NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 33
The command headquarters is quiet. Helena and I hold our breath, waiting for Colonel Meijhem to speak.
In Colonel Meijhem’s hand is a piece of paper. It’s the order that the communications chief has copied down, received from the higher command.
It suddenly feels absurd that our future rests on this tiny piece of paper. Six years have passed since we engaged in this hellish war, but the feeling still hasn’t become familiar.
“…When will the war end?”
I mutter, and Helena nods in agreement.
“Indeed. When will it end?”
“Perhaps by the end of this year. Still, the situation doesn’t seem too bad.”
“The collapse of the dwarven spiderweb-like tunnels was significant. It greatly disrupted their forces.”
“…It’s cruel.”
“Yes. It is cruel.”
We fall silent again. The headquarters is once more filled with silence.
“……”
The gaze of Colonel Meijhem, reading through the orders, starts to tremble gradually. His eyes finally squeeze shut, which is nothing short of alarming.
“Phew….”
Colonel Meijhem lets out a deep sigh. His face, flushed red, looks ready to explode any moment. In turn, the officers’ expressions darken slightly.
“Order from the 101st Ground Defense Brigade of the Empire, No. 27-330.”
Colonel Meijhem opens his mouth heavily. Everyone in the command center turns their gaze toward him.
After taking a deep breath, he continues in a trembling voice.
“A large-scale enemy offensive is expected at the Kalea Basin within at least three days, where your troops are stationed. It is anticipated that approximately two dwarven infantry regiments and one battalion of elven patrols as reserves will be involved.”
“With supplies and ammunition hanging by a thread, why now….”
“We have to withdraw.”
The logistics officer and the operations officer mumbled discontentedly. The situation was far from good. Colonel Meijhem continued to speak.
“The Kalea Basin is a critical point that must be secured first for the safety of the supply line leading to the Gellon Ridge, where the 13th Division is stationed. Therefore, the mission assigned to the 858th Magical Infantry Battalion under the command of Colonel Anton Meijhem is to identify the points at which enemy attacks are anticipated and establish a more flexible and aggressive defense strategy to preemptively crush the enemy’s large-scale offensive.”
“What….”
Preemptively crush a large-scale enemy offensive? This is…
“…In the end, it’s telling us to hold out until the end.”
And against enemies many times larger than us.
Silence envelops the battalion command headquarters. Everyone stares blankly at the communications chief, as if to confirm that the orders might be wrong.
The communications chief slowly shakes his head. It was a heartbreaking gesture that meant the orders were not mistaken.
Colonel Meijhem coldly read the orders again.
“The operation will be carried out in conjunction with the 771st Artillery Battalion. However, if the scale of the enemy and their offensive is larger than expected, a phased withdrawal will also be considered.”
“……”
“As long as there are those who can fight, fight until victory is achieved. If necessary, I will send the entire brigade to provide support. I wish you good fortune. Brigadier General Maximilian von Adelheit, commander of the 101st Ground Defense Brigade.”
The orders trembled in the air. Colonel Meijhem handed the orders to the communications chief without turning his head, as if he didn’t want to see it.
As if he couldn’t bear to look at it.
“Everyone heard that, right? We will defend this place at all costs.”
The operations chief stepped forward. He forced a smile, trembling at the corners of his mouth. He looked as if he had just heard an absurd joke.
“This is an absurd order. Is the brigade commander not in his right mind? Supply officer, what was on the breakfast menu at the brigade headquarters today?”
“Retort soup, dried cranberries, and roast venison as a special supply.”
“Damn it, the menu isn’t the problem.”
That laughable conversation felt deeply sorrowful. I clenched my fists tightly.
“This is an absurd order! What’s the difference with telling us to go out and die!”
“Our company members are almost out of ammunition! Brigade commander!”
The first and third company commanders protested strongly. Having suffered the most in the last battle, their expressions were desperate.
The logistics officer stepped forward, trying to calm them down.
“Everyone, let’s leave it at that. This is insubordination if it goes any further.”
“Logistics officer! You know how absurd this is!”
“With just the elven patrols being troublesome, now swarms of dwarves are coming! Doesn’t the higher command realize this and fails to issue a withdrawal order?”
“Damn it! We are soldiers!!”
Colonel Meijhem shouted. It sounded like both a roar and a wail.
The inside of the command headquarters fell silent in an instant. The first and third company commanders, who were about to rise in rebellion, looked at Colonel Meijhem.
“We are soldiers! When orders are given, it is our duty to follow them!”
“But, brigade commander!”
“If we retreat, the lifeline of the 13th Division will be severed! The front line, which we barely managed to push forward, will collapse, you idiots!”
