Trinitas Mundus

Tria Calendar 3026, around 1 p.m. Jan. 18.

Mercenaries from the Mercenary Corps of Markat (Red Arms) had fallen in bold letters in the snowfields, exhaling rough breaths. Some of them appeared to be Ray, who caused an avalanche by magic.

Although we prevented the tracking of the Great Ghost Troops by avalanche, we didn't think the Great Ghosts would honestly give up, because we retreated with all our might for another hour or so.

The efforts of the Unos, the Beastly Slaves, showed that the Great Ghosts could not afford to devote themselves to rescuing and re-pursuing the survivors, and they were just about to take a break.

As soon as they entered the break, they fell into the snow defenselessly. Early morning marches in the snow and subsequent retreats peaked the fatigue of the mercenaries in the Mercenary Corps of Markat (Red Arms).

In the meantime, Hamish Markat, the commander of the regiment, gives instructions one after the other.

"Most Squad! Don't neglect perimeter alert! Demons are not the only enemies! Watch out for demon raids too! Squad three stands by at the rear! Squad Two, Squad Four, and Squad Five, as appropriate, grab a meal!

The mercenaries of the Most Squad led by Gareth Ayling and the Third Squad led by Lazareth Dawell slowly rise to that order.

Ray was impressed, looking at the look of it, that it was something he could stand up to often. The moment he fell into the snow, just like his friends, he was losing his strength to move and his energy.

(Mr. Gareth and the others are amazing. I barely rested in this snow in the morning and kept moving for over seven hours... and I wonder if the ghosts really gave up. I don't think Uno's report is wrong... but with that said, Uno and the others are in great health too...)

We're not running on snow, but the Unos were moving around more than twice as fast as the mercenaries, exploring enemy trends.

(The little ghosts seem to move badly, but I guess it's due to inter-tribal conflict. Then there's a gap to get into... but this makes it harder to help Luna, Mr. Tsukiya. As it were, they would take you to the land of the demons (Kwaedam Tenebre)...)

Ashley fell in the snow and was heartbroken to see Ray thinking about it.

(Perhaps you regret not being able to help Luna. But there was nothing I could do about it this time. I guess Ray understands that too......)

She was sitting beside him, thinking about it.

Stella was on guard around her, thinking about this aftermath.

(Master Ray should definitely go help that guy. But how... maybe they'll try to go alone... but it's none of my business. I follow where that one goes. That's all......)

When she consolidated her determination so much, she once again stepped up her perimeter vigilance.

Hamish decided to give up his march that day.

There are six or seven km from their current position to Fort Toa, and if it is in full condition, it is a long enough distance to arrive by sunset, but the mercenaries have already been moving in the snow for more than a dozen km and it is difficult to say that it is in full condition. There are no further signs of enemy pursuit, and the thread of tension is about to be cut.

(If we keep going, there will be an unplugged accident. Then we'd better camp somewhere safe. Of course, the assumption is that the Beasts will come out to scout... because they are making it quite impossible for them...)

Hamish decided to go check on Ray, who commands the Unos, about it.

Ashley wakes Ray when he finds out what Hamish looks like.

"Is there something wrong?

Hamish tells Ray's questions what he thinks.

"You can tell from everyone's condition, but we got to camp around here. Then there will be the pursuit of the Ghosts..."

Ray was nodding as he listened, but distorts his expression to the fact that the Unos would be burdened with any more.

"This time, it was Uno and the others who worked the most. I can't believe it doesn't even have time to rest... but I can't think of any other way..."

Nuebe, the beastly slave who had refrained from coming to him, joined the story with slight hesitation.

"Unfortunately… we have no use for such considerations"

"But if you're tired, you're wrong, and you're out of movement."

To Ray's words, Nuebe shakes her head "Wearing" small.

"There's nothing wrong with that to this extent. We've been through tougher situations many times."

Ray still wanted to say something, but he didn't say anything more and looked at Hamish.

"Well... I'm sorry, but can you explore enemy trends until tomorrow? Please."

Hamish bows his head when he says so.

And he immediately began to give instructions out loud.

"We're gonna camp here! But don't take your gear off! Don't use fire anywhere but from the north! ……

The mercenaries give the words a relief look. Even the Red Arms, who are said to be elite, seemed to march harder than this.

Ray saw how it went and felt Hamish's decision was right, but still heartbroken by the strain placed on the Unos and told Nuebe how he felt.

"I'm really sorry I've been asking you to keep an eye on me ever since I got here. But also what Mr. Hamish says...... I'm so sorry"

That's what I said and bowed my head.

Nuebe, who had no expression for Hamish, who likewise bowed her head, also had a slightly panicked look for Ray.

"If you can be of service to Lord Arklight… that's enough"

Ashley was heartily surprised to see how it went.

(Those beasts gave a look, albeit slight. This is also a guy named Ray's Human Virtue... Ray is right, they are “people” too. Lukes using that like a tool...... still incompatible with Lukes......)

Later, reports came in that the Great Ghost Troops finished rescuing the survivors and pulled them up.

The Red Arms cheered on the report.

