Inside Cangyun City.
"So, the scale of the unrest in Kerton City is quite substantial?" asked Rakel, the commander of the Nasda Empire's forces stationed at Cangyun.
"Yes," replied the scout kneeling on the ground. "Especially after the rebel army captured Jade Mountain City, nearly every village within a radius of several hundred miles responded, with many farmers flocking to join the rebellion. From what I observed in Jade Mountain City, the number of rebels may have reached around ten thousand."
Rakel chuckled, "Ten thousand? Remarkable, ha ha. What do you think?"
He turned to the man beside him, who had been cursed by Marquez countless times.
Raman, in his fifties, of average build and graying hair, appeared composed with sharp, bright eyes that showed no signs of aging. Since he had surrendered Cangyun City to the Nasda Empire, he had garnered much favor from Emperor Baz, receiving significant responsibilities. He currently served as the deputy commander of the thirty thousand troops stationed at Cangyun, subordinate to the first-ranking duke of the empire.
Upon hearing Rakel's question, Raman smiled faintly and said, "Toran is in serious trouble now."
Rakel laughed boisterously. "Indeed! This is a divine boon for the Nasda Empire. It's worth noting that Toran has managed to hold out for six years with just a hundred thousand troops; he is no fool. Yet now, he is beset by both internal conflict and external threats. I can't wait to see how he endures this! Ha ha…"
Raman inquired, "What does the duke intend to do to assist that feeble army?"
Rakel's expression sobered as he pondered for a moment. "All we need is to pin Toran down at the front lines, ensuring he cannot divert his forces or spread them too thin to quell the unrest. From my perspective, this rebel army may prove to be quite formidable."
Raman nodded, "Indeed. After the battles at Moonlight Valley and Jade Mountain City, the rebels have executed their strategies to perfection, employing tactics of surprise and ambush. It seems they possess a capable commander among their ranks." He then turned to the scout and asked, "Have you gathered any information regarding the leader of the rebels?"
The scout replied, "In Jade Mountain City, the individuals organizing and training the soldiers were Jeff and Harry, former soldiers of the Marquez border army. However, my investigation revealed that the actual commander is a dark-robed sorcerer, the one rumored to have resurfaced after a millennium, the dark sorcerer known as Charmion. From my observations, both Jeff and Harry, as well as the average villagers, hold this dark sorcerer in deep esteem."
"Charmion?" Raman's body stiffened, and he pressed further, "You say his name is Charmion?"
Seeing the rare loss of composure on Raman's face, both Rakel and the scout were taken aback. The scout hesitated before responding.
"Yes. It is said that this individual studied in the capital of the Marquez Kingdom during his youth, under the tutelage of the so-called wisest man in Marquez, Elder Shuken. However, somehow he later turned to darkness. Additionally…"
"What else?" Raman inquired, unable to contain his curiosity as the scout paused abruptly.
The scout rushed to explain, "These rumors have been circulating through various channels from Chisu City, but curiously, no information regarding this dark sorcerer has leaked from Kerton."
"That is rather unusual," Raman remarked, furrowing his brow. "Very well, you may leave."
After the scout departed, Rakel turned to Raman and asked, "Do you know this person?"
Raman regained his composure and smiled, "It seems he might be the son of an old acquaintance of mine. Regarding the current situation, I have a new idea I'd like to discuss with you."
As he spoke, a cold laugh formed in the depths of his mind: Toran, after many years, has encountered the son of Yousu. I imagine you are filled with complex emotions!
Standing atop the walls of the only city in Marquez that remained free from the royal family's control, Charmion gazed into the distance.
In the distance outside the city, Marquez troops were stationed. Yet Charmion felt no concern for this army; with only five thousand soldiers, they lacked the force to besiege a city. What truly worried him was the powerful military strength stationed back in Kerton City.
Footsteps echoed, and Charmion saw Jeff Cork approaching him. The tension of recent days had left Jeff appearing somewhat fatigued, yet satisfaction and pride radiated from his expression.
