Chapter 104

Chapter 104

[TL/N: Gale is changed to Gale. I forgot that the name Gale was first mentioned in Chapter 97]

In Ortona, there exists a unique aura cultivation technique called [Henesys]. It is a specialized practice developed for the Henesys longsword, which features a blade not so short in length and a hilt that extends about two-thirds the length of the blade.

The Henesys longsword is a beautiful weapon, possessing both the advantages of a two-handed sword and a spear. With its delicately patterned blade, ornate guard, and pommel, some mistook it for merely a decorative sword for the nobility.

However, once one witnesses its broad attack range comparable to a spear, the speed with which it can be wielded, and the ferocious power of its jagged blade tearing through flesh, they would never again dare to dismiss it as a mere ceremonial weapon.

The pinnacle of the Henesys technique was now being starkly displayed on the Andres Plains.

Swoosh!

With the long blade already formidable, a blue aura blade, extending two more feet, swiftly drew circles in the air. Two charging cavalrymen were cut in half along with their horses and tumbled to the ground.

General Gale, having judged that he was more effective against the cavalry, charged towards them again.

Eek!

The surrounding cavalrymen, startled, quickly turned their horses.

They desperately tried to distance themselves from the rampaging Sword Master, knowing well that getting close meant being sliced like a dummy in a practice yard.

Even as the elite cavalry of the royalist faction, they dared not venture within Gales striking range.

But the sword, maintaining its swift momentum, sliced through the air in a large eight pattern. Several cavalrymen, failing to escape, were cleaved diagonally and fell to the ground.

Hahaha! A cloud of dust rose in the air.

Whew, he really is a monster, muttered Captain Justin of the mercenaries, leading a separate unit and swinging his sword vigorously, as he whistled.

A man who seemed gentle and well-mannered transformed into an unstoppable force once he drew his sword.

Just the mere presence of Gales aura caused the enemy to tremble and fail to respond adequately. While their unit methodically took down the enemies, the Sword Master alone was dispatching cavalrymen at a far greater rate.

Justin pushed up the visor of his sallet, glancing sideways, specifically at the boy swinging his sword emotionlessly beside him.

Bart, why do you keep making that face? Are you still unhappy about accepting this assignment?

The boy, who had been reluctant to participate in this civil war from the start and was notably taciturn, appeared increasingly gloomy. Justin, who had practically coerced him into joining, was concerned.

The boy, gazing at the swirling blue aura in the distance, replied without looking at Justin.

Its a task with an inevitable end. These kinds of things never leave a good aftertaste.

Well, thats

The captain trailed off, then shrugged his shoulders and joked with an exaggerated expression.

Thats for our employers to worry about, not you, right?

Without responding, the boy clicked down the visor of his sallet. A strange silver light began to glow through the thin visor.

Noticing the ominous aura, a bewildered Justin asked,

What are you about to do?

End this quickly.

What?

Im sorry.

The boy, after gently stroking the neck of his horse enveloped in a white light, suddenly kicked the horses side before Justin could say anything more. Hahaha!

Hey, wait!

The mercenary captains urgent cry echoed behind him as the boy galloped into the midst of the chaotic battle. His horse skillfully avoided the tangled mass of cavalry.

Swoosh. Every now and then, he swung his sword without hesitation at a cavalryman blocking his path.

Despite not being a proper sword technique, his movements were strangely efficient and even seemed meticulous. After spraying several fountains of blood, the boy had soon reached the right flank of the republican remnants.

General Gale, who was swinging his blue aura blade, seemed to glance at him. The boy, riding at full speed, was now charging toward the enemys stockade, where a rain of arrows poured down.

Startled, they realized it was a severed head, helmet and all.

Through the opened visor, General Gaspar recognized the face.

That head was

General Alonso!

The republican camp began to stir.

The enemy commanders head! How did it suddenly?

But the experienced General Gaspar realized that this was an unprecedented opportunity. He drew his sword, leapt from his cover, and shouted.

The enemy commanders head has fallen! Charge into their lines, everyone!

Ch Charge! Charge!

Following him, other knights encouraged the soldiers and joined in.

Waaaaaaah! The entire unit cried out and began to rush towards the high ground.

Thus, no more arrows rained down until the republicans reached the stockade, and they easily occupied the enemy position, as if all their previous struggles were a lie.

* * *

This battle truly owes much to your Astros Mercenary Group. Thanks to you, we were able to significantly reduce our casualties. I must express my gratitude.

Gale personally visited the mercenary corps camp to meet with Captain Justin. The urgent nature of their recruitment meant that proper compensation had not yet been discussed.

He looked a bit tired. He had just come from a strategy meeting, wrestling with republican officials who were furiously insisting on immediately attacking Count Castillas domain.

Of course, the meeting concluded with the decision that an attack with the current forces would be impractical.

Though the count who had deceived them was detestable, there was no need to unnecessarily extend the frontline. Moreover, even if they were to successfully capture the Castilla fortress, turning the intact Castilla territory into a wasteland would provide a pretext for other neutral nobles to side with the royalist faction.

General, when you think about it, our mercenary group always takes on the most dangerous battles, doesnt it? Perhaps some additional hazard pay would be justified

Despite bluntly calling Gale an exploiter, this cheeky captain made a brazen demand.

Gale felt a surge of irritation, but after some thought, he realized there was some merit to the captains words. It seemed the mercenary leader genuinely believed they deserved more compensation.

As Gale pondered, a calm voice came from beside him.

Justin, you should know when to stop.

Mercenary Bart.

Always competing with the captain, his prowess today clearly surpassed that of his leader. His abilities were hard to believe for someone who had not even reached adulthood.

Gale still vividly remembered the boys mysterious movements as he shot into the enemy lines. It was fair to say he contributed the most in this battle.

No, but think about how much we contributed in todays fight! We deserve a fair reward for our efforts, dont we?

The captain grumbled with a frown, but soon shut up at the boys following remark.

Then first, shouldnt we have a more in-depth discussion about my rightful share within the mercenary corps?

Hmm. Justin, sweating, hesitantly spoke to Gale.

General, lets forget about the hazard pay increase.

Was he implying that the amount they were skimming from the boy was greater than the additional hazard pay!

Gale looked at the boy named Bart with newfound surprise.

Despite his young age, he was remarkably mature, yet here was another exploiter like himself. Noticing something in Gales gaze, the boy twitched his eyebrows, prompting Gale to quickly turn back to Justin.

He discussed compensation with the now subdued captain for a while. Finally agreeing on a satisfactory amount, Gale was about to leave, fatigued, when he heard the boys sudden question.

How long do you plan to continue these meaningless fights?

For the first time, the usually reticent boy initiated a conversation with him. Taken aback by the unexpected question, Gale turned around to find the boys eyes colder than ever.

Do you intend to become a martyr for the republican cause?