The Berserker’s Second Playthrough in the Game - Chapter 49



Only Krnovel

Episode 49. The Golden Road (1)

After four days of rest, the sergeant recovered completely. Enrico sat up in bed and stretched out.

“Ugh, tsk tsk… … Phew, this is the first time I’ve had this much rest since becoming a commissioner. It’s almost like I’ve been in a grave and reborn.”

“Is everything better, Councilor? “If you get sick again, I’ll just leave you there.”

“Oh, dear, I’m really sorry for you. I’ll give you extra compensation for the delay, so don’t be too angry.”

“… … .”

Kadim nodded roughly. I didn’t say this hoping for compensation, but there was no reason not to accept the money I was offered.

The councilor’s party decided to leave Messen immediately.

The party of eight rode out of the village towards the north on new horses given to them by their chief aide.

The townspeople who woke up early opened their eyes and watched the procession. However, they soon looked away and concentrated on their work, such as sweeping the front door or carrying out errands. The brief confusion after the disappearance of the vigilantes had subsided, and many things were quickly returning to their original places. The day here was too short to pay attention to every single footstep.

The north of Messen was a wide open plain, no different from what we had seen on the way. The sun at dawn spread like a carpet on the road ahead, and the wind caressing the clouds came down to the ground, creating golden and green swells. There was no need for complicated wandering or stopping somewhere, just two days of driving along this beautiful and peaceful road in a straight line was the destination, the Golden Road.

This time, there really weren’t any major problems during the trip.

The sergeant rode briskly, as if showing off his recovery. The soldiers followed, enjoying the refreshing weather and scenery. The peddler chatted away for the first time in a while without worrying about the barbarian’s gaze, and the blacksmith was filled with anticipation that he would finally be reunited with his family. They quickly headed toward the Golden Road, accompanied by the barbarian’s escort who did not even miss the swaying of the grass a few kilometers away.

– Heeheeheehee!

– Purruk, purruruk… … .

Dagdak, dagdak, dagdak… … .

As the horse’s hoof prints stretched along the grass and the pink sun was setting, they found a suitable place to camp. There is a ditch running next to it and there are enough trees and bushes for firewood, making it a perfect place to stay for a day.

“I think it would be best to stay here today, Councilor.”

“That’s right, Feldrick! We’re staying here tonight, so unpack!”

The soldiers busily prepared for camp by tying up horses, unpacking, and lighting fires.

Late evening time. The group ate the rye pie and smoked chicken they brought from Messen. The soldiers used their helmets as a pot to boil and eat stew, and Enrico and Kadim drank wine as an after-dinner drink. When Duncan saw Gulak sipping on something delicious, he approached with curiosity, but when he smelled a familiar smell, he got sick of it and ran away.

After the meal, one soldier stood guard while the rest had free time.

When Gulak offered to repair the equipment, the two soldiers brought daggers, iron gloves, and broken belts. One of the remaining soldiers sparred with Duncan with a wooden stick, but surprisingly, Duncan lost after a close match.

“Ahh! No, if I hadn’t watched you, you would have won, soldier! Just one more round, just one more round!”

“Hahaha! Don’t be ridiculous! “My sharp knife has already hit Mr. Duncan’s neck. Do you really want me to fight a corpse again?”

The soldier raised his wooden staff high into the air. Although he had only defeated a peddler, he was as happy as if he had won a bloody fight with a legendary warrior. The other soldiers and the gulag watched the two men without touching their equipment, and laughed.

Meanwhile, Kadim was lost in thought, looking at the bonfire.

I didn’t show it all day, but my mind was so crowded with all kinds of thoughts that it felt like it was going to explode.

Infestation and resurrection of demons, the church’s Archpaladin, Decagram, wizards who control magic towers and magical energy, shamans of the ruins and wilderness, Beshaka, Agon’s angry horn, Cyril, the rest of the first round’s colleagues, and spy on yourself. And even unknown guys who artificially give rewards… … .

“… … .”

Although the journey began in search of answers, it seemed that the more it went on, the more questions it raised. Would it be possible to obtain satisfactory answers to all of the questions by reaching the Magic Tower and reading Melissa’s records? Kadim was certain that it would never be the case.

As I was closing my eyes because I couldn’t organize my mind, someone quietly approached the fire. The uninvited guest glanced at Kadim’s tattoo, which was as red as a bonfire, and asked in a questioning tone.

“Hmm? Did you originally have a tattoo like that? I don’t think I’ve seen it before… … .”

“… … .”

“Hmm, well, anyway, it’s a really cool tattoo. I’ve heard that tattoos have a special meaning for the Atalans. Did you say it gives you courage and energy to face your enemies? Haha, if that were true, I would have gotten a tattoo that looks like that too… … .”

“You don’t have to force yourself to find something to talk about to win my favor, Councilor. “If you have something to say, stop making excuses and say it right away.”

“… … Ahem.”

Enrico, whose mind was read, coughed awkwardly. He picked up some firewood and stirred the campfire, then quietly brought up the main topic.