"Lord Charmion," Jeff stated, "the organization of the new recruits is complete, and we have also distributed the weapons from the armory. Currently, Harry is leading the new recruits in training at the city's practice grounds."
Charmion offered a faint smile. Being among these loyal subordinates made him realize that he smiled far more often than he once did.
"How many men do we have now?" he inquired.
Jeff replied, "Since we captured Jade Mountain City, the number of individuals coming to join us has far exceeded our expectations. We've reached a total of eleven thousand thus far."
Charmion nodded, saying, "This is thanks to the weapons and provisions left behind by the Marquez."
Jeff laughed heartily. After capturing Jade Mountain City, they were pleasantly surprised to find it stocked with substantial supplies. It turned out that, situated over two hundred miles from Kerton, the city served as a vital support base for Toran. Initially, due to its position far from the Nasda front, only a thousand troops had been stationed there. Who would have thought it would become so precarious, catching Toran off guard?
The autumn wind swept over the walls, causing the military banners to snap sharply. As Jeff observed the dark-robed figure, he felt a chill; even the sunlight seemed to grow cold under his presence.
"Do you wish to know about my past?" Charmion suddenly asked.
Jeff was taken aback; although he had fought alongside Charmion, he had never inquired about his history. The events in Arshat Village had left him hesitant to approach this "demon."
Charmion, not waiting for a response, continued, "I grew up in the capital city of Chisu. At a young age, my cleverness earned me a place at the Advanced Magic Academy, where I studied under Elder Shuken."
"Elder Shuken!" Jeff gasped, as few in the continent were unfamiliar with that name.
"Yes," Charmion replied with a cold smile. "I learned much from him, and given that the academy holds the largest collection of texts in Marquez, I read extensively in my spare time. You may wonder how, without battlefield experience, I know so much about military tactics—it was all from books."
Charmion paused to gaze at the forces outside the city before continuing, "For a long time, I led a tranquil life. It was not until six years ago that my father met with misfortune; someone discovered he was consorting with the Nasda Empire and was charged with treason. I sought Elder Shuken's assistance, but instead, he revealed my father's hiding place to the authorities. My father was subsequently captured and executed, and I was expelled from the academy."
Jeff stood speechless, the weight of Charmion's words rendering him immobile.
Charmion regarded him and remarked, "Perhaps you would not expect this, but I do not harbor deep resentment toward Marquez. They acted according to their duty, albeit at great personal cost to me."
Surprised, Jeff asked, "Then why do you still ally with us…"
Charmion responded, "At first, when I helped you, it was merely a small act of kindness—I didn't think much of it. But as things escalated, I questioned whether it was still necessary to stand by your side in rebellion against the entire Marquez Kingdom."
"What are your thoughts?" Jeff asked, his voice tense.
After a moment of reflection, Charmion said, "Upon careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that, first, I cannot abandon you; second, I have discovered my own ambitions, and I enjoy this life."
Jeff looked puzzled. "Ambitions?"
Charmion stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his pale face illuminated by the weak autumn sunlight, exuding an inexplicable aura of solitude. "I have confidence in my training, which is exceptional. In my youth, filled with youthful vigor, I aspired to serve my country, but circumstances changed, and I became disillusioned. If it weren't for Roderick and Wesley standing by me during those trying times, I might have perished in Chisu City. Later, after we reached the border and witnessed the suffering of the people, I realized that if I were to take power, conditions would undoubtedly improve. Therefore, my current actions are not solely for your benefit, but rather for my own ambitions."
With this, Charmion fixed his gaze on Jeff, "The reason I am sharing this with you is to make you fully consider whether it is worth dedicating your life to follow me."
Jeff remained silent for a long moment before walking to the edge of the city wall, gazing at the distant Marquez army. "I have always been fond of martial pursuits; my greatest dream was to one day command thousands of soldiers. But after enlisting, I found that within the Marquez army, I would forever be just a soldier on the front lines. Countless victories I secured with my comrades, won through bloodshed, only served to elevate those less capable than I. It was simply because we hailed from border farming backgrounds, destined to be expendable cannon fodder."
