Tale of the Fake Hero - Chapter 274
Only Noblemtl
Season 3: Episode 82
“The garrison will withdraw along the western coast to with the help of the Steel Fleet.”
It was, indeed, a miserable retreat.
The continent visible beyond the bow was swallowed up by volcanic ash and sandstorms, and nothing could be seen.
The silence that covered the continent was eerie.
“As a port and a transfer station for the Western Railway, was bound to be teeming with refugees.”
Those trying to board the ship and those trying to board the train were tangled up in a fight, and when they saw the steel fleet, they started beating the ground and wailing.
Because it was originally a stronghold for the Southern Expedition, was stocked with trains and weapons that had been airlifted from Kinderlantz, the land of the Ain.
Since Cheongseong Mirngardia had issued a wide-ranging train requisition order, these trains could not be used for evacuation operations.
“The miserable feeling I felt that day is indescribable. The refugees were crying as they looked at us, and there was nothing we could do.”
At this time, General Halbaron of the Manbyeonggi Army lands leading the 3rd Logistics Group and the 3rd Special Forces Group.
Except for the 3rd Maritime Battle Group, all land-based weapons were disembarked, and despite the opposition of his adjutants, he filled the empty spaces with nearly 80% of human refugees.
Each of the ships of the Steel Fleet was nearly two to three times overloaded, causing the waterline to rise and fall dangerously.
– Admiral, why is this happening… … The equipment is overloaded and maintenance will never end. There will be quite a few warships with damaged Frisbia cores.
When Fleet Adjutant Gustav Julius asked with a pale expression, Halbaron only smiled heartily.
– Gustav, do you know? Tools can be remade, but people cannot be remade.
– … … !
– This choice is to not leave a stain on the honor of our race. I do not want to be recorded in history as having neglected human lives for the sake of ships. You should lead them and head to first, and have them repair the warships there.
With the addition of the 3rd Logistics Group and the 3rd Special Forces Group, there was a major change in the garrison formation.
The overall firepower was absurdly reinforced. The Ain 3rd Special Forces Group was able to complete an operation that would take three days for the human artillery in just three hours.
The commanders of both sides, Marshal Krausan and Admiral Halbaron, build a defensive line with the strategy of fortifying the entire city, forming the so-called ‘K-Hal Line’.
“At the time, we made every effort to prepare for defense with mines, barbed wire, and trenches, but compared to the size of the city and the enemy’s strength, we were still short of troops.”
As the refugees caught up in the phone call began to dwindle, the horizon began to turn dark.
The volcanic ash is the power of the king… …the abyss has come.
As tensions on the front lines were rising, Mirngardia, the capital of Cheongseong, finally joined in, having lost contact with the garrison after ordered its troops to withdraw.
“At that time, there were rumors that Cheongseong was abandoning the continent of Adrion, but his thoughts always transcended humanity, and even the abyss. What I will explain from today is the ‘Eastern 5th Railway’ defense battle that became the cornerstone of the counterattack at the end of 1675 AD.”
The cornerstone of the counterattack, defense of the Eastern No. 5 railway (1)
“Why is the Republic so weak? Even though it has the largest territory.”
Camilla said, kicking the rocks rolling along the shore with her combat boots.
The heatwave in November 1675 AD was nothing short of astonishing. It seemed as if the entire continent was melting.
Camilla, who kicked the stone, and Sharon and Roberis, who were sitting in front of her, were cooling down with the freezing magic that Johan had cast.
“When I was studying military history during my non-commissioned officer training, I just thought the term ‘Republican Army’ was a joke and passed it over. But there really is no answer.”
The Republic, or the Republic of Yongin, which occupied the largest territory in the world, had become a byword for ridicule.
Even though it was weak, it was too weak.
The Republic had a civil defense system called the Haltene (militia), in which all citizens became soldiers in the event of a threat to national territory.
however…….
Those who followed the military regime were very few in number. Whether they were conscripts or not, the people of the Republic were busy packing up and running away.
“No matter how fierce the Abyss’ advance is, this rate of fall is abnormal. It’s ridiculous.”
“It’s weakened. It used to be strong.”
John, whose gaze was fixed on the grimoire, corrected it.
“Once, when the Red Dragon Legion ruled, we boasted of an incredibly powerful national power. It was the people of the Republic who prevented the turmoil. We should be grateful. The Commander has often said this. This is a small repayment.”
The people of the Republic have always worshipped freedom, but now they live freely, unfettered by any restraints.
Congress kept military spending to a minimum.
The Halten system accounts for over 90% of the force, and the standing army that has received proper training does not even account for 10%.
“No matter what it was like in the past, freedom is premature for humans.”
Sharon added to Camilla’s annoyance.
“Freedom comes with rights and duties, but the more freedom the fools of the Republic gain, the more they claim rights and ignore duties.”
“… … ?”
“Isn’t it strange? Of all the existing human nations, it has the largest territory and the largest population, yet it’s so weak. No one wants to do military service, and instead, they look down on and ignore the soldiers, so it’s only natural. Who on earth would want to do military service?”
Now that I think about it, I think the cultural differences between the Republic and the Empire are enormous.
The Empire places great importance on establishing personal reputation and family prestige. That is why the Payquerier is treated with the highest honor.
But on the Republic side… … the payqueer emission rate was embarrassingly low compared to the Empire.
“Hehehe, the crowd is foolish. What we need in times of chaos is a wise dictator. We must overcome the crisis with that concentrated power.”
John looked up from his grimoire.
“A republic is said to be the most ideal political system. It was also the direction recommended by .”
