Chapter 24

The logs in the bonfire crackled and splintered, and the shadows revealed by the sunset and flames drifted slowly across the walls and ground. Even as the sun began to set, the healers continued their work. Some of the citizens whose injuries had been treated were being helped home by their families and friends.

Those left in the church were those whose wounds had been healed but who had lost too much blood to move. Even the most skilled healers could not create blood. If they were soldiers who could manipulate the magical membranes known as the second skin, they could have controlled the bleeding when injured, but it was too much to ask of ordinary citizens who were not accustomed to such violence.

"Thank you so much, you saved us."

The one who bowed deeply was Jidore, a middle-aged miner. He was thanking even Wurm, who was not a healer, on behalf of his weakened companions. He must be a very loyal person.

"I'm just standing here. Don't bow so deeply."

"No, no, you rode all night from Selta to bring the healers. If you had been any later, some would have died, and others would have had to amputate their rotten limbs."

Jusdan had led the way to the mine, and the poor imperial knight had only clung to the saddle to avoid being left behind. He hadn't done anything heroic, but he didn't feel right explaining the situation to the miners. Wurm stopped denying and decided to ask a question.

"It was worth the rush. I have one question, if you don't mind."

"Of course, go ahead."

With Jidore's consent, Wurm asked a personal question.

"Does a collapse of this scale happen frequently at the Refun mine? Or is it common in any mine?"

In the Caroloria magic silver mine, which the empire had developed from the magic territory, many war prisoners who couldn't pay ransom and migrant workers were engaged in labor. They were supervised by tunnel engineers recruited through Viscount Edgar de Dalmarcus by the former southern army of the Haiselk Empire. Wurm had learned this from Fliug during the journey. Even the Refun, which had one of the best tunnel engineering groups in the north, had suffered such a catastrophic disaster. There was no guarantee that it wouldn't happen in the young Caroloria.

"No, we do have fatalities every year, but usually in a much smaller area, like a single passage."

"Was it caused by the rain?"

The rivers he had seen on the way were swollen, eroding the banks. Even to a layman, it seemed like a suspicious factor.

"Sure, it was a rare heavy rain, but not enough to cause the collapse of a main tunnel with a drainage tunnel and drainage mages. I could understand if it was a small tunnel like mine."

The miner answered with a self-deprecating tone.

"Perhaps a series of unfortunate accidents or a random event?"

"Probably. They were arrogant, but I don't think they would cut corners in their own tunnels. They were annoying, but they were the kind of people you could respect."

The miner still couldn't believe it. His gaze was directed to the tunnel behind Wurm, where contaminated water and mud were still flowing in.

"At least we want to mourn the dead."

"Of course. Wandering the tunnels as a ghoul is a nightmare for miners. We must prevent that."

"Don't overexert yourself. If you collapse and are brought here, it would be counterproductive."

"Right, I'll go home and get some rest so as not to trouble the healers."

Wurm watched the exhausted and dirty man leave. Despite their different positions, people were doing their best in their own way. Wurm decided to return to his post, but he couldn't. The sound of multiple footsteps approached. The next visitors had arrived. When had he become the one to receive guests? He sighed and identified them.

"Miners, and now soldiers."

Four former Fliug soldiers appeared. When a group from Selta visited Refun, the troops stationed in the mining town and the mountain castle had rushed to help with the city's recovery. As a result, their presence was noticeable around the treatment area. Even though they had been absorbed, they were originally from the Fliug region, and the empire didn't have the resources to replace all their armor. Even here, the empire's financial situation was evident.

"What do you want?"

Wurm asked, warning them not to come any closer. One of the soldiers spoke.

"We are a squad dispatched from the mountain castle to maintain order in the mining town. We heard that you came from Selta. You must be exhausted. As a token of gratitude, we would like to help with the night watch."

The fatigue and lethargy from lack of rest were real. Considering the future, this offer was indeed welcome. Wurm examined the soldier from head to toe without moving his gaze and answered with a broad smile.

"That's very considerate."

"Then—"

"Yes, but please wait a moment. I don't have command authority. I'll consult with Jusdan, who is in charge of the guards. I'm sure he will be pleased."

Pleasing words. The intention to care for others was admirable. Even a demon's face would tremble with goodwill. Moreover, their equipment was clean and free of mud, as if they had just washed it. What had they been doing?

His exhausted mind began to work rapidly. Were they just lazy? Or were they trying to gain favor? Or perhaps they were gathering information. Who were they, and what were they hiding? Wurm turned and informed Jusdan, who was in charge of the guards.

"Lord Jusdan, there are guests from the mountain castle outside. They are offering to help with the security of the church."

He called out with a grand gesture, and Jusdan responded.

"That's wonderful—then, I would like you and Wurm to take the night watch outside. It's cramped in here with just us."

A few words were enough to convey the message between the two respected men. The visitors were to be treated with caution. The rule of security was to keep suspicious people at a distance. Additionally, the safety inside would be guaranteed by Jusdan and the accompanying cavalry. Wurm's role was to deepen the relationship with the guests outside.

"Thank you for waiting. You will be helping me with the night watch outside."

"Of course. We'll take care of it—"

In contrast to Wurm's intention to engage in a leisurely conversation, the other party was quite impatient. The sound of fabric rubbing against each other was heard clearly. It was the sound he least wanted to hear when his attention was drawn to the front.

"Wha?!"

The familiar sound was made when the arm was stretched backward. It meant the sword was being drawn. One of the soldiers had moved to the side and was gripping the hilt, about to draw the sword. Wurm extended his right arm politely, as if offering a handshake, and grabbed the elbow, pinning it down. The blade, halfway out, thrashed wildly in the scabbard.

"You're in a hurry."

The imperial knight's smile was plastered, while the former kingdom soldier's face was contorted. Wurm's left hand, now glowing with blue flames, reached out and burned the soldier's throat. The blood that spurted out was instantly vaporized by the blue flames, turning into a mist.

"Ugh, ah!!"

There was no surprise or protest from the others. Only the determination in their eyes. The silent death cry was the trigger. The Fliug soldiers, drawing their weapons, shouted in unison.

"We've been found out!"

"Attack!!"

The battle cries, which would carry well on the battlefield, echoed. There was no sign of panic. This was not a spontaneous fight but a coordinated military assault.

"Jusdan, secure the entrance!!"

Wurm grabbed the halberd leaning against the wall and infused it with magic. Blue flames lit up from the handle to the tip, and the leather scabbard burned and fell off. The plan for a surprise attack had been foiled, and they were now switching to a brute-force assault.