Ghislain looked into Viscount Horento’s eyes and asked,

“You’re going to have to actively cooperate with us from now on.”

“W-What kind of cooperation…?”

Crack!

“Gaaahhh!”

Ghislain’s hand axe suddenly sank into Viscount Horento’s shoulder.

The viscount let out a shrill scream and cried out,

“W-What are you doing! A surrendered noble should be treated with—”

Crack!

“Guhhhk!”

The axe struck his other shoulder, and Horento collapsed to the ground as if crumbling.

The knights, mages, and priests who were watching flinched.

Normally, they should have rushed forward to save Viscount Horento. But having already surrendered, they couldn’t do that.

No—more precisely, they lacked the courage to move.

Ghislain swept his cold gaze around them once before turning back to Horento.

“A commander like you being so oblivious… Do you not understand what I mean when I say you should empathize with me?”

“Ghhkk, ughhh…”

Viscount Horento couldn’t even bring himself to clutch his wounds, only gasping raggedly for breath.

These people weren’t normal. The very fact that they fought the Imperial Army with such a small force was insane enough—let alone the fact that they had won.

But even so, for a superhuman to act so recklessly!

Terrified, Horento nodded.

“Y-Yes, I understand. I’ll cooperate as much as I can—”

Crack!

“Uwaaaahhh! Anything, anything, just say it! I’ll do whatever you ask!”

Only then did Ghislain click his tongue and mutter,

“See, people always need to be smacked around before they get it. Not once has anyone understood me quickly. Well, it’s rare to meet someone with truly exceptional empathy.”

If he had to name one, there was that man Tarim they once captured from the Revolutionary Corps.

That one had frightening levels of empathy. He could predict things and answer even before you asked. It was creepy how far that ability went.

If only the whole world were filled with people like that, everyone could live in peace.

Ghislain pressed his axe against Viscount Horento’s neck and spoke.

“From now on, you’ll come with us all the way to the Pope. So there’s no point in lying.”

“Y-Yes, I understand.”

“Tell me the entire deployment of the troops the Empire has prepared to block us.”

“T-That…”

Crack!

Ghislain’s hand axe slammed into Horento’s thigh.

“Gyaaaaahhh! I’ll talk!”

Horento quickly pulled out several maps from his inner pocket.

They were maps of Imperial territory and of the major strongholds of the kingdoms.

On them were strange markings scattered everywhere—over a hundred in total.

“H-Here. All these marked places are where troops are stationed.”

“Why so many? Don’t tell me this whole thing was prepared just to block us?”

“N-No, not to block you.”

“Then what?”

“As a precaution in case you escaped with the Sacred Stones. They knew there were multiple superhumans.”

“I see.”

Ghislain understood well enough.

If a superhuman made up his mind to run, they were difficult to catch.

Yes, with enough manpower and a wide enough net, eventually you could trap them—but the Julien Mercenary Corps had multiple superhumans.

Not to mention, no one knew who might be carrying the Sacred Stones. They could even split them up and scatter.

And if even one person succeeded in escaping and vanishing?

Then the rest of the stones would be worthless.

From the Empire’s perspective, preventing escape had to be their top priority.

Ghislain quietly studied the maps. Troops were packed into every route out of Tulan, and even stationed far-off in distant areas.

Even considering the Empire’s might, it was impossible for them to directly control so many armies.

“These are the armies of each kingdom?”

“Y-Yes. They’ve mobilized soldiers from every kingdom and deployed them everywhere.”

“Shouldn’t they be moving their armies against the Demonic Realm right now?”

“W-Well, for now the kingdoms near the Demonic Realm, along with the dragons, are holding it back…”

Horento trailed off.

The truth was, every kingdom had already shifted into wartime readiness.

Civil strife had halted, powerholders had joined hands, and even their hoarded wealth was being poured into the war.

That was humanity’s default stance against the Demonic Realm. To lose that war meant the end of human life.

But even so, they couldn’t refuse the Pope’s orders.

The justification he gave—that the Sacred Stones were necessary to completely eradicate the Demonic Realm—was too convincing.

And since this was still the early stage of the war, everyone still believed him and obeyed.

“Hm, so even if we just went into hiding…”

If the Julien Mercenary Corps vanished with the Sacred Stones, the Pope would surely go mad.

And the more desperately he searched for the stones, the more shaken his standing would become. The allied coalition might even splinter apart.

Ghislain entertained the amusing thought for a moment, then shook his head.

‘I want to, but I can’t.’

If the goal were only to topple the Pope, that would be the best method.

But doing so would only play into the Salvation Order’s hands. Once the Pope fell, humanity would be left with an impossibly harsh fight.

