Chapter 66 (Self Edited) – The Sword King and the Accident at the Border
In a place that the exact location was unknown, there was nothing in the surroundings and the place remained peaceful.
There was nothing reflected in the eyes, and to begin with, there was nothing to be seen.
The reason was something that was worth seeing had disappeared a long time ago.
Perhaps, it also should have disappeared at that time as the regrets ran through its body… suddenly, it noticed something.
{Hmm…? This is… a part of my power has disappeared, what does that mean…?} (??)
Although it was divided into twelve parts, originally, there was only a single ident.i.ty.
It also had no trouble to feel the remnant.
But, one of them had suddenly disappeared.
It slightly groaned because of an unlikely matter to happen had happened…
{That’s weird… although it is a part, I don’t think there is anything that can destroy us who are called as Devil Dragon, but… oh well, I don’t mind.} (Evil Dragon)
However, it ended wondering as it made a groan.
In the first hand, it was enough with eleven parts only.
It felt nothing if one part was missing.
{Well then, ‘that’ hasn’t returned yet, but… it is the promised time. There is no reason to wait any longer.} (Evil Dragon)
Then, the creature… that was called the Evil Dragon looked toward a certain direction and spread its wings.
And the jet black body rose to the surface–
{Shall we get started… as the continuation of that time. For the battle of revenge of that man…!} (Evil Dragon)
Finally, it roared once and then, it flew away, heading to the place of its purpose.
—
This was a bit sudden, but the n.o.bles who owned multiple territories in the Kingdom of Radius were very little in number.
It was simply due to lack of personnel.
Even if they owned multiple territories, it wasn’t possible to manage it.
By understanding that fact, the kings didn’t grant multiple territories, but here… there were a few exceptions.
Kingdom of Radius, Duke of Neumontt, Zenfurt.
It was the second territory owned by the Duke of Neumont, and it was also a place that faced the national border with the Kingdom of Veritas.
In other words, both territories owned by the Duke of Neumont were facing national borders, but again, the shortage of personnel was the reason.
To be frank, no one else could be entrusted with the national borders.
Therefore, it was entrusted to the two strongest domestic powers, which were also the two strongest in the world.
That was the best policy that Kingdom of Radeus could take.
However, it was an impossible matter if people think according to the common sense.
In particular, aside from being in the middle of ceasefire with the Demons, they were currently at war with the Kingdom of Veritas.
For starters, the Special Rank holders never came out on the battlefield.
It was true that if Special Rank holders came out to the battlefield, it might be possible to change the flow even by a single person.
But, in this situation, the other side also had their Special Rank holders came out.
If it was going to be like that, it would be a dire situation.
Let alone common soldiers, or even the Advanced Rank holders might be blown away by the aftermath of conflict between Special Rank holders.
That wouldn’t be called war anymore. It would be something else.
But, this country took advantage of the fact.
They dared to bring a Special Rank holder to the battlefield, and even sent to the front line.
Given the situation, the Kingdom of Veritas also had to bring out their Special Rank holders, but they couldn’t do that.
If they did so, they were giving chances to other countries to invade them.
The Kingdom of Veritas which was hostile to all neighboring countries was also in a shape of weakness.
Perhaps, they could do something like instantly defeating those countries depending on the opponents, but unfortunately, the Special Rank holder on this side was one of the Seven Heavens, and he was the number one on the list, the Sword King.
If they did this poorly, the possibility of losing was higher. So, if they left Kingdom of Radeus alone, the hostile countries wouldn’t attack the Kingdom of Veritas.
To overlook this matter was something that couldn’t be done by them as a large country, but if they still wanted to do it, the damage couldn’t be undone.
As a result, repeated skirmishes without serious damage to each other had become daily life occurrence on this national border.
However, it might be needless to say this, but this was merely a sacrifice of a person’s dedication.
That was the Sword King, Kraus Neumont.
Because of that, Kraus had to stay at the front line almost like every day.
If he fought seriously, the other side would also seriously resist. So, speaking of what he was doing, he was pretty much glaring.
Once in a while, he added up a blow, but that was it.
Therefore, there was no fatigue. Although, it was rather easy… there were many obstacles in various ways.
The problem in particular was probably the official business.
Instead of doc.u.mentations or something like that, it was almost impossible for him to partic.i.p.ate in parties or show face when necessary.
He had to leave all of them to his wife, Sophia, but she was probably going to be overwhelmed.
Although he couldn’t thank her before long, the opportunity for such a moment didn’t come.
Anyhow, for the past three years, he didn’t come back to the other house.
Personally, that was the biggest problem.
He had heard what happened to his son, Soma.
With that in mind, he was aware that the burden on his wife and daughter, and he also had his head hurt.
But, even so, he couldn’t return.
Kraus was told many times by his subordinates that he could go back during his wife and children’s birthday, but… the Kingdom of Veritas seemed to be planning something.