As he spoke, Jeff's emotions surged, and he paused to steady himself before continuing. "Later, when I learned of Zack and his men's actions towards Aili and the villagers, I could no longer tolerate it, forcing me to betray Marquez. Upon returning to Arshat Village, I felt lost, uncertain of my future. But fortunately, I encountered you, Lord Charmion. It is you who have pointed me toward a new path, offering me a chance to realize my dreams. I firmly believe that in the nation you establish, my wife, child, and many others will lead far better lives than they do now. And that is the reason I fight. So—"
Jeff met Charmion's gaze, his face resolute beneath the sunlight. "Believe me, Jeff Cork's oath to you on that full moon night will never waver throughout my life. From this moment, your ideals will become my mission, and I shall fight tirelessly for them!"
Charmion regarded him deeply, saying nothing, but nodding in acknowledgment.
He then walked toward a large estate. The bustling crowd along the road gradually quieted as each person bowed their heads, their gazes laced with admiration and trepidation. The unique aura of darkness enveloping Charmion was fully affirmed at that moment. The ordinary citizens of the light-filled world found him intimidating. Despite the blind trust he had earned following their recent victories, very few, apart from Roderick and Wesley, had grown close enough to him to speak freely.
This estate had belonged to the former lord of Jade Mountain City, but its former occupant had perished in the turmoil. It was now repurposed as a temporary command post for the uprising. Charmion and his companions resided within.
As they neared the grand entrance, a strange tension filled the air, and suddenly, a beast-like roar erupted from within.
Upon entering, they saw that an expansive area between the hall and the entrance was crowded with soldiers surrounding a large iron cage, screaming and striking it with wooden clubs and other objects. Inside the cage was a young, muscular half-orc, completely naked except for the hide covering its waist. Its muscles bulged, showcasing its strength, with a protruding jaw revealing sharp fangs. Dense hair covered most of its body aside from its chest.
Clearly enraged by the soldiers' taunts, the half-orc howled in fury, shaking the iron cage violently, eager to break free.
Charmion frowned, noticing Roderick and Wesley standing nearby. He approached them to inquire about the situation, learning that after the death of the former lord, the soldiers of the uprising had conducted a routine inspection in the estate. They inadvertently discovered the half-orc imprisoned deep within the dungeon and brought it out along with the cage. But upon seeing the sunlight, the half-orc had instantly raged, causing injury to two nearby soldiers.
Understanding the unfolding circumstances, Charmion also grasped the underlying reasons. Among the five higher races on the continent, the half-orcs occupied the most miserable position. They were forced to live in harsh, inhospitable environments; should a single half-orc accidentally wander out of the wasteland into human-controlled territory, they were often captured and sold into slavery in the gold and silver mines. Due to their superior strength, one half-orc could perform the work equivalent to four or five humans, making them highly sought after. Nevertheless, the fate of these slaves was grim; they were condemned to remain in dark, sunless mines, laboring tirelessly with little rest. A strong half-orc would be worked to death within a few years, yet the wealth they generated was far greater than the price that had bought them.
This sordid trade in slavery.
Charmion commanded the soldiers to stand down and ordered them to step back. He then approached the iron cage and scrutinized the half-orc within.
Standing behind him, Roderick quietly asked Wesley, "What do you think the deadwood is planning to do?"
Wesley focused on Charmion and replied, "How would I know? Perhaps the soulless one intends to sell this half-orc for military funds?"
Roderick snorted, "You think everyone is as greedy as you?"
Wesley shot back angrily, "Then what do you think he intends to do?"
Roderick smirked, "Do I need to ask? It certainly won't be to set him free."
Wesley sneered, "That's not a certainty."
Feeling a chill run down his spine, Roderick glanced at Charmion and instinctively took a step back. When he turned his head, he noticed Wesley retreating even further.
Charmion studied the half-orc, observing how its massive body was forced to bend within the confines of the cage, its powerful hands gripping the iron bars with fierce intensity as it glared at him.
