Berserk: The Prophet

Edward's behavior was too abnormal. If he had really betrayed Gurunberdo, why would he let go of the opportunity to kidnap him and threaten Gurunberdo?

But... what about General Kirsten?

Even Hikel, who always had a keen eye, couldn't figure it out.

Hickel gathered her thoughts and secretly vowed that no matter what, she would fight to the last moment by Glenberudo's side.

Outside the city, Grand Duke Hokun's troops were also reorganizing and arranging their formations. The engineering corps had deployed the seven cannons that had not been destroyed, ready to fire at any time.

Looking at the Fire Dragon's Nest, where battle cries could be faintly heard, He Kun knew this was the best time to join forces with Qiu Da, and decisively issued the order to attack the city.

"Attack the city!!"

With a command from Hekun, the cannons roared and shells flew toward the walls of the Fire Dragon's Nest. Soldiers on the walls scattered for cover, and fragments of dilapidated bricks and stones flew everywhere.

Immediately afterwards, the Duke's soldiers surged toward the city walls like a tidal wave, ladders were erected one after another, and a formal siege began.

The situation was critical. Under Hekel's command, the soldiers of the Dragon's Nest raced against time to deploy defenses. They moved boulders and reinforced the battlements. The people inside the city, hearing that the Grand Duke had decided to side with Juda, spontaneously set up obstacles within the city and acted as civilian archers, preparing to fire from the city walls.

Meanwhile, traps were cleverly set up in the various bastions within the city, caltrops were scattered, tripwires were laid, and large quantities of asphalt and fuel oil were prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

—Inside the castle tower of the Fire Dragon's Nest.

Gulen Belludo lay on the bed in the bedroom that had been specially made for him, his body already immobilized with splints and bandages of various sizes.

The army doctor said he needed to rest for about half a month before he could get out of bed and walk, but just listening to the buzzing of cannons outside the city, his heart, which longed to fight Edward again on the battlefield, could not be calmed.

The battlefield was his true home, Gurenberudo thought.

How could he lie here so comfortably at such a critical moment! Could Heike really handle this alone? They always acted as a trio... but now...

...Edward!!

...What exactly happened?

Gurunberdo couldn't understand it at all. Had he been threatened by the Grand Duke? Or...?

Gullenberudo was lost in memories of his previous conversation with General Kirsten.

"...The Grand Duke is very likely the real culprit in the serial murders," Kirsten said, his expression showing absolute certainty.

"...Then what exactly are we protecting? This country, or the Grand Duke...these are all insignificant matters. I think it's enough as long as the people of Grant aren't persecuted by Juda." Gurenbeludo has always been simple-minded; for him, being able to wield his warhammer freely on the battlefield is enough.

But... the prerequisite is that the people behind you are safe.

"...The Grand Duke is beyond saving. Only you can save this country, Gurenbelud." Kirsten's gaze was intense, as if he wanted Gurenbelud to shoulder this heavy responsibility.

"...Now is the perfect time."

Given the Grand Duke's ambiguous intentions in issuing this proclamation, Kirsten was convinced that Gullenberg was the best candidate to ascend the throne.

“No…General, I…” Gurenbeludo was about to refuse when he was interrupted by Kirsten.

“You don’t need to answer me now, Gurenbelud. You just need to know that this is our last chance to save Grant. The Grand Duke’s perverse actions have already left this country riddled with problems, and we can no longer stand idly by.” Kirsten’s eyes revealed an unwavering determination.

Gurunberdo fell into deep thought, recalling the battles he had fought on the battlefield over the years, the brothers who had died, and the innocent civilians affected by the war.

Is the Grand Duke truly the root of all this? If so, what about my loyalty all this time?

A troubled expression crossed Gurunberdo's face. He had never liked dealing with things that required thinking. The battlefield was his only home; all he needed to do was swing his warhammer and kill the enemy, without having to think about anything else...

“But… I believe only Edward is capable of this task, General.” Gurunberdo’s previously troubled face suddenly relaxed; he could leave all the trouble to Edward.

Gurunberdo knew he was not cut out to be king; he was just a brute who craved to nourish his body with blood.

Moreover, a dragon will not live in a lavish cage that restricts its movements; it is born to live freely and unrestrainedly...

Kirsten frowned slightly upon hearing Gurenbelud's words, a barely perceptible hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes. "Edward... he is indeed excellent, but he is too indecisive. Moreover, his recent behavior has made me unsure of his attitude, after all... the Grand Duke is his father."

"...We should avoid any appearance of impropriety in this conversation. It would be best if he knew about this, or it would be troublesome if the Grand Duke found out."

"...The current situation is urgent, and we need a decisive and prestigious leader, and you, Gurunberudo, are undoubtedly the most suitable candidate."

Guren Belludre shook his head. “General, I don’t understand those political schemes. I only know how to fight. Edward is a meticulous man and must have his own plans. Besides, I have been with him for fourteen years. We cannot doubt him so easily.”

Kirsten simply glanced at Gurunberdo in silence, stroked his beard, and sighed.

"Sigh... I hope so."

Pulling his thoughts back, Gurunberdo struggled to sit up, but a piercing pain shot through his wound, causing him to clench his teeth.

Gurenberu looked out the window, his eyes filled with a thirst for battle.

Edward... so you still favor the Grand Duke? Of course, he's your biological father. Compared to him, we're simply...

Gurunberdo clenched his fist. So, you've finally chosen to stand against me?

Just then, the door was flung open, and a soldier rushed in, panting. "Reporting," he said, "Lord Hecker sent me to tell you that the enemy's offensive is fierce, and we have held our ground for now. However, Commander Hecker hopes you can appear on the city walls to boost morale and deter them..."

Before the soldier could finish speaking, Hickel appeared in the room. After thinking it over, she decided to check on Gurenberudo's condition first.

“Grunberdo, you can still…” Hikel looked at him with a worried expression. Although he tried his best to remain calm, a hint of panic was still revealed in his eyes.

The "Dragon's Nest" is now on the verge of collapse and on the brink of death.