The Berserker’s Second Playthrough Novel - Chapter 58

Chapter 58
Chapter: 58

Chapter Title: Sons of the Wilderness (1)

—

The 9th Checkpoint Defense Line of the Golden Highway.

The gales blew with a savage intensity. Following ceaseless skirmishes against the demonic beasts, the fortifications of timber and packed earth had been reduced to rubble, casting thick plumes of grit into the faces of the guards.

The men hacked and wheezed, pressing their sleeves against their faces to filter the air. Even in their discomfort, they never let their grip slacken on their shields. Experience had taught them that lethality could emerge from the shadows at any heartbeat. The ordeals of the last month had provided a more brutal education than any formal military drill ever could.

Nevertheless, exhaustion was beginning to take its toll.

The remaining number of frenzied demons was a mystery to all. The death toll had climbed to heights that could no longer be kept secret. Dark rumors whispered of massive legions of monsters congregating in the vicinity. Yet, more crushing than the physical agony was the soul-sapping realization that there was no visible end to the conflict.

Even so, a flickering spark of optimism remained.

During that period, a strange account began to spread through the ranks of the military.

“Have you caught wind of the news?”

“What news are you talking about?”

“The one they call the ‘Demon Slayer.’ Word is he’s butchering every monster he crosses paths with. Because of that sellsword, the creatures to the west of the highway have been nearly exterminated.”

“…What kind of tall tale is that?”

The story began as a simple anecdote from a lone courier. Before long, however, messengers arriving from different defensive positions offered similar reports, and the narrative grew more fantastic with every retelling. Since no one had actually seen the warrior at close range, the descriptions shifted constantly—from his physical traits to his origin.

Certain reports described him as a small, agile native of the alliance. Others swore he was a towering Atalan. Some spoke of a bearded, pale man from the north… A wandering mercenary seeking vengeance for kin murdered by the beasts. A fallen high paladin acting on a cleansing mandate from the council. A fugitive gladiator who had broken his chains and wielded a prehistoric weapon…

“A soldier from the 5th checkpoint told me himself—the man chucked an axe as big as a cottage and split a demon’s head right open! He’s definitely a northern relic hunter equipped with dwarven gear!”

“Oh, shut your mouth! How can a human throw an axe the size of a house? He’d have to be a high paladin at least…”

“I heard he summoned bolts of lightning from a cloudless sky. He’s clearly a secret operative created by the Magic Tower. He likely made off with the tower lord’s greatest prize and went rogue.”

Whenever they found a moment to eat, rest, or simply breathe, the troops engaged in heated arguments regarding the ‘Demon Slayer.’ Without any hard proof, their theories remained at odds, yet one detail was accepted by all.

He was eradicating the demons along the Golden Highway—and he was moving toward their position.

This provided a massive sense of relief to the men. They were desperate for a savior to wipe out the powerful demons. The reinforcements from the Magic Tower, in whom they had placed their trust, had turned out to be nothing more than scavengers looking for profit. To those mages, hunting demons was less important than stripping the dead for valuable parts.

The soldiers had waited an eternity for a genuine zealot of demon-slaying. It had become a habit to ask returning scouts, “Is anyone coming?” The sentinels always gave a somber shake of their heads. While scouting parties and hired blades were hunting monsters elsewhere, none were making their way toward this specific line.

However, perhaps their fervent prayers were finally answered. A few days afterward, a visitor finally arrived.

He just wasn’t the savior they had envisioned.

“Is this the 9th checkpoint? We represent Galentana’s council. Go get your commander—he will recognize our authority.”

These were eerie combatants, carrying strings of severed demon heads that swung from their saddles. Each man radiated a chilling sense of danger. While the guards stood frozen in awe, the captain of the guard sprinted out to welcome them and escorted them into the interior.

As that strange party passed through, another individual made his appearance.

This one was even more difficult to evaluate for entry.

“I’m seeking passage. I have my papers.”

“…”

A countenance that bled murderous intent, a physical frame more akin to a beast than a man, skin and rags splattered with drying gore, a sharp blade and a heavy axe still wet with blood.

