well the kind of wounds it could inflict. As he contemplated the true nature of the weapon, the answer came from behind.

“It’s a shield.”

The squad leader, who had become accustomed to battlefield corpses over the years, answered.

“A shield? But it’s too… powerful.”

Noor muttered in disbelief. Walm agreed; the force seemed too strong for a shield. They couldn’t fathom how a shield could cause such devastation, even considering a strong man wielding it.

“Could it be a skill user?”

Jose, deep in thought, asked the squad leader.

“Yeah, probably. I’ve seen corpses like this before. Once, I witnessed a person’s head being knocked off with a simple shield bash. It’s likely a skill, similar to «Heavy Strike»—probably a skill many users have called «Iron Wall». Even a wooden shield turns as heavy as iron.”

Since learning the skill «Heavy Strike», Walm understood firsthand the formidable power of skills. Even with the same material, the presence or absence of a skill could mean the difference between effortlessly tearing through it. The advantage was immeasurable.

“Ugh, defeated soldiers are troublesome opponents.”

Jose muttered with genuine distaste.

“Some adventurers are mixed in with them. A captured soldier spilled the beans. They’re still fighting despite knowing they’re losing. But be careful; experienced adventurers have better skills and equipment than regular soldiers around here.”

“So, we just need to defeat them to get some good loot, right?”

New recruit Barito said with a laugh. His face looked strained, clearly trying to appear tough, a fact not lost on Walm.

“Hey, Barito, they’re skill users and magic users, you know? Can you imagine taking on Squad Leader Duwei, Walm, and Willart all at once?”

“Well, even if I had twenty of me, it would still be impossible.”

“That’s right.”

Seeing Barito admit his mistake, Jose nodded with satisfaction. While it could be said that Jose, in his role as an instructor, was doing an excellent job, the idea that Walm was even considered part of the inhuman group was hard to accept.

“By the way, about that…”

Noor timidly pointed to the hanging body of a man. The body was pierced all over, and except for the head, there was little resemblance to a human.

“Hmm, that? He was a villager who sold our information and provided food to the defeated soldiers.”

Jose stated as if it were obvious. Walm, during his inexperienced days, had asked a similar question.

“Oh, um… I see…”

Noor seemed to want to say something. It was in very poor taste, but sometimes it was necessary in war.

At the very least, if the villagers hadn’t provided information and food, the 30 soldiers and the six laborers and merchants wouldn’t have died. Resistance from civilians in enemy territory was a perennial problem for military forces in any era. Whether to annihilate the civilians themselves or to execute a few as a deterrent depended on the circumstances. The surviving Highserk soldiers attempted to control the situation through the execution of a small number.

“Get ready. We’re about to go.”

With Squad Leader Duwei’s call, the squad members stepped into the depths of the forest. Searching with a small number of soldiers was extremely challenging, so the entire platoon was deployed at once, and squads conducted searches in a line with 20 meters between them. Despite being experienced, the outcome might be decided quickly. Walm remained optimistic and, like other soldiers, entered the forest.

On the second day of the search, one squad was ambushed, resulting in 12 casualties. During the search, seven members were injured by traps and arrows, and four sentries went missing. Fortunately, Duwei Squad had not suffered any losses, but the entire platoon was filled with a murderous intent. With the difficult terrain of the forest, the unseen enemy fueled their hatred.

“This is bad.”

Jose was the one who spoke up.

“Indeed, searching with the entire platoon for three days and still no results.”

Despite 250 people searching, the elusive enemy remained hidden. As the time to move towards the capital for the decisive battle approached, the threat to the transportation route couldn’t be ignored.

“Even considering the local terrain, they’re too skilled at concealing their tracks. They must be quite adept in the forest.”

The squad leader carefully observed the ground but shifted his gaze ahead.

“A skilled scout, perhaps?”

Noor, who was standing beside Walm, voiced her question.

“Even if they are scouts, it’s not just one person. There are at least two skilled individuals near the main force and monitoring us.”

Walm couldn’t believe that the opponent, primarily composed of defeated soldiers, had the ability to carry out advanced guerrilla warfare from the beginning.

“Rather than scouts, it could be adventurers who sided with Myard.”

The squad leader concluded, answering everyone’s questions.

“Adventurers…”

Barito, the new recruit, mentioned the name. Adventurers were those who engaged in activities covering half the continent in the magic-ruled region. Activities included defeating and disassembling magical beasts, conquering dungeons and ruins, and escorting and protecting transport convoys. The guild that organized adventurers had bases in every country on the continent, and as an organization, they claimed not to interfere in wars.

In reality, under the guise of individual free will, local adventurers were often hired as mercenaries, and equipment made from the remains of magical beasts or rare materials displayed tremendous power. Furthermore, rumors circulated that the guild deployed its private soldiers in conflicts that disadvantaged the guild. The Highserk Empire, Walm’s homeland, focused on strengthening its military, and since surplus troops took on the role of adventurers, adventurers were not as prominent there. However, in other countries, they were a well-known presence.

