Ch.58Chapter 58: Subjugation Festival (2)

The march to the garrison, which began with my sister’s command, had been going on for about an hour and thirty minutes.

Walking continuously on cold, rough ground rather than a well-paved road was quite challenging.

Yet the expressions on the faces of my companions, including myself, as we continued marching, were far from showing any pain.

Rather, they clearly displayed only signs of enduring the tedium of the prolonged march.

The freezing wind that cut into our skin attacked our bodies throughout the march, trying to prevent us from feeling boredom.

But even that couldn’t become a companion to this monotonous march, as our physical condition remained unaffected as we continued on.

This was due to the winter coats and cold-weather gear we had prepared in advance.

And also because we were accustomed to maintaining body temperature through basic ki manipulation—though initially startled, we quickly escaped the effects of the bitter cold as time passed.

The footsteps of my sister, who had taken the lead as our guide, continued without hesitation.

And following closely behind her, Excel’s expression had lost some of its seriousness, but it wasn’t difficult to see that he regarded this cold as nothing to worry about.

The same was true for Dan and Rufus, who followed behind him.

Especially in Rufus’s case, perhaps due to his extensive experience living in this area adjacent to his family’s territory.

“The cold is less severe than when it’s at its peak, but you should still be mindful of maintaining your body temperature.”

He was relaxed enough to offer brief commentary on the current temperature followed by advice about taking care of our bodies.

His demeanor highlighted the qualities befitting the heir of Kessler, who had been called the master of the frigid northern territories since ancient times.

No one among those who heard his words denied them.

Except for my sister at the front, who was focused on leading us, everyone nodded lightly in agreement.

Of course, I was included among them.

Because his opinion was reasonable.

After slightly nodding my head to express agreement with Rufus’s opinion,

I tightened the collar of my winter coat to guard against the cold.

The sun hanging high in the sky indicated that noon was approaching.

But even the midday heat, when the sun’s warmth is most active, couldn’t completely drive away the cold of this barren land.

This was partly due to the inherent climate of this land, but there was an even greater reason.

‘It’s about time…’

For the unwelcome visitor that makes this land a wasteland to appear.

The northern territory is famous for a peculiar weather phenomenon that occurs as noon approaches.

And that is…

“Ah…”

A light sigh escaped from Shizu’s lips as she walked silently beside me, matching my pace.

“Suddenly, fog…”

No sooner had Shizu spoken the words I was about to say,

The clear, crisp blue view of our marching path suddenly turned hazy with fog that had rushed in.

It was a dense gray fog reminiscent of ash.

It was so thick that I instinctively thought breathing it in would be harmful to respiratory health.

“Oh no…”

My sister at the front turned her head toward us with a look of dismay and spoke.

“The volcanic ash seems particularly heavy today compared to other days. Sorry, but I think we need to pick up the pace.”

As soon as she finished speaking, her already quite rapid footsteps accelerated even more.

And our footsteps following behind quickened accordingly.

There was a good reason my sister was hurrying.

This fog laden with volcanic ash, which appeared hazy to the eye, was indeed not good for one’s health.

The volcanic ash sporadically mixed in the fog was a byproduct of the intermittent volcanic activity that had been continuing for a thousand years at the summit of the Dragon Claw Mountain Range, which still maintained its presence.

It was also the main reason why the Empire’s northern territory remained a barren wasteland despite the administrative capabilities of the Empire, the world’s strongest nation.

The northern territory of the Empire, which borders the Dragon Claw Mountain Range, is a place that boasts a chilly climate year-round, befitting its location in the northern part of the Central Continent adjacent to Glacier, the continent of extreme cold.

Still, there are records indicating that a thousand years ago, a kingdom with a fairly long history flourished here despite the frigid climate.

But when the Red Tyrant Fafnir made this mountain range his home, the civilization that had settled in this land disappeared without a trace.

There were quite a few survivors for a kingdom that collapsed overnight, according to records.

However, even after Fafnir’s atrocities ended, the royal family and citizens of the fallen kingdom were unable to revive civilization in this land.

This was because the evil god Desire claimed these ruins as his domain shortly after the evil dragon disappeared.

Normally, anyone would give up on rebuilding when faced with such adverse conditions.

But the survivors of the fallen kingdom did not give up.

Records show that they made persistent efforts to reclaim their ancestral land from the evil god.

However, these survivors’ efforts ultimately came to nothing.

As the Great Holy War to banish the evil god was nearing victory for humanity, the summit of the Dragon Claw Mountain Range was transformed into a volcanic zone due to the aftermath of the final battle.

The capital city, which had collapsed after taking the full brunt of the great dragon’s wrathful breath, and

The brave souls of the fallen kingdom who did not lose courage even after witnessing the evil god residing in those ruins,

Could not live with their backs to a mountain that spewed volcanic ash at every opportunity, not far from their homeland.

So they had no choice but to abandon their dream of rebuilding the kingdom they had cherished in their hearts.

