“———This is bad, I’m being overwhelmed.”
I entrusted the fight against the light giant to Sariel and charged alone into the enemy lines, but I was already in a dire situation.
“Shield, get ready! Stop them!!”
“Don’t be afraid, they are merely low-tier undead!”
“O holy power that sweeps away evil, kindle the blades of the brave knights— ‘Light Attribute Infusion’!”
“Woooooah! God’s blessing upon us!!”
Right after the charge, I wildly unleashed full firepower, successfully creating a decent zombie horde and causing chaos once more. However, the enemy quickly managed to recover.
Before I even crossed the bridge, I had already revealed the “Dark Temple of the Requiem.” It seems some sharp-eyed individuals moved their formation to respond when that exploded.
After securely pulling the priests of the cross religion to the back, light magic for undead countermeasures accurately flew in. As expected, the covering fire from the dark knights didn’t reach this main force.
And above all, they threw their allies in the frontline under the bus.
When I began my charge and the zombies started to appear, troops began to retreat from a certain line. Clearly, they were distancing themselves to escape the area of conflict against the zombies.
The soldiers, who stood at the forefront and became prey to my magic bullets, were either in the hundreds or thousands. Their willingness to sacrifice that many was almost as if they were saying it was fine to lose such numbers.
The Great Expedition Army stationed here is a coalition formed by the hidden cross religion forces of Pandora. That’s precisely why the other factions could afford to sacrifice their own.
In any case, the enemy commander, now aware of our tactics, began a counterattack to once again exterminate me along with the zombie horde using their ruthless front-line abandonment tactics.
“What about Sariel…”
When I looked back, the scene of a giant falling from the bridge with a thunderous roar was unfolding.
Immediately after, a pitch-black lightning struck. As the lightning cut through the void, a massive thunder clap reverberated.
It seems Sariel delivered a finishing blow.
Perhaps due to losing the caster, the light giant, once so filled with white magic, rapidly began to lose its brilliance and started to crumble, seemingly unable to support its own weight.
“So this is the power of the Seventh Apostle that even the Dragon King has slain.”
To be precise, it is an equivalent power.
This is the new power of blessing that Sariel has acquired. Although temporary, it has the terrifying effect of elevating that ability back to that of the Seventh Apostle through black magic.
If Sariel were to truly get angry, it would mean I would no longer be able to stop it alone.
The Galahad War was over a year ago, but that doesn’t mean I could defeat the Seventh Apostle Sariel again now. Without my comrades’ strength, I wouldn’t have a chance. I absolutely cannot afford a one-on-one match.
That is how fearsome her strength is. And the proof of that lies in the fact that she easily defeated Norz’s “Giant of the Sanctum of Rosealia.”
“Well then, I guess I need to push myself harder.”
While dealing with the zombie horde, it wasn’t yet time to give up.
Indeed, if they continue to assault us with well-coordinated formations while taking adequate undead countermeasures using light attribute infusion magic, it would merely result in a one-sided massacre.
However, if I can disrupt this again, I should be able to open a breakthrough.
The subsequent zombies have started to arrive, and with Norz falling, Sariel and the dark knight corps stationed behind are also able to safely cross the bridge and join me.
Using the zombies as a shield, we concentrate our firepower to carve a path forward. The Song of the Gravekeeper continues to resonate. If we inflict bloodshed upon the enemy, we can replenish the zombies accordingly, and if a melee occurs, chaos will ensue once more.
In the end, it comes down to brute force, but if we have the strength to push, then that is the orthodox method.
“Kill more, and cause greater chaos.”
Before Sariel and the others regroup, I should take down as many enemies as possible to dampen their morale for the counterattack—just as I thought that, it was actually me who was outmaneuvered.
Gwooooaahhhh!!
A roar that reverberated through the clear sky. It indicated the arrival of the ruler of the skies.
“Dragon!!”
“The black dragon is coming!!”
“That’s definitely the Demon King’s mount, no doubt about it.”
“We split them up, why are they here?!”
“Calm down, the enemy is alone. Quickly, prepare anti-air defenses—”
The arrival of Black Dragon Belkrosen caused a sudden commotion among the enemy lines.
With the enemy focused on what was right in front of them, an assault from above, especially from a black dragon, could not be ignored. If left unguarded, even a multitude would easily be turned to ash.
The dragon shadow rapidly grew larger in the sky above, and its black shimmering colossal form came into clear view.
Just before it unleashed its breath from above, somehow they succeeded in activating multiple barriers.
