Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 37 (Part 1)

Commissioner Albrecht appeared 20 minutes later than the promised time. His hair was disheveled, and his attire was untidy. It seemed like he had rushed out after sleeping somewhere.

‘He told us not to be late, and he’s the latest.’

Hedler didn’t like the committee. In fact, all four members of Room 301 disliked the committee.

They were displeased with the way Rodin was shoved into the archives, and they were also unhappy with how the committee first cut their meals as soon as financial issues arose.

“Ahem. Everyone, mount your horses. The horses you’ll use are on the left.”

“Yes, Commissioner.”

Commissioner Albrecht gave the order. Then he stylishly mounted a black horse that had been set aside, straightening his back.

‘Trying to set the mood after showing up late.’

Following Commissioner Albrecht, the instructors chose their horses first. The trainees followed after the instructors.

Hedler and Lant selected suitable horses from those set aside on the left. Drok, Cory, and Darren also picked one horse each afterward.

“We are now a special unit. Forget your numbers. When asked for your name, give your actual name, not your number. Do not show any signs of being slaves. From this moment on, we are a special unit. Although we have no ranks, consider yourselves soldiers. Understood?”

“Yes, understood.”

“We depart immediately. Do not fall behind. If you lag, you will be left behind. Move out!”

“Move out!”

* * *

The special unit led by Commissioner Albrecht rode non-stop for two hours, arriving near the east gate of the royal capital.

A group was waiting for the special unit.

“Who goes there?”

“It’s Albrecht. Count, sir.”

“Oh, it has been a long time. Sir Albrecht. Has it been 20 years?”

One of the figures standing in the dark stepped forward. It was Count Preiss, the captain of the royal guard.

Count Preiss was a Tier 6 knight. Moreover, he held the title of Count, which placed him above Commissioner Albrecht, who only held a quasi-noble title, in every aspect.

However, Count Preiss was only in his early 40s, much younger than Commissioner Albrecht. Furthermore, they had a connection from when Count Preiss had just become a knight, so he maintained courtesy.

“Yes, it is an honor to see you, Count.”

“Let’s skip the excessive formalities. We are not strangers. So, are these the ones?”

“Yes. These are the instructors, experienced Tier 4 knights. And these are the trainees, also at the Tier 4 but lacking real battle experience.”

“Hmm, they seem reliable.”

The introduction ended there. Count Preiss did not ask about the instructors’ backgrounds or the trainees’ names.

“Oh! I haven’t told you about the mission yet.”

“Is that so? Well, let’s do that now. Everyone, gather around.”

Count Preiss’s voice was low. One had to strain to hear it.

Nevertheless, the entire royal guard quickly assembled and lined up in four rows at his command. Their speed was astonishing.

“First, let me tell you about us. We are the royal guard of the great Riyaz Kingdom.”

“Ah!”

“As expected.”

The trainees, including Hedler, knew they would meet the royal guard today. However, knowing it and being formally introduced were different experiences.

“Some of you might have heard about the mission, but for those who haven’t, I’ll explain. We are to infiltrate the Ingram Empire and eliminate Count Bahas, the commander of the vanguard knights, and Mage Weidman.”

The royal guard showed no reaction. They had already been briefed on the mission and knew the targets.

However, the trainees, unaware of who these people were, did not react.

A commander of the knights must be strong. What level is the mage?

They pondered these questions.

“Count Bahas is a Tier 6 senior knight. He’s known as one of the top ten swordmasters in the Ingram Empire. Mage Weidman is a 6-circle mage, serving as a combat mage for the vanguard knights.”

“Is it just those two we need to take out?”

“Those are the primary targets, but they are accompanied by approximately 20 knights for protection, according to our information.”

“Hmm.”

The trainees, hearing the mission for the first time, roughly estimated the strength of a Tier 6 senior knight and a 6-circle mage in their minds.

They compared their own forces to estimate their chances of success.

“If our information is correct, taking down Count Bahas and Mage Weidman shouldn’t be too difficult. The real challenge comes after. Given Weidman is a 6-circle mage, it’s impossible for us to block his magical communications. He will undoubtedly call for reinforcements. The key is how far we can escape before their support arrives.”

“Ah!”

The best-case scenario was to retreat entirely before enemy reinforcements arrived. If everything went according to plan, they could return without significant losses.

However, if the enemy’s reinforcements were quick or their encirclement formed first?

Most of those gathered here would not make it out of the Ingram Empire.

“There’s no time to waste. Move out immediately. Sir Cliff, ensure the recruits do not fall behind.”

“Understood.”

“Let’s go.”

The royal guard numbered 100. Including one combat mage.

The special unit consisted of Commissioner Albrecht, three instructors, and five trainees, totaling nine members.

Combined with the royal guard, they numbered 110.

They all mounted their horses and headed north. They rode fast at night and dug holes to hide during the day.

* * *

Hyung_Otaku2

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