novelraw Chapter 84 : Bad Blood and Fate (3)
Chapter 84 : Bad Blood and Fate (3)
Chapter 84: Bad Blood and Fate (3)
With the intrusion of the Defense Force, the situation entered a new phase.
Among the colonel ranks, the only one who participated in the meeting, Special Task Force 3rd Battalion Commander Eric Belfor, maintained a poker face throughout.
He was busy covering his twitching mouth with his hand.
‘If they’re laying the groundwork first, then from our commander’s standpoint, there’s no reason to pull out.’
Half the reason behind the strong sense of belonging and pride among the Special Task Force members lay in their current commander.
Compared to the regular army, the Task Force’s available manpower was significantly lacking, and their jurisdiction was much smaller and more limited.
However, the moment the condition of beast extermination came into play, the Special Task Force became the strongest unit in the Empire.
The rampant outbreak of beasts had become such a severe problem that concrete countermeasures were now a matter of urgency.
In that sense, the Special Task Force and Karbenna were originally meant to be complementary to each other.
Though their relationship had become distant compared to the early days of their establishment—and lately, a subtle tension had been brewing due to the conflict between Michel Bernhardt and Edel Ribenia—
Before the grand cause of beast extermination, they were supposed to be allies, working together.
‘There’s no way the Defense Commander doesn’t know that.’
And yet, she appeared now, nitpicking over trivial matters.
‘Maybe she just wanted to make a point.’
To say, “We’re also playing an important role in the Empire, so don’t only talk about the Task Force—mention the Defense Force too.”
Anyway, from Belfor’s perspective, her decision was certainly puzzling.
Even if she picked a fight like that, the Defense Force had nothing to gain.
What on earth was she plotting?
While he pondered that thought—
The two commanders at the front continued their heated exchange.
“I admit that the relationship between the Special Task Force and Karbenna has been somewhat distant lately. That was abnormal. Which is why we’re trying to bring it back to normal.”
“After staying silent all this time, you suddenly decide to act right after the summit?”
“To be frank, yes. We’ve neglected our exchanges with Karbenna. Didn’t even bother to check what intentions they had. But then…”
“But then?”
“Colonel Eugene Carter took the initiative. Said he’d serve as the bridgehead himself.”
At that, Natalie Siegmund’s expression twisted oddly.
“I understand what the Defense Commander is trying to say. You mean, what could a mere officer possibly do?”
“……”
“I was skeptical too. So I didn’t expect much. In fact, I even considered it a disgrace to the Task Force at one point.”
“But that was a misjudgment.”
With that, Lieutenant General Alvin gestured toward Belfor.
Belfor hurriedly came forward, carrying a stack of documents.
Waving the papers lightly, the Task Force commander raised his arm toward the podium.
“This is the report from last week’s two-day beast extermination drill. There was a problem before commencement, so it was converted to a field training, but… you’ll understand when you read it.”
Since he spoke so confidently, there was no reason not to check.
Natalie received the report from Alvin and quickly skimmed through it, tilting her head in disbelief.
“…There was an advisor from the Task Force, wasn’t there?”
“Colonel Carter drafted it independently.”
“…He did all this by himself?”
A hundred percent agreement.
From afar, Belfor nodded repeatedly and sighed.
Even for him, who compiled and organized the data, it was incomprehensible.
Eugene Carter’s personal combat sense and judgment had always been beyond reason.
Yet, he had never been rated above colonel, because that instinct and judgment couldn’t be systematized.
‘It’s the curse of genius, damn it.’
His body reacted before his mind could process, leaving him with no reason to study.
That made it nearly impossible to teach or train subordinates, which in turn made his subordinate evaluations a complete mess.
But now, his grasp of tactics had changed completely.
As if he had become a different person.
‘…Maybe because he can no longer fight like before.’
In the past, he had enough strength that strategy wasn’t necessary—but now, things were entirely different.
The Task Force commander delivered the final blow to the Defense Commander, who seemed too flustered to respond.
“Above all, it hasn’t even been a month yet. But at this level, isn’t that enough of a result to warrant observation?”
“…Let’s say I can see traces of tactical growth.”
At this point, she was practically being obstinate.
“But his physical capability hasn’t been proven.”
“Carter isn’t a front-line soldier. He’s a commander. There’s no need to prove physical capability.”
“That may be true if the opponent were human. But we’re talking about beasts. A commander who fights beasts must at least have the minimum level of physical ability.”
“If that’s the issue, then he’s already…”
Just then—
“I can prove it, can’t I?”
Michel Bernhardt cut in from the opposite side.
After glancing at both Eugene and Frederick Lake, he continued.
“To verify the physical capabilities in question, I propose a special duel between Frederick Lake and Eugene Carter.”
The moment Frederick Lake’s name was mentioned, cracks formed across Natalie’s expression.
Even Alvin looked rather surprised.
Including the participants from the Imperial Army, many were visibly astonished.
And understandably so—it was that Frederick Lake.
In all Imperial history, only five people had ever earned the title “Ironblood.”
Though it was usually reserved for leaders or commanders, he had gained it purely as a weapon of war.
Since joining Karbenna, his infamously brutal reputation had gradually faded.
After shifting paths to become an educator and administrator, he had rarely set foot on the battlefield.
A devout believer in order and structure—a fanatic of systems.
That was how the public currently viewed Frederick Lake, yet he remained one of the Empire’s top fighters.
And now, he was to clash with Eugene Carter.