Still, with the determination to someday reclaim their old land, they settled in a border area that was relatively less affected by the volcanic ash and from which they could advance to this place whenever they decided to.

As time passed, the administrative power of the Empire—formed after the Great Holy War by gathering all races of the continent—reached their territory.

The Empire bestowed the name Kessler upon the descendants of the royal family who owned that land.

It was also the moment when the history of Kessler, known as the ruler of the north and the shield of the Empire, began.

‘It’s been a really long time since I felt this.’

About twenty minutes after we had quickened our pace at my sister’s urging,

I was immersed in nostalgia as I felt the fairly acrid smoke of the thick fog and the extremely dry touch of the ground that I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

‘In the previous timeline, I walked this land until I was sick of it.’

I thought I wouldn’t feel anything since I had traversed it and roamed through the fog so much back then.

‘Sick of it. Sick of it. So sick of this land that it made me nauseous. I never wanted to set foot on it again.’

That’s how casually I used to speak during my immature days in the previous timeline.

But as if experiencing a change of heart after returning to this place through a miracle that transcended two deaths and reversed time,

The more steps I took, the more memories from the past were being churned in my mind.

No… is it right to call this a memory?

It only brought back bitter pain whenever I recalled it.

But since it didn’t deviate from the dictionary definition of the word “memory” as the act of looking back on past events,

I calmly reflected on the memories of that time with a bitter smile.

It was unlike now, when I was stepping on this land as a legitimate participant in the Subjugation Festival as a student of the Cradle.

It was a memory from the past… that is, before the regression, when a certain foolish fellow who had failed to awaken first set foot on this land as a mercenary.

Harboring a meager desire to somehow make his small talent bloom,

There was a foolish time in my life when I focused solely on becoming stronger like a madman, without accepting help from anyone.

I’m not just a small fragment, I told myself.

Though circumstances prevented me from shining brilliantly, with effort, I could become someone who shines more brilliantly than anyone else.

Deceiving myself like that and blindly running forward repeatedly,

I emerged as a somewhat renowned figure in the new shelter of mercenary work.

Despite being unable to properly utilize ki,

I was called a strange fellow who could overwhelm ordinary aura users with my physical abilities and exterminate magical beasts.

The secret behind my physical abilities, which seemed strange to others, was nothing special.

It was a career that anyone from the brilliant house of Ranos, which gave me blood and flesh, could easily build based on their innate physical capabilities.

Of course, I didn’t neglect my efforts just because I relied on that.

I worked hard.

I worked so hard that what I did at the Cradle could be dismissed as child’s play.

When I had no work, I would swing my sword endlessly until just before falling asleep.

Since all I could rely on was my body, I trained it relentlessly whenever I had the chance, to the point where it could be called abuse.

Scars began to be engraved on my body one by one during that time.

Eventually, a large scar was engraved on my face as well.

So I continued my mercenary work with my face covered by a mask.

As I continued working, a modest fame accumulated over three years.

Around that time, I got the opportunity to participate in the Subjugation Festival as a mercenary.

Just as I was about to feel relieved that my efforts had been rewarded in some form and that the inferiority complex that had been consuming my mind was starting to fade,

That sense of relief was replaced by uncontrollable regret and apology the moment I saw someone at the gathering point where the Subjugation Festival participants were supposed to meet.

Beautiful golden hair as if molded from pure gold.

Blue eyes that seemed capable of clearing a gloomy sky.

Always maintaining an unfading beauty, but

Your appearance, gazing into the distance with an expression devoid of color and filled only with gloom, looked so lonely.

As I continued recalling old thoughts and reached the most important part,

I turned my head to look at Shizu, who was matching her steps with mine beside me.

I wanted to see how different your appearance now was from what I remembered back then, which is why I took this action.

Although I had seen you often until now, I thought the difference would be much more stark when viewed here, where old memories intersected.

Shizu, who was wearing a thick coat and waddling slightly with each step unlike the others, but keeping pace with me without falling behind at all,

“Hoo…”

Was now suddenly blowing out a breath.

I wondered why she was doing that and silently observed her behavior.

Shizu’s white breath, before it could disperse as vapor,

Met the cold climate of this land and fell to the ground like snow, becoming ice crystals.

“Hehe.”

A light laugh escaped from her lips as she watched this without stopping her steps.

“That’s fascinating.”

She spoke with a voice that found everything entering her eyes to be fascinating.

They overlap.

You from the previous timeline, whom I met again after we parted due to my unilateral decision, and

Your current self, walking the path with a bright expression.

Though identical, seeing how you’ve changed due to my choices,

Strangely, a corner of my heart felt melancholic.

No matter how wretched I was, if I hadn’t abandoned you like that, your expression back then might have been adorned with the same bright smile as now—such faint regret made me feel melancholic.

“…Cal?”

Oh no, despite trying to manage it,

Did my melancholic mood end up coloring my expression as well?

As concern settled in Shizu’s expression as she watched me,

“Are you okay?”

A voice tinged with worry, matching the expression she was making now, was heard.

