Chapter 1191: Military Parade (5)
Lennok continued to walk through the endless, colossal steel passage.
Deadrise Legion’s 2nd Command.
The main pillar of the Legion responsible for the Far Eastern Front, and the military factory producing the Legion’s ground combat war machines.
The only place where the entire available force of the Legion in the Eastern Continent could gather.
Guided by Brigadier General Riyad Enel, the Vice Commander of the 5th Legion, Lennok glanced sideways as they walked through the factory corridors.
Rumble, rumble, rumble!!!
A thunderous roar echoed above the steel outer walls, tens of meters high.
Hundreds of tanks moved in formation along the giant conveyor belts densely lined between the outer walls.
Tens of tons of military armaments were being assembled in real-time from all directions, completed, and transported.
“This scale isn’t something you can just dismiss as a mere factory,” Lennok muttered.
“Is all the infrastructure for producing their own military power concentrated here?”
Not just tanks, but armored vehicles, self-propelled artillery, transport vehicles, and various heavy equipment were being produced throughout the factory.
The military factory was so vast that even Lennok’s mana perception couldn’t grasp its full size upon entering.
Did this mean that the entire production facility located here was the 5th Legion’s operational zone and practically the Legion Commander’s personal property?
He knew that the position of the 5th Legion Commander was a more critical post within the Legion than he had thought, but he couldn’t understand the reason why.
Why would the 5th Legion directly own such a massive military production facility and lines?
“The efficiency of the production system established by Short-lived Beings is always impressive, no matter when I see it,” Euphoria asked, looking around with an expressionless face.
“Are they producing war machines here and immediately deploying them to the Central Front?”
“That’s possible because a huge iron ore vein flows through the mountains in the central part of the Eastern Continent where our headquarters is located,” Enel explained, nodding.
“The iron content here is among the highest across the entire continent, to the point where iron can be directly extracted from the soil.”
“Is that so?”
“On the downside, the soil is too poor for cultivation, and the ground is too weak to build structures on. However, the steel produced here is more than enough to disregard all those drawbacks.”
Whirr! Whirr! Whirr!
Enel spoke, looking at the conveyor belts moving on both sides of the factory passage and the new armored vehicles being transported on them.
“The Staff estimates that this environment is one of the causes of the Magnetic Storm that sweeps across the Eastern Continent. That’s why the Legion Command established the 2nd Command here simultaneously with their advance to the center.”
“Considering its scale and importance, it must be one of the most critical facilities within the Legion.”
“That’s right. So, the 2nd Command always has at least one high-ranking general of Lieutenant General rank or higher stationed here to prepare for any contingency.”
“Who was guarding the 2nd Command most recently?”
“I understand General Song-ha was in charge.”
Song-ha. Lennok remembered the swordsman he had met in Yorta.
An 8-level swordsman and an innate ability user with a powerful clone-type superpower.
A superhuman so mighty that he could move clones across the continent without difficulty in using his abilities, yet an absurd eccentric whose intelligence diminished with each clone he created.
With such an ability, it wouldn’t have been difficult for a general to be stationed at the command headquarters, preparing for any eventuality.
The fact that the 2nd Command was a key facility requiring a general to be directly stationed there was meaningful information, but that wasn’t what Lennok wanted to ask.
“Are the other generals, including Gileon Miloz, not yet on the front lines?”
They were among the very few ‘individual forces’ officially recognized on the continent.
Their mere existence made the Legion function as a Legion even in the Marshal’s absence.
He knew that the power held by the generals reigning at the apex of Deadrise was incomparably greater than that of other Legion Commanders.
Naturally, they would be the primary targets to watch out for at this military parade.
Moreover, Lennok had yet to hear of another general besides Gileon Miloz and Song-ha.
“The attendance of the other two generals has not yet been confirmed,” Enel said with a bitter smile.
“Miloz-nim is currently not in a state to appear in public… and Baragan-nim has not yet officially succeeded to the position of general.”
“He hasn’t officially succeeded to the position of general? Is it a similar case to the 5th Legion?”
“No. Of course, Baragan-nim’s internal appointment as general is a relatively recent matter, but…” Enel’s expression subtly shifted as he answered Lennok’s question.
“As a sorcerer, he loves to wander and is not a person who fits the Legion’s order. He simply hasn’t had the opportunity to succeed to the position of general yet.”
“…”
A sorcerer. An eccentric who loves to wander. A temperament that doesn’t follow the Legion’s order.
Yet, he was already internally appointed as a general. Just how skilled was this Baragan to receive such an evaluation?
