119 — Silence is a Prelude to Tragedy

1

What do people imagine when they think of a “dense forest”?

Each person’s experiences would paint a different picture.

At the very least, for those living at the edge of the Empire, they would consider the Biltite Forest to be a dense forest.

A darkness as deep as night restricted visibility, while the moisture in the air left the ground halfway to being a muddy bog, making it difficult to find solid footing.

Iron boots felt heavier.

Bugs settled on their cloaks, stealing their attention.

‘Leaving home is always a pain,’ thought Manus.

He enveloped himself in mana, protecting his body as much as possible, and prepared to unleash his magic at any moment.

The guide was leading them well.

Manus had also activated [Dux] just in case, which aligned with the guide’s directions.

No one spoke, and they all focused on the sounds around them.

They had to be ready for traps and insects that could emerge from beneath their feet, for beasts and monsters waiting to ambush from behind the large leaves, or for attackers falling from the trees above.

‘Are we near the village yet?’

Though the march was tough, no one complained.

The forest’s oppressive atmosphere dulled their sense of time, slowing their steps.

Rustle, rustle.

Their nerves grew sharper, and even the faintest sounds triggered a reaction.

How long had they walked like that?

The guide halted in a small clearing.

There were signs of human presence scattered around the area.

Faint light filtered down from above, as if this spot alone was safe.

The guide set down his backpack and spoke quietly.

“This is a safe zone. The surrounding ecosystem is the calmest here. Let’s take a rest.”

Tyrannis surveyed the area and nodded.

The others, relieved, began to relax their tense muscles.

Manus glanced at the guide, then at the faint light that [Dux] indicated.

Something felt off.

Although the best guide suggested they rest here, the guiding light wanted him to press on.

Manus watched the soldiers begin to relax and spread his senses outward.

‘Nothing specific stands out. But why does the system want me to go further?’

“My lord, have some water.”

“Thank you.”

He accepted the water and took a drink.

Moisture seeped into his dry body, refreshing his mind and broadening his senses.

‘Time to…’

Manus sat in the center of the clearing and began to play with the immense mana within him.

Like a silent lake disturbed by a powerful waterfall, streams of mana flowed vigorously.

The mana spread throughout his body, bursting out like water cascading off a cliff.

Whoooosh—.

With Caesar’s power manifesting, all information in the vicinity flooded into him.

Nothing could hide from the name of Caesar.

‘—As expected.’

The blue lion came to mind.

Manus quietly opened his eyes.

What should he do?

He approached Tyrannis, who was inspecting his gear.

It was best to discuss things first.

The ideal method would be to wipe everything out, but they were in a foreign land.

In the worst-case scenario, they might all end up buried here.

“Brother.”

“What is it?”

“Could we speak in private for a moment?”

“What’s so important?”

Surprisingly, Tyrannis rose from his spot without protest.

At the edge of the safe zone, where their voices wouldn’t reach others, Manus spoke.

“This seems to be a trap.”

“You flooded the area with mana just to find that out?”

“Yes.”

“Hmph, at most they’re just insects.”

“There are quite a lot of them.”

Tyrannis frowned slightly.

The memories resurfaced again.

A similar situation back then.

If not for being part of a great house, if their father, the head of the family, hadn’t used his foresight, what would have happened?

Recalling that horrifying time and seeing things unfold similarly made this mission seem even more difficult.

Hoo—.

He sighed quietly.

“What’s your solution? You’re not planning to run away like last time, are you?”

“We could either eliminate the guide and proceed on our own, or reverse the situation and wipe them out.”

“That’s a more appealing plan. We should leave one alive to gather evidence.”

Tyrannis chuckled, seemingly entertained by the idea.

How dare they provoke Caesar so recklessly?

The influence of the great Conqueror’s house extended across the entire continent.

It wasn’t without reason that Beninitas became the esteemed lady of the great house.

People often misunderstood one thing.

They mistakenly believed that Caesar’s power came solely from mighty magic.

“I’ll take the lead.”

“—I’ll be watching.”

Tyrannis shot Manus a sharp look before heading back toward the others.

Manus raised his hand, and a massive magic circle began to form.

5th-class.

Magic wielded by one who aimed even higher, towards the 6th class.

It was dazzling and awe-inspiring.

To Manus’s eyes, it appeared like a milestone he should aim for in the future.

Blaze—!

A vivid blue light spread out over everyone.

“The first prince?”

“Why would he use his mana—?”

Regev and the other squad leaders asked in bewilderment.

After all, Tyrannis was one of their strongest assets.

“We’re moving out. I’ve restored your stamina, so it shouldn’t be an issue to march.”

“A-Are we leaving already? Maybe we should rest a bit more—”

“Guide. What is your role?”

