**Hildegard’s POV**
As we ate lunch, I listened to the report from Mako and the others returning from the Healer’s Guild, and I was greatly shocked.
Not only was Certina gravely injured with her right arm severed, but even Krall, the formidable Friezas Tiger renowned in Torencia, had suffered such a severe injury that he lost his left foreleg…
Certina is my great-grandmother, the only P-rank Hunter in Torencia, and is said to be a High Lamia closest to the Ancient Class.
However, even her, my great-grandmother, was powerless before the Slume Lord…
“I healed the wounds of the familiars, including Krall, but I couldn’t do anything about the lost limbs…”
“No, it’s normal for human treatment to not reach familiars if there isn’t enough of it. But you healed not only Krall but also the other familiars’ wounds, so I can only be grateful.”
Krall shielded Certina from the Slume Lord’s claws and, as a consequence, lost his left foreleg. However, that blow generated a blade of wind, and Certina also lost her right arm, with numerous slashes etched across Krall’s body.
If Krall hadn’t been a P-R Rank Monster, they might have both lost their lives. We must consider ourselves fortunate to have survived.
“A wind blade from its claws? That’s just troublesome.”
“I agree. And to make matters worse, the Slume Lord also uses ice and earth magic. If it uses the less visible wind magic, dealing with it will be difficult.”
“I intend to interfere with it to some extent using my Venus, but since it’s area-wide interference, the effect will be diminished for wind magic and even wind-attribute spell formations.”
The three Ancient Class individuals facing the Slume Lord—Lord Yamato, Prim, and Mako—are all troubled.
Lord Yamato and Mako can use a magic from another world called Engraving Magic, but even that magic apparently struggles to defend against the Slume Lord’s elemental magic.
“But if we do that, I won’t be able to use wind-attribute spell formations either, and Prim’s Extreme Flame Wing will also lose its effectiveness. Wouldn’t Múspellsheim or Jupiter be better?”
“I considered that too, but the Slume Lord makes its lair in Seryado Volcano, right? So I suspect it has high resistance to fire attribute magic.”
“Ah, I see.”
On this point, Mako is correct.
Due to the Slume Lord making Seryado Volcano its lair, it has gained high resistance to fire attribute magic. This is an undeniable fact, as battles took place at the foot of Seryado Volcano 180 years ago. Therefore, it can be said that Prim, who excels in fire attribute magic, is not a good matchup.
“It can’t be helped. I’ve been practicing, so I’ll try that.”
“That seems to be the only option.”
“If we can stop its movements, I intend to use that too.”
It appears all three of them are planning to use their trump cards. When I accompanied them to the Instant Labyrinth, Lord Yamato and Prim were simultaneously developing their own unique magic as trump cards, so I know what they are. However, I honestly have no idea what Mako’s trump card might be.
“Excuse me. Saber’s Guild, all personnel are ready.”
“Order’s Guild is also prepared.”
It seems the Sabers are also ready for deployment. Albert is temporarily commanding the Saber’s Guild, and Lord Rex has been put in charge of the Order’s Guild. Due to command structure issues, the Order’s Guild has been placed under the command of the Saber’s Guild, but the Order’s Guild understood this and readily accepted.
“Understood. We will also be ready shortly. Please gather the Saber’s Guild and Order’s Guild in the training grounds.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
If it were just the Slume Lord, we would have to prepare for an aerial attack. But since it’s leading a horde, the Slume Lord will likely be approaching by land. Therefore, we plan to advance and engage in combat as far from Krater as possible. Of course, we cannot neglect Krater’s defense, so half of the Saber’s Guild and the 6th and 8th squads of the Order’s Guild will remain in Krater. The 6th squad also wished to join the expedition, but since more than half of them were severely injured and there were casualties including the First Order, Lord Rex did not permit them. Instead, seven High Orders from the 6th squad are temporarily assigned to the 1st squad.
“What about the Hunters? But the high-rank Hunters suffered quite a bit of damage in yesterday’s raid, so it’s probably difficult.”
“Yes. Therefore, only the members of the Alliance will participate as Hunters this time.”
Many of the Hunters based in Krater were also severely injured during the recent raid and are currently recuperating at the Healer’s Guild. Of course, there are Hunters who were not present during the raid, but even so, with over 70% of Hunters unable to fight, we cannot have them participate. The Alliance members, including those of Normal Class, will accompany us. However, the main force will consist of Ancient Class and High Class individuals, so Normal Class members will be in a support role, including lookout duty from the Beast Carriages.
“Well then, Sister Hilde, shall we go too?”
“Yes. We can’t keep everyone waiting.”
“Of course.”
This is the first battle against a Demise Species in decades. The participants are 58 members of the Saber’s Guild, 95 members of the Order’s Guild, 105 members of the Alliance, and myself, for a total of 259 individuals, including 88 High Class and 3 Ancient Class members. The Alliance Leader has been appointed as G-rank Saber Albert Rioscudo, with General Order Lord Rex, who has experience participating in Demise Species subjugation, serving as his aide.
“Brave Sabers who are the pride of our nation, esteemed Orders who rushed to our nation’s crisis, and valiant Hunters! This is a campaign to dispel the greatest crisis in the history of Torencia since its founding! To defeat the Demise Species Slume Lord, awakened after 180 years, I, Hildegard Minato Torencia, Queen of the Torencia Phantom Kingdom, entrust my life and yours to you! For the fate of our nation, lend me your strength!”
“WOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!”
As I delivered my speech on the training grounds, a powerful roar echoed as if to shake the entire area, regardless of whether they were Sabers, Orders, or Hunters. The appearance of the Slume Lord is already known to the people of Krater, and some have even seen it with their own eyes. I hope that seeing this noble and valiant Alliance will help alleviate their anxieties, even if just a little.
“I am Manalease Reina Amister, Second Princess of the Amister Kingdom. I will now relay the plan for this operation. The Demise Species Slume Lord, the highest and most important priority target, will be handled by the three Ancient Class individuals present. Your role will be to promptly defeat the tiger species, including the Icequake Tigers, which the Slume Lord is likely leading. We do not know how many they will bring, but for mere G-rank and P-rank monsters, you should not be outmatched. Albert!”
“Yes!”
Following Mana’s declaration, Albert stepped forward. Mana took a sword from her storage and presented it to Albert.
“This sword uses new technology developed by Amister. Even an Ancient Class user will not suffer magical fatigue. I will bestow this sword upon the High Sabers. In this battle where we cannot afford to lose, use this Jade Silver sword and bring us victory.”
“Yes! Her Majesty Queen Hildegard, and Princess Manalease, I swear victory!”
Albert knelt and reverently accepted the sword. We had already supplied the High Sabers with swords made of Jade Silver for this alliance, so this is somewhat ritualistic. Upon receiving the report the other day, Mana and Yuri immediately reported to their older brother, Brother Rai, who then prepared thirty Jade Silver swords that were intended for the Order’s Guild. Furthermore, the sword bestowed upon Albert was forged by His Majesty Aiver himself, so its presence was different from the swords handed over to the High Sabers.
“We don’t know where the battlefield will be, but it’s certain that it will be after entering the Golud Great Glacier. Therefore, the Demise Species Subjugation Corps will depart immediately. All personnel, board the Beast Carriages!”
“YES!!”
Following Mana’s instructions, the Sabers, Orders, and Hunters began boarding their assigned Beast Carriages. The Beast Carriage that the Saber’s Guild will use this time is another prototype Beast Carriage owned by Lord Yamato. As it is an early model, boarding requires a bit of effort, but its comfort is so exceptional that it does not feel like a drawback, which will reduce the burden on the Sabers during their journey. Of course, Lord Yamato’s bedroom is securely locked with Locking, and the toilet was apparently added outdoors as an afterthought, so this part might be a bit inconvenient.
“Well then, Sister Hilde, let’s go.”
“Yes, let’s go.”
I boarded the Wing Crest’s Beast Carriage. Technically, I should be riding in the same Beast Carriage as the Sabers. However, Mana, as Lord Yamato’s wife, would naturally ride with him, and I had just delivered a speech as a princess of Amister. Therefore, it would be more appropriate for me to ride in the same Beast Carriage as Mana.
“All personnel have completed boarding!”
“Understood. Then, Demise Species Subjugation Corps, depart.”
“Yes! All personnel, we now depart for the Golud Great Glacier! We face a Demise Species, so do not let your guard down! High Class, maintain combat readiness at all times! Now, let’s go!”
Following Albert’s command, the elite Sabers moved out first, followed by the Wing Crest’s Beast Carriage. The Order’s Guild’s Beast Carriages appear to be proceeding from vehicle number one.
Even though the people of Krater watched the brave sight of the Demise Species Subjugation Corps, they could not hide their anxiety. This is understandable. Most of the Demise Species Subjugation Corps were annihilated, and even then, if they managed to repel the Demise Species, it would be considered a great success. Therefore, it is not strange that the people of Krater cannot fully believe my words when I speak of subjugating the Demise Species.
“The residents aren’t hiding their unease, but since they saw it with their own eyes, it’s understandable.”
“Especially since Certina and Krall were also severely injured.”
This is probably one of the factors contributing to their anxiety. My great-grandmother, Certina, is a P-rank Hunter and has a familiar contract with Friezas Tiger Krall, making her one of Torencia’s strongest assets. Seeing Certina and Krall utterly defeated without being able to do anything must naturally cause them to feel uneasy.
“Sister Hilde, look.”
“Huh? Oh, Certina…”
Certina, accompanied by Krall, was waiting for us at the gate.
“Stop! Halt!”
Upon confirming her appearance, Albert hastily ordered the Beast Carriages to stop. After ensuring that the four Beast Carriages had come to a halt, Certina approached my Beast Carriage and knelt.
“Your Majesty, I am truly sorry that I could not be of assistance this time…”
Certina, kneeling, spoke with a trembling voice. She is blaming herself for her inability to help in this dire situation. Without thinking, I jumped down from the observation deck.
“Please lift your head, Grandmother. The fact that you are safe is enough for me. I will surely find a way to fix your right arm and Krall’s left foreleg once all this is over. So please, do not blame yourself too much.”
“To send not only the youth but also my great-grandchild to the brink of death… it is truly painful for those left behind. You must return alive, Hilde.”
“Yes, I promise.”
Certina—my great-grandmother—hugged me gently, tears welling up in her eyes. I made such a vow to her. I don’t know if we will return alive after facing the Demise Species, the Slume Lord. But even if I have to crawl, I will definitely return. So, Great-grandmother, please smile and see us off now.
