Chapter 35

"The Murky Eyes' Wish II: The Haiselk War Chronicles" is now on sale.

The story delves into the behind-the-scenes aspects not fully covered in the main web novel, so please read it during your holiday!

In the dim roots of the trees, Worm was lying flat amidst the fallen leaves. He continued his observation, careful not to exceed the height of the low shrubs and weeds that had grown modestly in the dappled sunlight.

"Four sentries in front of the gate, can you see the single-story watchtower?"

This was not a monologue. It was to increase the accuracy of the information gathered during the reconnaissance with multiple people. The sturdy soldiers were densely packed, their breaths almost touching in the sweltering heat. Jusitan, crouched like a lizard, squinted his eyes and nodded after a thorough inspection.

"Yeah, there are two archers up there. There are six more on the wall walk."

"The opposite wall will have a similar number of soldiers. According to the prior information, there are probably forty to fifty people, including those inside the castle."

About two hundred meters away, the fortress built on the side of a small hill served as a checkpoint. The wooden and stone mixed walls extended to the gentle slope of the valley, blocking the mountain path to select visitors. Due to the large amount of stone being transported to the Reven mountain fortress, Yalquk was experiencing a shortage of stone materials, but the local lord and engineers were making up for it with ingenuity. Worm disliked diligent enemies.

"Even with the gentle slope, there are vertical ditches. I don't want to roll down after being hit in the back by archers."

The unfamiliar war horses procured from the Reven mine fortress were not easy to handle. If he tried to cross the slope, his clumsy horsemanship would make him the first casualty. After completing the reconnaissance, the group carefully chose their footing and headed towards the mountain shadow where Ayane and the others were waiting.

"Although it's a secondary option, we still have to force our way through the fortress."

The reaction was slow, despite the reconnaissance results.

"Look at those defenses. It might be better to go around..."

One of the few surviving cavalrymen suggested an alternative to Jusitan. Worm also preferred a safer option if possible.

"It's not feasible. They are everywhere. If we abandon our horses, we won't make it back to the Celta Peninsula in time. Ultimately, this old road is the least guarded and the fastest."

The ten-man leader Iasant, who was successfully captured, provided valuable information about the number of soldiers at the checkpoint fortress and the security of other routes. The interrogation knife was not needed, and it took more effort to calm the small, annoying demon face that demanded blood.

"So, we're attacking the fortress with this number?"

Jusitan's three guards, two cavalrymen, and the imperial knight made up the six combatants present. The cavalrymen looked up at the sky in despair, but only saw leafy branches. The reality was harsh. Jusitan did not intend to launch a full-scale assault. Worm understood his role as a mobile artillery.

"First, burn it."

"... It's a lot of trouble, but it's the most effective move."

Unusually, Jusitan praised the imperial knight. He had been using the "Ghost Fire" on military targets. That was fine. Soldiers were meant to kill and be killed. Worm's hesitation stemmed from the fact that the fortress was connected to a village that had flattened the mountain. He knew what would happen if the fortress was burned, but he had to do it. Suppressing his inner conflict, Worm maintained a calm facade.

"Approach the fortress along the slope and set it on fire with 'Ghost Fire.' No signal is needed; we'll coordinate from our side."

"The foundation is stone, and the wooden parts are covered with clay and plaster. No matter how much 'Ghost Fire,' it won't burn through."

The foundation was stone, and even with 'Ghost Fire,' it would be difficult to burn through.

"Don't worry. We'll open the gate from our side."

"Wh-What? Open the gate while being scorched by blue flames?"

"Hey, are you serious...?"

The cavalrymen, who correctly understood Jusitan's words, were speechless.

"The magic barrier can protect us if we don't get hit directly."

The former royal guard, who planned the operation, said it casually. But there was a hint of recklessness. There were no other effective options. Understanding the limited time, the group stopped protesting.

"Douglas and the others will stay behind. Once the gate is open, we'll break through with the horses. If we fail, retreat to Reven."

"We'll flee without looking back."

