Chapter 13

Vorgun Fort, a relay point in the Flame Emperor Dragon Corridor, was a small but well-fortified granary. The supply unit replenished the provisions stored in Vorgun after entering the fort. This was to avoid consuming the supplies intended for the Myard Principality during the march. If they were to touch the provisions because their own food ran out, it would be a case of putting the cart before the horse.

Two days after departing from Vorgun Fort, Worm did not miss the changes that had occurred in the corridor. The soldiers, dressed differently from his Haiselk Empire comrades, were from the Myard Principality. After the invasion of Eidenberg, it was impossible for him to forget the armor he had seen on both sides. They were guarding a supply unit similar to the one under Hode's command, which was mostly composed of non-combatants hired for the job.

"They are Myard's supply unit, trading goods from the island nations and minerals mined from the old Ferius territory's Refun mines."

Hode, noticing Worm's gaze, revealed their true identity. Worm, though not showing it on his face, was surprised. After all, his homeland, which had only used war as a diplomatic means, was now making peace and even trading with their archenemy. There was a difference between hearing and seeing it. Despite being forced by the Great Rampage, it was a significant step forward. As economic ties strengthened, factions that sought to avoid conflict would emerge. Worm was neither a destructive war advocate nor a blind pacifist. He wished for a long period of peace under a mild state of tension, which he believed was the future Haiselk should aim for.

"Many of them are not regular soldiers."

Fryug, as the commander of the combat unit, evaluated them. Worm agreed with the squadron leader's assessment. Though they carried short spears, many lacked gauntlets and greaves. Some of those pulling the carts even held farming tools like hand axes and machetes.

"The Myard people unloading cargo at Vorgun Fort say that the main forces are concentrated at the Refun mines and the base of the Selta Peninsula. This unit is mostly composed of refugees and farmers who have lost their land."

"The Creist Kingdom targeted the Refun mines to secure resources, but Myard has barely managed to hold the area by mobilizing forces from various regions. Indeed, the Haiselk Empire army, in place of the resource-strapped Myard, is the main force maintaining order in the Flame Emperor Dragon Corridor."

Worm searched his memory and recalled the map. When they invaded the Ferius Kingdom, Refun became a familiar place. After all, it was a location where he had both attacked and defended the mine as part of the Liguria light infantry battalion. It was one of the top priority targets for the resource-poor Haiselk at the time.

"Refun and Selta are lifelines for the current Myard."

"Yes, Myard has not yet cleared the fertile granary regions of monsters. Additionally, they cannot afford to give up the strategic locations of Refun and Selta due to the rugged terrain. Given their limited forces, they have no choice but to rely on Haiselk for military support and entrust their rear to us."

"Well, the same could be said for Haiselk, which also has no choice but to entrust its rear."

Worm largely agreed with Fryug but lamented the current state of the Haiselk Empire, which had lost many soldiers and territory. Haiselk could not function without Myard. The island nations, which were deepening their relations, were preoccupied with the reconstruction of the turmoil in the labyrinth city and the irregular warfare that occurred there, and could not provide substantial support. In this situation, deepening interdependence with Myard and becoming entangled in a mutual dependency was even considered desirable for both countries.

The Myard people and the Haiselk people who passed by were not close enough to embrace and shake hands, but they treated each other as neighbors in reality. Their quick adaptation and resilience might be a trait ingrained in the northern countries, which had repeatedly split and merged in a state of divided rule.

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From the moment the ancient castle came into view in the distance, a storm of emotions swirled in Worm's heart. Memories that had been buried deep and dark resurfaced. The castle stood as it had when he had fled alone, but the pile of ten thousand corpses, the stench of decay, and the cries of the dying were not there. It was as if everything had been a mere illusion, erased from the beginning.

Of course, after nearly two years, memories and wounds fade. Worm had resisted and refused to accept them with alcohol. It was time to face reality. He took a few deep breaths, scolded his unsteady legs, and maintained his composure. Upon closer inspection, remnants of the past battles remained.

