Volume 4 Chapter 8 Gate Destruction Operation
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I and Melon were led to Aaron’s headquarters in the Imperial Palace Plaza by Melset. Just moments before, Aaron had received confirmation of their safety via magical communication, and he was greatly relieved. With the latest information on the Gate, their army could now move with even greater advantage.
”Oh, Yuuta, Claudel. And Melon too… I’m just glad you’re all safe!”
Sir Aaron called out loudly to us, and I dashed to him, overwhelmed with nostalgia.
”Sir Aaron… I apologize for being away so long. But to meet you here…”
”A troublesome matter indeed… this and that… Melon, have you explained all the recent events to Yuuta and Claudel?”
Melon responded awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable. That must be… that thing.
”No, Sir Aaron. So many things have happened that I felt I could not fully explain with my own words. I thought it better to prioritize this urgent matter first, so I haven’t told them anything yet.”
”I see… You probably wanted to vent your grievances, yet you chose state matters over personal ones. Commendable. Then I will set aside my own matters for now and focus on the state. Melon, at this point, destroying the Gate is our top priority, correct?”
”Yes, Sir Aaron. Yuuta, Lady Claudel, and Lieutenant Reina’s sister have all safely returned. The Gate is now only a source of conflict. If we destroy it, the empire and the Spirit Clan’s schemes should be stalled temporarily. We can handle the aftermath later.”
”I had already ordered Sharlin to destroy the Gate… but it seems the message did not get through, or it failed. You know the location, right? Claudel, your thoughts?”
”Right now, the surprise attack has succeeded, and we’ve taken control of the Imperial Capital, but that advantage won’t last long. Before the empire reorganizes, it’s best to strike directly and destroy the Gate.” Ms. Claudel had returned fully to her aide role.
”A direct assault… any plan for that?”
”Yes. If we retrace the path we took to get here…” Claudel spoke, and Melon interjected.
”Flying Dragon? But Lady Claudel, that won’t carry enough troops. The palace guard is fully stationed there, and that damn bear and Zaharu are still…”
”No, Melon. To destroy the Gate, we don’t need a large army. An elite unit will infiltrate via guerrilla tactics. But… since you know the Gate so well, we’ll need you to guide us.”
”Of course! If we use the Flying Dragon, Lieutenant Reina will surely assist…”
”Sir Aaron…” I raised my hand, speaking up.
”May I accompany the Gate destruction mission?”
”What are you saying, Yuuta? As Melon said, the palace guard will be there. It’s a dangerous mission. What could a civilian like you do?”
”No, Melon is going too. More importantly, Karin might be heading there with Ms. Sharlin. As her father, I want to help my child! Besides, I once served in the Elf Army—I’m not a complete novice.”
”I see… Very well, Yuuta. You may come. Melon will have you as a bodyguard. Understood, Melon? It will be dangerous, but ensure you guide Yuuta carefully so there are no regrets.”
”Thank you, Sir Aaron.”
”Claudel, stay here and assist me. I must find the Chief Secretary quickly and organize the retreat. Melon and Yuuta, meet Reina and guide our elite unit to the western Gate.”
”…Sir Aaron… where is my sister?” Melon asked apologetically.
”She’s likely still with Balmstra, but we have no leads at the moment.”
* * *
”General, you’re late… how was the chieftain? Any trouble?” Zaharu waited at the base entrance for Lord Asunabal and me.
”Ah… completely enraged. We must quickly reorganize and reschedule, or we’re in danger.”
Danger is an understatement. Our consciousnesses are being monitored. If the chieftain becomes displeased, my head—and Lord Asunabal’s—could be at risk at any moment.
”Zaharu, the base must prepare. In a few days, the Spirit Clan’s forces will occupy it. They will monitor the Gate’s completion and plan their invasion.”
”I understand. I will ensure the troops avoid conflict. General, there’s good news: we may not need to steal the batteries from Zerlant.”
”What? Explain.”
”Beastfolk Girl and Reina destroyed the lined-up batteries, but they made a basic mistake. The alchemical furnace still contained the recipe. It was far enough from the explosion to remain intact. Mages from the Imperial Capital realized that with sufficient magic, the batteries could be reforged.”
”Excellent! Begin synthesis immediately!”
Good. Luck hasn’t abandoned us yet. We must complete the Gate swiftly and drive the Spirit Clan out. Then we can use our full force against Zerlant.
”General, over here!” A high-ranking palace guard bureaucrat ran up to General Peacock.
”What now, at a time like this? Ah, regarding Artemis…”
”No, sir! Emergency! Soldiers from Zerlant have invaded the Imperial Capital!”
”What—!? What is the current situation!?”
”Since that first report, there’s been no Flying Dragon transport.”
”Could it be… the Imperial Capital has fallen…? Impossible…”
”General, we request permission to send the palace guard immediately to the Imperial Capital!”
Damn. One thing after another. We’ll have to leave the palace guard there and I’ll stay to lead the troops in Suicelma’s stead. Above all, the Gate must be completed quickly to free myself from the Spirit Clan.
”Understood. Fortunately, negotiations with the Spirit Clan are proceeding well. Lord Asunabal and I will continue talks. Palace guard, prepare to move to the Imperial Capital immediately!”
”Yes, sir!” The bureaucrat saluted and left.
Zaharu spoke to General Peacock.
”Are you sure, General? If negotiations fail, the palace guard won’t be here…”
”It’s fine! There will be no trouble. You command the mages and complete the Gate swiftly. Bear will stay as my and Lord Asunabal’s bodyguard. His temporary Gate might be useful if needed.”
”Understood. I will relay your orders.”
Notes:
• Melset – A trusted collaborator and spy for the Zerlant Kingdom, embedded in the Apocalypse Empire’s capital, Demonstown. He is a Dark Elf, like Sharlin, and serves as their point of contact for exchanging information. Melset is described as an old man who has been planted in the empire for a long time, likely as part of a network of spies from Zerlant. He is resourceful, cautious, and willing to assist Sharlin and Karin in their mission to rescue Lady Melon and gather intelligence, despite the risks involved.
• Claudel – The elf captain of the royal guard assigned to Princess Asuka. At first, she had a strong dislike for Yuuta, who is human. Now, Yuuta’s saffle.
• Zaharu – Male. A specialist in charge of transporting and installing the gate. He works closely with Reina to ensure the gate’s functionality and security.
• Artemis – A commander of the Emperor’s direct guard. Initially acts as a lecherous and aggressive antagonist, but later reveals his loyalty to the Emperor. He has a wife and children in the imperial capital and is afraid of his wife.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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