Indeed, in such aspects, the lack of information on superhumans not recorded in the Power Ranking felt regrettable.
“If this Baragan is the new general-designate, who was the previous general?”
“That was Armut-nim. He was the commander who single-handedly oversaw all ground operations of the former Deadrise Legion.”
“Has he retired and vacated the position now?”
“He died in the process of clashing with the Nether King’s Gabihaeng.”
“…”
Enel’s unexpected answer momentarily silenced Lennok.
Myeong’s Gabihaeng. He was once again acutely aware that the scars and evidence Myeong left across the continent still remained in many places.
“Are you referring to the black wizard who was defeated by the Ascendant Jinwa?” Euphoria tilted her head with an unexpressive face.
“I saw his name in the Power Ranking. He was listed as number one before disappearing.”
“…”
“It seems he had the qualifications to challenge fate with a Short-lived Being’s body. Do you know anything about him?”
“I apologize, but as a mere Brigadier General, I don’t know much about the events that transpired then.” Enel, deftly changing the subject from Euphoria’s question, naturally turned to leave.
“More importantly, we’re almost there, so please come this way. Before the military parade, I’ll personally guide you to the VIP accommodations–”
“Ah, Brigadier General Enel. There you are.” At that moment, a sharp voice called Enel from behind.
A tall, thin middle-aged man in a military uniform was looking their way with a subtly smiling face.
“We were trying to contact you about detaching the 5th Legion’s fire-power unit for our 8th Legion, but you haven’t been answering your calls for quite some time.”
“…Brigadier General Matisse.” Enel’s expression hardened.
“What brings the Vice Commander of the 8th Legion here?”
“I was worried something might have happened before the military parade, so I’m glad you’re safe. Aren’t you?” Matisse slowly approached Enel and patted his shoulder.
“An order has come down. Move the main force of the 5th Legion immediately to join the 8th Legion’s encampment. So that the 8th Legion appears largest before the military parade.”
“…”
“As you know, in official events like this, appearances are very important, aren’t they? It would be wonderful if the 5th Legion could cooperate to save face for the 8th Legion. That would be alright, wouldn’t it?” Matisse spoke nonchalantly to the silent Enel.
“Let me tell you in advance, it would be wise to hurry before the other legions make their moves. It would become very uninteresting if you side with the 4th or 7th Legions.”
The 8th Legion’s blatant demand to detach forces, made openly in front of Enel, who held the command of the 5th Legion.
But Enel kept silent, unable to easily respond to the abnormal directive.
His attitude was starkly different from his usual composure when dealing with Lennok and Euphoria.
Watching from behind, Euphoria tilted her head.
“This is a very primitive and barbaric power struggle. Do Short-lived Beings still enjoy infighting and politics even after forming military forces of this scale?”
“I wouldn’t know, never having experienced it directly,” Lennok said, looking at the two with indifferent eyes.
“However, this is likely not unrelated to the background of Deadrise’s formation. Since it’s a warlord group formed by co-opting enemies or enemy commanders, it’s natural for them to prioritize the logic of power over military discipline.”
“Hmm…”
“The power struggle between the Eight Great Dragon Kings and the Elder Council isn’t far behind this. Why are you acting like you’ve never seen it before?”
“…Someday, I’ll have to hear why you know so much about Kundara’s affairs more than necessary.” As Euphoria stared intently at Lennok with an unexpressive gaze, Enel replied.
“Brigadier General Matisse. I’m afraid I cannot comply with that request.”
“What?” Matisse’s expression crumpled instantly.
His hand, gripping Enel’s shoulder, tightened.
Crack!
The atmosphere instantly turned hostile, and the attention of the busy people throughout the factory began to focus on them.
Engineers assembling tanks, administrators counting quantities from sheets, and even soldiers transporting parts from all directions.
Receiving hundreds of gazes from all over the factory, Matisse spoke to Enel with a menacing face.
“Hey, Brigadier General Enel. This won’t do. Are you going to ignore the courtesy offered by the 8th Legion to a 5th Legion that won’t receive attention at the parade?”
“…”
“Ignoring this goodwill won’t be a wise decision for your future. With the 5th Legion Commander currently absent, won’t you have to undertake many more operations with other legions?”
“The 5th Legion has already been assigned a garrison before the military parade,” Enel replied with a cold, unchanging face.
“If the 5th Legion were to move its garrison in this situation, it would be difficult for the Marshal to distinguish the organization upon his return.”
