Chapter 294: The Beginning of the Intercontinental War (2)

Translator: Pai_

At the news of the invasion of the Eastern Continent, Faulden's office was instantly thrown into chaos.

Among the murmuring crowd, Faulden asked the officer who had reported.

“What’s the news from the Eastern Army?”

“They are responding. Fortunately, it seems there were no major damages.”

To Faulden’s urgent question, the officer in charge of the Eastern Army responded immediately.

“The reason?”

“The invading demons were of low level!”

“That’s a relief, at least.”

Although Faulden sighed in relief, the Eastern Army officer spoke again, as if that wasn’t the case.

“It looks like it will exceed the level of a localized skirmish. We’ve already received intelligence that large-scale demons are gathering.”

“Damn it… there was no intel from the rebels?”

“The Eastern Continent rebel group has already……”

As the reporting officer made a grim expression, Faulden’s face contorted.

Due to his own misjudgment, they had lost the precious intelligence network of the Eastern Continent, and even lost a faction to keep them in check.

“Has the rebel group been completely destroyed?”

“It doesn’t seem that way. However, it looks difficult for them to act as a meaningful check. Just defending around the safe zones appears to be too much for them.”

At the subordinate’s report, Faulden looked toward the situation board.

“Send one division of the Southern Army and two corps from the Central Army to the East.”

“Yes, sir!”

“You, go to the council immediately and report the current situation. Request them to come up with support measures.”

“Yes, sir!”

“You all report immediately to the commanders and Masters as soon as they clear the Gates.”

“Understood!”

After giving orders to each officer, Faulden then gave a command to the Eastern Army to prepare for war with the Eastern Continent.

Having handled everything urgently, Faulden sat down in his chair.

‘It wasn’t a wrong decision.’

Faulden tried to calm himself as he organized his thoughts.

The responsibility for his misjudgment would be dealt with after the war ended, if they survived.

Now was the time to resolve the issues related to the Eastern Continent.

“If only… we had just a little more time…”

Faulden looked at the map with a regretful expression.

Numerous Gates were being cleared, and the frontlines were stabilizing, but they still needed more time.

‘Maybe… this is exactly what they were aiming for.’

If the demons were as cunning as he thought, they would surely know that time was what the Empire needed most right now.

That’s why they targeted this very moment.

Faulden immediately began writing down the information lingering in his head onto paper.

[The reasons why the demons attacked at this time.]

1. To prevent Auzria from stabilizing.

2. To buy time? (Possibly related to the 666-Day Gate or another Destruction event.)

3. Reconnaissance for future battles?

These were the three reasons Faulden could think of at the moment.

From the perspective of the demons, who belonged to the Destruction faction, they couldn’t just sit and watch Auzria stabilize.

They had to stir up chaos somehow and, during that time, completely seize control over the Eastern Continent.

Moreover, if it was for the 666-Day Gate or some other still-unknown Destruction event, they would need to buy time.

Even just those two reasons would be enough, but in addition, it could also be to reconnoiter the Western Continent.

Since war between the Eastern and Western Continents was all but inevitable, it could be a prelude to a scouting battle.

Whatever the case, the invasion at this timing was a critical blow to the Empire.

“Cunning bastards…”

Faulden gritted his teeth and looked out the window with a murderous aura, as if he would tear the demons to shreds.

As a result of this invasion, the Empire had failed to fully stabilize Auzria, and future Gate clearing operations would also suffer setbacks.

On top of that, it would cause confusion within the Empire, making it a perfect outcome for the demons.

While Faulden and the military leadership were flustered by the demons’ strike, the council also learned of the situation, and eventually, the entire Imperial population became aware of the Eastern Continent’s invasion.

[War with the Eastern Continent Imminent!]

As the news of war with the Eastern Continent was spread in huge headlines across the newspapers, the Imperial citizens were thrown into confusion.

“Here again?”

“I can’t take any more…”

“Sigh… this is bad.”

Due to the war, life had already become harsh, and when news of war with the Eastern Continent broke out, the people's expressions turned grim.

However, even this time, there was no other option.

Because the newspaper explained in detail the reasons why war with the Eastern Continent was unavoidable.

It included the situation of the Eastern Continent being occupied by demons and hell ghosts, as well as the fact that the many Gates had been left virtually unattended, to the point where god-level beings had begun to appear.

By revealing all the facts without hiding anything, the imperial citizens couldn’t complain.

Their already difficult lives had grown even harder, and the moment was drawing near when they would have to send their precious children off to the Military.

Governor Chevara let out a deep sigh.

The weight of the fact that he had no choice but to do what he least wanted to do made Governor Chevara's heart heavy.

It was likely that what barely sustained the harsh lives of the poor were their able-bodied children, so it would feel as if the nation was taking them away. The sense of deprivation for poor families would inevitably be great.

Nevertheless, the fact that it had to be done was nothing short of cruel.

“...Send it to the Council.”

“Yes, sir.”

After much deliberation, Governor Chevara finally signed the draft recruitment order, and the secretary who left with the signed document felt equally heavy-hearted, as he, too, had children.

“This is the worst.”

Governor Chevara muttered as he looked at the Empire’s worsening situation, spiraling toward disaster.

The main point of the plan was that those already stationed at those safer fronts would then be moved to the Eastern Army.

This way, the military planned to reorganize the forces gathered from each army to respond to the demons in the Eastern Continent. However, even this plan was far from perfect.

“They say it's difficult to draw forces from the North.”

“The same goes for the special desert defense force and the Mobile Field Army!”

Those were the North and the desert region.