“Indeed, if they are adventurers, they’re more accustomed to surveillance and reconnaissance than soldiers.”

Jose, born as the third son of a weak merchant, who had experience hiring adventurers, nodded in agreement. While resting and discussing the enemy’s identity, Walm casually posed a question.

“Are they aware of us by the smell of the tobacco?”

“Don’t talk nonsense; our body odor is stronger than the tobacco. Bring a wolf; they won’t come near us because they hate our smell.”

Jose denied with a laugh and continued to smoke.

“Should we wear some perfume?”

Barito said in a manner that could be taken seriously or as a joke.

“Well, that’s a good idea. While we’re at it, let’s wear skirts.”

Squad Leader Duwei responded with a smile. Walm also relaxed his lips and smiled faintly. There was little time left to enjoy trivial jokes. In another five minutes, he would resume the never-ending game of hide-and-seek in the forest.

Just as Walm reluctantly contemplated whether to begin preparations for the move, a scream rang out, followed by several explosions. Soldiers resting on the ground jumped up, and everyone immediately drew their weapons.

“About 300 to 400 meters ahead. We’ve caught them in our reconnaissance net.”

Everyone concurred with Jose’s words.

“Flank from the right and encircle them. Don’t let the enemy escape. Move out!”

The squad leader dashed forward, and the rest of the squad followed suit. At the rear were the new recruits, Noor and Barito. Walm pushed aside branches clinging to his body, trampled through the dense vegetation. The untamed forest was full of natural obstacles. Forcing their way through, they ended up covered in the sap of tall grass, with a pungent and unpleasant smell clinging to them.

The battle continued. The enemies, having tasted victory in the previous encounter, seemed to have underestimated the squad. Apart from Walm’s squad, two more squads rushed in for reinforcements, holding the enemy in place.

The platoon intended to put an end to this futile hide-and-seek here. The number of enemies slightly exceeded the estimate, with around 30. Walm engaged the enemy in the center of their formation. The enemies, who were subjected to a surprise attack from the side, were slow to respond.

“Damn, fresh forces!”

One of the enemy soldiers shouted. Walm swung his halberd aiming for that person. The recently acquired skill «Heavy Strike» was best demonstrated with a robust and suitable weapon. The enemy soldier desperately thrust his spear towards Walm, but the reinforced tip of the spear was crushed. Discarding the significantly shortened spear, the enemy soldier tried to draw a short sword, but he was a step too slow. Just before the sword was fully drawn, his head danced in the air. Walm stepped further in, twisted his wrist, and launched an attack on the second person.

They were completely caught off guard. Without taking any effective evasive actions, a strike from the side penetrated through the side of their chest armor, slicing through the torso halfway. Due to additional interference from the squad members, more than 10 enemy soldiers were killed or injured. In the midst of regular soldiers, a group with different attire came into Walm’s view.

“There they are. The lead adventurers.”

Jose shouted, having identified their true nature. There were five people in total, most likely forming what is commonly known as a party.

Walm cut down the confused enemy soldiers as he moved towards the group, but blades of wind manifested through magic were closing in. Normally, one would choose to dodge or defend with a round shield, but Walm swung down his halberd without evading.

The activated skill «Heavy Strike» engaged in a momentary magical clash and emerged victorious. Wind scattered in all directions. Walm surveyed the attacker and saw that it was one of the adventurers who had cast the magic. A woman, and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say she was a young girl.

Her height reached Walm’s chest, and her brown hair extended to her shoulder blades. She was armed with a short sword and a round shield, a common combination. Attempting to crush the troublesome magic user, Walm was obstructed by three Myard soldiers standing in his way. Two of them approached, thrusting their spears simultaneously.

Walm circled slightly to the right, closing the distance with one of the soldiers. While deflecting the spear aimed at his face with his halberd, he lunged into the soldier’s guard. The soldier instinctively protected his throat with his vambrace, but Walm activated «Heavy Strike» and sliced through the soldier and his armor in a diagonal cut. Bones were severed, and blood spurted out from the gaps in the armor.

“You Asshole!!”

The man’s comrade fell, leaving one less soldier, and as he moved to close the gap, the remaining soldier discarded his spear and attacked with a longsword. It was a bold move, but Walm evaded the horizontally swung strike by deflecting it with an upper body sway.

Swinging down the halberd from a diagonal left angle, Walm’s attack was intercepted before it could accelerate. Walm continued to exert force, deflecting the longsword, and took a step back. Without hesitation, he thrust the halberd forward. The soldier tried to readjust his stance but was a step too late. The thrusting halberd slipped into the back of the soldier’s knee, cutting through the ligaments.

“Ugh, Agh…”

The soldier was desperately resisting on one leg, but unable to brace himself, Walm slashed his throat while overpowering the longsword. The remaining soldier hesitated between retreating or launching an attack. Walm decisively swung the halberd with both hands, opened the guard, and delivered a fatal blow.