“Before I ask you a question, I will tell you the context in advance because you might get angry like last time if I ask you without an explanation. “Of course, what I’m going to say from now on is an absolute secret from everyone else.”

Kadim’s gaze shifted slightly. Enrico leaned forward and lowered his voice.

“As you may already know, most of the Alliance knows the ‘Agon the Furious Horn’ only as a legendary champion of the arena, but that is only half the truth. In addition to being a champion of the arena, he is also the leader of a large armed force of Atalan warriors with ‘special powers’ under his command.”

“… … .”

“I don’t know exactly what ‘special powers’ Agon’s Angry Horn and his men possess. But I’ve heard that the Galentana Council, which has Agon under its jurisdiction, has already made preparations to have them directly under the Council to fight against the Tower and the Church. That must mean that each and every one of their warriors has the power of a hundred men.”

“… … .”

“That is why I previously thought of you as one of those warriors and asked if you had some kind of connection with ‘Agon’s Raging Horn.’ “I’ve never seen an Atallain with superhuman strength that goes beyond common sense before.”

Kadim was silent. It was a surprising fact, but he was not particularly impressed. After all, if you want to impersonate a great warrior, you probably need a group of followers and some strange powers.

“… … Now let me ask you. Why did you get so angry when you heard the name ‘Agon’s Angry Horn’? Is there any special reason for that?”

Flying insects held an ugly festival along with the rising smoke. The counselor’s face showed nervous tension, as if he was walking on thin ice. Kadim gazed askance at the tangled mess of fire, smoke, and starlight.

The sparks dissipated like a sliver of dust and the hard lips fell off.

“He stole what was mine.”

“……which?”

“The title of ‘Great Warrior of Atala’. It is not that spectacle clown’s, it is mine. I may have used it as I pleased while my master was away, but now that my master has returned, it is my duty to give it back to him.”

Enrico was speechless.

The counselor, who faced and assessed countless human groups, was able to gain insight, albeit superficially. That the barbarian is telling the truth. And the eyes of a savage wandering through the night sky picking up sparks, the weight contained within them is heavier than that of anyone I have ever seen in my life.

A feeling of awe filled me along with the intuition that I might be encountering an outrageous person.

“you are… … Who are you? Who on earth are you? … Can you rightfully call yourself the Great Warrior of the Fighting God?”

It was a question whose answer was already within the question. Instead of pointing it out, Kadim decided to change the topic.

Ting-!

“Do you know anything about the design engraved on that silver coin, Inspector?”

“… … Hmm? Where did this currency come from?”

“I got this from an archaeologist. If you know anything, please tell me.”

“No, I’m not sure. It is not a symbol of the council or family… … This is a pattern I’ve never seen before. “If an archaeologist gave it to me, I think it might belong to a fallen ancient nation.”

“… … .”

Kadim took the silver back and asked that the symbol be examined in exchange for additional compensation. If it is not a lie that the family’s information power reaches the entire alliance, then there must be some result. The answer came readily, that he would be willing to do so.

“I guess I should change the soldiers soon. I’ll go stand guard for now. You’ll have to run all day tomorrow too, so get some rest early, Sergeant.”

Kadim got up from his seat and disappeared. There was no further explanation of who he was or what his identity was. Enrico watched him blankly from behind and then slowly looked away.

The dancing flames showed no sign of dying down. They stretched out their cleft hands into the darkness as if they would burn forever. Behind the warm warmth of the fire, the lukewarm night air brushed the back of my neck. The voices of soldiers chattering, the voices of peddlers telling stories, the sound of metal being knocked, the crackling of fire, and the sound of insects being hit by the wind all mingled together and lingered in my ears.

The sleepless nights at the camp gradually deepened.

*

The Free Cities Alliance lags behind the Lucaonia Empire in almost every aspect.

The land is also narrow. There are few people. The wealth accumulated by the wealthy in large cities is at a ridiculous level compared to that of the emperor and great nobles, and the wizards of the Tower of Magic and the brave warriors of the Assassins are nothing more than meager military power compared to the priests and paladins of the Elgar Church.

However, there is one area where the Empire can never defeat the Alliance.

traffic.

Since the fragmented powers were united under the name of the Alliance, the Alliance has made the development of commerce and trade its historical mission. After many years of hard work and dedication by countless grassroots people with the sole intention of laying the foundation to fight against the empire in the future, numerous roads were finally built to connect major bases in the alliance.

Among those roads, the most remarkable achievement was this trade route, the ‘Golden Road’.

Delutana, Galentana, and Vestana. The bloodline of the alliance that connects the three largest cities in the alliance at once. Including the roads that branch out, it includes almost all other major cities. It was said that the number of users of all other roads combined was less than that of the users of this ‘Golden Road’.

And, living up to its reputation, there was a huge line at the gate leading to the Golden Road.

A family lying on an oxcart, an old man carrying a load on his back, a coachman fixing a spoke in front of them, a sullen woman leaning against the carriage window, a mercenary pickpocketing and an angry traveler in front of them, a vagabond glancing at their pockets in front of them, a man lying down with his clothes spread out on the dirt floor…

“… … How long do I have to wait… … .”

“Ha, I wonder what’s going on… … .”

