“Here they come! Defensive formation!”
The battle began with an aerial bombardment by diligent Harpies. Outside the walls, we were protected by a magical defense umbrella. Even though I knew we were safe, seeing explosions directly overhead was unnerving.
It seemed other units were also under bombardment, but hopefully, magical defenses would see them through. If a giant bomb capable of destroying the castle walls were dropped, I wasn’t sure how long we’d hold.
“Is this all? They’re nothing special.”
I believe our casualties were minor, but they’d surely return with more explosives. Until then, the enemy would advance. This time, they’d be accompanied by Sand Dragons and the throwing of rocks by Trolls.
“Don’t we need to deploy ours yet?”
Priscilla’s comment likely referred to Rufina’s Undead Sand Dragon and Orietta’s Railgun, but I couldn’t secure a position for them.
“There are Ballistas on the walls, and Mages as well. It would be better to have Rufina and Orietta fight here with us.”
Doron’s reconnaissance revealed the enemy’s advance. They were coming through the burned city. Distant, brave shouts and the sound of drums threatened to engulf us.
“This is the most boring time.”
“I bet it is! I’ve heard you say that before. For me, this is the most nerve-wracking time. I don’t even want to hear their war cries; the sight of a formation of troops approaching fills me with terror.”
“Alana, have the enemies to the east and west started moving?”
While Doron was Alana’s responsibility, she was the most skilled pilot. I could fly them too, but Alana surveyed the east and west castle gates with two drones simultaneously.
“They haven’t moved.”
The answer was unexpected. I thought they would attack from all sides, but… was this a new tactic? Or perhaps they had no intention of fighting?
“They’re here~”
Was Orietta’s lack of tension due to relaxation? It made me feel embarrassed for being so nervous. Orietta was not wearing her armored suit.
It was large and easy to target, and considering the prolonged battle ahead, I wanted to conserve it. When not in her armored suit, Orietta looked like a black Gothic lolita maid.
I’d told her repeatedly to wear armor since it was useless in combat, but her only response was “It’s not cute~” so I gave up this time. Really, if she gets hit, she’ll die.
“There are so many…”
There are indeed many. Seeing this many makes me want to run. The Demon Army arrayed before the North Gate filled the ruined city, and in the distance, tall Sand Dragons and Giants were visible.
“This many… It’s disheartening just to count them. Originally, we were supposed to flank the enemy positions with the Second Army, but we have to deal with them head-on. We need to figure this out.”
“Do you have a strategy?”
With so many enemies, the strategy seemed useless. The saving graces were that the Demon Army units to the east and west hadn’t moved, and we, the White Lily Corps, were ready to fight with all our might.
“It’s the same as always. Annihilate anyone who stands in our way. We are the White Lily Corps.”
“That’s a great strategy! I’m glad I made you Captain. Don’t die, you bastard.”
“I am Mikael Sin, Captain of the White Lily Corps. Priscilla, if you die, haunt me.”
“I have no intention of dying. I will drink your blood until I die, drinking and drinking.”
“You’ll probably dry up after the second time.”
“I want to run a farm. I want to raise lots of cows.”
“Let’s skip the cows; they’re dangerous.”
“I’d like to set up a clinic somewhere and treat people.”
“That sounds like Sophia. No shooting lasers at bothersome patients.”
“Ori, I want the Captain’s memories~”
What other memories do you have? I want to know too.
“…”
“Speak.”
“Brigade! When the enemy starts throwing rocks, we charge! If we stay here, we’ll just be targets. Draw swords! Prepare to charge!”
They’re all saying things out of character. One person isn’t. They don’t usually say things like this…
“Charge!”
We ran, with giant stones raining down above us. Some skillfully predicted our path and threw rocks, but we overcame them with defensive magic.
“Rufina, kill them!”
“If you want an order, provide blood. ■■■■, Great Wind of Destruction.”
A reliable clean-up crew. The great wind Rufina conjured wiped out the center of the enemy’s first wave, clearing the room. There was still some trash piled up in the corners.
“Christine, Sophia, Rufina, take the rest of the left flank. The rest of us will take the right flank!”
I ceded the first strike to Rufina, but I’ll take the second. Before I could run, the White Lily Corps members vied to get ahead. Leave some for me… but I don’t have such passive thoughts.
Godspeed! “Light!”
