Chapter 955: In Pursuit
Not long after Nix's visit and discovering his blunder, Aurelius gathered a group of his most trusted soldiers and began to pursue Izroth and Ranazera.
"Having to take some extra precautions so that old monster wouldn't find out what we're up to has made us lose too much time. If they went underground, finding them through normal means is out of the question. It could also just be a tactic to throw us off their trail. But, to fool Nisang's methods—I've yet to meet such an individual capable of doing so. Not to mention, why go through the trouble of taking such an arduous path instead of just going through the Endless Mountain Range?" Aurelius stated as he narrowed his eyes and carefully examined the area Nisang pointed out.
"Young lord, if I may speak?" Vincent requested as he stepped forward respectfully.
"What is it?" Aurelius replied impatiently as he tried to wrap his head around things.
"I believe this is not a trick to throw us off. Please take what I am about to say with a hint of skepticism, young lord." Vincent said calmly.
"That's rather reassuring," Aurelius commented mockingly.
He then continued, "Out with it already. I'll be the one to decide whether or not it's worth listening to."
"Of course, young lord. I think the reason they chose to avoid making the journey through the Endless Mountain Range has to do with an old tale passed down through my family."
"Hey, if you waste my time with some nonsense, I'll kill you. What the hell does some old tale have to do with this?" Aurelius frowned.
Having served under Aurelius for many years now, Vincent was used to his threats; therefore, he continued on as if things were normal.
"Long ago, a member from the Tempest royal family offended a foreign power with unknown origins. Due to this, members of the royal family are forbidden from ever setting foot on the Endless Mountain Range. It is said that the day they break this condition set by their ancestors, the fall of Tempest would not be far behind." Vincent explained.
He then clarified, "My family only knows of this matter because our ancestor served as part of the emperor of that time's personal guard. It has been passed down through every generation of our family. Though the start of it all has long since been lost."
Aurelius took a moment to ponder as he stared out into the Cursed Grounds.
It was said that besides the royal family, no one knew why the Gates of Aegis was constructed.
Also, even though it had never been confirmed, there were rumors that the old monster at the head of the Order of the Eternal Aegis was actually a descendant of the royal family.
"Our family has always known that the royal family was hiding a great secret from the rest of us. If I can get some answers, my father will have no choice but to let me out of this dull place." Aurelius thought to himself.
Aurelius had been stuck at the Gates of Aegis for years. Naturally, he did not plan on staying in such a downtrodden place forever. After all, even if others found it an honor to be a part of the Order of the Eternal Aegis, for someone like him who was a part of the Windstorm family, such an honor was meaningless. He wanted nothing more than to regain the previous power he lost and make up for lost time.
"If you're so sure they won't cross the Endless Mountain Range, then it means their destination is probably Malentansium," Aurelius said with a slight grin.
"Is it not more likely that they'll attempt to retreat into the Land of Unity?" Vincent put forth.
As long as they traveled underground and used the miasma as cover, it should not be impossible for them to get to the Land of Unity without issue.
Not to mention, the Land of Unity was currently under the major control of Amaharpe and Rosentarus, with Proximus acting in a supporting role. It would not be easy to reach the sixth princess once they crossed that threshold.
"That bastard's eyes—I still remember them as clear as day," Aurelius said as he made a gesture with his hand.
The moment he performed this gesture, the soldiers he brought with him started to prepare to move out from their current position.
"That kind of guy, there's no way he'll risk missing a big stage like the Night Lord's Crypt. Without a doubt in my mind, that's where he'll be headed with the sixth princess. Of course, I have no intention of letting him reach that place with his life intact." Aurelius stated as a hint of killing intent flashed through his eyes.
He then ordered, "We're moving out! We'll cut through the Endless Mountain Range and cut them off before they get anywhere near the Night Lord's Crypt!"
...
Meanwhile, somewhere in Malentansium...
After their run-in with the separate contingent, Niflheim, Menerva, and the rest of the 9th Division returned to Amaharpe via a Returning Scroll.
Once they arrived and reorganized themselves, the 9th Division joined up with the rest of the allied forces and was currently on their way toward the Night Lord's Crypt.
Currently, Niflheim and Menerva were traveling together with a familiar face—the War Brigade 2nd Unit Commander of the 1st Legion, Aurie.
"It has not been long since the establishment of the GSU's 9th Division, but you all have already performed a great deed with incredible results. If this continues, that woman may have no choice but to make a move personally." Aurie stated in a pleased tone.
The woman she was referring to was, of course, the current Commander of the General Support Unit, Seraphina.
"We only did what was necessary. Though we won't be turning away any rewards when the time comes. So, be sure to put in a good word for us, Commander." Niflheim said as a small smile formed on his face.
"Naturally, this should be the case. I'm sure General Solomon himself will speak up on your behalf if the Resource Management Division tries to pull anything." Aurie responded with a fierce gaze.
Izroth left a heavy impression on the Resource Management Division—though not necessarily one where they saw him in a bright light. But, regardless of personal feelings, Aurie would make sure things did not go astray when the time came.
As for why the 9th Division was currently traveling with Aurie's unit, it was actually Izroth who made the request of Aurie long beforehand and instructed his two lieutenants to make sure it was carried out.
In the end, the 9th Division was a part of the GSU; therefore, they technically did not have to answer to anyone. But, this was a double-edged sword. If they were in trouble, no one had the obligation, beyond being on the same side, to send aid.
There were still too many unknowns about the kingdom of Malentansium. And so, Izroth wanted to make sure that the 9th Division was in safe hands in case of his absence. After all, the chaos that would inevitably ensue at the Night Lord's Crypt was not something that could be looked down on.
"Still, imagine our surprise when a messenger returned from your unit much earlier than we ever could have anticipated. Now, Tempest forces will have to think twice about whether or not they are truly willing to commit to the defense of the Night Lord's Crypt. However, while I'm glad you've succeeded, it seems that I will have to have a word with your Captain upon his return. His actions this time around are really too reckless." Aurie said with a helpless sigh.
Aurie was made aware of Izroth's situation with the sixth princess of Tempest and knew that he would be hunted to the ends of the earth.
"Our Captain may appear thoughtless on the surface; however, he always maintains a plan within a plan. There is no need for concern over his safety, Commander Aurie." Menerva commented.
"Who's worried about his safety? I'm more concerned about the path of destruction he'll leave in his wake." Aurie sighed as she shook her head.
The Commander was suddenly reminded of the aftermath of the Malentansium outpost city of Vostracane.
...
Somewhere far beneath the Cursed Grounds...
'This is the first time I've used mana at this level of quantity and consistency. It's only been two hours since I started, yet it feels like the shackles on the fourth seal of the Seal of Ten Chakrams are already breaking free. As I thought, there is a considerable difference between magic theory and actual magic application in real-time.'