At the sudden announcement of this grand event, the audience began to stir.
Natalie scratched her chin as she looked at Michel, then at Eugene behind him.
“If you’re willing to go that far, then I can only be grateful… but are you sure about this?”
Michel gave a small nod and turned his gaze toward the princess.
Alix Ribenia looked between them, then asked the participants as if making a decision.
“…We still have the Academy’s report to go through, but I assume it’s fine to proceed after the special duel?”
Once all the remaining speakers voiced their agreement, she looked toward the moderator and declared:
“After a 20-minute recess, the special duel will commence.”
Since the stage had been built for duels from the start, it didn’t take long to adjust the arena structure.
To prevent damage from reaching the audience seats, a barrier powered by mana stones was deployed in a wide ring around the perimeter.
The platform was also moved inside the barrier, forming a spacious stage with a diameter of over two hundred meters.
Returning to their seats, Natalie and Alvin resumed their quiet conversation.
“Was this what the Defense Commander had in mind from the start?”
“No way.”
“…Well, whatever the case, I’m grateful. It’s been a while since I’ve seen something this entertaining.”
“Agreed.”
“But who do you think will win? I’m curious.”
Alvin glanced toward Belfor sitting behind him and continued.
“What do you think, Belfor, as his old comrade?”
“…Logically speaking, the Ironblood has the advantage. Even if he’s retired from the field, he’s not someone who would neglect his conditioning.”
“What about Carter in his prime? Would it have been the same result?”
“That would change things. I think he could’ve gone toe to toe with him.”
“So, it comes down to how much of his prime strength Carter has regained.”
Meanwhile, Frederick Lake was loosening up his body, keeping his sharp gaze fixed on Eugene across from him.
‘So it’s come to this after all, damn it.’
He had thought the situation might fizzle out depending on how the mood shifted—but he had misjudged.
‘Well, for the Chairwoman, there’s no better opportunity than this.’
Though Karbenna had lost face due to the Hokma Incident, this duel was likely intended to reaffirm its strength and stability.
Perhaps she also wanted to emphasize that Karbenna stood above the Special Task Force.
He understood, and even sympathized.
He wasn’t fond of the current state of Karbenna, but that was a matter of factions and curriculum, not the Chairwoman herself.
And besides, it was something he could gradually work through together with Carter.
Maybe that was why this all felt so uneasy. Frederick let out a sigh.
Whether Eugene knew how he felt or not, he was calmly checking the status of his artifact.
‘…Well, I gave him enough warning.’
He’d take it easy for a bit, then end it with full force—just enough to knock him out.
Having reached that conclusion, Frederick was the first to step onto the center of the stage.
He exchanged a brief greeting with Georg, who was serving as the temporary referee, and soon Eugene joined him at the center.
Before the match began, the two exchanged a few words.
“How’s your condition, Carter?”
“Couldn’t be better.”
“Really? You look rather worn out to me. You’ve had quite a few things going on before this, haven’t you?”
“That’s true… but it wasn’t bad. Helped me warm up.”
“…I see.”
That was the end of their small talk.
Georg stepped back two paces and gave a final reminder.
“This is a special duel meant for skill exchange. If things go too far, I’ll forcefully stop it. Understood, both of you?”
“Mhm.”
“Of course. Let’s get started already.”
Georg gave a small nod, then raised his hand high.
“From this moment, we begin the Special Duel between Karbenna’s Dean Frederick Lake and Karbenna’s Third Combat Tactics Instructor Eugene Carter, held for the purpose of skill exchange!”
Waa― Waaa―
The cheers that erupted from all sides quickly died down as they reached the stage.
In the near-silent stillness, the two men lightly shifted their stances, gauging the timing.
Frederick’s gaze went to the shield in Eugene’s hand.
‘Something I’ve never seen before.’
It wasn’t an ordinary shield, that much was clear.
There was no way Carter would bring something so mundane to this match.
Frederick fitted the steel knuckles he had taken from his belt, testing them with a few light punches.
A crisp sound echoed pleasantly in his ears.
“Not bad.”
Alright then, let’s start with a little probing exchange.
Frederick’s body began to move in swift arcs from side to side.
Then—
Swaaak!
Before anyone could blink, he had closed the distance, appearing right before Eugene Carter.
“Kh!”
Eugene barely managed to block the body blow with his shield, but Frederick’s left hand didn’t miss the opening that followed.
A hook punch aimed straight for the temple.
But the strike never landed.
Tiiing!
“…Hm?”
From what should’ve been empty air, a translucent barrier suddenly flared to life.
Eugene immediately thrust his sword with his opposite hand, but Frederick narrowly avoided it with beastlike reflexes.
He retreated several steps, focusing mana into his eyes.
Only then did the full defensive radius of the shield come into view, and he let out a dry chuckle.
‘…It covers nearly his entire body, that shield.’
He’d confirmed the durability with that first strike.
It wasn’t an unbreakable barrier, but still too strong to pierce with standard attacks.
He had little to no aptitude for ranged magic; if he couldn’t break through in close combat, he had no chance of winning.
“Didn’t expect you to make me go all out this fast, Carter.”
There was no helping it.
Frederick shook his head and brought both hands to his waist.
He inhaled deeply—then exhaled just as deeply.
With each repetition of breath, the flow of mana within his body grew faster and faster.
When that circulation swelled from a torrent to a roaring tide—
A deep blue aura began to radiate from Frederick’s eyes and hands.