A Sword of Light that illuminates with blinding light and high heat. Magic Sword Zebra, which could warm you up on a cold day. Spotlight is proof of the protagonist. Today’s star is me. I’m aiming for the Best Actor award.
Overtaking the White Lily Corps, I cut through the first wave of Ogres. I dodged their counterattacks with Godspeed, and by avoiding being splashed with blood, I was practically Hollywood-bound.
“You really don’t know any restraint.”
The first wave of Ogres, the entire right flank, was annihilated. The cleanup was finished before Priscilla and the others caught up. I was on a roll today. My body felt light, my sword speed was fast. I felt like I could ride any wave, no matter how big.
“I’m in top form. After this, I’ll let Priscilla ride me too.”
“…Huh!? What did you just say!”
“Sorry. I got carried away. Please disregard it.” Our assigned right flank was devastated, leaving only the left flank of the first wave. Christine’s group, the 1st Brigade, which was in charge of the left flank, seemed to be struggling.
“They’re taking longer than expected. What are Sophia and Rufina doing?”
“Conserving their strength, or perhaps they just don’t feel like killing them?”
Where has your will to kill gone? If those two were serious, they’d annihilate the Ogres in an instant. Perhaps Christine’s Army is working hard? They might be willing to die for Christine, but that doesn’t increase their actual strength.
“Let’s go help them. I don’t want to waste too much time.”
“The Second Army?”
The Second Army was also fighting a group of Ogres. Our job was to flank them here, but… the commander of the Second Army is Yuma Bashar. I don’t particularly want to go help him since he’s disliked.
“Yes, we’ll finish up here and head to reinforce the Second Army.”
With my Godspeed and the ferocious White Lily Corps, we defeated the Ogres, but it took a considerable amount of time. Whether it was Christine’s order or the brigade trying to impress Christine, it was too cramped to charge into the melee and wield Magic Sword Zebra.
Even in close combat, Sophia and Rufina didn’t use magic that would involve allies, perhaps fighting with endurance in mind.
“Rufina, you’ve grown. No allies have died, at least not by magic.”
“Of course. The Captain is an idiot if he thinks I’d involve allies.”
A killing intent suddenly arose within me… but I’ll let it pass.
“Sophia, heal the injured. Richauda! Are you alive!?”
Perhaps she couldn’t see from back there, but a three-meter-class Golem waved its hand in response. It seemed okay. I wanted to keep it close, like a parent, but I have to learn to let go.
“Once we’re ready, we’ll head to reinforce the Second Army. Form into a column, four ranks deep! Charge formation, go…”
“Hey! The second wave has arrived. That was fast.”
“Chance! I have a reason to abandon the Second Army now. This one is a mixed force of Ogres and Trolls. They’re likely cautious and maintaining magical defenses, so they’re a tough opponent.”
“Christine, Sophia, Alana, Orietta, head to the Second Army! Priscilla, Rufina, deploy Rossa and meet them!”
“It’s tough to kill them all by ourselves. The Captain is a demanding master.”
“Christine, take command! I’ll join you later. Rufina, Rossa, use physical magic. First strike wins, kill them!”
“Enjoy yourself, Priscilla. Rufina and Rossa are creating the perfect stage for you right now. The strongest necromancer and the Undead Queen unleashed two thousand swords, dyeing the stage with blood.”
“Priscilla, how about a dance? Of course, I’ll lead.”
“It has been a while. When was the last time… Was it long ago, or just a little while ago… Was it fun? Did I enjoy myself?”
Priscilla seems strange today? She’s not the type to talk about things like this… Could this be a “flag”!? The kind that makes people die if they mention marriage or engagement. Did a flag appear for Priscilla!?
“It’s dangerous!”
The club the Troll swung high into the sky was not brought down; it was split in two. If I extend the Sword of Light to its maximum, even a Troll can be dealt with.
This was different from cutting with Zebra; I’m a little angry. I was thinking about Priscilla and they interfered. Who do they think they are!?
A flag!? I don’t care. If a flag appears for Priscilla, I’ll cut it down. I’ll annihilate anyone who gets in the way.
“Priscilla, it’s time for our dance.”
“Ah, but the woman makes the first move in a dance.”
Priscilla, who sliced through them like a rabbit, turning the stage red, was more beautiful than anyone. I need to go soon. I won’t give her place next to me to anyone.
Klinshvelbach Castle’s trump card is fifteen minutes away.