Still shaken by the ferocity of the previous group, the sentries genuinely wondered if these were monsters wearing the skins of men.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Kadim and Duncan were not granted immediate entry. Instead, they were directed to a pavilion located within the fortifications.

“I apologize, but we ask that you remain here for just a moment!”

The soldier’s courteous tone did nothing to alleviate Kadim’s annoyance. He narrowed his eyes and frowned.

“What do you suppose is causing the holdup, Duncan?”

“Excuse me? Well… we are in Galentana council lands now, so that might be the reason… Our travel documents only carry the stamp of the Delutana council. They might need to be updated…”

“…”

If that was the case, it meant a headache. Kadim lacked any allies within this specific council. Even trying to use the name of a high-ranking official would result in exhausting red tape to get a new permit.

‘…If those miserable sorcerers track down the demons before I do, everything is ruined. Maybe I should just cut my way through.’

While he considered his options, a weary-looking man with hollowed eyes walked into the tent. His chestplate displayed the same timber sigil as the other troops, but the superior quality of his gear identified him as the leader of the outpost.

“Greetings. I am Yulitan Jermani, the commander of the Golden Highway 9th Checkpoint Guard. You are… the mercenaries and retinue authorized for travel by the Delutana council.”

“That is correct.”

“…Before we move forward, I have one inquiry—if you are unaware, feel free to ignore it. Have you come across any stories of a figure known as the ‘Demon Slayer’?”

Kadim’s brow twitched. Yulitan gestured wildly with his arms, adding a barrage of specifics.

“You know, the one who calls down lightning from the blue, wields axes the size of buildings, tears monsters apart with his bare hands, a paladin who fled the Magic Tower with ancient artifacts, now a sellsword hunting every demon in existence to avenge his family… Does any of that sound familiar?”

Kadim gave him a look reserved for the insane. Duncan merely blinked in total confusion. Yulitan let out a heavy, defeated breath.

“Hah… Forget I mentioned it then. It’s just the nonsense the soldiers talk about to stay sane… Regardless, is it your intention to travel further down the highway?”

“It is.”

“I’m afraid I cannot permit that.”

Yes, that was to be expected.

Actually, this worked out better. Capturing the commander and using him as a shield would make breaking through the ranks much simpler. Kadim shifted his weight, his hand drifting back toward the grip of his axe.

Yulitan flinched as he felt the sudden surge of lethal intent. His hand went to his own sword hilt by instinct, but he raised his other palm in a calming gesture.

“Hold on, don’t be hasty! I’m not singling you out—the entire area is under a total travel ban!”

“…”

Kadim let go of his weapon. A sweating Yulitan kept his hand on his sword for a moment longer. Once Kadim folded his arms in a silent demand for an explanation, the captain finally eased up and pulled a parchment map from his uniform.

“Since you’ve traveled the highway, you understand the basics. Here is our predicament: the western regions are mostly clear of monsters. However, the settlements and hamlets located between this point and the 10th checkpoint? They have all been destroyed.”

Yulitan’s finger moved across the map, pointing out various locations. Kadim viewed the map with a cold expression; Duncan audibly gulped.

“Borden, Rodem, Silmont, and even Soltana… The council units held their ground for a time, but then they collapsed one after another. It’s highly probable a dominant demon has unified the others for a concentrated strike. And… there’s no telling when that army will reach us.”

“…”

“I haven’t informed the garrison, but our defense is on the verge of failing. If this final wall is breached, Galentana is finished.”

This was precisely what Kadim had anticipated. Even so, he couldn’t help but scowl.

“Isn’t this information restricted? Why are you telling me all of this?”

“…I can’t give you a mission without providing the details. And in times like these, a sellsword who carries a recommendation from the picky Delutana council? You’re the first I’ve encountered.”

“…?”

“We’ve accepted many mercenaries out of sheer desperation. But a seal from Delutana? They must believe you are capable of something extraordinary. Am I wrong?”

Yulitan’s weary eyes searched Kadim’s face for a second before he looked away, rubbing his face with his sleeve.

It was almost a comical misunderstanding. Kadim’s permit was the result of political favors; he had no real ties to Delutana. He chose not to correct the man and moved straight to the point.