“If we end up being annihilated, the supply route will be in jeopardy too! We don’t have to sacrifice ourselves!”
“Overwhelmed! Because we are soldiers!!”
Silence returned to the battalion command headquarters. Colonel Meijhem’s words felt more brutally poignant than anything else.
“We are soldiers….”
The first and third company commanders trembled as they spoke and then jerked their heads away. Hot tears wiped away the dust covering their faces.
“And soldiers follow the orders of their superiors.”
“……”
“So, yes. We will follow the orders.”
“Damn….”
Colonel Meijhem had already resolved himself to die. Everyone inside the command tent realized Colonel Meijhem’s determination and closed their eyes.
The noble tears of those who had accepted death split the barren floor of the command headquarters. I quietly watched it from inside the command tent and closed my eyes.
Because I could not fathom the heavy burden that lay upon Colonel Meijhem’s shoulders.
* * * * *
It was late at night.
While we were taking care of the injured soldiers in the medical unit with the other priests, Colonel Meijhem came to us looking haggard.
“Everyone. I have something to say.”
In just one day, he looked as if he had aged several years. His thick eyebrows and always robust eye corners drooped helplessly.
“I’ve contacted the brigade headquarters. You must leave this place.”
I didn’t know whose decision it was, but one thing was certain: no one would want to remain here.
Two of the priests, other than Helena and me, accepted his proposal. They quickly exited the medical unit to pack their belongings.
During this time, however, Helena remained still. She just looked at Colonel Meijhem with a resolute expression. I inwardly hoped she would leave this place like the other priests.
“Priest Helena, Priest Antenelli. Please leave with them.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Priest Helena. Our 858th Magical Infantry Battalion will likely vanish from the tactical map in around three days.”
“Which means it’s even more reason to not back down.”
Helena shook her head resolutely. I found her stance frustrating, yet at the same time, I felt a profound emotion.
What is this? A kind of unwavering faith was expressing reverence toward her.
This was a form of devotion. Involuntarily, I revered her noble choice.
Helena’s firm green eyes gazed at Colonel Meijhem. Colonel Meijhem met her gaze momentarily before he nodded weakly.
“I understand the priest’s resolve. If you change your mind at any time, do let me know. Then, Priest Antenelli will….”
“I….”
My mouth opened but then closed emptily. The silence stretched on for far too long.
“……”
I looked at Helena. I felt like I wanted to forcibly drag her away to the brigade. But….
“…I will stay too. Alongside Priest Helena.”
Because I knew that I couldn’t dare to break her noble intention.
Reluctantly, I could only nod my head. And I would probably regret this choice until the day I die.
Rather, if I had chosen to withdraw instead.
At least, I wouldn’t have witnessed your death right in front of me.
* * * * *
Tatang! Tatatatang!
Bullets are raining down. I hurriedly duck my head.
All around me are corpses or soldiers groaning in pain. I hurried to heal them.
“Mom! Mom…!”
“Ugh! My arm, my arm!!”
The state of the injured was horrific. From soldiers staring blankly into the distance, to those panicking after believing their limbs have been severed.
I gasped for breath. I had used too much of my divine power. My vision kept blurring.
“Helena! Where are you! Helena!”
“Here…!”
I rushed toward the direction of Helena’s voice. Hearing her voice was a comforting assurance above all else.
Helena was leaning against a trench wall, gasping for breath after healing the injured. I hurriedly fumbled for my canteen and handed it to her. Her cracked and bloody lips soaked it up.
“Gulp…. Phew…. Thank you.”
“Helena! I told you not to overdo it!”
“Hehe…. I’m sorry….”
Her face, pale and powerless, smiled weakly.
The blood splattered and the dust smeared on her face.
I felt that it was all too suffocating and resentful.
“Think of your own body…! What will you do if you die!”
“…Priest Lucio.”
“Please…. If you die, I….”
Helena merely smiled weakly. I gritted my teeth and grasped her hand tightly.
“Just rest a little, okay? Please. I’m begging you.”
“…Priest Lucio. If we don’t move, what will happen to them….”
She pointed at the terrified soldiers. Losing the words, I clenched my lips tightly and turned my head away.
Kwahng!
A tremendous explosion shook the ground once more. I barely caught Helena as she stumbled.
My vision was hazy. Helena’s trembling body was incredibly hot. I shook her shoulders.
“Helena! Are you okay?! Helena!”
“Cough! Yes…. I’m fine….”
“Damn it…! Helena! Let’s go to the battalion headquarters! Rest there for a bit!”