“—’Black Shield'”
The moment I hid behind the softly erected defensive magic, an overwhelming explosion and shockwave surged through.
A chilling presence of immense magical power. Though I had only witnessed it once before up close, I vividly remembered this sensation.
“That Bel… right out of the gate, he really blasted it.”
The true breath of a dragon came flying.
It was a red-black flash of destruction unleashed with dense black magic far beyond mere flame breath.
That dragon’s breath had not been seen since Maria’s angelic summoning during the Avalon Liberation War.
Then, the same tremendous destructive power erupted right in the middle of the enemy lines.
“Ohhh…”
What a sight it was that I couldn’t help but let out a voice. When I peeked out from behind the shield after the aftershock passed, the dome-like wondrous barrier that had gleamed brightly was now shattered, and black smoke was billowing up from the epicenter. Those directly hit were likely blown away, leaving only their shadows.
Those nearby also wouldn’t escape death. Even heavy cavalry with shields would probably face instant death.
Even I, being this far away, felt it was a bit dangerous and put up a shield. In fact, the zombies that had clustered nearby were already falling over from the residual shock that had reached them.
With such overwhelming dragon breath unleashed, one could hardly talk about formations anymore.
Despite being the general Norz, they likely lost their top individual combat force and would have no means to counter the black dragon.
To hunt a dragon, merely amassing numbers does not suffice. What is needed is the dragon-slaying hero. Only those chosen with the strength to challenge the dragon are capable.
“—My lord!”
“You came at just the right time, Bel. You saved me.”
Bel landed in front of me, having swept through the soldiers and zombies alike with the momentum of his glide.
“First, we’re withdrawing. Get on quickly.”
“There are dark knights. Not everyone can mount.”
“Don’t worry, reinforcements will come soon.”
It seems that Bel was not sent to rescue just me alone.
Well, if it were Lily, she wouldn’t budge an inch if I was escaping by leaving my comrades behind.
It meant that they had prepared the fighting force needed to rescue us. What perfect timing…
“Understood, let’s go.”
For now, there’s no point in chatting here.
“Alright, let’s go!”
“Make sure to let Merry aboard too.”
“Hmph, very well. Though this horse is merely riding on my master’s grace, I shall carry her.”
As she casually attempts to take me alone and take off, I wonder if there’s some mysterious rivalry between horse and dragon. Their compatibility is terribly poor.
When I spoke, Bel triumphantly grabbed Merry with his front leg, while Merry showed her displeasure, reluctantly allowing herself to be captured.
For now, we are taking off. However, we won’t bolt at full speed just yet.
“Sariel.”
“Yes, Master.”
When I sent communication through the helmet, Sariel, who had the fairy Neneka attached, quickly replied.
“Did you take down Norz?”
“I pierced the heart and severed his head. He is definitely dead.”
“Good work, just as expected.”
First, I needed to confirm. It would be troublesome if Norz revived as a giant once more here. He’s not an apostle, so he shouldn’t be granted such a miracle.
“Bel and the rescue team are coming.”
“Yes, I’ve confirmed Lord Belkrosen’s appearance from here as well.”
“Do not cross the bridge, take defensive positions at the base. If we endure just a little longer, the rescue team will scatter the enemy.”
“Understood. Master, please go ahead.”
“Until you regroup with the reinforcements, I will focus on air support.”
“Master, now is the time, it’s not too late.”
“What do you mean?”
“The last chance to slay the Eleventh Apostle, Misa.”
I cannot say I hadn’t considered it.
If it were Lily, just hearing of my plight, she would surely come flying immediately with Shangri-La.
However, it was Bel and the rescue team that came. Leaving it to others instead of herself was a painful decision for Lily.
The reason she was pressed is none other than because Misa is here.
Misa has likely already arrived at Varna aboard the Sky Mother Ship Peaceful Heart. And along with Norz executing my assassination operation, Misa must have begun the invasion of Varna as well.
Should Lily move to rescue me in Shangri-La, it would be the absolute worst timing and situation, leaving her vulnerable to attack.
“Indeed, by now, Shangri-La and Peaceful Heart are likely clashing.”
If the Ram Attack operation has been activated, it is literally causing that.
The decisive battle at Varna was prepared for maximum efficiency, aimed to take out both Misa and Peaceful Heart altogether. Even without me, if Lily fought without hesitation, I believe it would go well…
“Master, everything is alright on this end. Please, slay the Eleventh Apostle Misa, achieve victory in the Varna battle, and sever the ties with Alsace.”
