The Academy’s Barbarian Chapter 334

Chapter 68. Changing fate (6)

10.

Ulan’s fate confirmed.

Ulan told the story in a calm tone, recalling Largtan’s trap that always brought death in repeated episodes.

Meanwhile, Noah, who was watching this, recalled a time he had seen and experienced countless times in the original work.

‘Largtan’s trap.’

It’s a kind of curse.

The Giant King Largtan is a powerful warrior and at the same time a shaman with tremendous power.

So, by mixing the magic power of the abyss with the main power, a terrible curse was created. In the original work, this was called the Chain of the Abyss.

‘The effect itself is pretty simple.’

First of all, the condition for manifestation is all beings within Largtan’s cognitive range. And the effect is to give a huge debuff.

This is a debuff that corrupts the mind by causing a runaway of magical power, or causes abyssal erosion that severely reduces physical abilities.

‘But the scariest thing is… … .’

The chain of the abyss cannot be lifted not only by Perticia’s elemental magic but also by Laurea’s purification prayer.

Still, there was no need to worry.

After going through dozens or hundreds of rounds, I found something that could be called a method of destruction.

‘It’s just pushing the numbers.’

Noah’s eyes twinkled once.

The more targets of the Abyss Chain are cursed, the less effective it becomes.

This is because while the power of the curse is constant, the number of targets increases and the power is shared.

“So we have to move together.”

Just then, Ulan’s explanation ended.

Noah got out of his thoughts and focused on the conversation in front of him again, and Seorik, who had been pondering Ulan’s story, silently shook his head.

It’s as if I’ve finally realized why they said we shouldn’t move as an elite few.

“Then I will summon the brothers of the desert.”

On the other hand, Muak’s reaction was different.

Even though he heard Ulan’s entire story, he did not give up on his insistence that they move to the sanctuary as quickly as possible.

“Because there are still warriors left here who support me. If you go to the sanctuary with them and attack the enemy, the curse will be resolved… … .”

Muak continues to speak passionately.

He continued speaking in a desperate attempt to change the minds of others.

But at that moment.

A voice was heard interrupting his words.

“No, you can’t split the unit in two.”

It was Noah.

Muak twitched his eyebrows and asked back as he shook his head and objected.

“what? “Why?”

“If that happens, if Largtan’s army attacks this place, the imperial army will be annihilated.”

Noah responded as if asking something so obvious. However, Muak also did not back down easily and spoke out his words as if retorting.

“Still, there is the Empire’s Five Swords… … .”

“The Ogham alone is not enough to deal with Largtan. “Only star warriors can defeat the Lord of the Abyss.”

No matter how many other masters gather together, it is impossible. Because only those who have passed the Hero’s Trial can destroy the source of the Abyss Lord.

“So what I want to say is the same as the first time. “According to Count Deorg’s wishes, we will march to the sanctuary with the imperial army.”

Noah ends the story with a sharp cut.

Ulan remained silent as if in agreement, and the other warriors reacted similarly. Muak tried to retort with something, but soon gave up.

It was because I realized it was useless.

When the divided opinions were coming together, Istan, who had been silent until now, said something unexpected.

“That’s not the only problem.”

“yes? What does that mean… … .”

“Because the expedition took longer than expected, there were limits to the supply of food and water.”

A story I never thought of.

Come to think of it, Ulan and the imperial army have now entered the depths of the desert. This means that the place is so deep that the supply route cannot continue.

“what? “There is a limit to supply?”

At that time, Seorik’s expression hardened.

Like Istan, he had been in the military for a long time and was well aware of the importance of supply.

“Then how long can you last?”

“Considering the distance from reaching the sanctuary to returning to base, it will take about a week.”

“Okay, it’s been a week… … .”

It was a pretty ambiguous period.

I just heard from Muak that at the current marching speed it will take five days to reach the sanctuary.

This means that the battle must be completed within two days after arriving at the sanctuary. Seorik’s face was darkened by the unrealistic situation.

