“At last, the Demon King’s army makes its appearance.”
Receiving a certain reconnaissance report, Slaha, the leader of the Brahain Cavalry, laughs defiantly.
Initially, they were quite vigilant, having seen the shadow of dragons in the skies, but after sending out a scout team to investigate, it seems that the Demon King’s army intends to challenge them to a cavalry battle head-on.
“Looks like we’re being underestimated. To think they’d come riding horses to pick a fight with us.”
“That Demon King’s army has been winning consecutive battles; they’ve even killed that apostle.”
“Well, they certainly have gotten a bit cocky.”
“Indeed, the Demon King’s army is formidable. A Demon King who kills apostles, flying battleships, and ancient weapons coming one after another. Just the two of us alone have no chance of winning…”
Although they too have been on a winning streak, Slaha’s mind isn’t so intoxicated by victory as to consider the enemy equal.
From the rumors she’s heard, the strength of the Demon King’s army is enough to convey their might. While she doesn’t know precisely what is true or false, one undeniable fact is that they have killed apostles, liberated Adamantoria in the blink of an eye, and are heading straight into the Plains of Parthia.
Crushing the Great Expedition Army head-on while pressing their relentless advance makes the Demon King’s army a threat. Slaha has always thought she never wanted to face such opponents on the battlefield.
“But they are cavalry just like us. If we lose to them, it will ruin our reputation as the strongest in the plains. Hey, you all! Who is the strongest in the plains?!”
“Brahain!!”
“We are the strongest in the plains!”
As Slaha raises her voice, the shouts of her cavalry warriors resonate.
If there had been a swarm of dragons in the sky or those rumored flying battleships, they would have undoubtedly chosen to retreat without hesitation. However, their opponents are cavalry, and they have the numerical advantage, even if slightly.
If Slaha were the type to choose retreat under such circumstances, she’d have become a quiet bride for a powerful clan back in her homeland.
“Get your spirits up, everyone. These are the Demon King’s army. They’re not like the horse bastards we’ve hunted until now.”
“Yes, sis!”
“But to gain everything here in Parthia, we must defeat them. Do not fear; only the brave shall seize glory! Let’s go, scatter the Demon King’s army!!”
At Slaha’s rallying call, the entire cavalry she leads enters combat readiness.
Raising their bows and letting out roars, her comrades heighten their battle spirits, while Slaha conveys her strategy to her deputy commander who runs alongside her.
“Ignore the centaurs. The Demon King’s army intends to support them.”
“In that case, wouldn’t it be better to strike them with a small force and scatter the enemy?”
“No, the black dragon is there.”
“Is the black dragon really present?”
“Even if it’s a bluff, it’s a fact that they have considerable aerial forces. We’ve already confirmed that griffins are flying over the refugees.”
“Griffon knights… No way, the black ears from Fahren have joined them.”
“The Demon King’s army is impressive, bringing those stubborn guys out of the forest.”
Having engaged in the conquest of Fahren, Slaha already knows the troublesome fighting style of the Dark Elves. Especially, the knights mounted on griffins are elite and have previously stopped their own purges thanks to their prowess.
They are not an opponent she wishes to engage too eagerly.
“Any small force will be crushed before luring the main enemy out. I thought the rumor about the Demon King boasting that he would save all demon races was as dirty a slogan as a cross-cleric’s sermon, but… it seems he genuinely wants to save the innocent people.”
The Demon King’s army, capable of aerial reconnaissance, undoubtedly already detected the Brahain Cavalry before they could. They are aware that though they have the numerical advantage, it’s still not a simple matter.
Thus, the best strategy is to utilize the griffon knights and, if the black dragon truly exists, to make full use of their aerial superiority. Concentrating their available military strength is fundamental.
However, they are allocating precious aerial forces to escorting the centaur’s refugees. From Slaha’s perspective, it’s an unbelievable use of resources.
What good does it do to protect beings of another species who are not even their precious comrades, and merely commoners at that? If they lose, the lives of those people will be worth nothing.
If he truly cares for the people, then no matter how many lives might be lost in this battle, he should concentrate his forces to secure a swift and certain victory.
But Demon King Chrono avoided allowing the enemy to attack the refugees amid battle. Despite not securing overwhelming superiority in force, he prioritized protecting the people’s lives.
“I refuse to lose to such a soft-hearted man.”
According to reports, it is said that the cavalry unit of the Demon King’s army is led by a man in ominous pitch-black armor, akin to a king of demons, mounted on a gigantic undead horse.
From his distinctive features, he can only be Demon King Chrono.
If this is merely a shadowy double and the Demon King isn’t actually present, he’d certainly have made the logical decision to concentrate his forces here.
The tactical decisions made seem nothing short of arrogance on the part of the Demon King. Given that he commands such idiocy of his subordinates, Slaha is convinced he must be present.
That’s why it’s intolerable.
If the griffon knights were truly to charge with all their strength, they would respond in kind, ready for the fight.