Especially when the young man from Squad Five, Hal Ranks, said out loud, "Thank God! Shouting," the voice of reprimand flies from Valeria Markat, the captain.

"Not yet, the enemy hasn't pulled it up completely! Don't get distracted!

But there was no tension left in her face, either, like the one I had stuck with earlier.

Nothing happened that night, and in the early morning of the following January 19th, the Mercenaries of Markat (Red Arms) turned back to Fort Toa.

We arrive at Fort Toa around 10am but their expressions were complicated. There were many subtle expressions mixed with the joy of survival and the carelessness of the Demons to say they failed to sweep their remaining enemies.

The purpose of this demonic pursuit squad was officially to crusade the survival of the demonic army, which lost the Periclitle offensive, and the discovery of a route bypassing Fort Toa. Though the discovery of the detour route was made, the purpose of crusading the Great Haunted Troop with Luna, the son of the Moon, and taking her back could not be fulfilled.

In addition to the forcible forces from Periclitle, he regrets that despite his operations in Snow Mountain over a few days, he fled without a proper fight.

Hamish is aware of their thoughts,

"It's not over yet! We found a new route of invasion for the enemy. If we crush this place, the enemy will be free to attack us. There must be an operation to crush it!

The mercenaries are also convinced of the words, and wave up their arms to respond.

But Hamish didn't think he would do what he said.

(Probably won't move until spring. Sure, it's time to attack now that enemy forces are down, but in fact, I don't know if it's all with enemy forces. Then you will not be forced into the snow to go on offense. Especially if that commander......)

Hamish's predictions met.

He made this report and further advanced the attack on the village of Leriche - the incursion stronghold on the Demonic side - but the commander of Fort Toa, Viscount Benjamin Plummer, did not shake his head vertically.

"… it is understandable that the way out and the place where Leriche Village will be..."

Hamish lifts his hips to the word "if..." but goes on to say the words to block the plummer.

"But it's a bad time. What happens if you put it in Aquila at this time of severe cold. Isn't that what you know best? Well, if we're going to move the big army, we have to carry a lot of food and stuff. If the snow breaks, and there's no backup, it's an invasion and suicide."

Viscount Plummer's words were true and what Hamish himself had felt. For that reason, I could only keep quiet without being able to say anything.

"The important thing is that the Great Haunted Decapitators we feared the most are gone. No matter how many little ghosts there are, Toa won't fall, but the Big Ghosts are troublesome. If the Great Ghost has returned to Kwaedam Tenebre, no more reckless maneuvers are needed..."

The talks between Hamish and Viscount Plummer ended briefly. And it was announced that no pursuit operation would take place.

Mercenaries, many of the adventurers, of the Demonic Pursuit Corps outside the Red Arms welcomed the decision. They experienced the danger of Aquila in the middle of winter and hated to put themselves in any more danger.

Ray was not convinced by his mind, although he was convinced by the decision.

(Military dispatch does not take place until spring. Then we're not gonna make it! I need to get Luna back by the time that (...) starts... again... what the fuck is "that"... I can't remember...)

And he made one decision.

He was single and decided to infiltrate Kwaedham Tenebre, in the words of the Demons, into Sochius and take Luna back.

I went to tell Ashley about it first.

"I'm going to help Luna."

When Ray quietly told him so, Ashley nodded small, saying, "I thought that would be the case," and hugged his body.

"Of course, I'm coming too. You knew that, didn't you?

With a hug back, he said, "Yeah. I'm not leaving you and Stella," I whisper in my ear.

I'll tell Stella the same thing along with Ashley, but she had already figured that would happen, and there was no stopping it, and she was honestly nodding.

The three headed to the quarters assigned to Hamish. There was Hamish and his wife Valeria, as well as his deputy Alberic Auger, who were just discussing the future of the Mercenary Corps of Markat (Red Arms).

Ray tells them what he thinks.

"We infiltrate Kwaedam Tenebre, a land of demons. And I'll bring Luna back."

Hamish didn't get an unexpected look at Ray assuming that was the case.

"You guys can't do this alone. If they get into Kwaedam Tenebre, there 'll be reinforcements. And there are no maps or anything. How are you going to go after him?"

Ray shook his head "Wearing" small,

"We have the Darvé and Lauri of the Little Ghost Clan. We can make a rough map from their memories, and Uno and the others will follow us, so it's possible to track…"

Ray will explain Ashley, in addition to Stella, the two little ghost captives Darvé and Lauri, and the proposal to infiltrate Kwaedam Tenebre, the enemy land with Luke's beastly slave Uno and five others.

"... and they should be alarmed if they cross Aquila. If you poke that gap..."

That's where Alberic pinches his mouth.

"It's harder than you can imagine to get into enemy territory. Food, water, information... it's hard to get them all. First of all, I think it's harder to catch up because the other side is better off and ahead of us."

The question was one within Ray's assumptions.

"Food can be packed in my item box for as long as ten people can act for quite some time, and water can be made with my magic. We know where the enemy is going. Hopefully, we can get ahead of ourselves. We need to aim now that our enemies are alarmed..."

"You have no choice. Hamish, you have to admit it. If you stop it, you'll go on your own."

