* Location : Sewage System *

*Bang*

*Splash*

Two hours had passed since we sealed the entrance from the royal palace at the Lake Island. 

Since the entire palace was surrounded by monsters and the bridge connecting the island is broken, it’s quite certain that there will be no other survivor entering that entrance.

Thus, Marshal Cedric, Commander-in-Chief of the Capitol Army, made a decision to completely block and collapse that entrance, stating the reason that “the entrance at the palace will just be a trail for those cultists to follow us”.

After that, he gave his only speech before we began our long journey underground, which was “Stick together, and only then can we escape from this alive”.

As a result, currently, Baston, Serafina, Cedric, almost half a thousand soldiers, palace guards, and around a hundred survivors are now on their way towards the wastewater treatment plant on the outskirts by following the path till the end of the sewage way.

Serafina, who has been looking at Baston making a gloomy expression, knows that even if she were to comfort her son, he won’t open up about the entire problem.

Regardless of the way he might react, Serafina, who thought her son was dwelling on the traumatic experience of King’s death, still worries that his mental health might worsen. 

“Are you alright, Baston?”

“… I’m alright, mom.”

The mother decided that an advice that can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically would be the best for him.

“You’re keeping to yourself as always… but Baston, I know there’s a lot to think about, but watch your step and make sure you don’t fall into the waterway.”

Even in the deep darkness, Baston can see his mother forced a smile to calm us down in an intense life-or-death situation.

Baston, feeling obligated to reassure his mother, smiles back.

“I’m okay, mom. Don’t worry about me too much.”

Contrary to her speculations, however, is that Baston is not recalling those events as a trauma but rather as one of the components in the current situation overview.

From Baston’s Point of View, Cedric’s contradictory decisions, full-on retreat without proposing any plan of counterattacking, were quite frustrating and confusing.

Cedric, one of the most renowned strategists in the entire continent, with his heart full of revenge, had a history(?) of valiantly leading modern warfare using guerrilla tactics at the forefront in all previous nightmare loops.

‘Why does he retreat like this? No traps, No counterattacking, No guerrilla tactics. Just running away as fast as possible from the Capitol. Is he going to meet up with someone on the outskirts, or is he overestimating the cultists? Perhaps we are escorting the Prime Minister or other important person?’ 

With no other ways to obtain new information, Baston can only conclude that there’s an unknown factor influencing Marshal Cedric to prioritize safety over his desires.

‘It’s not like I can go ask him directly. That would only make me more suspicious.’

Baston, who had been put under direct observation of palace agents for causing a commotion inside the palace, is keenly aware that the eyes and ears of the royal palace are tracking his every move, though he wasn’t aware of the reason.

*Crack*

*Boom*

*Rumble*

Occasional explosions sound from the surface, along with dust spraying from the shaken sewage structure, have a detrimental effect on the psyche.

Even Baston, whose mind has experienced deaths countless times, is not an exception to this case, as he is still scared of those blasting noises.

‘Is this what they call primal fear of death’

Despite those problems, Baston continues examining his surroundings and analyzes the situation objectively.

In this dimly lit sewage system, people walked in anxiety.

They feared that the ceiling above their heads would collapse on them.

They were afraid of the blood-red current flowing beside them.

They were frightened by the smell of gunpowder that was overflowing in the air.

They shuddered at the sight of floating corpses.

And most of all, they feared that they would be next.

The overall atmosphere is quite hopeless and dreadful. Many survivors are devoid of hope, and some had already given up on life.

“Everyone! We will take a short break here.” The marshal give his order.

With the guards and soldiers securing the back, Cedric gathered all military officers, guards’ captain, agents, and operators at the front, to prepare for the rest of the march.

After all officers and captains gave their own reports of situations, which ranged from distressed-survivor situations to the falling morale of the troops, a palace agent asked to deliver highly confidential information to only Cedric.

“Marshal, according to military protocol during wartime, no intelligence, except for direct command, should be reported to only an individual.”

“I believe the relayed information that would be useful for the Commander-in-Chief will support us all in making decisions as well. Agent Halliday, give your report.”

Without batting an eye at the opposition, the palace agent again directly requests a private audience with Cedric.

“This concerns both the Marshal and the royal family. Please give permission.”

“Alright, everyone else go out. Inform every person that we will continue our march in 15 minutes.”

“Marshal, but…”

The marshal, still brimming with anger, gave all bickering officers a death stare. His bloodlust made them flinch and silenced every argument.

Just Cedric’s gaze is enough to serve as a command and the last warning for them to return to their posts.

With only her and the commander left, the palace agent cast a sound obstruction spell to prevent any eavesdropping.

“[Veil of Sound Suppression]”

“So tell me, what is so important that you have to talk to me privately, king’s shadow, Haven Halliday?”

“First, please read this will written by his majesty, Marshal.”

The will containing the royal’s secret protocol and his last request in case of an untimely death is sealed with sorcery of spirit and life.

The spell connects one’s life signal. The contents inside can never be forcefully revealed unless the caster dispels it or the connected life sign is extinguished. 

Therefore, this roll-up handwritten document, which can be opened easily, signifies the king’s death.

“His majesty ordered me to hand this to you privately. He asked you, not as a master, but as a friend.”

“Then I shall take my leave, O’ Pillar of Briton.”

Like a broken dam, Cedric, now alone, read the will of his dead master and friend in tears.