Chapter 103

Chapter 103

[TL/N: Bart Ive heard that name somewhere ????]

Following that day, Gael often saw Kike, Prince Benicios son, spending time with Bart, a new acquaintance from the Astros Mercenary Group. Bart was the boy with the extraordinary qualities that Gael had noticed earlier, a guest member who had recently joined the mercenaries.

Kike trailed after the mercenary like a chick following a mother hen, probably because there were no other children in the republican camp, and his father, Prince Benicio, was either busy with strategy meetings or drowned in liquor.

The problem seemed to be that Kikes new friend, despite being younger than most adult mercenaries, acted much older.

Its no good to let your frustration lead to self-destructive actions.

Do you know? Sometimes you talk really difficult stuff. I dont always understand what you mean.

It means if youre tangled, throwing away your weapon recklessly might cause harm.

The boy sighed as he comforted Kike, sitting on the ground.

Curious about what had happened, Gael approached and saw a deep gash on the childs shin, bleeding profusely a result of throwing a dagger in frustration, causing it to bounce back and hit his leg.Cheêck out latest novels at novelhall.com

Kike, you should go back to your fathers tent and get this treated

As he was speaking, Gael witnessed something unbelievable. Barts hand hovered over the wound, and a holy white light emanated from it, healing Kikes injury instantly.

Divine power?

Wasnt this boy supposed to be a swordsman?

While Gael was stunned, Kike seemed unfazed, probably used to such occurrences.

Thanks, hyung.

Kike dusted off his trousers and thanked Bart before running energetically towards the camp.

Left alone with the boy, Gael examined him with renewed curiosity. The more he looked, the more the boy seemed like a collection of incongruous elements.

A noble-like wandering mercenary. An empire-born Ortonan speaker. A swordsman with divine power.

Gael couldnt help but ask.

Your skill seems better than the medical priests in the camp. Why didnt you become a priest?

Bart, who had been looking at Gael with an unreadable expression, replied with a question of his own.

The staff here could use your talent in diplomacy. Why didnt you become a scholar?

Bart was referring to the occasional external propaganda documents Gael had written, replacing the demoralized staff. Gael himself thought he had done quite well.

But still, asking a swordsman and the youngest Sword Master in the continent why he chose the sword?

Youve read those documents?

I have. They were eloquent. If the situation of the republicans was even slightly better, they might have inspired many from the royalist side to switch allegiances.

In other words, the republics situation was so dire that, despite the eloquence, no one was swayed.

Quite a pessimistic view. We dont know how things will turn out yet.

Probably no surprises, General. Everyone knows the facts.

But many still sympathize with the republics cause. Isnt your Astros Mercenary Group participating in the war with the support of Count Milo?

Count Milo is just playing his part. Do you really think he doesnt know when to withdraw?

Gael recalled the boys words to Kike. Count Milo was on the side of the merchant alliance.

A bitter smile crossed Gaels face. He had suspected as much.

The veteran knight gritted his teeth.

Our only chance is to break through the less defended high ground ahead! Otherwise, we will be annihilated!

But

Hold on a little longer! Advance even a step more towards the high ground! He will soon come to our aid!

The knights shaky gaze steadied at the old generals words. He nodded firmly and ran back to reorganize the archers.

Gael Bertrand.

The reason the republicans could hold their ground on the Andres Plains despite the unfavorable odds was due to one factor: the presence of the last sword of the republic.

He always rushed to the weakest point on the front lines, his mere presence deterring the enemy.

As expected, soon there was a disturbance at the rear of the enemy cavalry, just as they were about to collide with Gaspars right-wing forces.

With a flash, a long, blue aura blade shimmered, creating wave-like ripples.

General Gael!

The enemy cavalry slowed noticeably. They hesitated, unsure whether to continue their charge towards the isolated republican forces or to turn back and counter the Sword Masters assault.

Meanwhile, the icy blue sword blade began to slaughter the enemy cavalry from the rear. The swift strikes were so swift that not even screams were heard.

Amidst the chaos of the horses, the Sword Master plowed through in a straight line, cutting down enemies on both sides and slashing through the center of the cavalry.

Finally, a knight with a dignified demeanor arrived in front of General Gaspar, his chest split open.

The greatest swordsman of the East.

After slashing through the enemy cavalry without even breaking his breath, it was clear that Gael was a monster in combat.

General Gaspar.

Relieved to have narrowly escaped annihilation, the old general turned to Gael as he spoke calmly.

The scout who brought the information about the enemys retreat was a spy from Castilla. Ive just executed him and am on my way back from reorganizing the central camp.

Count Castilla, that man

Gaspars eyes blazed with fury.

He should have suspected from the moment the count locked down his territory. Count Castilla had sided with the royalists. He appeased them with small supplies while disrupting their intelligence, hoping for their demise in the Andres Plains!

Gael watched the trembling old general and then gave an order.

Regroup the troops. A detachment from the center will soon engage the cavalry. Well use this opportunity to advance towards the high ground.

His silver sword, Arjuna, remained unblemished by blood.

Gaspar gazed at the sword, realizing something. Gael had an uncanny ability to identify spies, almost as if he could read peoples minds.

Ha ha ha ha!

Suddenly, a boisterous laugh echoed from afar.

The royalist cavalry, which had hesitated upon spotting the Sword Master, was now thrown into chaos again by the central detachment that had followed Gael.

The cavalry formation collapsed in an instant.

Amidst the chaos, a large man wielding a bastard sword appeared, gleefully hammering into the cavalry. Most of the members of this new detachment were from a small mercenary group recently hired by one of their supporters.

Justin, the leader of the Astros Mercenary Group, shouted enthusiastically, Attack, everyone! This is beyond our contract! No matter the cost, our generous General Gael wont be stingy!

Generous

As Gaspar looked at Gael with a dumbfounded expression, Gael subtly averted his gaze.