“So, what is the task? If it doesn’t involve breaking demon skulls, I’m not interested.”

“Excellent. That is exactly the goal: I want you to join our demon-slaying purge squad. That gore on your clothes—that’s all from demons, isn’t it? You look like you’ve seen plenty of blood; your help would be invaluable.”

Kadim’s expression grew dangerously sharp.

“If this means I have to work with those sorcerers from the Magic Tower, forget it. I have no desire to let them claim credit for my work.”

Yulitan’s face twisted in a similar look of disgust.

“There are no tower mages in this group—don’t worry. Those arrogant wizards make my skin crawl as well… If they had actually provided real assistance, we wouldn’t be in this mess. This whole disaster might end with Galentana and Vesta going to war against the tower.”

“…”

The corners of Kadim’s mouth moved slightly.

The enemy of my enemy… In the middle of this unwanted complication, there was at least one positive. He gave the commander a dark, lopsided grin.

“Very well. Who else is in this purge squad? I hope it’s not a group of amateurs.”

“Fighters from our own council. They’ve already proven their worth by the demon trophies they brought in—there’s no doubt about their skill. You are backed by Delutana; they are backed by Galentana.”

Yulitan smiled with a hidden meaning, adding,

“I think you’ll find you have a lot in common.”

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The compensation for the mission: an initial payment of 50,000 luden, with additional rewards for every demon killed.

It was a generous sum just for showing up. It was dangerous, and the chances of making it back were slim—but to Kadim, who was going to hunt the monsters regardless, it was essentially free gold.

The outpost was a hive of activity as the purge squad prepared for departure. Soldiers moved equipment, drenched in sweat, yet they couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Kadim.

“…”

“…Do you think it’s him?”

“Who else could it be? The ‘Demon Slay—”

“Quiet! We move out shortly! Get back to work!”

The roar of the squad commander snapped their attention back to their duties. Kadim disregarded the whispering and made his way to the tent where the squad was congregating.

Demons were things he could handle using his tattoos and blood arts. The only variable was the rest of the team. The absence of mages was a relief; but if they were rookies who would get in his way, that was a problem.

‘If they become a liability, I’ll leave them behind and finish it alone.’

Steeling his resolve, Kadim pushed back the tent flap.

And he instantly understood the meaning behind Yulitan’s smirk.

“…”

The air inside was thick with dust; dark eyes stared back at him from the shadows. Shafts of light coming through holes in the canvas illuminated bronze skin covered in scars and ritual tattoos.

They were reclining with an air of indifference, yet their muscles were tense, ready to draw the weapons at their sides. The atmosphere in the tent felt like a pit filled with hungry fighting hounds—or a cell holding the most dangerous prisoners alive.

“…”

“…”

Kadim and the twelve men stared each other down in silence.

Amidst the heavy tension, a man with a scarred face stood up, clutching a crescent-headed spear.

He let out a grunt and lunged forward with a savage strike.

Clang—reeeng!!!

In the blink of an eye, Kadim pulled Mosquito and blocked the blow.

Even with the momentum and reach of the spear, the sheer difference in physical power forced the attacker backward. He slammed the end of his spear into the dirt to steady himself—then attacked again.

Clang—reeeng! Clang—reeeng!! Chaeng!

Every blow was met with the same result: Kadim parried them as if they were nothing more than a child’s tantrum. The spearman was left stumbling and out of position. The eyes of the observers shone with intrigue and shock.

A moment later, they began to strike their chests with their fists in a gesture of honor. Scar-face pulled back his weapon, a grin spreading across his face as he hammered his own chest.

“Vanguard of the Indomitable Legion, honor to Atala! It is a privilege to meet you, brother. A truly powerful warrior has arrived just when we needed him—the Father of the Wilderness must be eager to burn the demon filth away!”

“Honor to Atala!”

“Honor to the Father of the Wilderness!”

“…”

Kadim’s face darkened with a heavy scowl. That spear attack—that was their version of a hello? While the others stood up to receive him, his annoyance didn’t fade.

‘…A bunch of raving savages.’

And so began his sudden, jarring reunion with his own people.