“Oh, we can’t….”
I took Helena and ran through the trench. Dirt and spent shells continuously blocked my path.
“Just rest here. Okay? Alright?!”
“…Yes. Priest Lucio, be careful.”
“…Don’t worry.”
At least, I have no thoughts of dying with you left behind.
Swallowing those words, I left the battalion command post. The sky was pitch black. It seemed like it was about to rain.
I hurriedly returned to the front lines. Concerned for Helena, I set up camp not far from the battalion headquarters to treat the injured.
“Thank you, Priest!”
“Cough! If there are any other injured, please bring them to me!”
The front lines were chaotic. I saw several soldiers belonging to the first company quivering in fear.
“We’re going to die…. We’re all going to die….”
It was when I was about to move my feet to recite prayers for them.
“Enemy shell incoming!!”
Kwahng—!
* * * * *
“…Focus! I don’t want to die yet…!”
I blinked blankly, endless ringing in my ears.
Now, where am I and what was I… doing?
…Tatakata! Bang! Kwahng!
“…Huh!”
My mind snapped back. I grimaced as I pressed against my painfully ringing head.
“Priest Antenelli! Can you hear me? Focus! Hey!”
The person shaking me was none other than Colonel Meijhem.
Seeing his face relieved me, and I sighed in relief that he was still alive. Perhaps it was because we weren’t far from the battalion command post that Colonel Meijhem had personally come to awaken me.
“I… I can hear you. I’m okay. Brigade commander. What happened…. What’s going on?”
“An artillery strike hit the battalion headquarters! Our position was compromised! We need to evacuate immediately!”
“What do you mean….”
“Hey! You there! Get Priest Antenelli out of here! Hurry! He is not someone who can stay in a place like this!”
Someone seized me, and I began to move away from the collapsing battalion headquarters. I blankly stared at the scene.
“The battalion headquarters… was hit by artillery….”
“Priest! Don’t speak! Apply pressure to your wound!”
The soldier pulling me shouted. Suddenly, a thought struck me.
In the battalion headquarters, Helena was present.
“Oh, no…!”
“Priest! Don’t move! You’ll open your wound! Priest!”
“No! Helena! Where are you! Answer me! Helena!!”
I shook off the soldier and dashed toward the crumbled headquarters.
The ruins of the headquarters felt chilling. The thick layer of dust seemed too terrifying.
If Helena is buried in there….
“No…! No…!”
I frantically began to dig through the rubble. Blood flowed down my shoulder; however, I was too absorbed in digging to even feel the pain.
A soldier from earlier pulled me away with all his strength. The weight of my right arm pressed on me as I detached it from the debris.
“Observer! What’s the status of enemy artillery?!”
“Magical wave detected! Enemy artillery is preparing to fire! Currently loading explosive shells!”
“Damn it! When will our artillery support arrive? Communication chief!”
“The communications chief has fallen!”
“Fucking hell! Surely there must be at least one communications soldier left! Activate the communication magic circle! Right now!”
Colonel Meijhem’s roar echoed in my ears. I looked at him with bewildered eyes.
“Colonel Meijhem! Do you happen to know where Helena is…?”
“I’m here…!”
It could have been an auditory hallucination. I might have misheard, or perhaps I had lost my mind.
But without a doubt, I heard Helena’s voice. I wildly scanned the surroundings.
Where? Where is it coming from? Where is she?
Kuhruung—!
“Observation report! Enemy artillery is within 20 seconds—!”
The observer screamed as he tossed aside his binoculars. In response, Colonel Meijhem shouted.
“Damn it, if you want to live, everyone get down!!”
“20 seconds to impact—!”
The observer threw himself into the trench frantically. I forcibly pulled my head up and glanced outside the trench.
And I saw it.
Helena, who was crying out for help outside the trench, trying to pull injured soldiers in.
“Oh, no…!”
“Priest! It’s dangerous! Get down!”
The soldier gripping my body felt petty. I needed to help her, but I couldn’t. I screamed at the top of my lungs.
“Helena! Just leave it and come in! Damn it! Get in here and get down! Helena—!”
“5 seconds to impact! 4… 3…!”
The enemy artillery was imminent. Helena was almost at the trench.
And time seemed to slow down suddenly.
“Enemy shell incoming—!”
A metal object falling slowly from mid-air. The devil of the battlefield that would bring death to countless people.
Above her head. From behind her, as she led the injured back toward the trench.
“Helena! No—!!”
Already wounded, a shard of that which killed you lodged itself deep in my shoulder.
Deeper than I could dare imagine.
You left me, inflicting wounds that would last forever.
Bang.