“N-wait, ah, help!”

The second strike was unnecessary. Organs spilled out from the torn abdomen in a straight line, causing the ground to be quickly dyed with blood. It was a bleeding severe enough to likely result in infection.

“Give up. There’s no saving you.”

Before it came to this, he could have either escaped or surrendered—such thoughts flickered through Walm’s mind.

This soldier, too, might have been entangled with his country, friends, family, and everything else, making it impossible for him to retreat.

As Walm delivered the finishing blow, he was caught in his own thoughts amidst the chaos, a scene that might appear quite absurd. As he prepared to attack the next target, he was addressed with words—by the enemy, no less. Not the usual insults or incoherent muttering during a retreat. It was a question directed at Walm.

“Why, why are you able to kill so easily!?”

In an unexpected turn, Walm was asked on the battlefield why he kills. Explaining would take too long, and the answers vary from person to person. Why would they demand such an explanation from Walm? Though the soldier had indeed begged for mercy, there was no way to provide assistance once he had suffered a fatal wound.

“Because it’s the battlefield, isn’t it? What’s so surprising about it? You’re killing too… This is a pointless conversation.”

At the woman’s feet lay the body of a Highserk soldier. Walm had crossed paths once or twice during the march, a relationship of little significance, but undoubtedly a compatriot. Also sensing the futility of further conversation, the woman once again fired her magic towards Walm. It was a spell he had seen before. The trajectory was the same, so he maintained a low posture breaking his center of gravity and slid in toward her. As he advanced, the young girl’s eyes widened in astonishment.

“Leetia!!” Shouted the older adventurer with a shield.

The distance was already closed. The halberd swung horizontally aiming straight for the girl’s neck. Contrary to her previous sluggishness, the girl reacted with remarkable agility. Bending her left elbow, she held the round shield diagonally upwards, supporting it with her right hand while gripping the shortsword.

Honestly, Walm might have underestimated her. Despite being instantaneous, it was an ideal posture. She must have undergone training and gained practical experience. Yet, in the midst of conversation, she had been foolish enough to be taken advantage of. Walm felt puzzled by the incongruity, but he understood the nature of the discomfort.

On the battlefield, it might be foolish, and Walm might envy it, but the woman simply wasn’t accustomed to killing people. While resolving conflicts through language would have been the civilized approach, this was a war between nations. The battle continued, and the enemy had not surrendered. Without loosening the halberd, Walm activated «Heavy Strike.» The blade, enveloped in a thin light, bit into the round shield and pierced through it.

“Ugh, ah, ugh…”

Perhaps reflexively, the round shield was dropped and rolled on the ground. Apparently, she was equipped with a vambrace underneath the shield, and the arm had not been severed. Nevertheless, the impact seemed to have taken its toll. With each movement of the left arm, the girl displayed a pained expression, gripping the short sword with one hand.

“It broke,” Walm remarked, and she furrowed her brows, appearing greatly perplexed.

It seemed to be her first encounter with a skill that could break shields. Frightened, she retreated from Walm, but it was an ill-advised move in the uneven terrain of the forest. As she stepped back, she tripped on the “former soldier” on the ground and fell.

“At least remember where you killed someone,” Walm chuckled involuntarily. The girl widened her eyes and screamed as if encountering a monster.

“No…nooooo!!”

Walm lunged forward, entangling the short sword with his halberd deflecting it. Taking advantage of the difference in size, Walm shoulder rammed her, causing her to exhale sharply and collapse to the ground. With the fallen girl’s throat as his target, Walm thrust the halberd. The opponent was a young girl; it was better than having her head or face crushed.

Something flickered in the corner of his vision, and Walm’s heart skipped a beat. Despite being alert to his surroundings, it was too fast.

“Ugh――!?”

As he tilted his head back while flying backward, a part of Walm’s hair was taken away, and his cheek was cut. The shadow continued to approach. Swinging his halberd downward, Wolum’s opponent also received the attack. The man was one of the adventurers in the party. At the parting of their weapons, he aimed for Walm’s wrist, grazing it, but Walm skillfully blocked it with the guard.

“Is someone like me worthy of your attention?” Walm asked deliberately, infuriating the young man. Not only did this provide a mental disturbance, but it also meant one less person focusing on Walm’s squad.

“Shut up, you invader!!”

The youth, with his refined features, shoulder-length blue hair, and eyes of the same color, would have been an idol if the times where different. He wore practical equipment, wielded a blood stained two-handed sword, and around him were fallen Highserk soldiers. Without a doubt, he was the leader of the adventurers. While Walm believed the squad leader was more fitting to face the leader of the adventurers, the squad leader was currently engaged with the adventurer wielding a large shield.

Presumably, that person was the shield skill user. The clash between the skills «Heavy Strike» and «Iron Wall» made it difficult for anyone in the vicinity to intervene. Walm pondered whether he should involve the surrounding soldiers to assist. He grumbled that the situation had become troublesome. Regardless, he had to face this adventurer one way or another.