“… … Damn, this isn’t even surprising anymore… … .”

“No, I was standing here first… … .”

The noise of the massed crowd they create. And the dust, sweat, animal odor, and the smell of long, arduous waiting that emanate from them. People carrying their own journeys and schedules were lined up in an endless line.

Kadim frowned. When she arrived, she had heard that the line would be quite long, but it was beyond her expectations. At this rate, she thought she would have to wait almost all day.

But he wasn’t the only one who was surprised.

“… … Oh my god, what the hell is this?”

“Oh my God, Remillion… … What a crowd… … .”

The rest of the group could not help but be shocked as they saw the long line.

“Isn’t the line usually this big?”

“Yes. Looks like something’s wrong. Feldrick, go ask the waiting passersby what’s going on.”

“All right!”

A soldier named Feldrick rode his horse and approached the crowd. He asked several people about what happened and then came back and said this.

“They said the gate was sealed. There are guards controlling all entry and exit. “They have been waiting here for three days already.”

“… … what? Why is the gateway sealed?”

“That’s… … Even the pedestrians don’t know the reason. Even if you ask the guards, they won’t tell you… … .”

Enrico’s eyebrows furrowed slowly. He didn’t know why, and it was stupid to wait in line for the gate to open at any moment.

“First, go to the front gate. “I’ll have to go directly to the guard and ask him why.”

“… … .”

The group of inspectors ignored the line and moved forward.

Dagdak, dagdak, dagdak –

There were often dissatisfied looks and complaints from passers-by, but it wasn’t a big problem. As soon as I saw the big, fierce barbarian following me, I instantly withered away. Kadim’s mere presence was an excellent means of suppressing unnecessary disputes and threats and urging an amicable resolution of the problem.

But not to the guards guarding the gate.

“Go back, the ‘Golden Road’ has been blocked. “Find another route or calmly return to the line and wait until the lockdown is lifted.”

“… … “What is the reason?”

“I can’t tell you. There’s no reason to tell someone like you. “Don’t bother me and go back, savage.”

The guard maintained a stiff attitude, not at all discouraged, even in the face of the powerful barbarian. The symbol of the Delutana Disaster Army engraved on his solid steel breastplate is the source of his courage. I thought there was no reason for me to be scared, since even that barbarian probably didn’t know what this symbol meant.

Kadim, who did not know what the symbol meant, asked again.

“Can’t you tell me the reason? “I don’t know how much longer I have to wait.”

“I already told you that I can’t tell you. Are you stupid and can’t understand what I’m saying? If you ask me one more time, I’ll consider it as intentional interference, savage.”

“Are you really unable to answer? Even if I have to rip your jaws out if you don’t answer?”

“… … what!?”

The guard was furious and tried to extend the spear he was holding. However, the moment he met the savage’s pupil, he was seized by an unknown fear and stopped in his tracks. An animalistic intuition that if he extended this spear, something terrible and unbearable would happen.

The guards were unable to stab Kadim in the end. However, other guards who had noticed the disturbance were approaching. Kadim turned his back on them and turned to the sergeant wearing his hat. Then he growled fiercely like an animal.

“Hey, Councilor. “I’ll give you a chance to choose one of the two.”

“……which?”

“Either I can watch those soldiers get torn apart by my hands, or I can slowly reveal my true identity and solve the problem.”

“… … .”

It was an extremely reasonable action for Kadim.

The contract was to escort him to the Golden Road, so his duties had already been fulfilled. In order to resolve the immediate problem, physical force or power had to be mobilized. The inspector said that he would not reveal his identity unless it was a special case, but wasn’t this enough of a ‘special case’?

After drooling and thinking for a while, Enrico chose the latter. He approached the guards alone.

“Put away your weapons and tell me why the gate has been sealed, soldiers. Then, lead me to the captain of the guard.”

“what?”

“What nonsense are you talking about? Why should we do that?”

The guards frowned and raised their weapons even more threateningly. But Enrico was not scared at all.

“… … “Because you have a duty to do so.”

They probably don’t know what this symbol means.

He took off his brimmed hat and held out a ring with the emblem of the Delutana Society on it.

“I am Enrico Turis, the councilor of Remtana. As a member of the Delutana Council, the rightful custodians of the Golden Road, I hereby order you once again: Put away your weapons and explain why the gate has been sealed. Then, direct me to the captain of the guard.”

“… … !!!”

The guards’ faces looked pale. He froze and trembled as if struck by lightning, but quickly changed his attitude, put away his weapon, and saluted in a loud voice.

“Chu, loyalty! Glory to the golden city!”

“Loyalty! Glory to the Golden City!”

“Loyalty! Glory to the Golden City!”

The guard who seemed to be the highest ranking ran forward and bowed his head.

“Loyalty! Glory to the Golden City! We sincerely welcome you to the second gateway of the Golden Road, Councilor! Forgive me for my impertinence! “I will guide you to the guard captain right now!”

“… … .”

Enrico sighed deeply and pulled his brimmed hat back on.

Kadim and the rest of the soldiers let go of their sword hilts and grabbed their reins.