Side Story 3

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Side Story 3

The southern part of the Empire, like any other region, bore the scars of war.

This was especially true here, as the memories of the war were still fresh.

In the midst of this, the news that the pro-Empire faction, Hyzens, had submitted to the Empire was a beacon of hope.

It gave rise to the belief that the grueling war would never happen again, that the vicious elves would not become enemies again.

The flower of peace bloomed rapidly, covering the entire South.

It filled the scars of war and comforted those wounded in the war.

They believed without a doubt that they could rise again and become even more prosperous.

But as with all things, excessive faith returned with the consequence of betrayal.

Their intense longing turned into an even stronger disappointment, thrown back in their faces.

“The atmosphere within Hyzens is unsettling.”

“The number of refugees from there is increasing. According to their stories, the Luzernes remnants, who had been losing ground, are suddenly pushing back the Hyzens regular army with powerful magic.”

“It seems war is imminent.”

We had been interacting with the elves across the Great Forest for several years.

News from beyond the forest travels fast. We can immediately tell whether it’s true or false.

Therefore, the South was the first to sense the approaching war.

The nobles responsible for the South’s defense mobilized, and soon the regular army was officially deployed.

Evacuation and displacement orders were issued, and the people of the South were reminded of the horrors of the past.

To summarize, they won. Luzernes was defeated, and even now, they are overwhelmingly outnumbered compared to the Empire.

But that’s just the result. The people of the South, who had experienced the process, were filled with worry and fear.

Then, one day, amidst the tension that gripped the entire southern region of the Empire—

“This way. Please come this way.”

Someone appeared in the South, leading a group of officers and soldiers.

His arrival was unassuming. Initially, his presence went unnoticed.

But soon, the entire South was captivated by his every action.

Meanwhile, the young man who had come to the South ascended a platform that had been prepared in advance.

Looking at the people before him, and among them, the veterans who shared his experiences.

He opened his mouth with a brief but powerful tone.

“My fellow comrades. We’ve endured a long and arduous war. You fought bravely and honorably for our homeland. You faced death and suffering, and yet, here you stand.”

There were no words about who he was, or whose orders he was following.

The young man simply spoke plainly, addressing the others as if he were speaking to himself.

“We are bound by an unbreakable bond that no one can sever. It was an honor to fight alongside you. I always salute your sacrifices.”

He bowed his head.

Among the crowd, some bowed back to the young man.

“...Therefore, I ask you once again. I ask you to join me, to return to that hell once more. I call upon you, to revisit that nightmare you’ve barely forgotten. Because I know that one of us is far better than ten of their recruits.”

Sighs escaped from various parts of the crowd, as if something difficult to recall had surfaced.

“I have no intention of pushing you into this. Just coming with me is enough.”

Thud—

The young man removed the medals from his chest, one by one.

It was a miracle. An extraordinary stroke of luck, a gift they knew they could never replicate. Something denied to so many others.

“I have to go.”

“No! No! Why do you have to go? You’re done! Your duty is over! What more do they want from you? Your life?!”

“Your voice is too loud. You’ll wake Ena.”

Despite Casey’s words, his wife didn’t stop. She became even more desperate.

“Is it because of that Medal of Honor recipient? Did you fall for his words?”

“...”

“Snap out of it, Casey. He’s different from you. Goddess will protect him, but not you. So please, stop thinking these foolish thoughts and...”

“No. That’s not it. You’ve got it wrong.”

He quietly embraced his wife, who was clinging to him.

He patted her back, whispered that it would be okay, and told her he loved her.

But Casey had no intention of changing his mind.

“Honey.”

Gently touching his wife’s cheek, Casey continued.

“You and the others said I came back alive. You said you were grateful I was alive. But you see, a part of me died on that battlefield. It died and was buried with my comrades.”

“...”

“No matter how much time passes, no matter how many years go by, a part of me will always be there with them.”

Casey comforted his wife, who was on the verge of tears.

He reassured her that everything would be alright, that this was all for her and Ena, and that nothing else mattered.

“Can’t you just ignore it? There’s no obligation to answer that call. We finally have our normal life back, our happiness. Don’t you care about any of that?”

“Of course I care. I don’t want to go either. I want to stay here with you, hold Ena, and just ignore everything and sleep.”

But the reason he couldn’t. The reason he wouldn’t...

“It’s just... I don’t want to be a coward in front of those who were just like me. I want to be proud in front of my brothers who never backed down.”

It wouldn’t matter if he went there tomorrow and found no one else.

At least one person wouldn’t be a coward. At least one person would fulfill their duty as a survivor.

“I was called, and I must answer.”

But he believed that they would be there. No, he was certain of it.

They all felt the same way, they all shared the same heart.

“Always.”

Casey buttoned up his military uniform and put on his boots.

Leaving behind his home, his family, his everyday life, he headed back to that place.

Because it was the right thing to do.

* * *

When he finally arrived at the designated location, a smile spread across Casey’s face.

“Hey, Casey.”

“Oh, you’re here, Sergeant Casey.”

“What’s that guy doing here? Hey! What about your wife and kid?!”

Bound by no obligation, yet gathered here by a single shared heart, a single conviction.

Brothers forged in the fires of war.

The reason they could return.

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]