He was trying to verify what was it and how to deal with them.
He understood his role and for that reason, he couldn’t leave this place.
That was why when the accident happened, he was thinking ‘Finally’. Although it wasn’t surprising… it was still unexpected. In fact, it made him frowned.
“…Is that for real?” (Kraus)
“Yes, there is no mistake! This wasn’t the report only from the scouts, but it was also from the magicians. It was neither misunderstanding nor illusion.” (??)
“Hmmm… But, when they came here, they were entirely on offensive…?” (Kraus)
Indeed, all the army of the Kingdom of Veritas, which was observed near the border, was set off an offensive to this place.
It had never been like this before.
Well, of course.
Since Kraus was here, no matter how many they had, it brought no meaning.
Besides, he already gave a sharp glare approximately an hour ago.
By no means, they were stupid enough to think that he was going to concede.
“…I can’t see reinforcements or ambush though?” (Kraus)
“Yes! There was no reinforcements added and there was no place to arrange ambush!” (??)
“Well, are they fools…?” (Kraus)
In the first place, the reason why small skirmishes ended until now was the existence of Kraus and also the importance of the location.
Such things like excessive tricks were pointless since what was spreading there was a large plain.
Perhaps, if it was possible, it was probably from the sky, but…
“That is also inevitable, huh…” (Kraus)
For example, if an Advanced Rank magician came out, Kraus could easily shot them down. In fact, it happened before.
If they were foolish enough to repeat such a behavior, he would probably return home faster.
There was also no possibility of honorable defeat.
And it was pointless.
However, their behavior must have a meaning… but when he thought so far, he merely shook his head.
“It is pointless to think more than this. To begin with, haven’t we talked with the commissioned officers?” (Kraus)
“Yes, they said that because the enemies’ aim couldn’t be guessed, so they would leave the final judgment to you!” (??)
“I guess so. …Got it, I’ll head out.” (Kraus)
“…Is that alright?” (??)
“This is for the best, and that’s why I am here. Besides, I’m not cold-hearted to let my subordinates to die in vain.” (Kraus)
“Yes! Please excuse me! I will inform this to them!” (??)
“I’ll depend on you then.” (Kraus)
“Yes!” (??)
While saluting and watching the departing subordinate… Kraus suddenly turned his eyes to the outside of the window.
It was a cloudless blue sky.
It felt like it would be pleasant and cheerful if he went outside, but… somehow it seemed strangely ominous.
“…Nah, whatever it is, there is only one thing I would have to do.” (Kraus)
Well, he was a person who prioritized the country, instead of family.
For him, if he couldn’t defeat this country as a soldier, he would be considered worthless.
So, Kraus grasped his beloved sword that was put on the side and let the room fast.
—
When Kraus showed up, the reaction on the spot was divided into two.
A side that raised shout of joy and the other side that raised war cries.
Although both sides hadn’t clashed yet, the reactions were hasty.
“What’s the situation like?” (Kraus)
Those were the words uttered when approaching the man who was the commander at the front line.
However, what was replied to that question was a binocular.
It was probably faster to see by himself.
There seemed to be sometime before coming into contact with the enemies, and that was certain.
Consequently, when he received and looked through the binocular … it made him frowned.
“….I noticed at the time of the war cries earlier, but their morale is strangely high. The reinforcements haven’t appeared yet, right?” (Kraus)
“At least, it is true that they are the bunch who is not coming to fight against Kraus-sama.” (Commander)
“Hmmm…” (Kraus)
A Special Rank holder stood out for better or worse.
Making his face widely known outside of the country might also pose the ability to deter. Therefore, it was impossible not to know that face.
Their scouts would probably not overlook his appearance… well, as much as the Kingdom of Veritas, although it wasn’t weird to conceal one or two people, they were still not coming out in this situation.
Even if they were going to do it, they were supposed to do it when he wasn’t giving attention.
The effect would be thin if they were doing in under this circ.u.mstance.
“I thought that I would understand something if I look at them, but… oh well, it’s fine. Rather than thinking hard, it would be faster to give them a blow.” (Kraus)
“This would stop with Kraus-sama here, but it is meaningless in many ways. So, please leave it to us too, alright?” (Commander)
“We’ll see… that is up to the enemies.” (Kraus)
While saying that, Kraus slightly lowered down his body.
Putting strength on the feet…
“Well then, I’m going.” (Kraus)
“Yes, yes, please be careful.” (Commander)
Kicking the ground while receiving the words from the subordinate, he leaped into the air in one go.
It was about 30 meters in the sky.
When he reached the apex of the leap with about half the distance to where the enemies’ army converged, he began to fall according to the gravity.
“That guy is coming–!” (??)
“d.a.m.n it, he is absurd as always…!” (??)
“I don’t want to express impatience in one go, you know!” (Kraus)
The enemies became fl.u.s.tered when noticed him and turned around. However, this was also within his expectation.
