Chapter 126: Shira Fortress

Chapter 126: Shira Fortress

After successfully returning to the Coalition Army’s territory without alerting the Republic forces, we emerged on the surface and immediately sprinted towards the frontline. We had been running for about three days since entering the Coalition Army territory, and we were getting close to reaching their base.

Though rushing like this took a toll on our stamina, we couldn’t ignore the messages from that man urging us to return daily. Wanting to avoid hearing his voice any longer, we decided to hurry once we were above ground, disregarding the challenges of the underground journey.

However, the children were not as fast as us, and some individuals like Sharl couldn’t run as swiftly. To ensure they could keep up, Shuu and Apao played a crucial role.

“Everyone, be careful not to fall off, Bumoo~”

“””Yes”””

“Hiiin~! Running feels amazing!”

“If you get carried away and drop Sharl, I’ll beat you to a pulp,” Tigar said.

“Well, well. Calm down, dear.” Sharl added.

Both Shuu and Apao had transformed into their beast forms. Shuu gathered the children, allowing them to ride on his back, while Apao carried Tigar, who, in turn, held Sharl, now pregnant and unable to run as fast as before. This arrangement considered each of their strengths and weaknesses in their beast forms.

Shuu had a broad and powerful back, making it possible for him to carry many comrades and supplies at once. However, he wasn’t particularly fast. On the other hand, Apao could carry fewer things at a time but was capable of running at a considerable speed.

Both of them had no qualms about carrying something on their backs. In fact, Apao seemed to enjoy running with his comrades on his back. Tigar tried to warn him not to get carried away, but Apao didn’t seem to understand and continued running as usual.

“Mika, do you sense anything in the surroundings?”

“Yes. It’s faint, but I can hear the sounds of hooves and conversations. We’re in luck. They’re our friends.”

“Our friends... the Dragonblood Knights, I presume. Let’s join up with them. I’ll leave the lead to you.”

“Understood.”

As we continued running, I asked Mika about the surroundings and any signs of activity. Mika’s enhanced hearing and scouting abilities allowed him to sense things even in places beyond my reach. While there were others with keen senses, none could match Mika. Thanks to him, we were able to accurately ambush the supply wagons.

According to Mika’s senses, there was a group of Dragonblood Knights, which meant they were a cavalry of Alexander’s subordinates. Since this area was close to Republic-occupied territory, they were probably out on a reconnaissance mission.

Alexander’s unit and our unit had fought side by side numerous times. We knew many of each other’s faces, and, like their leader Alexander, they didn’t shy away from us just because we were demons. Returning alone could potentially lead to trouble, but being with them made such worries unnecessary.

Apologies for using you guys this way, but I would like to join you after all. If they’re still on a reconnaissance mission, we might be able to contribute with our senses. It wouldn’t be a bad deal for them either.

Since I still didn’t know their exact location, I decided to let Mika take the lead. Following his guidance, we altered our course and ran through the grasslands. Even I could sense the sound of the Dragonblood Knights’ hooves right now. Others with similar abilities also seemed to pick up on it, as their expressions indicated understanding of the change in direction.

“Hmm, they seem to have noticed us too.”

Furthermore, there seemed to be some mechanism at the bottom of the moat that was said to be able to repel any invasion by the Republic’s army. I didn’t know the details of this mechanism, as Alexander was the one who could enlighten me about it, but even he wasn’t familiar with its specifics.

“Open the gates! Open the gates! The Dragonblood Knights and the Imperial Special Operations Unit have returned!”

Alexander shouted at the fortress with a booming voice that could split ears, causing a bit of commotion before the metal-reinforced drawbridge was lowered. The Dragonblood Knights crossed over first, and we followed suit.

It had been a while since we returned to Shira Fortress, and the gazes directed at us were a mix of curiosity and disdain, as usual. However, no one displayed overt hostility toward the Dragonblood Knights at the forefront.

Afterward, we parted ways with Alexander and headed towards the barracks where that man was supposed to be. We had to hear the reason for being called back and give a report of our return.

After instructing everyone, except for me, Tigar, and Zald, to return to the temporary tents reserved for the special operations unit, we informed the barracks guard of our business and obtained permission to enter. After a short wait, we surrendered our weapons to the guard and then entered the room where that man awaited us.

“You’re late! What were you doing!?”

...That was his first greeting to us upon our return. He berated us while simultaneously throwing a porcelain cup filled with drinks at us. The cup struck my face directly, shattering and splattering its contents all over my face and clothes.

There were no visible scars on my face.... but my already scarcely provided clothes had gotten stained. Despite feeling annoyed inwardly, I kept a blank expression and chose not to say anything.

“Oh! This cup is expensive, you know! It broke because of you!”

“I’m sorry...”

I thought his temper might subside after my apology, but it only seemed to anger him further, as he claimed it was all my fault that the cup broke. Seriously, he’s the one who threw it, right? What does he expect me to do?

However, I decided not to argue and simply apologized sincerely. I knew that resisting would only lead to more trouble.

“Do not speak without my permission! You filthy, lowly demon!”

Once I apologized, it didn’t end there. He continued berating me and then swung his fist at my face. If I didn’t respond, I might have been hit anyway. Well, it didn’t matter. I knew that if I dodged, I would still get scolded. So, I took the punch without flinching. His slow and light punch didn’t hurt at all.

Even though I understood that, I could feel Tigar and Zald, who were standing behind me, seething with anger. If I were in their place and saw a comrade facing such unfair treatment, I’d probably show my displeasure too. But for now, I had to hold back. If we displayed too much hostility, the binding spiritual art might react.

Fortunately, the man in front of me seemed oblivious to the anger of my two comrades. After venting his frustration on me, he regained his calm and returned to his chair, still breathing heavily.

It seemed I had avoided the worst of it. Now, for what purpose did you call us back? Let’s get this over with and find out what he wants from us.

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TN: mc calls Alexander master now because he is teaching him martial arts; he’s like a mentor or teacher to him and the master here is not like the master that Mika used to call Orvo with.

TN: mc and his friends call their “commander” by “that man” “or that guy”.