“That’s why I called you and asked you. Looking at the map, it seemed like there was no way we could reach the sanctuary in three days.”

Istan tapped the military map.

At the moment when Noah’s face also darkened, Ulan suddenly entered the conversation.

“If that’s the case, you don’t have to worry.”

“hmm? “What does that mean?”

“For the same reason as Noah said earlier.”

The opponent is the giant king Largtan.

He is the most warrior-like of all the Lords of the Abyss. Recalling memories of his past life, Ulan added a description of Lar Gtan.

“He sets traps, but he doesn’t avoid fights or waste time. So there is a high possibility that victory or defeat will be decided quickly.”

“Well, then I’m glad… … .”

Istan trailed off in a subtle tone.

Because there was no guarantee that what Ulan said was true.

Of course, there was no reason for him to lie, but since supply was related to the lives of the imperial army, he needed to be careful.

“But that’s the point.”

Then, suddenly, Seorik’s eyes turned to Ulan. He asked a question, his eyes flashing with deep doubt.

“I’ve felt it before, but you’re talking as if you’ve ever fought a being called Largtan.”

“That’s right.”

Ulan readily admitted.

Because I thought there was no need or reason to hide it since I came this far in the first place. Then Seorik asked back with a curious face.

“Then may I ask what your chances of winning are if you fight him one on one?”

“Uhm. that… … .”

This is a question that cannot be easily answered.

Even in the past life, the fight with Largtan ended in a draw. Moreover, this time, unlike their past lives, there are many elements that have changed for both of them.

The result of putting all of this together.

Ulan came to one conclusion.

“We cannot guarantee victory.”

“… … “You go so far as to say that?”

Seorik asks with a surprised face.

Ulan nodded silently.

If the current Largtan were the same as in the past life, then of course his chances of winning would be much higher.

‘but… … .’

Largtan now is different from his memories.

Just looking at Albaric, one of his descendants, he has become powerful thanks to the power of the source of the abyss, and Largtan is likely to be similar.

In other words, due to the variable of the source of the abyss, Largtan is currently an unknown enemy. Therefore, Ulan said he could not guarantee victory.

“Now I understand. “Why did you say that the unit should not be divided into two?”

An enemy so powerful that not even Ulan can guarantee victory. Moreover, the giants are definitely not an opponent to be taken lightly.

But what if the warrior party, including Ulan, is attacked while they are away?

It could be a blow that is close to destruction, or it could be truly annihilated.

“… … .”

Is it because Ulan, and not anyone else, spoke out without confidence? The atmosphere inside the barracks suddenly became heavy and oppressed the group.

Some time after that.

Istan coaxed his tightly closed lips.

“Let’s stop here for today.”

The reason for calling Ulan and his party has already been achieved.

He also decided on future events and further conveyed the current situation of the imperial army. With this, there was nothing more to talk about.

“Thank you for coming so late. “If I have any more business to do in the future, I’ll call you back then.”

With this, Istan ended the meeting.

Ulan and Noah agreed without saying a word, and Seorik also did not offer much of a rebuttal.

That’s how last night’s meeting came to an end.

11.

Late at night, close to midnight.

Darkness swept into the imperial army’s barracks.

One by one, the lights were turned off in the barracks, except for the guard post in preparation for an unexpected attack, and the Ulan group also headed to their assigned barracks.

There are three barracks in total.

First, Ian and Laurea were given private barracks. Istan may have been considerate in his own way due to her origins from a holy country and her status as the next Paladin Master and official saint.

Next, Ulan and Sven decided to share the same barracks, and Noah, Delia, Ibella, and Perticia were assigned to the large barracks.

Originally, Perticia was scheduled to be assigned to a separate barracks due to status issues, but she insisted that she did not want to be separated from everyone, so this was the case.

“Phew, I feel refreshed.”

The barracks where the four girls were huddled together.

