Battle at Sarajevo Fortress

The Battle at Sarajevo Fortress was a significant conflict between the Highserk Empire and the Four-Country Alliance, which was comprised of the Principality of Myard, the Kingdom of Ferrius, the Kingdom of Craist, and the Liberitoa Trade Federation. The combined forces of the Four-Country Alliance totaled over 60,000 soldiers. To defend the Sarajevo Fortress, the Highserk Empire constructed an elaborate defensive system consisting of thirteen layers. The final layer took the form of a robust U-shaped fence, guarding the fortress's narrow entrance. Notably, the sixth layer stood as a miniature castle, complete with an empty moat, a horse fence, a pile trap, and a formidable rampart. This fortified structure had the capacity to house two battalions. Positioned on the left side, Duwei Squad was assigned to the third layer, contributing to the empire's defensive efforts.

Throughout the course of the battle, the Four-Country Alliance had only managed to seize control of six out of the thirteen defense layers. During this intense conflict, Walm harnessed the formidable power of Ignis Fatuus, gripping two shields as he valiantly held his ground. Unleashing a torrent of devastation, he became a force to be reckoned with, swiftly dispatching over 100 enemy soldiers while inflicting injuries upon over one hundred others. In response to Walm's formidable display of prowess, the Four-Country Alliance devised a cunning plan to eliminate him. Johanna, a knight from the Kingdom of Craist, was tasked with luring him into a vulnerable position, enabling Yuuto Asama to execute a fatal strike with his formidable skill, Holy Slash. Tragically, this plan resulted in the complete destruction and annihilation of Duwei Squad, Kozul Platoon, and the Liguria Battalion, leaving only Walm as the sole survivor. Although he managed to survive the ordeal, he was rendered unconscious and trapped beneath the rubble of the battlefield.

Over the next several days, the Highserk Empire was pushed all the way back to the last defense layer.

Five days later, Walm awakened under the cover of night, his body battered and broken. His left eye was blinded, three ribs fractured, and all the fingers of his left hand broken. Surrounding him were the ghastly remains of decaying corpses, a grim testament to the brutality of the battlefield. Among the lifeless figures, Walm discovered the bodies of three idiots from Duwei Squad, Danfan, Tibird, and Reinus. Their hands bound behind their backs and with their eyes removed, their fate was evident; they had been captured and mercilessly slain. In that harrowing moment, a pair of enemy soldiers, mistaking Walm for one of the undead, confronted him. Determined to honor his fallen comrades and guide their spirits to the afterlife, Walm made a resolute decision. Adorning his Demon mask, he approached the soldiers with purpose. With a blaze of righteous fury, he unleashed the raging inferno of Ignus Fatuus, reducing all but one of the soldiers to ashes. Fueled by grief and vengeance, Walm pressed forward, heading to the treacherous 6th layer teeming with vulnerable enemy soldiers. With unwavering resolve, he carved a path through the heart of the enemy encampment. There, in the midst of chaos, Walm unleashed Ignis Fatuus at its maximum destructive power. A primal howl echoed through the night, intensifying the inferno as flames engulfed the entire camp. In the face of these flames, the nearest soldiers dared to charge at Walm, only to meet their swift demise as they were instantaneously incinerated. The relentless flames, like a ravenous beast, spread relentlessly, consuming everything in their path, reducing the enemy camp to smoldering ruins.

Walm proceeded towards the remnants of the war council's tent, which had suffered heavy casualties. Inside, he confronted Johanna, who had miraculously survived alongside Rita Myard, her escort Lutwidge, a skilled strategist, and the Brigade Commander of Liberitoa, accompanied by two Liberitoa soldiers. Walm swiftly dispatched the Brigade Commander and the Liberitoan soldiers before engaging in a fierce clash with Johanna and Lutwidge. Eventually, after getting stabbed by Lutwidge and getting stuck in a standstill, he skillfully made his escape from the intense confrontation.

Walm's lone assault provided an opportunity for the Highserk Empire to mobilize and launch an offensive. He fought his way to the Four-Country Alliance's supply warehouse, setting it on fire, and then disguised himself in the uniform of a fallen Ferrius soldier. Enemy soldiers, mistaking him for an ally in need of medical assistance, took him to the treatment center. There, Ayane, one of the three heroes from the Kingdom of Craist, fully healed him. Later, Johanna, Makoto Isaki, and Yuuto Asama arrived at the treatment center, planning to counter the advancing army of the Highserk Empire. Walm took the injured hostage and confronted the Heroes and Johanna, questioning them over the fate of his fallen comrades. In a sudden turn of events, a messenger arrived and drew his sword, prompting Walm to retaliate by killing the messenger. Johanna and Yuuto made their move, and Walm responded with Ignus Fatuus. As a result, Johanna, Ayane, Yuuto, and Makoto were all injured. Walm defeated the weakened Johanna using his longsword, but before he could deliver the final blow, Commander Gran from the Kingdom of Craist intervened. Walm engaged in combat with Commander Gran, although he no longer needed to buy time. The forces of the Highserk Empire had already captured the sixth layer and reached the treatment center, forcing the retreat of the Four-Country Alliance's army. Ayane was left behind, taken as a prisoner of war.

The Highserk Empire emerged victorious, due to Walm's lone offensive. The Four-Country Alliance had nearly half of their enemy soldiers, with only a little more than 30,000 soldiers left.