However, the Demon King marched straight toward them, bringing only his cavalry. It feels as if he is saying that he doesn’t even need to put forth his full effort against them. Slaha’s pride feels wounded.
“Hey, do you recognize that flag?”
“Ah, yes, that belongs to Spada’s Tempest.”
“Looks like those remnants joined the Demon King along with the black ears.”
“Perfect, let’s hunt them down this time.”
Detailed reports from the enemy front are swiftly arriving, and Slaha begins formulating a strategy.
“The Demon King’s Imperial Guard and Tempest are both predominantly heavy cavalry. With good equipment and fine horses, they’re not your average elite knights. However, their legs are slower than ours.”
Moreover, thus far, large-scale cavalry operations by the Demon King’s army have not been seen. From all the information available, the Demon King’s victories have often come from ancient weapons that exceed modern norms.
They’ll use their elite forces to dramatically and decisively take down the stubborn apostles who have pranced around, lacking even basic strategic tactics.
By exploiting their strengths against the enemy’s weaknesses, this already constitutes a valid strategy.
However, there have not been any instances of the Demon King demonstrating superior command leading to a victory. He lacks skill in directing forces in conventional combat. Until now, he has never shown such aptitude.
“The Demon King probably doesn’t know how to manage horse movement.”
“Hah, if one were to compare with you, sis, it’s quite pitiful.”
“Quit joking. Listen, we’ll use our trademark method as always to strike. Move and encircle; don’t let them get close.”
“Understood. We’ll demonstrate Brahain’s cavalry techniques to them.”
“Lay out the Blue Wolf formation! Spread out!!”
At Slaha’s command, the cavalry divides and scatters, moving in unison as if they were a single living creature, beginning to form an encircling net around the Demon King’s army.
“Indeed, they’ve encircled us.”
Just as they were about to engage with the Brahain Cavalry, it became evident, through her own eyes and fairy communication, that the enemy was indeed attempting a complete encirclement.
The main force of Brahain consists of lightly armored cavalry warriors. They wield powerful magical bows, excelling in attack power, range, and rapid fire, effectively utilizing their horses’ mobility to maintain a constant attack from beyond the enemy’s reach.
Having defeated centaur warriors with this very strategy, their level of proficiency is considerable.
Their mounted skills are undoubtedly superior, a fact easily observable from the fluid manner in which they are maneuvering their troops right before her eyes. True horse tribes are not to be underestimated.
“Stick to the plan, we’re going straight through the center.”
In contrast, their main force comprises heavy cavalry, boasting high levels of attack, defense, and speed—darlings of the battlefield meant to crush enemy units with a single charge.
However, to the Brahain cavalry, heavy cavalry, which lacks speed, is like easy prey. Strong defenses can be broken eventually if they continue to be attacked mercilessly, or perhaps their spirits will break first.
If Tempest were chased by the fast and long-ranged Brahain, they would undoubtedly suffer considerable losses.
Yet this time isn’t a humiliating retreat like “a bee to a crying face.” General Emelia will repay the debts owed in Fahren here and now.
“Full speed ahead. Charge!”
As I issue the command, just after everyone spurs their horses into action, the first strike is initiated by Brahain. Their beautifully constructed encirclement completes just in time to unleash simultaneous magical bow attacks from all directions, aiming to strike us down.
The distance is greater than I anticipated—far enough that they appear as mere specks on the vast greens of the plains.
However, the projectiles they shoot trace elegant arcs of fire against the bright blue sky, flying directly toward us.
From the sense of the impact, it’s of mid-level attack magic. Yet, it’s likely formed not from contemporary spells, but rather from distinct martial techniques coupled with fire attribute stones crafted into the arrows. Though slightly weaker than “Flame Spear,” they certainly hold half the explosive power of “Flame Cannon.”
Most of those cavalry units are unleashing such destructive attacks. Some even carry magic power that rivals upper-grade magic.
Moreover, the arrows composed of wind attributes weave in and out, likely intending to disperse the flames after impact.
While moving at high speed, they can execute this precise ranged attack—truly, these foes are troublesome.
And because of my conspicuous appearance, as I charge boldly in the lead, a deluge of blazing arrows rains down upon me. Among them is a particularly massive projectile reminiscent of Fiona’s “Fire Arrow.”
“Defensive formation!”
“Shoot!”
The commands from General Emelia and myself come down simultaneously.
There’s no confusion due to the distinct orders. I issued them separately.
In front of the downpour of flames from the simultaneous attack, Tempest immediately activates defensive magic, creating a storm above us in an instant.
It appears to be a combination of wind and water attributes. The fierce winds deflect the arrows, and large droplets of water absorb the heat from the flames.
Even so, the fire arrows that slip through are repelled by the ice shield emanating cold.
Meanwhile, the dark knights, responding to my orders, begin to unleash their volleys.
Though the enemy appears as distant shadows, they are still visible enough to fire at. Especially since they gather so closely together.
