Currently, the Crusaders on the Pandora Continent expedition are divided into three main legions.
The first, known as the “First Army,” is a legion of fifteen thousand directly led by the Seventh Apostle Sariel, the Commander-in-Chief of the Crusaders, who was dispatched to Pandora first. The troop losses incurred during the Battle of Goldran have now been replenished by the new reinforcements sent by Cardinal Arus.
Next is the “Second Army,” which is a legion sent en masse by the Church under the pretext of “reinforcements” shortly after Sariel’s First Army occupied Daedalus. Most of this Second Army consists of soldiers gathered by Cardinal Mercedes, who is infamous for her fierce power struggles within the Church.
Outwardly, the First Army granted the Second Army the task of occupying portions of Daedalus outside the capital, as a way of conceding some credit. Aside from stumbling in a remote village at the western edge known as Alsace, the operation proceeded quite smoothly.
And finally, the “Third Army.” This is the coalition army of nobles led by Sinclair, which arrived late after being preempted by Cardinal Mercedes of the Church with reinforcements to Pandora.
This time, the Second Army, in kind, will concede their role as the vanguard to the Third Army, which will be tasked with invading the new target, Spada.
Recently, the Daedalus territory has been disturbed by residual factions and resistance movements, making it difficult for the Third Army to carry out the assault on Spada.
However, just the other day, news spread widely that the elite forces of the First Army, led by the Seventh Apostle Sariel, had completely annihilated the rebel troops that attacked the Fourth Laboratory within the Media Ruins, leading to the conclusion of the rebellion.
With this, the Third Army can finally begin their invasion of Spada. However, despite it being early winter, there are whispers questioning the decisions of the Third Army regarding such a large-scale invasion operation.
There are rumors circulating in the capital Daedalus, suggesting that it might be a plot by the Church to conveniently push the noble Third Army into a situation of destruction, or that their commander, the Count, was so smitten by Sariel’s beauty that he took on the challenge to show off, even though these rumors are unfounded.
“Oh, what a trivial matter… or rather, I don’t care anymore…”
In this manner, there stands a weary middle-aged man.
The place is the Church of the Cross Religion, built for the newly arrived settlers in the capital Daedalus. Due to its rushed construction and being situated on the outskirts of the city, it is small and shabby compared to the newly established church in the central district around the Royal Castle. This chapel is already suffering from the winter draft.
This shabby church is managed by the middle-aged man—Commander Norz—alone.
“Damn it! If it weren’t for the Demon of Alsace, I’d be—”
Taking advantage of the fact that no worshipers are present, he loudly complains while kicking a tattered bench. The altar of the chapel is, of course, adorned with the cross, the symbol of the White God, but the current Commander seems to have no spare capacity to concern himself with the eyes of God.
After the sound of the chair kicking echoed hollowly, an even more desolate silence enveloped the chapel.
“…Damn it.”
Commander Norz. Until just six months ago, he was a general leading the occupation forces of the Second Army. Even though it was an occupation force, it was a grand legion numbering in the thousands. His promotion was due to his extensive battle experience and valor being recognized.
The occupation proceeded smoothly, just like other forces. His deputy, a woman named Sylvia, was both foul-mouthed and harbored the terrible secret of being a pawn of the Eighth Apostle, but she was exceptional when it came to advancing the occupation.
Everything was going well until that black-haired demon appeared.
“Why am I in this situation…”
It was a major blunder. After suffering countless casualties against barely over a hundred adventurers, it was thanks to the assistance of the Eighth Apostle Ai and the Eleventh Apostle Misa that he finally… no, really finally managed to occupy such a small rural village.
The responsibility as a general could not be overlooked. It was inevitable he would be relegated.
But Norz was a fortunate man. Had the Crusaders been in a more desperate situation, he would have certainly been held accountable and executed.
Instead, he was only reassigned. Not only did he keep his life, but he also retained his position as Commander, and was given this nominal job. The treatment he received for leading thousands of subordinates to their death was overly lenient.
Yet, that does not mean he can be satisfied with his current circumstances. Norz had a dream. To speak more frankly, he had desires. With career advancement, he could have wealth and honor at his command. Even without being born a noble, attaining great success as a clergyman would fulfill all that a person could wish for.
This was a worldly desire unbecoming of a clergyman, yet it was something many who call themselves priests secretly harbored. In that sense, Norz was an ordinary man.
And for such an ordinary man, opportunities once missed never come around a second time. There would be no second chance to rectify a major mistake.
Norz had already come to terms with the fact that he would spend the rest of his life in this small foreign church. Even if the Crusaders smoothly conquered all of Pandora from here on out, he would receive none of the benefits. He would not be allowed to participate.
This place felt like a prison built solely to confine him.
However, on that day, the prison’s door suddenly opened.
“Hello there! Long time no see, Commander Norz! How have you been?”
As the poorly fitted door creaked open, a man stepped into the dim chapel.
“G-Gregorius the Bishop!?”
With a dubious tone and sly, fox-like eyes, he had the suspicious appearance and demeanor of a con artist, yet he was unmistakably draped in the splendid vestments indicating his rank as a bishop.
There was no mistaking it; he was none other than the Prophet Gregorius, the commander overseeing the Second Army of the Crusaders.
“Apologies for dropping in so suddenly; but then again, no one comes to such a place, so it works out fine, right?”
“As you say… However, what brings you here today?”
Norz thought, bowing his head. There was no way he came now to punish him, he first reassured himself.
Next came hope. With this bishop, even a mere whim could liberate him from this idle position. Conversely, further relegation was also a possibility. He could very well be sent to a remote village in the Daedalus territory and made to play at being a priest of the village, merely a pretense of a settler.
Anticipation and anxiety swirled within him, half of each, as his muscles slightly declined from neglect.
“Are you aware that the Third Army will soon commence their attack on Spada?”
“Yes, of course. Though, it is merely a rumor…”
Being in such a place, there was no way he could gather precise information. He had no connections or support. It’s all the more futile considering he once led thousands of subordinates.
“No, knowing that much is sufficient. Actually, I was thinking of participating in the upcoming invasion of Spada and wondered if you would join me—”
“Is that true!?”
“Delighted to hear such a positive response!”
Gregorius flashed a sleazy grin. However, to Norz at that moment, it appeared like the smile of a saint.
After all, he was a man who rose through strength. Once given the opportunity to stand on the battlefield, he could accomplish anything—expectations and hopes swelled instantly.
And it seemed this response was something the bishop anticipated as well.
To be honest, this man was suspect. He flaunted the title of Prophet, and more than anything, his looks were quite dubious. Gregorius was a man who did not hide his suspicious nature; he displayed it openly.
“Then, will you allow this unworthy Norz to join the force?!”
“That was quick talk, which is relieving. No, this mission is rather demanding, so choosing the right people is a challenge.”
It should be understood as there being no suitable talent for the harsh mission, rather than there being no one willing to take on the arduous task.
Still, for Norz, who could not abandon his ambition, it was an extraordinary opportunity. The chance he thought had vanished had finally come back around.
“Then, Commander Norz, I look forward to working with you!”
“I swear by God, I will surely achieve significant results to show you, Bishop!”
Chapter 21 begins.
Now, how many of you remember this Commander Norz? For those wondering who this old man is, please refer to Chapter 74, “The Annoying Woman (Part 1).” This is his first appearance, and he will conveniently narrate the circumstances on the side of the Crusaders until the battle in Alsace concludes.