42

Chapter 42 [Norland 3 - Norland]

"An entire squad that was missing has been found!?"

On that day, the Norland battalion headquarters was enveloped in unprecedented turmoil. It took three days to detect the incident at the border surveillance post, leading to a royal reprimand for lax crisis management. The repercussions were significant, potentially affecting not only the replacement of the battalion commander but also the prestigious noble family of the commander. Thus, this report held profound significance, either for reclaiming lost ground or delivering a decisive blow.

"So, where were they found? Are there any survivors?"

The fatigued battalion commander inquired eagerly, and the adjutant responded compassionately.

"It's... somewhat unexpected. They were found in the turbulent land on the Morfan side. It was revealed through Morfan's inquiry. Also, all members of the squad are alive."

"Why Morfan, again? This could pose problems later. Well, leave that to the bigwigs in the capital. Did you manage to find out about the attack from the survivors?"

"That's...," the adjutant hesitated.

The adjutant's answer disappointed the battalion commander's expectations. Dissatisfied, the commander summoned the sergeant, the highest-ranking survivor of the returned squad, to conduct the interrogation personally.

"So, do you know who attacked you?"

"Well, we weren't aware of any attack. We should have been sleeping in the barracks, but when we woke up, we were in an unfamiliar grassy field. I vaguely remember talking to a strange man in a half-dream state, but honestly, I can't tell if it was a dream or reality."

The adjutant reinforced the sergeant's statement after the interrogation with several other members who had undergone questioning.

"Commander, aside from those who were attacked while on patrol or on duty, others don't seem to have any awareness of being attacked. Even the sentry who claimed to be attacked testifies not knowing what happened."

"Hmm, so you have no idea who the man you conversed with in a half-dream state looked like or what you talked about?"

"Well, it was somewhat dreamlike, and I can't remember what we talked about. As for the appearance, he seemed somewhat unearthly... now that I think about it, he might have worn a mask."

"So, you have no clue about what happened."

...

"The squad of forty that went missing is all accounted for, but they were found in Morfan's territory. Morfan demands an explanation, and the identity and methods of the perpetrator are entirely unknown. Can we send such a report?"

After concluding interrogations with the sergeant and other surveillance soldiers, the battalion commander, frustrated, retreated to his office and vented his frustration at the adjutant.

"We still have to send the report, and there are a couple of points to be cautious about."

"Oh... explain."

"It's about what the sergeant mentioned regarding the masked figure. It's strange for a masked person to appear in a simple dream. I confirmed with the sergeant that he had never dreamt of a masked person before. Also, when asked, four other members mentioned feeling like there was a person wearing a mask. It doesn't seem like just a dream."

"So, you're saying someone in a mask actually questioned the soldiers in a half-dream state?"

"Yes. It's regrettable that we can't confirm the details of the interrogation, but the fact that they mentioned a person in a mask is an important lead."

"And...?"

"Why would someone wear a mask? Probably to disguise their appearance. So, why would someone need to disguise their appearance?"

"Are you suggesting that the perpetrator was familiar with several soldiers, wanted to become acquainted in the future, or had some distinctive feature on their face?"

"Yes. It's a significant piece of information. Include this analysis in the report to the capital."

Crow's capricious donning of a mask was once again poised to generate new misunderstandings.