Ch.224Report on the Collapse of Patience (17)

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If asked to name the most magnificent and beautiful castle or fortress, opinions might differ, but when it comes to the ugliest one, everyone would choose the Blue Fortress.

Its walls were low and stretched out lengthwise without any aesthetic appeal. It resembled a sack of grain sitting on the ground with its mouth gaping open.

Moreover, a seven-story tower stood prominently in the middle of the wall, but it was literally just a plain stack of stones with no character whatsoever.

This was the result of haphazard expansion when they reconstructed what had been merely a watchtower with minimal facilities from the era of emperors and kings into a supply base.

It was closer to a well-stacked pile of stones with no advantages except sturdiness—lacking not only amenities but even proper cover.

In truth, neither the officer who made the decision to expand nor the soldiers who carried out the construction likely had any intention of creating an invincible fortress.

They probably just aimed to build solid stone walls that could protect supplies and troops from the mounted archers’ fire arrows and the northern blizzards.

But now, all of those features had become advantages.

Ballistae and archers were positioned on the castle walls. Neatly coiled ropes surrounded the ballistae, seemingly meant to be tied to arrows as thick as harpoons, though their exact purpose remained unclear.

Inside the fortress, the Mercy Knights and the Holy Grail Knights were arranged in concentric circles.

The center was left empty, perhaps to contain Laios. Heavy infantry with tall shields surrounded the circular clearing. They stood with gaps between them, making space for light infantry armed with nets and long spears.

When Laios descended, the light infantry would simultaneously throw their nets to capture him, then thrust their spears from behind the heavy infantry.

Behind them were priests and their guards. They were easy to spot as they carried long staffs topped with golden two-headed eagle statues.

The priests chanted prayers in low voices, while acolytes swung censers beside them. The scent of burning frankincense and myrrh could be detected even from a distance. The subtle fragrance carried by the wind helped sharpen one’s mind.

Beyond them, the same arrangement repeated. Heavy infantry. Light infantry. Priests. Inside the fortress, they formed six layers, while outside the walls, even more soldiers were positioned in multiple ranks.

What was unusual was that temporary wooden stairs had been placed both inside and outside the castle walls. Considering the walls weren’t particularly high, anyone could freely move between the inside and outside of the fortress.

Though the arrangement seemed questionable, Kain, Maria, and Lily tried to memorize the overall layout. The locations of entrances. Bottlenecks. Potential obstacles that could block paths and emergency routes in case chaos erupted.

The command post was located in the watchtower, about seven stories high. Colorful flags leaned against the wall, waiting their turn. These were signal flags for coordinated command.

The first and second floors of the watchtower seemed to be used as storerooms for reserve supplies. Grand Marshal Alighieri provided Kain’s group with supplies “in the name of goodwill.”

“You might think it irresponsible, but no one knows what will happen when the Black Knight descends. In the worst case, chaos might break out and you’ll need to protect yourselves.

Of course, I believe you have sufficient capability, but better equipment would make things easier.”

The weapons they had returned before meeting Günther were also there. Kain collected his original imperial sword, staff, and belt with a small pouch. He also took packets of refined asas and salt from his bag.

Maria, carrying the luggage, headed to the changing room. Though she didn’t look much different after changing from casual clothes to her habit, Kain noticed from her gait that she had put on her leather harness again and that her body was full of hidden knives.

Lily took longer. There was no armor that fit her body perfectly. They had to compromise by taking pieces from different sets of armor and connecting them with leather straps.

Still, with armor covering her entire body, a helmet, and a heavy halberd in hand, she looked like an iron wall more solid than the Blue Fortress itself. Seeing her adjusting the straps, Alighieri gave a faint smile.

“You seem familiar with it. You must be a knight.”

Lily shook her head.

“I only know as much as other nobles learn. More importantly, your formation is quite unique.”

Alighieri heaved a deep sigh.

“Can’t you hear the cry? ‘There’s a trap here.’ Yes. No fool would fall for it. The intention behind this arrangement is obvious to anyone.”

“It seems the Hero of Patience has some special plan,” Kain inquired.

The Grand Marshal nodded.

“Yes. Hero Günther said he would stand in the center of that circle and perform a very special ‘ritual.'”

With so many eyes and ears around, Alighieri refrained from saying that Günther would use a fragment of the Demon King.

And Kain thought it was quite a plausible strategy.

It was unclear how much reason and judgment remained in Laios. Though better than creatures that had completely lost their minds, the situation suggested he would charge forward in a frenzy upon seeing the ritual.

Literally no different from an excited beast.

But beasts sometimes exceed human expectations.

“What I fear most is a strong fool. Someone who can break through a hundred strategies with a single burst of strength. And the Black Knight is extremely powerful.”

In response to Kain’s concerned outlook, Alighieri waved his hand dismissively.

“Well, I’m not particularly worried about that. We’ve done our due diligence. We’ve studied records from the Crusade era, and above all, Günther the Patient has been generous with his advice.

In terms of preparation level and troop quality, we surpass the Fifth Crusade from ten years ago. I can say that with pride.

So if we can’t capture him, no one in the world can. There’s nothing to be done about it. At that point, it would be easier to think of it as a disaster or divine punishment.”

“I’m concerned that this plan might be inviting disaster,” Kain asked with genuine worry. His intention was to give the impression of being fearful and sensitive. But Alighieri didn’t seem to think much of it.

“That’s why we’re gladly providing you with armor and equipment. You can simply stay in this tower, or if you’re uncomfortable, on the adjacent wall.

We’ve installed temporary stairs on the walls leading outside the fortress, so you can escape immediately if necessary. Of course, this applies to the Mercy Knights and Holy Grail Knights as well.