“Hmph, my friend. I told you, that’s not something you need to worry about.” An unshakeable sneer appeared on Matisse’s lips.
“You’re not the 5th Legion Commander. You’re just an officer with temporary command authority.”
“…”
“The 8th Legion is offering to help with matters you might overlook, and you dare to refuse this courtesy? Do you truly think the 5th Legion will be safe after the military parade ends?”
“Our 5th Legion has decided to welcome a new commander before this military parade.” Enel said, cutting off Matisse’s proposal sharply.
Enel brushed off Matisse’s hand from his shoulder and said coldly, “It seems we won’t have the leeway to cooperate with commands or detachments from other legions anymore. I regret that.”
“What?” Matisse, startled by the unexpected words, quickly turned his gaze and then froze as he spotted Lennok.
It was as if he had only just noticed the presence of Lennok and Euphoria.
“…Wait.”
Matisse’s expression slowly changed as he frowned and stared at Lennok’s face.
As a Legion officer and commander of the 8th Legion, he too knew of Cheonbeon’s existence.
And why Lennok was here at this time.
“Cheonbeon, Cheonbeon Evan Martinez?” Matisse pointed a finger at Lennok and stammered, “Is, is that, the Flame Wizard really attending the military parade? Really?”
“You’re being rather informal with a guest who has come all the way to the military parade,” Lennok said, looking at the finger pointing at him with an expressionless face.
“I’m here to meet Ethan Bajour. Guide me to him.”
“…You, the new commander of the 5th Legion. Don’t make me laugh.” Matisse narrowed his eyes, pushed past Enel, and approached Lennok.
“That’s impossible. The Marshal hasn’t returned yet, so your appointment couldn’t possibly be set.”
“…”
“A Watcher-turned-wizard skipping procedures and becoming a Legion Commander? Ha! Even if the Legion is chaotic, there’s a limit. The culprit who put Lieutenant General Robert Loveride in that state becoming a Legion Commander!!”
Matisse, two heads taller than Lennok, leaned down and snarled, unable to hide his emotions.
“It seems you’ve swayed the headless dogs of the 5th Legion to snatch an internal appointment, but you’ll soon realize that’s not going to fly. At the military parade, the generals who can easily punish you–”
“Ah, I see.” Lennok interrupted Matisse, speaking as if something had just occurred to him.
“I wondered what you were relying on to bluster like this, but it wasn’t yourself, was it? It was your backing.”
“What?”
“Then if I deal with you, your superiors will naturally come out.”
Matisse couldn’t understand Lennok’s next words.
The moment Matisse blinked, his world was inverted and dyed crimson.
Crunch.
“…Huh?”
The wizard, arms crossed, looked down at him from tens of meters away.
The shouts of the astonished soldiers and engineers, mouths agape. The metallic scent of blood dripping down his face.
Only then did Matisse realize his body was impaled headfirst into the conveyor belt and let out a low scream.
“Aaaaargh…!!!”
Burning agony surged through his nerves only after he understood the situation.
Matisse’s gaping expression was instantly painted with an indescribable, intense fury.
Boom!!
Drawing upon his mana, Matisse sprang up as if rebounding, his face like a demon, and fumbled at his waist.
Extending a three-section staff with sharp studs and hardening it with mana, he let out a shrill cry.
“You rootless Watcher bastard, how dare you defy the Legion!!!!! How dare a Lighthouse Keeper’s dog!!!”
“Watch your mouth.”
“8th Legion, all units prepare for battle!! I’ll skin him and send it as a gift directly to the Lighthouse Keeper–”
Bwooong!!!!
At that moment, Matisse’s shouting words abruptly ceased.
Simultaneously with the explosion of hot flames, half of Matisse’s face was simply gone.
“I told you to stop talking about the Eyes of Blue,” Lennok said, tilting his head with an expressionless face, his hand still extended.
“I don’t like repeating myself.”
“Th-this…” Matisse, mouth agape with only half a face left, stared at Lennok with an incredulous expression.
His burnt lips twitched as he struggled to say something, then, with a gasping sound, he collapsed forward.
His body fell stiffly like a piece of wood, thudding grotesquely against the ground before his head struck and he lay still.
“B-Brigadier General Matisse is dead…!!!”
“Evan Martinez killed an 8th Legion officer!!!”
“Waaaaah!!!”
Watching the scene, the engineers cried out in panic, throwing down their equipment and fleeing.
Even the managers and administrative staff trembled in fear, slowly backing away.
Only the remaining soldiers barely regained their composure, gripping their pistols at their waists with grim expressions.