“I’m sorry, Sariel… Thank you.”
“———Tch, I got outpaced by the black dragon after all!”
As he saw the several massive pillars of fire remaining in the distance, the shadow of the black dragon soaring high above, Commander Kai of the First Assault Brigade muttered that complaint.
Receiving a royal command from Queen Lily, Kai was entrusted with the glorious mission of rescuing the Demon King, and he immediately organized the rescue team and departed Meteor Fall.
What was needed for this rescue operation was firepower and speed. The utmost urgency to reach Chrono as quickly as possible and the strength to scatter the enemy forces gathered to slay the Demon King.
Lily would never entrust it to a half-hearted force. The reason she placed the task of rescuing Chrono on the First Assault Brigade, led by Kai, was due to their proven track record on the front lines.
There was a modest pride in that, but the crucial target of the rescue, Chrono, appeared to have been taken away by the black dragon Belkrosen already.
Although Belkrosen, alongside Lily, left for Meteor Fall much later than they departed, there was no way any elite forces could match the speed of a flying dragon.
“Damn it, if they’d wiped out the enemy too, we wouldn’t have a chance to shine.”
From afar, he was already witnessing the explosive dragon breath erupt, but for the meantime, it seemed they prioritized the rescue of Chrono. No movement was visible towards annihilating the enemy forces, as they flew straight to leave this airspace.
Knowing Chrono, he would surely head straight toward a direct aerial battle at Meteor Fall. Kai sensed this intuitively.
While he also wished to fight on the largest battlefield, he steeled himself to fulfill his duty as an imperial knight.
“Listen up, everyone! The Demon King has been successfully rescued by Bel, but there are still the dark knights left behind over there.”
Chrono accepting to escape alone in this situation was grounded in his belief that the rescue team would surely help Sariel and the others. Otherwise, he would have been the type to cling to the rocks and stay on-site. At least, that’s what Kai firmly believed.
“And they serve as a separate squad charged with attacking Meteor Fall. Understand, this isn’t just a rescue mission; it’s an extermination battle to thoroughly smash the Great Expedition Army right here.”
The organized rescue team was not composed solely of the First Assault Brigade.
After rescuing Chrono, the operation’s objectives included driving out the Great Expedition Army, which had set up in the Clan of Great Horns’ territory, and reclaiming power over this land.
To achieve that, no matter how elite a force, the First Assault Brigade alone lacked in numbers. Sufficient strength had been deployed to defeat the multitude of enemies and secure the Clan of Great Horns’ settlement.
“This is a crisis for Varna! We will take back what was stolen by our beastman hands!!”
The one shouting to rally the troops was Laila, the white-haired lion beastgirl.
She stood atop an ancient weapon, the quadruped battle tank “Tiga,” which galloped over the ground on its steel limbs.
Using Tiga as the lead vehicle, with multiple identical Tigas and Iron Spiders, together forming a battalion of several dozen, the empire’s military was assembled with the largest unit.
The quadruped tanks were boldly incorporated as fighting forces that could compete in both speed and firepower, not falling behind the finest elite of the First Assault Brigade.
The Iron Spiders were already operational during the liberation war in Fahren and, although a different model, the same quadruped tanks Tiga were expected to be similarly powerful.
Entrusted by Lily to handle the ancient ruins, Laila had been moving forward with deploying the Tiga quadruped tank unit for practical use, and during this Varna decisive battle, it was planned to act as a strong mobile force.
However, due to the sudden change in the situation brought about by the Great Expedition Army’s assassination operation on Chrono, alongside the approaching Peaceful Heart, Laila’s tank unit had been incorporated into the rescue team.
As long as there’s the ether-powered mobility, the quadruped tanks could run tirelessly, becoming far superior transport vehicles than carts. If they were to pull large loads equivalent to large dragon carts, they could easily accommodate all members of the First Assault Brigade.
Loaded to the brim with personnel and adding the cavalry strength of beastmen gathered at Meteor Fall, the rescue team was formed with approximately five thousand members.
“That’s right, you guys! Save our comrades, rescue our kin, and crush whoever laid a hand on our Demon King!!”
Kai shouted encouragement from atop the leading vehicle alongside Laila.
Woooaaahhh— a roar reminiscent of beasts erupted. Spirits high, battle fervor was sufficient. Armed with sharpened blades and fangs, the mixed forces of the Elroad Empire and the Varna Beast Alliance surged forward toward the headquarters of the Great Expedition Army.
“Let’s go, men, charge!!”