It was a voice that warmed a corner of my heart just by hearing it.

As much as I wanted to lean on that warmth,

“…I was just thinking about the Subjugation Festival. I’m fine.”

I dispelled her worry with a casual excuse because I didn’t want to cause unnecessary concern.

Though she made a dissatisfied expression after hearing my words, it was only for a moment.

“If something’s wrong… make sure to tell me, okay?”

“I will.”

After urging me to let her know if anything happened, she turned her gaze away from me and started looking around again, turning her head this way and that to observe the surroundings.

‘Hoo…’

I let out a very small sigh inwardly while exhaling through my nose, a sigh that no one could possibly hear.

Though time had been rewound and everything had returned to as if nothing had happened,

As I set foot on this land where everything from the previous timeline had originated, the colors of guilt and apology that I thought I would keep only in my heart gradually deepened, and all sorts of thoughts crossed my mind.

No matter how much things had returned to as if nothing had happened, as long as I, who had lived through that time, existed,

I had the fantasy that that world would continue forever in my mind.

It seemed that, apart from the determination I had made right after regressing to shake off the regrets I briefly held and create a better future, I still had lingering attachments to the world that had been broken by my previous self.

-Poor one….

…What was that?

An elegant, clear voice was heard.

It was an unfamiliar voice I had never heard before.

I quickly looked around, turning my head, but there was no sign of a stranger who could produce such a voice anywhere.

What on earth was that? Did I hear an auditory hallucination?

It seemed that continuing to think about the previous timeline was causing me to hear such hallucinations.

I felt like I needed to either reach the gathering point quickly or have some incident occur that would make me physically active to steady my wavering heart.

Not much longer.

Just endure a little more.

I continued my steps, firmly suppressing the faintness and apology from the previous timeline that were trying to emerge from my chest, while steeling my heart.

And was my wish granted?

“Stop.”

As my sister at the front stopped her steps and spoke, the footsteps of the group continuing the march also stopped accordingly.

“We’ve arrived. This is our garrison, Night Haven.”

My sister’s words announcing our arrival at the gathering point would be incomprehensible at first glance.

Since she was pointing at empty space while saying we had arrived at the gathering point, who wouldn’t be confused?

“Hey. Open up. I’ve brought the kids.”

As my sister continued to speak as if addressing the empty space, the expressions of the group, except for her and me with my experience from the previous timeline, began to show:

“…What’s going on?”

“…Is this barren plain where nothing can be seen our gathering point?”

“I’ve never heard of anything like this.”

“Do we have to camp out? I brought a sleeping bag, but I don’t see any firewood…”

Voices tinged with concern about the upcoming schedule were heard from each of them.

Wait.

Soon, quite an interesting scene will unfold.

‘Hehehe…’

After suppressing the laughter that was about to escape my lips, I prepared to leisurely appreciate the scene that was about to unfold.

Though I didn’t open my mouth, I put on an expression that seemed like it would soon display a question mark above my head, to match the rhythm with those guys.

-Vice Captain! You arrived much earlier than expected!

“”””!!””””

At the sudden boisterous voice that came from the empty space, the expressions of the rest of the members, except for me, changed in quite a remarkable way.

Excel, who had been gaping while distracted by my sister, finally showed signs of surprise as he blinked his eyes.

Dan displayed a much more dramatic surprise than Excel due to the man’s voice that was too boisterous for her ears.

Rufus entered a state of vigilance, with an expression ready for any emergency, keeping watch in all four directions.

And Shizu…

“Wow…”

While letting out a brief exclamation of admiration,

“The energy I’ve been feeling is becoming clearer now?”

She didn’t show much surprise.

Judging by her appearance, it seemed she had quickly grasped the flow of ki felt beyond the barrier currently protecting the garrison with her innate sense.

-Kids! The chicks brought by the Vice Captain have arrived! Let’s give them a welcome greeting!

The boisterous voice was heard from the empty space once more.

Creeeeak

Simultaneously with the sound of a large door opening, which shouldn’t be possible in an empty space,

Warm heat and light that broke through the hazy fog greeted us.

“The great magic protection barrier is functioning properly.”

My sister, who spoke with a satisfied expression while watching this, guided us with a gesture.

“What are you doing? Let’s go.”

I raised my voice to awaken the rest of the guys who were blankly watching this scene, except for Shizu.

Only then did Excel and the others put away their surprised expressions and hurriedly follow my sister, moving their feet toward Night Haven’s entrance door that had slightly opened.

I couldn’t help but almost laugh at the sight of them walking with hesitant steps.

“Let’s go too.”

Following Shizu’s touch as she grabbed my arm and pulled me toward her, I also slowly moved my steps to follow behind those guys.

As the view of Night Haven, which we had reached after about two hours of walking since setting foot here under the guidance of the Director, gradually appeared through the gap in the entrance door,

‘Now it begins.’

My heart began to settle calmly as I recalled the task at hand.

So much so that I forgot what I had been thinking about just moments ago.