Alberic says so in his usual light condition, but Hamish next door didn't say anything with a look like he chewed up a bitter bug.

"How soon are you going to be back? Is there any chance of that?

When Valeria says so, Ray shakes his head, "I don't know,"

"They say the destination, to Luberna, the capital of the Moon Demons, is about 700 km from here. I can't take the horse, so it'll take a month and a half even if it goes well. So we think it will take more than three months."

"I'm not your brother Al, but can you catch up with that? Besides, there's never enough food."

"I have Luna over there, and I don't think I'll be in such a hurry because it's within my own country. Besides, if the Demons respect the existence of the Son of the Moon, there must always be something like a welcome feast in a big city. So I was wondering if we could catch up in the meantime..."

Hamish and the others will confirm further, but Ray's explanation was not precipitated and I could see that I had been considering it quite a bit.

Hamish said, "Okay,"

"But don't push it. If you think it sucks, come back. We should attack a village called Leriche in the spring. Maybe then you guys won't have to do it alone. Keep that in mind."

Ray nodded small, but in his heart he was thinking of something else.

(Then we won't make it. Once Luna has reached the Moon Demon Capital, the ritual will take place. Whatever it takes by then......)

He has since offered to be accompanied by Alberic, but Ray refuses. In contrast, Ashley expressed her doubts.

"What can I say, regardless of his character, Brother Al excels as a scout and archer. Plus I can use healing magic. I can't use healing magic other than you this time. If you get hurt... can't you ask Brother Al to come?"

"I want you to come warriorly...... maybe you'll need Mr. Alberic over here as well. Especially if you're going into the mountains of Aquila, you absolutely need a good scout. Because there are few scouts in the Red Arms today."

Originally, there were few outstanding scouts in the Mercenary Corps of Markat, which mainly provided escorts. Of course, the need for scouts was recognised in camp security and elsewhere, but few scouts became mercenaries in the first place because of the occupational pattern of mercenaries, the low priority given to them as adventurers going into the woods in small numbers. Furthermore, many veterans have been lost in the Battle of Millis Valley - a fierce battle in the eastern part of the Kingdom of Lax in which troops dominated the Marcut Mercenary Regiment defeated 3,000 orcs - and no scouts have been replenished.

"They came because of Uno and Stella, but it's dangerous for Mr. Hamish to be gone until Mr. Alberic."

Ashley had to nod at the words.

(Indeed, it is the power of Lord Uno and others who survived this battle. Think of your fathers and your companions...)

"He's going to scratch me around with Mr. Alberic... he's a good guy, but I'm worried about what he's going to do without Mr. Hamish"

Ray made a joke to encourage Ashley to think.

Not only Ashley, Stella accidentally leaks laughter at the words.

The three of them went to their assigned quarters to talk about their future plans.

In front of the room was the figure of Ryan standing unattended.

He was pretty depressed by his inability to take Luna back, and seemed to be waiting to talk to the Rays about what to do now.

Ray invites Ryan into his room.

"We cross Aquila to help Luna. We're leaving tomorrow."

Ryan was stuck in words for a moment in his words as he proclaimed.

He mixed his desire to chase him too with his doubts as to whether he would be useful, and the words didn't come out.

(I want to go after him right away. They took Luna because of my impudence. So... but am I gonna go and help? Aren't you just gonna pull the Rays' legs...)

You guessed Ryan's heart, Ray didn't say anything.

And after a few seconds of silence dominated the scene, Ryan started talking to squeeze it out.

"I'm not going. No, I can't go..."

"Is that all right with you," said Ashley, who thought she was going to say to follow.

"If you mean it, I want to chase you right now! But it won't help if I go. So..."

Ryan said so, dropping his shoulder, eating up his teeth and weeping.

Ray placed his hand on Ryan's shoulder,

"'Cause I'll definitely take you home"

Ryan was overwhelmed by the words. Tears were falling and a slight whimper was leaking.

"Yes, please. Help him, Luna... not my brother-in-law, please..."

Ashley thought Ryan was losing confidence.

(I was so confident just about two months ago. But I don't know. I couldn't get my beloved woman (Luna) back after she was taken away in front of me. Besides, there seems to be nothing good about training the Mercenaries (Red Arms)...)

"I can't go, but I believe you'll get Luna back. That's why I'm helping. To never be deprived of Luna again."

That's what Ryan said out of a firm tone. Ashley was looking up at him and staring straight at Ray for just a little bit.

(You used to look like a guy with just a mouth to eat and hang on Ray, but you look peeled off. If so, can I take my skin off...)

"You really want to help."

Ryan had a surprise look on Ashley's sudden inquiry.

"You can do it with your mouth full of joining the Mercenary Corps of Markat. Well, if my father admits it, it won't happen, but if you don't mind, I'll talk to him."

Ryan's eyes open wide.

"Please. No, please! I want to help you at all costs!

Ryan bows his head deeply against Ashley.

He was then recognized by Hamish and assigned to the second squad led by Zenga Ormiga, the Beast Man.

The Rays went on to raise supplies, aiming to leave the next day.