What a familiar gaze, filled with anger and despair, its powerful exterior failing to conceal the anxiety in its blood-red eyes and the confusion regarding its fate. Yes, confusion. In the gaze of this half-orc, Charmion saw a reflection of his own recent bewilderment.
What a feeling it was, as if plunging deep into the very core of one's soul.
Amidst the astonished looks of the soldiers and Roderick and Wesley's "I knew it," Charmion used magic to break the lock on the cage.
The half-orc hesitated for a moment, then watched in disbelief as the dark-robed man raised a hand and, with a dull thud, the lock fell away. With disbelief, it pushed against the door, which swung open with a creak.
Everyone immediately stepped back, with Roderick and Wesley retreating the farthest. They all watched as the previously caged half-orc tossed two soldiers aside as if they were mere chickens.
Only Charmion remained standing in place.
The half-orc emerged from the cage, and its first action was to straighten up and stretch its limbs. Charmion observed that this half-orc was even larger than he had previously imagined. Standing beside it, he realized he barely reached its shoulder—a stark contrast akin to the difference between an adult and a child.
An eerie silence fell over the area; everyone held their breath. The half-orc turned to Charmion, eyes burning with hatred for humanity, and suddenly, it let out a fierce roar, lunging at him.
Charmion frowned, placing his left palm across his chest as he quickly recited an incantation. Just as the half-orc's claw was about to pierce his chest, it inexplicably halted mid-air.
The half-orc felt as if an invisible wall stood before it, utterly insurmountable. If Elder Shuken were present, he would surely recognize this as the "Dark Wall" from dark magic.
The white gem atop Charmion's dark staff began to illuminate, causing the onlookers to feel an invisible force gather in the air. The half-orc sensed not only a barrier blocking its movement but also began to feel pressure pushing back against it.
How could this be? It thought in rage. How could it be overpowered by a human? With a roar of fury, it charged forward with all its might, momentarily pushing the invisible barrier back a few inches. A flicker of surprise crossed Charmion's face; the strength of this half-orc likely exceeded that of three or four humans combined.
As the standoff continued, the half-orc felt the pressure intensify. Even more frightening was the realization that as the dark-robed man advanced with his staff, three more invisible walls began to bear down upon him from behind and the sides.
The half-orc let out a low growl as sweat poured down its body, straining against the mounting pressure, but it continued to grow heavier as the four walls constricted around it, as if they aimed to crush him.
Its vision blurred, pulses quickened, and the sensation of power drained from its limbs. The breath of death brushed against it.
Suddenly, it saw the black-robed man slam the staff against the ground, and he seemed to shout something. At that moment, the pressure around it suddenly evaporated. But this realization would be its last.
The half-orc collapsed.
"Excellent, excellent!" came a voice of praise from the entrance.
Everyone turned to see an elderly man and a younger one, clapping and cheering at the doorway. A soldier from the uprising quickly approached Charmion, delivering a report.
"My lord, they say there is urgent business that requires your attention."
Charmion glanced at the two figures. The young one exuded confidence while the elder remained composed. Yet, they had never seen them before.
"What business do you seek with me?" Charmion inquired.
The elder stepped forward and said, "We have important matters to discuss privately with you, my lord."
Charmion furrowed his brow and, after a moment of contemplation, replied, "Let's find a place to speak." He then called over a nearby soldier, instructing him on how to handle the half-orc before walking into the hall, with Roderick and Wesley following closely behind.
Once the soldiers had exited, only five individuals remained in the hall. The elder glanced at Roderick and Wesley but did not speak; Charmion interjected, "These two are my trusted allies; there is no need to speak in hushed tones."
The elder smiled and took a moment to carefully examine Charmion before finally asking, "Are you the son of Yousu Charmion?"
Charmion's body tensed as he stared at the elder, finally responding, "Who are you, and how do you know my lineage?"
The elder smiled again, though his expression carried a hint of sadness. "My name is Raman."