“The Republic of Yongin is a republic in name only, but if you look closely, it is almost no different from an aristocratic government in that only people with families or the wealth can participate in politics.”
“Power is not inherited.”
“That’s right. That’s why politicians do everything they can to get re-elected. Once elected, they promise to reduce military service, or collect less military spending… … This is the result.”
Camilla opened her mouth.
“But how were you strong before?”
“Even back when the Red Dragon Legion ruled, it was a republic in name only, a society based on theocracy and theocracy. I told you. We need a perfect ruler.”
Roberis said, looking expressionlessly at the horizon.
“I once asked His Majesty the Master a similar question, and he said it was because of Xernix.”
Camilla shook her head.
“Xernix?”
John put on his glasses.
“A famous black magician. He is also an old great magician. He is the mastermind behind the scenes from the time of the turmoil to the era of the dragon.”
“What? How can a person live that long?”
“I don’t know. Anyway, the distortion of the perception of the Suin tribe and the distortion of the value of freedom in the Republic are all because of Xernix. He has been manipulating everything cleverly for almost 500 years, making everyone accept it as common sense.”
It was around that time that the city was in an uproar. There was no need to ask why.
Because the pure white brilliance that illuminated the horizon turning dark in a straight line was clearly visible here as well.
A being that can convey hope with just its presence and its light alone.
Finally, Cheongseong has returned.
* * *
As soon as Cheongseong Mirngardia arrived at , he called a meeting of commanders, and he was accompanied by Nohyang Setsunen.
Brain Hyang’s condition was extremely critical and he was unconscious, but even in that state, he was somehow able to activate Brain Hyang’s Heart Resonance Jin.
Of course, the range of effect was very short.
It was only enough to cover one area, but that alone was enough to change the situation.
That is the influence of the brain-heart resonance.
“Uncle, what on earth happened… … Why isn’t that wound healing?”
“You know very well, it’s the power of the True Sword, Yonniulan. The elements responsible for regeneration have been ruptured. It will take at least several decades for Nen to be able to use his body completely again. It seems that he suffered this disaster while trying to stop Lucael alone.”
“Oh my god… … .”
“Listen up, everyone. The Brain Fragrance can only spread within an extremely small range of Brain Fragrance Heart Resonance, and cannot exert the power of spatial transfer.”
Everyone exchanged awkward glances.
“I felt the absence of the Brain-Heart Resonance Circle in the last battle. I should try to design a device to replace it when the time comes.”
Camilla must have been the only one who heard Halbaron’s soliloquy as he scratched his chin.
So, I wish we could have seen the scene where Halbaron actually developed it.
Among the humans, the first to use the prototype was Camilla’s disciple, the great hero Charillion.
“Your Majesty, as per your orders, as soon as we arrived here, we requisitioned all the trains in the area and tried to contact other areas, but no communication was possible. Especially to the east of the Mora River… … .”
At Tars Alter Surpin’s words, Marshal Krauzan sighed.
“It’s clear that the demons were the ones targeting you as they broke through . They even aimed for the troops to be dispersed… … You really hit them hard. The existing defense system is now meaningless.”
The priest of Hong, Aydin, said.
“The Demon Tribe will not stop until they have exterminated all of humanity. We need to build up our forces to win, but as things stand now, our numbers are absolutely insufficient.”
Cheongseong Mirngardia said.
“This place, , is the starting station of the Western No. 1 Railway and the final destination of the Eastern No. 5 Railway… … You all, get on the train and head east.”
“From here to the east? Towards ? Uncle, judging by the thick volcanic ash, it seems like the enemy has already spread all the way there… … .”
“Not . Go to the sun city . It is a key point on the Eastern Railway leading to . In order to safely rescue the children trapped in , must be defended.”
Floret Alter Tasalpo’s eyes widened.
“Retreat? Your Majesty, did you just say retreat? is a natural fortress and is currently a key point on the Eastern Front, but you say retreat… …?”
“Do you know how to play tug-of-war? If the opponent is extremely strong, no matter how hard you try, you will not be able to overcome their strength and will be dragged away. Eventually, you will fall. Counterattack is impossible. You will only be annihilated after a siege.”
Cheongseong would often use metaphors like this that even a blockhead like Camilla couldn’t understand.
But if there are stone heads, shouldn’t there be geniuses to keep the world in balance?
The expression on the face of the priest Aydin of Hong’s eyes changed three times, then he raised his head with eyes filled with wonder.
“What you just said is, surely, ah, without being dragged… … no, rather than enduring the enemy’s strength and being dragged away, you’re saying that it would be better to just let go of the rope. Ah, in that case… … !”
John also let out a sigh of admiration as if he had realized something.
hmm…….
Camilla nodded, not understanding a thing, but not wanting to look like an idiot.
no…….
Stop telling stories that only you guys know and explain now… … .
“At that time, the one who falls as if pushed by his own strength will be the other side. He will gain some time to get up again, and then he will regroup and prepare for a counterattack.”
It was only later that I learned the exact plan of Cheongseong Mirngardia.
When the enemy’s main force enters , instead of resisting the explosion of the Celtimus volcano, it accelerates the outburst of lava.
Even though the enemies are blessed by the Lizard Lord, the lava is merciless. It will melt even the bones of those who are not truly blessed.
‘indeed…….’
It must have been the shining part of Cheongseong’s intelligence that he could devise a plan that mortal beings could not even think of and exploit the enemy’s weaknesses.
“If you understand what I’m saying, then everyone hurry. We must leave this place before the enemy destroys the railroad. The time for carrying out the operation is from now.”