While confirming that the landing point would be in the middle of enemies’ frontline, he pulled out the sword on his back from the sheath.
The blade was roughly 80% of his height.
Although it was quite large since it was 80% of two meters, it was easy to use for Kraus.
As he held it with both hands while confirming the grip, when he raised his face, the ground and enemies were right in front of him.
“First off, I’ll try not to hit, but I don’t care if anyone got hit. Do your best and try to avoid this.” (Kraus)
“Humph, don’t say unreasonable thing!” (??)
The other side was shouting something, but he didn’t care.
The sword, that he tightly grasped again, was swung to the ground with the momentum of falling.
— Special Rank Swordsmanship – Single Sword – Divine Protection of Country Guardian – All Martial Arts – Unrivaled Strength – Eternal Solidity: Meteor Strike. (TLN: The name in raw is 剣術特級・一の剣・護国の加護・武芸百般・怪力無双・比翼連理：メテオストライク。I’m not sure how to translate 比翼連理. It’s not marital vows, that’s for sure.)
At that moment, the ground collapsed and exploded.
An enormous impact scattered to the surroundings. When everything dispersed, there was a huge crater showed up.
It was ten meters in diameter and three meters deep. Once he confirmed that there was no enemies lump of meat rolling around, he leaped and got out from the crater.
He landed on the rear part of the hole and he nodded after looking around.
“That was roughly overlooked, but apparently no one died… that’s good as always.” (Kraus)
“Shut up! We didn’t want to get used to such a thing!” (??)
Although the enemies were screaming, the distance was fifty meters apart.
Instead of having escaped, they were blown away by the aftermath of his technique.
Nevertheless, although some of them were injured, n.o.body died. So, it was good as expected.
Well, if the other side screamed as such, it was probably they were getting used to the action.
Yes, this farce was normal.
It was done every three days, and it was a part of the routine.
However…
“Now, needless to say this again, I will tell you once as a courtesy. I won’t chase you if you run away, so if you become a prisoner of war, be prepared to accept it. Especially when you seem to be planning something this time… if you tell me, I’ll promise to welcome you with open hands.” (Kraus)
“Hah! Do you think we’re going to say it!?” (??)
Despite saying that, the enemies would escape immediately like the usual, but… apparently, it seemed that it wouldn’t be the case today.
Those who had collapsed also stood up, and they certainly had the intention to go against him.
Kraus thought that they were a bunch who had prepared well.
It was similar to those who were here.
Even if their top officer defeated, everyone else wouldn’t backed down.
However, even if Kraus understood it… or perhaps because he understood it, he prepared his sword.
“I see… if it so, there is no need to say anything more. I will adjust to a certain extent, but I can’t promise that I won’t kill anyone. Do your best and survive.” (Kraus)
He didn’t really want to kill them not because he was displaying compa.s.sion.
In fact, he held no grudge against them, but this was a war.
To kill or to be killed, and grudges were always there in a battlefield.
However, strategically speaking, instead of causing death, it was much more effective to make them injured.
To put it simply, if he caught them as prisoners, sometimes information of the other side would be obtained.
That was it.
Nonetheless, it probably served no purpose if he wanted to listen to their purpose this time from common soldiers.
That was why Kraus didn’t ask those people in front of him.
The question should be asked to those at their top, their commanders.
He would go straight and catch them.
It was killing two birds with a stone. He could obtain the purpose and reduce their morale.
As Kraus considering that far, he lowered his waist.
The movement of the enemies that stopped once already resumed its marching.
While getting ready to leap, he put strength on the foot and looked for the person of interest, but… an unexpected shadow appeared at that time.
“…?” (Kraus)
Accordingly, Kraus quickly looked up at the sky because it was an unusual phenomenon.
He had confirmed earlier that there wasn’t even a hint of cloud.
That meant something appeared above the sky, and that was…
“Wha!?” (Kraus)
He stood there in blank amazement for a moment because of that unexpected appearance reflected in the visual field.
He was completely unguarded, but that was because the enemies had never come from there.
The enemies were also the same, but that might be due to Kraus who looked surprised.
“Oo-oii… that is… no way…!?” (??)
“It can’t be… this must be a lie…!?” (??)
Among those who saw it, there was no one who couldn’t understand what it was.
There should be few people who had actually seen it.
However, its majestic appearance was right on the spot.
The total length was approximately fifty meters.
The whole body was covered in jet black color. It was as if to manifest the night.
Or maybe, if somebody told that there was a huge hole in the sky, people would believe that.
The red eyes that looked down on anything below as if they were worthless.
That was the strongest–…
The folklore didn’t limited only to mankind. In the general outline of this world, it was at the top.
At the same time, it brought the meaning of the worst, and its name was–…
“…Dragon.” (??)
Someone muttered that, but it reverberated on the spot together with the feeling of awe.