The keep, which had melted and fallen, had only been partially restored. The makeshift walls where Worm had fought to the death with his soldiers had been abandoned for reconstruction. In their place, wooden stakes treated with preservatives were driven into the ground in a box shape, and soil was poured into the center. This was a composite earth and wood wall, known as a box wall. While its defensive capabilities were inferior to stone walls, it was advantageous in terms of construction time and material procurement. It was likely a result of cost-effectiveness. Still, compared to the makeshift walls he had once defended, it was admirably sturdy.

As Worm passed through the city gate, the shadows of soldiers and refugees who should no longer be there flickered in his mind. He could not be distracted by these illusions and fall behind the formation. He shook off the shadows from his mind and stepped firmly. Fortunately, the supply unit led by Hode stopped at the supply depot. This was the place where they had stored a variety of military supplies during the Great Rampage. Hode immediately gave orders, and the supply soldiers busily began to untie the tightly secured ropes. In the midst of this, the supply squadron leader faced Worm with a serious expression.

"Guardian Worm, my unit's mission ends here."

"From here, Myard's supply unit will distribute the supplies to various locations, I assume."

Hode's main role was to travel back and forth through the unstable Flame Emperor Dragon Corridor, as Worm had been informed. The Myard supply unit he had seen at Vorgun Fort had a similar role. Now that they had passed through the corridor, there was no reason to act together.

"Yes. Dandegue Castle is the center of Myard's supply accumulation, so we will exchange the cargo and return to the capital."

"The area along the lakeshore is secured by Myard, so even merchants with little protection can take over the role."

Fryug added to Hode's explanation. Unlike the corridor, which was only secured in a line, Myard had fully incorporated the area from Dandegue to the lakeshore into its sphere of influence.

"Guardian Worm, thanks to the escort by Squadron Leader Fryug, the journey was much easier."

"Don't be so formal. It wouldn't be right to burden the supply unit, which already carries the weight of supplies, with combat duties."

Like the supply unit, Fryug, as the leader of the infantry unit, had a sense of pride. Both units had fulfilled their duties, and personally, Worm was grateful.

"Besides, I should be the one to thank you. I've been away from Haiselk for a long time and was unfamiliar with the situation and geography. It was good to hear about these things on the journey. I didn't expect the terrain to have changed so much."

The corridor had undergone changes that could be described as earth-shattering. The term "living disaster," an alias for dragons, was not an exaggeration. The atmosphere and situation of a place could only be understood by those who entered and exited it. It was valuable information.

"That's a kind word. If you need a boring guide, I'd be happy to guide you on the return trip as well."

The supply squadron leader, with his sunburned, freckled face, smiled. Worm, caught up in the smile, faintly returned it.

"Then, farewell."

Despite the reluctance, the seasoned Haiselk soldiers quickly switched gears. Hode immediately joined the soldiers in unloading the cargo. Worm, intending to confirm the future plans with the remaining squadron leader, was preempted by Fryug.

"Perfect timing, the welcoming party has arrived."

Following the words, a group was approaching. The equipment they carried seemed more than just for a welcoming party. As they drew closer, a sense of unease and confusion grew.

"Guardian Worm, they are—"

"I remember... They are the ones who were in the wartime mixed battalion."

The fort was crowded with tens of thousands of people, and it was impossible to remember everyone in the chaotic city. Still, how could he forget those who had fought alongside him? The men, who had been neatly aligned, bowed in unison. They were the Myard soldiers and militiamen who had been part of the mixed battalion. Despite the different affiliations and the passage of nearly two years, they still showed respect. Worm solemnly returned their salute. No words were exchanged, but he felt somewhat relieved.

"Guardian of the Haiselk Empire, Guardian Worm. Welcome back to Dandegue."

A commander stepped forward from the formation and spoke in a hoarse voice. The voice was familiar. As the man raised his head, their eyes met. He had fought alongside Worm twice. The first time was in the forest at the border, and the second time was at this very Dandegue Castle.

"...I appreciate the welcome, Flock. Yes, such a grand welcome, I'm truly surprised. Did you lose that conspicuous large shield?"

"It's too bulky, so it's staying behind somewhere."

Worm mentioned the former adventurer's name with a hint of exasperation. The man himself, however, showed no sign of remorse and narrowed his one eye as if his mischief had succeeded.