“You madman. Do you think this will be forgiven!!”
“To commit murder before the military parade even begins!!”
“C-Commander…!!”
“I still can’t quite understand the mindset of Short-lived Beings,” Enel said, his face pale, looking at Lennok, while Euphoria tilted her head.
“In what part of that conversation was there a reason to kill that human?”
“If I were to simply tolerate everything, I wouldn’t have come to the military parade in the first place,” Lennok retorted, slowly rubbing his hand.
“As I said, I didn’t come to receive the position of Legion Commander. I came to discuss something far more significant.”
“…”
“The progress was so stifling it was maddening, but now things seem to be moving faster.”
“Evan Martinez…!!!” Unable to contain their rage at his calm words, the 8th Legion soldiers drew their pistols and surrounded him.
The tanks, fresh from the military factory, simultaneously turned their cannons, their red warning lights flashing.
Officers, channeling their mana, stood at the front, and armed soldiers aimed their rifles.
Upon seeing this, the 5th Legion soldiers, standing behind Lennok, immediately aimed their guns back and rushed forward.
“All units, prepare for battle!!”
“Protect the Commander!”
“If you don’t retreat, we will fire!”
Click!
With Matisse’s corpse between them, the 5th and 8th Legion soldiers raised their guns at each other.
High-ranking officers from both legions, including Enel, had enhanced their bodies and placed their hands on their waists.
An unprecedented situation: an 8th Legion general, and moreover, the Vice Commander of the Legion, dead in front of the command headquarters.
In the hair-trigger situation, which felt like it could explode at any moment, Lennok glanced up.
The ceiling of the sealed military factory warped, and something fell between the two legions at incredible speed.
CRAAAASH!!!!!
Upon landing, it scattered a powerful shockwave, pulverizing the conveyor belt.
The shockwave spread outwards, jolting the tanks, and the armed soldiers, losing their balance, tumbled to the ground.
“Uwaaaah!!!”
“Hold your ground!! Maintain formation!!”
“My goodness. This is…!!!”
Ignoring the astonished officers retreating, Lennok stared intently at the figure that had fallen before him.
“Well, well.”
A woman with a rugged, firm appearance scratched her head and stood up.
“I took my eyes off for a second and it’s a complete mess. What are you doing?”
As she straightened up, she was a head taller than Lennok.
A seething aura emanated from her entire body, even without armor. Long, muscular, solid arms.
A faint gleam appeared in Lennok’s eyes as he instantly read the woman’s presence and will-thought.
‘A martial artist. And one who has undergone incredibly deep cultivation. The presence I feel is almost inorganic…’
Her will-thought and presence were condensed to the extreme, feeling as solid as rock.
This was proof of a pugilist who had not only firmly established her center but had also forged her own style and domain.
Sure enough, upon seeing the woman who walked out, scratching her head, soldiers from all directions saluted with flustered expressions.
“L-Lieutenant General Atiya!!!”
“Why is the 6th Legion Commander here…!!”
“If the Southern Fist Saint has already returned to headquarters, then surely!!”
Ignoring the soldiers around her, Atiya walked nonchalantly and stood before Lennok.
Seeing her, the 8th Legion soldiers’ faces lit up, and they raised their voices.
“Lieutenant General. That man is the culprit who murdered Brigadier General Matisse!!”
“Before the military parade begins, arrest him and ensure severe punishment…!!!”
“Ah, damn, so noisy.” Atiya glared menacingly at the 8th Legion soldiers.
“Can’t you shut your mouths? Do you all want to die?”
“…”
At the menacing, murderous declaration, the 8th Legion soldiers went pale and fell silent.
In the center of the half-destroyed military factory’s production line, an eerie silence suddenly fell.
Atiya looked around the chaotic military factory with an unenthused expression, then gestured with her chin towards Lennok.
“Hey. This isn’t the command headquarters, it’s near the production facilities. It’s no place for a VIP like you.”
“So?”
“‘So’? You just killed an officer before even being formally integrated into the Legion. Normally, you’d obviously be handed over to a military tribunal at this point, but…” Atiya grinned, looking at Lennok.
“Well, it wasn’t bad skill. A guy who’s going to be a new Legion Commander needs that kind of guts, doesn’t he? Don’t you agree?”
“Lieutenant General Atiya!!”
“What on earth does that…!!”
“Though not formally appointed, a designate like you can bypass complicated procedures.” Atiya ignored the flustered soldiers shouting behind her and immediately turned around.
“Follow me. I’ll guide you to where the Legion Commanders need to gather.”