No matter how advanced the weapons given to them were, if they lacked experience, they simply could not endure.

“Sigh… If it were only because the monsters were strong, we could talk about it…”

Faulden also showed a troubled expression.

The North had sudden seasonal shifts to bitter cold, and the desert region was scorching hot, requiring considerable time to adapt.

On top of that, the monster levels were among the highest on the Auzria Continent.

The desert region was the only area in Auzria where two full armies were stationed, and the North was barely holding out with the help of ancient species.

“We’ll end up with fewer troops than planned.”

“...Yes, sir.”

At Faulden’s words, the adjutant beside him bowed his head and replied.

“The Central Army likely can’t spare more either, right?”

“That’s correct.”

Upon hearing that, Faulden fell into deep thought before finally speaking heavily.

“Leave only part of the Headquarters Guard and send the rest.”

“Sir? But…”

“Send them. What’s the point of guarding this place in the current situation?”

At Faulden’s order, the adjutant responded in a heavy tone.

“Even if we send the guard, it won’t be of much help.”

“Better than nothing.”

With that decision, the adjutant said no more, and even the unit guarding the Headquarters was sent out, leaving only a few behind.

Following this decision from the Headquarters, each command also began sending most of their base guards to the Eastern Army, leaving only minimal forces behind.

The government also joined in on this military decision.

The security units guarding the Council and the Governor-General’s Office were also sent to the Eastern Army, and skilled individuals from across the Empire were sent eastward, even if only in small numbers. Although the number wasn't large, those guarding important facilities were competent individuals, so the combat strength itself significantly increased.

Thus, the forces scraped together from across the Empire were reorganized under the Eastern Army and made ready to fight the demons.

“Thank you for coming.”

“No, I am honored to be at the forefront of the war with the Eastern Continent.”

At the warm welcome of the Eastern Commander, the Central Army Commander smiled and replied that it was an honor.

“Let’s hold them back. Time is on our side…”

“Let’s do that.”

The two commanders shook hands, determined to defend the seas against the demons.

As if to prove that reinforcements had come from across all regions of the Empire, the sky was covered with a tremendous number of airships and newly constructed ultra-massive aerial fortresses.

On top of that, the sea was filled with an enormous number of naval vessels.

And all of those ships were equipped with the latest weapons.

Seeing this, Leopold understood that the Eastern Commander’s confidence had not been unfounded.

“Enemy demon army gathering 80km ahead!”

“Prepare for war!”

The demons began to swarm toward the forward base built on the island located farthest out in the sea held by the Auzria Continent.

“I’ll leave the aerial forces to you.”

“Understood.”

As the Eastern Commander moved personally to lead the fleet, the Central Commander boarded the aerial fortress and led the aerial fleet.

The battle began on the Empire’s side.

Thousands of massive magic cannons, their pride, fired and lit up the battlefield.

A large portion of the demons, who had been swarming in like a black tide, were instantly obliterated.

“Waaaaaaaah!”

The troops cheered as they saw many demons vanish.

But their cheers didn’t last long.

Because the space where the demons had disappeared was soon filled again with more demons, turning black once more.

“This will be a tough fight.”

Seeing the demons pour in endlessly, the Eastern Commander muttered with a hardened expression.

Before they knew it, artillery fire and a barrage of spells began to rain down on the demons who had entered range.

In response, the demons also began to strike back in earnest.

Their notorious black magic was activated in full force, and demons covered in demonic energy charged in wildly.

To block them, the Drake Knights charged in, and millions of magic bullets formed a defensive line.

“This won’t be easy.”

The demon commander, surprised by the unexpectedly fierce resistance, showed signs of panic. Seeing this, the corners of the Eastern Commander’s lips lifted slightly.

It meant humanity’s power was strong enough to fluster even a demon commander.

As humanity’s army continued its performance, momentarily catching the demons off guard with overwhelming firepower, the raiding parties who had gone into the Gates began to emerge one by one.

The two Family Heads who had been inside the Gate for a long time also finally completed their clear and came outside.

Though they were in ragged condition, the fact that they had cleared it was what mattered.

“What about the Supreme Commander?”

At Terrion’s question, the adjutant shook his head heavily.

“He has not come out yet.”

“Sigh… The Eastern Continent is the problem, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

At Terrion’s words, the adjutant responded promptly.

“What about Lioner?”

“He said he’s heading to support the Eastern Continent.”

“…Then I should go there too.”

Saying so, Terrion began to move.

It was a gesture of respect for Lioner’s decision to trust his son and move to defend the Eastern Continent.

While those who had cleared the Gates began moving one by one to support the Eastern Continent, Iron was still inside a Gate, locked in a grueling battle.

“Huff… Huff…”

Iron, panting heavily, used his sword as a staff and stood upright.

He had already killed Dantalion, the Demon King and strongest being inside the Gate, a long time ago.

The problem was that even though the Demon King was dead, these damned demons kept charging in endlessly.

“Fucking bastard…”

Iron gritted his teeth as he thought of Dantalion, who, as if foreseeing his own death, had strengthened his subordinates at the cost of his own life, making the fight for Iron and the Divine Beasts incredibly difficult.

They could probably just destroy the center of the Gate.

But Dantalion had used a trick to delay them even a bit longer.

‘If the Gate is cleared while even one of my subordinates remains alive, the 666-Day Gate will open immediately.’

Remembering those final words Dantalion spoke as his last will before dying, Iron clenched his jaw.

“Let’s push through a little more. Let’s kill them all and get out.”

Iron spoke to the exhausted Divine Beasts, and all of them gave small nods and began to move again.

***

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