That was likely the exact worst-case scenario Arterion had feared.

‘No, this needs to be resolved quickly.’

Only then could the human alliance come together properly and focus on the war against the Demonic Realm.

Ghislain scrutinized the maps carefully, searching for a route that avoided conflict and allowed them to move as quickly as possible.

Then he noticed something strange.

“What is this? Why are they deployed like this? The positions seem swapped.”

Kingdoms only needed to guard near their own borders. In fact, many were doing exactly that.

But some kingdoms’ armies were stationed in other kingdoms’ territories, their positions reversed.

It wasn’t a smart move when you considered supply and upkeep.

Soon Ghislain realized the common point.

“These are the kingdoms we helped.”

Viscount Horento nodded.

“Y-Yes. Because of the possibility that they might intentionally let the Julien Mercenary Corps slip through, they were placed that way.”

“They really went all out to catch us.”

The Julien Mercenary Corps had resolved many kingdoms’ crises, building good relations with them.

From their perspective, fighting against the corps was a heavy burden. Not only would it mean breaking their promise of support, it would be repaying kindness with betrayal.

Of course, their greatest reason for hesitation was knowing the corps’s true power. They would suffer devastating losses, so they were reluctant to take the risk.

The Empire knew that too—hence deploying other kingdoms’ armies to account for the chance of being let through.

That way, even if they were deliberately ignored, the corps would soon be discovered crossing someone else’s lands.

“They must think we’ll never escape the Pope’s grip anyway?”

“Yes. I suppose that’s what everyone thinks…”

Ghislain nodded. Of course ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) they would think that way.

Even the kingdoms the corps had helped would likely try to stop them. If they pretended not to notice, the Empire would surely hold them accountable.

Ghislain gave a faint chuckle and tucked the maps away.

“Well, I didn’t expect it to be easy anyway. Let’s move right away. Everyone, get ready.”

The Julien Mercenary Corps immediately changed into Imperial Army uniforms, disguising themselves.

Distinctive weapons like Osvald’s hammer were stashed away in Ghislain’s subspace.

It was something they had all done countless times in their mercenary days. Marika, being a former assassin, was especially familiar with disguises.

Ghislain could alter their appearances with magic, but that would wear off once his mana was drained. So for now, disguises were safer.

Their plan was to move quickly, posing as Imperial messengers.

“The target is the Imperial Capital. Viscount Horento, you’ll guide us. Make sure we avoid as much contact with the other kingdoms’ armies as possible.”

“M-Me, you mean me?”

“That’s right. The Julien Mercenary Corps succeeded in escaping. We’re messengers bringing this news to the Empire. You understand what I mean, don’t you? You’ll have to act your part well.”

“Y-Yes. I’ll do it.”

“Good. I’ll be looking forward to your acting. Don’t make it awkward. Go get your wounds treated and change your clothes. If someone who was just sitting in the rear has their clothes all torn up, it won’t make sense, will it?”

Ghislain chuckled and patted Viscount Horento on the shoulder.

The viscount, pale-faced, nodded. But his mind was in turmoil.

‘These lunatics… they’re not running away? They’re heading for the Empire? And taking me with them?’

He had already learned in the last battle just how monstrously strong the Julien Mercenary Corps was. But could they really stand against countless kingdoms and the Empire?

Absolutely not. Even if they somehow managed to reach the Imperial Capital, death would surely be waiting for them.

And if that happened, the guide—that was to say, himself—would be punished heavily and executed as well.

‘I’ll have to watch for a chance somehow.’

He couldn’t refuse for now. The sheer might of that madman was too terrifying.

But the journey to the Empire would not be short. An opportunity would surely present itself.

Until then, he would have to keep his head down and deceive them.

Once preparations were complete, Ghislain spoke to the remaining Imperial troops.

“Everyone into the sea. Now.”

“…???”

“I won’t kill you. But I don’t want this news spreading too fast, either. Don’t come back out until we’re out of sight.”

Kwooooom!

High above, Naktura raised his staff, and massive fireballs formed all around.

Seeing that, the Imperial soldiers all bolted for the sea. The troops originally searching for the Sacred Stones didn’t even come out—they had seen the slaughter of the Imperial Army.

Splash! Splash! Splash!

The soldiers plunged into the sea one after another. When Ghislain saw that not a single one had failed to jump, he mounted his horse.

“Let’s go. We need to move as far as possible before word gets out.”

Osvald blurted out in alarm,

“No rest?”

“We can rest while we travel, can’t we?”

“….”

If Ghislain said so, then so it would be.

Everyone’s skills had improved so much that, while they were exhausted, they still had strength to keep moving.

The Julien Mercenary Corps set out immediately, with Viscount Horento at the front.