Our bullets can reach them just as well as their arrows can reach us.
The enemy likely didn’t anticipate a counterattack at this range. Instantly, they are quick to adjust their positions as the lines of fire crisscross wildly.
However, their panic remains limited to mere surprise, showing remarkable agility as they move to evade without crashing into one another.
They’re specialized for magical bow attacks, thus their defensive magic is minimal. Instead, they primarily rely on maneuvering their horses to dodge while continuing their assault, showcasing their exceptional skill.
But now, the one-sided advantage in range during their attacks is broken.
Tempest focuses on their area of expertise, defense, while the dark knights equipped with the EA Series take over the offense. The balance of attack and defense has now reached an equilibrium.
And from this point on, it’s my job to turn the tide.
“Take this, ‘Heaven’s Abyss Devourer.'”
With the flames of death approaching me, I draw my sword.
From the dazzlingly white and beautifully gleaming blade, an ominous crimson aura swirls forth. With a single swing, the flames standing in my way are extinguished.
The Devourer’s blade seems to demand more, as it siphons away magical power from my right arm. It’s powerful, yet still continues its voracious appetite.
For now, just preventing that initial strike is all I need. What I need now is speed.
“Merry, we’re flying—’Demon King of the Storm.'”
The ideal counter to encirclement tactics is a breakthrough through a single point.
Unless they vastly outnumber us, merely surrounding the enemy can lead to the siege being easily shattered if they concentrate their strength in a given direction, causing the trapped party to face dire straits. Thus, the encircling forces must prepare to leverage their numerical advantage and terrain to block enemy breakthroughs.
The counter to Brahain’s encirclement lies in speed.
Whenever the enemy begins to move to break through, the cavalry stationed in that direction withdraws to create distance. In response, the allied forces will immediately compact the circle, maintaining a distance that keeps the enemy surrounded.
To break through, they must either outrun us or use heavy firepower to create an opening.
I have chosen the former.
Activating the speed enhancement blessing “Demon King of the Storm” while riding Merry is something I’ve been doing for a while now. Even when Spada fell, I had leaped over my comrades and sprung toward a gate that seemed on the verge of breaching.
This time, however, it’s the opposite. I leap over the enemies and land in front of them.
Even as the barrage of arrows from the flames was about to land, their reactions come too late. As I started to accelerate, I had already leapt high into the sky on Merry. The flaming arrows passed right beneath my feet.
Continuing onward, I soar above the enemies. They seem unable to grasp my sudden movement, watching in bewilderment as I leave them behind, with a swirling black wind trailing behind me.
“Wow, I really flew far. This might just be a record, Merry?”
A low growl responds as I reach the ground after the extreme leap, and the moment my hooves touch down, we start galloping once more.
I had worried about the strain from using the blessing, but it seems the synergy between “Demon King of the Storm” and Merry is good. After activation, Merry’s undead horse magic has also revitalized.
Having jumped in front of the enemies, this is where the real test begins. I’m stopping those proud legs.
“It’s time for business, Hitsugi. I’m counting on you.”
“Whenever you’re ready, Master. Perfect Maid Hitsugi is all set!!”
“’Magic Sword: Earth Blade.’”
From beneath my flowing black cloak “Infinite Foams,” I unleash an array of magic swords.
“Earth Blade” is a long sword of standard production enhanced by the pseudo-earth attribute “Black Soil.”
Unlike the slicing blades used interchangeably for micro-missiles, this only becomes somewhat harder than an iron sword. Therefore, the many Earth Blades released won’t slash the enemies directly.
Instead, they pierce into the green expanse of the plains that stretch to the horizon.
After confirming the regularly spaced Earth Blades driving themselves into the ground, I finally trigger the true black magic.
“—’Black Soil Descent.'”
The vibrant green grassland instantly transforms into a dark, murky swamp.
This black magic is a widespread version of “Subterranean Passage.”
Having prepared the Earth Blades in advance reduces magical consumption greatly, along with significantly cutting down the effort required to channel black magic into the ground. Instantly, the area surrounding the vertically stuck blades is transformed into black soil.
Just recently using “Subterranean Passage” for several days has made me quite adept at quickly completing “Black Soil Descent.” In fact, while wandering through Varna’s dense forest, I had constantly thought about making it an efficient widespread magic upon my return.
Having stuck with the perspective of occasionally using it for surprise attacks, this time I’m reminded of the necessity to refine my black magic while feeling the repercussions of abandoning it. There are several other spells of black magic that could use improvement… but now, I must focus on the battle ahead.
“Now, let’s go! Master, witness the great exploits of me, Maid Hitsugi!!”
“Just get it done quickly, ‘Magical Hand’—’Serpent King Binding.'”
“Dark Flowing Black Magic—’Salah’s Serpent of Chains’!”
From the expanse of pitch-black mire, a nine-headed massive serpent and a multitude of snake-like chains surge forth.
With your celebrated horsemanship, can you surpass this number and range? Let’s find out, Brahain.