This is an arrest operation, not an extermination battle where we must capture him at all costs. Günther doesn’t want that either.”

“How truly ‘merciful,'” Maria’s tone was full of thorns. Alighieri didn’t respond and stood with his arms crossed. Suddenly, light coming through the window cast shadows on his face. Half was brightly illuminated, while the other half remained dark.

“Well…”

Surprisingly, Alighieri’s response was filled with bitterness. Come to think of it, his expression had been somber throughout.

“Is something bothering you?” Kain asked.

Alighieri led him toward the observation deck balcony, indicating he wanted to speak privately. The Grand Marshal hesitated a bit, but eventually sighed.

“To be honest, we’ve been closely monitoring your activities. We’ve heard various testimonies in the process.”

“Is that so?”

“Most remember you as good and courageous people.”

Who would have said that? There were too many faces and names that had passed by for Kain to easily recall.

“I’m not sure about that. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything special.”

“I’ve also heard much about what Laios has done. But I’ve never seen it firsthand. I understand you’ve directly confronted the Black Knight. Is there anything that might help us?”

Kain was somewhat surprised.

“At this point? The formations are already set.”

“He hasn’t arrived yet. Even if it’s too late to inform everyone, there might be something I can do as a commander.

The current arrangement is based on the assumption that he will approach ‘as he has done so far.’

I heard he descends to the ground on a monstrous ship that floats in the sky. Winged beasts and jumping creatures follow behind.

Has he ever appeared on the ground in a different way?”

“I’m not sure. I haven’t witnessed his entire journey from beginning to end. But I’ve also seen him fall from above many times. And Grand Marshal, if there’s something you really want to know, please just ask directly.”

The bear-like man flinched and stepped back. Kain looked up at him silently.

“Was it that obvious?”

“It would be strange not to notice.”

The Grand Marshal looked embarrassed.

“…This knight, Laios. Is he still human? Or is he completely a monster inside as well?”

What might he have become by now? Kain looked up at the sky. Toward the northeastern wasteland, and then back to the sky.

He couldn’t tell. Even Kain would have to see to know what Laios had become. Then was the last form he saw a monster?

“Well, any answer would be inaccurate. I don’t know what he’s become now. But when I last saw him, he wasn’t the kind of monster with a tongue split into six parts. But why do you ask?”

“If he were a monster, there would be no need for further discussion. We would have to subdue him by any means necessary. But if he’s human…”

The Grand Marshal exhaled a white breath.

“What difference does it make if he’s still human?”

“Because our attitude toward him should change. If he’s a beast, he could be used like a tool without objection.

But if he’s human, variables certainly arise.

Humans never move according to others’ will. People can distinguish between likes and dislikes, good and evil. And they know how to choose one of them. Unlike beasts.

That’s why I’m asking you, who has tracked him longer than I have.

Which is he? A beast beyond salvation, or a human who can either worsen or improve? Is he worthy of mercy?”

It was quite a clever question.

Depending on how Kain answered, their actions could be greatly constrained or, conversely, quite free.

“I’m not sure.”

The Grand Marshal seemed disappointed. But Kain pointed to the inside of the fortress. Günther, having completed all preparations, was suddenly walking to the center of the concentric circles.

“I think you should see and judge for yourself.”

Flag bearers with signal flags approached the balcony. The Grand Marshal nodded. As the flags waved, the soldiers took their positions.

Kain stepped back from the balcony. He whispered secretly to Lily and Maria while rubbing his hands to signal them.

“There’s no turning back. You know that, right?” Maria whispered. Kain nodded. Lily gripped the shaft of her halberd.

Prayers and hymns spread all at once. Günther, kneeling, raised both arms to the sky and shouted. He seemed to prostrate himself on the ground, then rose again with arms spread.

Günther took a dagger from his waist. He cut along his arm. He snapped his fingers to ignite sacred fire and burned his falling blood.

Noise spread. The sky seemed to distort. As if someone had spilled red dye from the distant heavens, a crimson color gradually spread.

“Ready!”

The sky swirled. The blue sky gradually turned blood-red, then eventually darkened.

Like water in a lake spiraling down to the bottom, things on the ground seemed about to be sucked up into the abyssal sky.

Being sucked upward. It was strange. The wind rushed frantically from below to above.

The ground trembled. The frequent vibrations made even knees knock together. But at some point, both wind and earth fell silent.

The black fire Günther had kindled suddenly flared up. Soon it became a pillar of fire. Black smoke rose thickly, greedily burning everything around it.

Resentment reached the sky. The sky was bruised black. Dry lightning struck. Black things swirled around the bruise mark. It was a black ring.

The black ring completely covered the sun, instantly darkening the land. It was as if an eclipse had occurred.

But something was strange. There seemed to be gaps in the ring. Through those gaps, unmistakably blue sky and piercing sunlight could be seen.

“Hold! Keep your positions!”

Shouts of restraint spread. The air vibrated again. The earth trembled, sensing the approaching fate. Awakened stones cried out, cracking and shuddering.

“It’s not a ring,” Kain muttered. Maria and Lily’s faces turned pale.

“…They’re beasts. All of them!”

“Battle stations! Battle stations!”

Trumpets sounded. Ballistae and archers raised their angles to aim at the sky.

In the midst of the sun—no, in the midst of beasts that had completely devoured the sun and still had energy to spare, circling down with flapping wings,

In the center of demons screaming and plunging toward the ground full of rage, in the eye of the storm,

A ship was charging with its bow pointed downward. It was striking straight down from the sky to the ground.

“Yes, come!” Günther exclaimed in ecstasy, spreading his arms.

As if he alone would confront that ship of terror.