Ibella, who looked like she had just finished taking a bath, stretched out with a drowsy look on her face.

It wasn’t just her.

Delia also muttered softly as she touched her much softer skin.

“I really, never dreamed, never thought about it.”

Delia’s gaze soon returned.

The person whose golden eyes are pointing is none other than Perticia. Delia looked at her intently and muttered curiously.

“I never thought you would have this kind of ability.”

The reason why I was able to take a bath in hot water in the desert, where even drinking water is not easily available.

That was thanks to the water and fire spirits summoned by Perticia. As a result, the group was able to wash their bodies with warm water for the first time in a while.

“You could tell me sooner, right?”

“That’s because you didn’t ask.”

“No, how do you know that and ask?”

Ibella refuted with an absurd expression.

Even this was true because Noah told me about it. If it weren’t for her, she probably would have continued to spend her night in a bad mood.

“Well, thanks to you, I can sleep well.”

I felt like I couldn’t sleep well because I hadn’t washed properly in a few days.

Ibella rolled over on the bed with a satisfied face.

Next, Delia, Noah, and Perticia also lay down in their respective beds and covered themselves with blankets.

Some time after that.

As soon as the lights in the barracks went out, darkness swept in and silence followed. But for a moment, he heard a voice breaking the silence.

It was Perticia’s voice.

“Now my errands in the desert are almost done.”

The subjugation of Largtan is just around the corner.

Of course, there remained the problem of the Desert Cult and the heretics, but this was a matter for the imperial army to worry about, not a matter related to Ulan and his party.

Meanwhile, Ibella nodded to Perticia’s muttering as if it was true.

“I know. “Vacation will end soon.”

“yes? Bur, already?”

Perticia asks in surprise.

Is it really that surprising that the vacation is over? This Bella asked with a puzzled look on her face.

“Why are you so surprised?”

“Because there was nothing to be done.”

“There is nothing, there is nothing.”

“that’s right. “There’s the Kazan Rudrik incident, and the final battle with the Giant King is just around the corner.”

Following Delia’s words, Ibella also listed the things she did in the desert. Just looking at these things, I can say that I had a pretty good time during my vacation.

“Ugh, that’s true, but… … .”

“Otherwise, was there anything else you wanted to do during vacation?”

“yes that’s right.”

“What?”

Curiosity formed in Ibella’s eyes.

However, when Perticia returned, Ibella and Delia’s eyes turned cold.

“Actually, I was planning to go on a secret trip with Ulan. But I never thought I would be in the desert for this long.”

“… … .”

Ibella and Delia closed their mouths.

An expression that wants to say something. After a while, they both sighed.

“It’s not just you.”

“Is it the same for us?”

Traveling with Ulan.

I felt excited just thinking about it.

But they both knew.

In order to travel with Ulan, all threats from the Abyss must first disappear.

So, when I sighed again, Noah, who sensed the mood, added words as if to comfort me.

“Well, this isn’t the only vacation! Because there’s still a chance next year… … .”

“… … Until then, when, wait.”

“Ugh, I’m completely screwed. “I thought this vacation was a perfect opportunity.”

Two girls with a clear look of regret.

Just as Delia and Perticia were sighing in succession, Ibella suddenly burst into laughter.

“what? Why are you laughing?”

“Of course it’s funny. “The story being told right before the fight with the Giant King is just a story about regretting the end of vacation.”

That’s what I heard and saw.

Because it was a trivial conversation to have in a situation where the fate of the world was at stake.

Delia, who noticed this too late, burst into laughter. After the burst of laughter stopped, the four continued their conversation again.

It wasn’t a particularly grand topic.

Most of the content is about reminiscing about the upcoming vacation and things that happened in the desert. It was a time when ordinary conversations continued, like girls of the same age.

“Oh, right.”

Suddenly, Ybella opened her eyes wide.

As if I remembered something I had forgotten. Then he turned to the other three and opened his mouth.

With a completely different topic than before.

fantasy,