Ghislain studied the maps and pointed out a direction.

“This way.”

Tulan belonged to the territory of the Snowbur Kingdom. At every route leading out of Snowbur, their armies were lying in wait.

The direction Ghislain chose was the one that led to the fastest exit.

Horento swallowed hard.

‘He’s walking us right into the most dangerous spot.’

And since it was so important, a key figure had been stationed there.

That man was Count Braxian, a Swordmaster of the Snowbur Kingdom.

‘But can Count Braxian actually beat them?’

Count Braxian commanded nearly ten thousand troops. Once this was over, his forces were meant to join the Imperial Army and march to the Demonic Realm.

But this was the same Julien Mercenary Corps that had forced an Imperial army of ten thousand into surrender. Even Braxian might be overwhelmed.

Still, if there was one sliver of hope…

‘The Julien Mercenary Corps must be exhausted now.’

No matter how strong they were, facing such a large army would naturally drain them.

Besides, the reason the Imperial Army collapsed so quickly at first was the confusion when they thought the Sacred Stones had been lost to the sea. The fact that Marquis Pherington was struck down and forced them to surrender played a huge role too.

‘If Count Braxian realizes who they are and attacks properly from the start…’

They might just be able to kill the worn-down Julien Mercenary Corps.

The problem was how to let him know.

‘There’s no way to tell him… no way at all.’

Ghislain was riding right behind him.

If Viscount Horento tried even the slightest suspicious move, his head would be lopped off instantly.

Horento knew it. And Ghislain knew he knew.

From behind him, Ghislain spoke.

“You understand, don’t you? If anything goes wrong, you’ll be the first I kill before the battle even starts. Watch your expression. Don’t give them any reason to doubt you.”

Horento, eyes brimming with tears, nodded.

A superhuman was right at his back. With his own abilities, escape was impossible.

And if either side grew suspicious, it was just as deadly.

The Julien Mercenary Corps might think it was his betrayal and kill him themselves. Or the Snowbur army might assume him a traitor and cut him down.

Horento realized there was no way to wriggle free of this situation.

‘Do I really have to go all the way to the Empire with them?’

A journey whose only end was death was hardly something to look forward to.

And so, with his stomach twisted in dread, Viscount Horento moved on with the mercenaries.

And just as expected, they soon came face-to-face with Count Braxian and the Snowbur Kingdom’s army.

The Snowbur troops parted to either side, and Viscount Horento and the Julien Mercenary Corps rode slowly between them.

Hearing the news, Count Braxian also rode forward on horseback to meet them.

He looked at Viscount Horento and spoke.

“We meet again so soon. So, you say the Julien Mercenary Corps escaped?”

“Y-Yes. In the end, they broke through the Imperial encirclement and scattered in all directions. I was ordered by Marquis Pherington to deliver this news to the Empire.”

“I didn’t expect a strategist viscount to take on the role of a messenger.”

“It’s because this matter is of such grave importance. And the marquis gave me a crucial order besides.”

“And may I not hear what that order is?”

“It’s an imperial command. I cannot divulge it.”

Horento answered as steadily as he could.

In truth, his heart was pounding. Part of him desperately hoped Braxian would notice something—but another part prayed he wouldn’t.

Because if a fight broke out, his head would be the first to roll.

Braxian listened to his words and nodded.

He couldn’t force someone to reveal the Empire’s internal orders. Nor could he afford to detain an imperial messenger for too long.

“Go on, then. If anyone suspicious appears, I’ll devote my full strength to seizing them.”

“Good. Their strength is formidable, so don’t let your guard down.”

Viscount Horento forced a faint smile and gripped his reins tightly.

Now he and Ghislain’s group were riding right through the center, flanked on both sides by soldiers. The oppressive presence of a regular army made even passing between them nerve-racking.

Perhaps it was guilt, but it felt as though spears might stab out from either side at any moment.

The Julien Mercenary Corps was just as tense. It was little different from being surrounded.

“Come on, let’s hurry through!”

Viscount Horento urged in a trembling voice. If they spurred their horses forward now, they might just break free.

Just then—

“Wait.”

Count Braxian raised his hand to stop them.

“W-Why? What’s wrong?”

Viscount Horento asked nervously.

He tried not to show it, but under this heavy pressure it was impossible not to.

Braxian stared at him for a long while before asking,

“Why are you, a noble of the Empire, so tense? Who is it you’re being chased by?”

“W-What are you talking about?”

“Just what I said. You’re far too nervous right now.”

Braxian’s gaze bored into Horento, sharp and probing.

“We’re on the same side, aren’t we?”

His eyes were like those of a predator sniffing out weakness.