Tyrannis’s blue eyes locked directly onto the guide.

A fiery gaze.

The eyes of a massive predator ready to devour its prey made the guide tremble as he responded.

Mercenaries and adventurers were known to fiercely value their lives.

He had survived numerous ordeals to reach his current position.

How had a guide lacking in combat skills managed to stay alive?

‘This… this is dangerous.’

“To… to guide you.”

“Do your job, mercenary.”

“…Understood.”

The guide steadied his shaking pupils and began packing his belongings.

Ahead lay the true beginning of hell.

A green maze from which there was no escape if he made a single misstep.

But who was he?

He was among the best guides in the southern regions of the Empire.

Guiding these people to their destination should be relatively simple.

‘No, this might actually work out better.’

His initial plan was to drag things out and gradually tire them.

The contract he’d made was risky, but it was definitely worth it.

Alright, let’s end this quickly and put an end to this wretched life.

He inhaled deeply, bracing himself, then hoisted his heavy backpack onto his shoulders and started walking.

“We’re moving out.”

“Guide.”

“Yes, sir?”

Manus approached him.

Unlike the first prince, Manus had a softer impression.

He was also noticeably smaller and wore the academy uniform.

That implied he was still unseasoned, a novice.

Even the great Caesar, at this young age, would likely be gentler.

But the guide was living under a significant delusion.

“Don’t take any detours. Lead us to the first village before sunset.”

“…That might be a bit—”

“Why? Can’t you do it? Then you’re no use to us.”

“What do you mean—”

“Don’t disappoint Caesar. We’re more than capable of handling this green hell.”

The guide found Manus’s faint smile more terrifying than the outright intimidation of the first prince.

Moreover, his cryptic words.

Could it be… that he knew everything?

No way—.

Impossible—.

They were highly trained professionals.

Those involved were so far away that even those present wouldn’t notice.

‘Still—.’

It’s always the fist in front of you that’s the most frightening.

He realized he should never cross this line.

The instincts he’d honed over his years as a guide were ringing alarms.

The only thing he could do was nod furiously.

What else could he do?

That chilling black-haired figure looked as if he might transform into a horrifying tentacled creature at any moment.

“I’ll do my utmost.”

Manus gave a slight nod and resumed leading the group.

Regev, who had been following behind him, cautiously spoke.

“Isn’t this a bit too much? I heard we have plenty of time.”

“Don’t worry. Conserve your energy as much as possible.”

“…Understood.”

Regev instinctively sensed that something was amiss.

There was an unsettling silence in the area.

The constant sense of something lingering around them was almost unbearable.

It seemed the others felt the same, deciding it would be better to reach the village sooner rather than later.

All that was left was to press on.

Manus continued walking, following the faint light.

Breaking through the silence, the elite of Caesar embarked on their path.

2

Labeth.

He had received a message from his dear one.

It seemed urgent, as the informant had brought the letter in person.

A shadow that should always be by her side had come directly here.

Seeing the serious expression on the messenger’s face, Labeth quickly sat down to read the letter.

The letter from Beninitas began with a simple greeting.

It detailed the threats lurking in the area where his two sons had ventured.

“…You may return to where you should be.”

“Yes, esteemed one.”

“Tell Beninitas not to worry. Though they were once children who were sent away, they’ve now grown enough to overcome any crisis.”

“I will relay your words.”

Watching the shadow disappear, Labeth gazed toward the sunlit south.

Beyond the mountains, deep in the vast forest, his house’s prodigies were walking.

Their power was far from weak.

No one understood that better than he did, and this realization brought a faint smile to his lips.

As a father.

And as the head of the house.

He always had to move while grappling with conflict and concern.

To show his children a parent’s love without being swayed by personal affection.

At this moment, his path was clear, and that clarity was comforting.

“Wei.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Raise the training level to the highest. Activate supply lines so we can march out at any time. Also, recruit those who will become the pride of the Caesar principality.”

“I will follow your command.”

“The south. At the Empire’s edge, Caesar’s flag will fly.”

Labeth’s blue eyes shone.

The Dire Order.

And the unknown group would have to bear the consequences of their choices.

Including all those who sided with them.

How many years had passed since Caesar remained quietly?

With his bright blue eyes fixed on the southern land, Labeth murmured to himself.

‘To think there are still those unaware of Caesar’s name.’

For those who were considered part of the great families, that was a considerable scratch.

It was a challenge to Caesar and a decision that heralded the start of tragedy.

The enemies would come to know the name of the house, and they would bear that shame for centuries.

The slumbering giant had awakened.

The house was silent.

Like the tranquil and subdued night sky before a storm…

Silence always breeds tragedy.

Only, no one knows which side that tragedy will befall.

–TL Notes–
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