English Novel
Chapter 134: Calamity II
Chapter 134: Calamity II
“What… the Tarkics?”
“Yes, it seems we have reached the Hangurian border by now.”
Bertina explained the situation with a serious expression, and Bahamut nodded slowly.
However, no emotions such as bewilderment crossed their faces. Instead, they seemed to weigh the situation heavily.
‘This is something I’ve already anticipated and set in motion… All that remains is to get past this hurdle.’
A large-scale offensive by the Tarkic Empire, consisting of 150,000 troops.
Originally, this should have occurred two years later, but Bahamut himself chose to advance the timeline with certainty. Since the timing was uncertain, it was better for him to press the switch first and lead the situation, ensuring he was prepared.
Additionally, since the war with Benessa had just ended, it was a strategic move, knowing the Tarkic Empire was at its most vulnerable.
‘In fact, the large army, which originally numbered 180,000, has now decreased slightly to about 150,000.’
With that, Bahamut concluded that it was better to initiate the battle and see it through, rather than sitting idle after all the preparations and feeling uneasy.This situation was the result of Bertina’s help.
By leveraging the authority of the Holy Empire’s emperor, Bahamut confirmed the Tarkic invasion. At the same time, he mobilized the enormous funds he had accumulated to persuade the continent’s monarchs to raise an army.
Thus, using the paradigm of religious wars and the tempting lure of loot, an allied force was formed under the Holy Church’s banner, and its size was the largest in history.
Given the situation, both the Dragona Empire and the Tarkic Empire had no choice but to respond, which was unfolding before their eyes.
‘This means the catastrophe, originally set to happen two years later, will occur now. The Tarkic Empire’s advance will bathe the continent in blood.’
In the original story, the Tarkic Empire forces had swiftly destroyed Hangury, trampled the Holy Empire, and carried out a merciless massacre. As a result, half of the Holy Empire’s mainland was reduced to ashes, and 30% of its population was annihilated. This was the devastating outcome Bahamut had once warned the emperor about.
The troops of the Tarkics and Dragona infiltrated the weakened Holy Empire, which had once served as a barrier for the continent.
Cities across the continent, including Hangury, Benessa, Lugano, and even Schwyz, fell to their bloodshed. Countless lives and long-standing cities were wiped out in the flames of war.
At the forefront of this destruction was Isaac, the main character of the original story, who eventually became a servant of the Dragona Empire.
Isaac, driven by revenge against the Holy Empire and Schwyz, wielded his sword, taking the lives of those he held dear. Most characters, whether good or evil, were annihilated by Isaac’s hand, and countless nameless lives perished.
But that was the original story, a tale of a world that no longer existed.
‘In this world, Isaac has become a loyalist of the Holy Empire. In addition, Frank and the Kalmar Alliance, who held back until the end, have stepped forward, so they won’t be taken lightly this time.’
The Allied Forces’ size now nearly matched that of the Tarkic Empire, and the quality of their troops wasn’t lacking either. However, the Tarkic demons, shamans, and the witches and mages of the SS gave them an edge in strength. Moreover, if the Dragona Empire, though small in scale, joined the fray, the situation would undoubtedly worsen.
“If this happens… will our Emperor Carol move?”
“That’s right. The Tarkic Empire moved faster than expected, and its prestige is enormous. I’m sure they’ll attempt to raise an army, even if it’s difficult, just as you predicted.”
Bertina smiled bitterly, while Bahamut silently sipped his tea, smiling.
***
“150,000?… No… Are you saying the Tarkic army is that large?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Um…”
Upon receiving Andersen’s report, Emperor Carol’s face showed a look of astonishment he couldn’t hide. He knew the Tarkic Empire was powerful, but he hadn’t expected them to mobilize such a vast force so quickly, especially when they had just emerged from a war with Benessa.
‘They may have overextended, but it’s impressive. Padishah Shreman… it seems he’s determined to end things this time.’
While the Allied Forces at the front line were no less formidable, the involvement of the Dragona Empire and other factors left little room for maneuver. Initially, the emperor had hoped to buy time by engaging the Dragona Empire through foreign monarchs, but things weren’t progressing as planned.
“Now that it’s come to this, we must respond with all our might.”
“Exactly. With their full offensive underway, the Holy Empire must answer accordingly.”
“… It can’t be helped.”
The fact that the Tarkics overextended themselves to raise an army suggested they had a detailed understanding of the Holy Empire’s situation. Just as the Kingdoms of Hangury and Roland were vital to the Holy Empire, the Tarkics couldn’t afford to ignore the Dragona Empire strategically.
Moreover, the timing, coming right after the conflict with Frank, forced the Holy Empire to take action.
“It’s unfortunate, but wars never start under perfect conditions. If Shreman has come this far, we cannot stand by. Prepare for battle. I will go to my family estate.”
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
“I will follow your orders.”
This decision placed a great burden on the Holy Empire’s national resources. While loans from the Uranus Merchant Company and the Beden Merchant Company could cover the costs, the empire’s debt would be so substantial that even its vast tax revenue wouldn’t suffice.
However, for Emperor Carol, the safety of the empire and continent took precedence over financial concerns. Although recent events had made him more aware of the merchants’ influence, financial issues were still far down his list of priorities.
No one around him could stop his decision now. In his mind, the looming threat of Padishah Shreman’s army outweighed everything else. For the safety of the Holy Empire and his pride as emperor, he had to respond.
Soon after the news of the Tarkic Empire’s campaign reached them, the emperor’s war declaration was posted across the Holy Empire.
***
The ruler of the Tarkic Empire, Padishah Shreman, stood at the heart of a massive army, listening to reports of his enemies. His empire spanned east, west, and south, and he commanded it with unmatched authority.
“If we march two more days north, we’ll reach Hangurian territory. Around the citadel, 20,000 Hangurian troops and 60,000 troops from the Kingdom of Frank are in defensive positions.”
“80,000… that’s not a small number,” Shreman remarked in a voice filled with imperial composure. He gestured for the report to continue.
“The allied forces from Roland and the Kalmar Alliance to the north have begun moving south, as if they’ve detected our movements. Though not all of their troops are mobilized due to concerns about the Dragona Empire, approximately 30,000 are on the move.”
“And the Holy Empire? No matter how dire their situation, the young emperor won’t just sit idly by.”
“Correct. Reports indicate that despite financial pressures, they’re preparing for war. In a few weeks, they’re expected to gather a large army.”
“We don’t have much time. We must destroy Hangury before they descend. Contact the Dragona Empire again.”
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
As the attendant left, a deep smile crept across Shreman’s lips.
“The allied forces of the West… Unlike our skirmishes with Benessa, this time, a worthy adversary has appeared. Foolish Holy Church b*stards… I will engrave the majesty of the Great Tarkic into your bones.”
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