"The cavalry will help me break through. Tie all unnecessary items to the horses. It will make us lighter, and you don't want to burn your belongings."

The cavalrymen, resigned, began tying their belongings to the horses. Worm pushed his cumbersome halberd into a magic bag, a peculiar sensation that he never got used to.

"May I have a moment, Mya?"

In stark contrast to his rough tone with the soldiers, the former royal guard called Mya kindly. The cavalrymen's dissatisfaction with the unequal treatment grew.

"What is it?"

"Can you make mud with water magic? We want to use it for camouflage and fire resistance."

"Sure, leave it to me."

Mya nodded firmly and used water magic to mix the ground and water, creating a muddy mess. The idea was to cover themselves in mud, as they had done in the mining town, to protect against fire.

"Again, mud?"

"We're not wild boars, you know."

The indignant cavalrymen, however, saw their commander leading the way in applying mud. They couldn't refuse. Reluctantly, they scooped up the mud. Worm spoke to them gently.

"I'm glad to have fire-playing companions."

"Detestable knight."

"Haiselk, eat shit."

Warm words to lighten the mood. The cavalrymen, touched, threw Mya's special mud at Worm, either as a thank you or as a substitute for feces. Worm sighed, finding human hearts difficult to understand.

All possible measures were taken. Jusitan, unsmiling, nodded. With a grateful farewell, Worm slipped into the slope and began to advance. At first, he was on his knees, then, as he got closer, he crawled like a baby. Jusitan and the others must have been watching like parents, cheering on the imperial knight's crawling. The slight rustling of leaves seemed magnified.

The moisture from the plants rubbed onto his body, making his clothes damp through his armor. The sentries guarding the gate were engaged in idle chatter. Complaints about the rations and speculations about the uncertain battle situation continued endlessly, which Worm hoped would go on forever.

As he continued to crawl, the sound of footsteps echoed from the wall walk. A sentry was looking over the parapet, a symbol of the Yalquk troops hanging from his arm. Ignoring the dirt on his face, Worm pressed his body as close to the ground as possible, like a digging rat. The sentry's footsteps moved away after a few seconds, seemingly satisfied with the unchanged scenery.

Worm flicked away the insects clinging to him and resumed his crawl, moving his elbows, knees, and hips in unison. The slow movement distorted his sense of time, but his body was heated by tension and heightened nerves.

Finally, Worm reached his target. He positioned the demonic mask in the best seat and checked the stiffness of his limbs. The timing was up to him. After a few deep breaths, Worm sprinted up the slope and climbed the wall, which was about as tall as a person. Peering into the passage from the parapet, he saw a single soldier. The soldier, sensing something amiss, turned to face him.

"Ah—"

He was unprepared for the approaching Haiselk soldier. The longsword in his hand wavered. Ignoring the motionless Yalquk soldier, Worm charged forward. The soldier fell from the passage with a dull thud, drawing the attention of the castle's inhabitants.

"Intruder!?"

One of the sentries raised a short spear and shield to block his path. There was no time for a prolonged engagement. Without hesitation, Worm lunged forward, deflecting the spear with the flat of his sword and striking the corner of the raised shield. The edge was cut off by the "Power Strike," and the hidden vital point was severed. Without checking the result, Worm moved on.

"Enemy soldier on the slope! Charging alone!"

The archers on the watchtower finally noticed Worm. Their swift actions, honed by daily training, were evident as they nocked and fired their arrows. Worm did not slow down, watching the arrows fly. Arrows pierced the ground behind and in front of him, but they missed their mark.

"Damn, the angle. Can't shoot anymore."

"He's in the passage. Don't let him climb."

It was unclear whether the missed shots were intentional to deter or a mistake. However, the archers had missed their best opportunity. The moment Worm infiltrated, the battle was decided. At the base of the watchtower, he unleashed the "Ghost Fire."

Flames bloomed like blue petals from the beams and floorboards. Immediately, the wooden walkway, engulfed in the explosion, was blown apart with a loud noise. The archers, mixed with the falling embers, slid down to the ground. The assault's success was announced to both friend and foe.