Chapter 269: The Faraway Beacon
The rain is getting heavier and heavier.
It’s as if the rain is a testament to the intensity of the battle————-
▽
The war moved on.
During this time, Qir played her role as the Chief Commander.
She braved through the fight.
Even in the absence of Seras, she continued to take firm command.
Our flanks were somewhat pushed back.
However, the central flank is somehow holding its ground.
The ones who were keeping it held firm is Gio and the others.
The Leopardkin Light Army in the central flank.
The enemy were seriously unable to push them back.
[The right and left flanks are being pushed back though……]
If Seras returns to the main camp, I wonder if they would be able to push them back with her command ability?
[Reporting!]
A messenger arrived.
[The enemy is approaching on the left flank! As instructed, our side is retreating for the time being…… but judging by the size of the enemy force, it’s probably a reconnaissance unit! W- What should we do!?]
The left flank.
The Sixth has already disappeared, but it seems that the other cavalries are still attacking.
Now, what’s on the left flank should be the rest of the Dragon Light Army and the monsters.
However, they don’t have Niko leading them anymore.
In other words, they don’t have a strong commander.
There’s also what the Sixth had done to them earlier.
I think it would be best if they avoid overextending.
[……Worst-case scenario, the left flank would be pushed far back. We would certainly end up abandoning the advantageous terrain, but the closer you get to the center, the easier it will be for us to send reinforcements. The closer each side to each other, the less isolated each flank will be.]
Isolated and annihilated, one after another.
Doing this would avoid such a worst-case scenario.
[Milord. I was scheduled to return back to the main camp…… but shall we turn back now and take command of the left flank?]
[———–Wait.]
This voice……
[Leave the left flank to me.]
Hearing it, Seras became surprised.
[N- Niko-dono!?]
[I’ve already solicited help from those who can still fight.]
Niko was leading a group of bandaged Dragonewt soldiers.
They are those from the Dragon Light Army that the Sixth had those things done to them.
Body parts had been sawn on their bodies……
But they were those who seemed to be able to somehow return to the front line once their restraints were released.
That is also the case for Niko.
[……Can you do it, Niko?]
[I heard it from the messenger just now. You guys defeated the Sixth?]
[The ones who finished them are the left flank’s Dragon Light Army and monsters though?]
[However, you’re the ones who actually made it possible, right?]
[……Yeah.]
[Fuuu, so you really brought that down——— I give you my thanks.]
Riding Slei, I continued forward, pa.s.sing by Niko.
As we pa.s.sed by her……
[I’ll leave the left flank to you.]
[Of course. The left flank was entrusted to me. As the Commander——- I’ll see this done!]
[Niko-dono, may the fortunes of war be with you.]
[You too, beautiful swordsman.]
Turning our backs on each other, we headed for the Central flank.
Having Niko back in the frontline is much appreciated.
[It’s great to have someone who can take care of the left flank return to the frontlines.]
[Ah, found you! R- Reporting!]
On the way to the Central flank, I was stopped by a messenger.
[Gio-sama and his troops from the Central flank have started to engage the 2nd Cavalry!]
The 2nd Cavalry.
It seems like they’ve finally appeared.
[It’s just…… This enemy, which were believed to be the 2nd Cavalry, were comprised of small groups moving independently…… and they were widely scattered around the Central flank.]
Several small squads are working individually huh.
In other words…… Do each of them have high capabilities?
[Seras. Just as planned, you go towards the main camp.]
[Understood. Ummm…… What are you going to do now?]
[Piii! Pipipi.]
Pigimaru seems to have detected something.
Three presences that are most likely not on her side.
They were still far from us but……
It seemed like they’d broken into the Central battlefield.
Thus, they were probably among the Second that are moving individually.
Having them secretly moving about, scattered in the battlefield, could probably be troublesome.
[I’ll stay here and crush 2nd Cavalry’s guerilla troops. From the reports I’ve received, our side is full-on defense. Perhaps, they’re being overtaken by commands. Bring Slei with you and go back to Qir’s side, Seras.]
[May the fortunes of war be with you.]
[You too.]
After parting ways with Seras, I lowered myself and hid myself in the bushes.
Thereupon, I saw them.
Muscular men with tattoos on their body.
Hmmm?
What the, these guys——-
[……They’re quite strong.]
[Pii.]
[Let’s go.]
▽
[ ]
The sudden desire to sleep interrupted the enemy’s thread of consciousness.
Thereupon, I quickly thrust my sword into the throat of a wobbling enemy.
Spurting out blood, the enemy dropped down the muddy ground.
Splash!
When their corpse fell, the mud splashed.
The blood, which had been streaming out of their body, was being washed away by the rainwater……
Pulling my sword out of his body, I looked around.
[Those around this area…… I guess I’ve dealt with all of them.]
[Pii.]
[Hmmm?]
There was a Leopardkin soldier looking around, seemingly searching for something.
The color of the cloth wrapped around their arm———— a messenger huh.
[You’re looking for me?]
[Uwaahhh!? W- Where did you!?]
They seemed to be startled by my sudden appearance.
The Leopardkin soldier instantly turned their head back towards me.
Thereupon, he started looking towards our surroundings.
[Ummm…… The corpses of these tattooed humans…… These are the independent troops of the 2nd Cavalry that have been appearing here in the Central area, right? We, the Leopard Light Army, are troubled by these independent troops always prowling around…… And yet…… Y- You dealt with all of these…… with just the two of you?]
[Well, yeah.]
[Pii♪]
The two of you, huh.
It seems that Pigimaru’s existence is finally beginning to be recognized by others.
[So, your report?]
[Ahh——– Yes! The Central area is still currently engaged with the 2nd Cavalry———- but Gio-sama has taken out the 2nd Cavalry’s Captain!]
Gio took them out huh.
[It’s just that…… Gio-sama seemed to have discovered the existence of other independent troops scattered elsewhere during the fight. However…… The 2nd Cavalry’s main force was quite formidable and we couldn’t afford to send our troops elsewhere. Thus, we informed the main camp about it———- and the Leopard Princess said “The Leopard King should be handling the situation now. a.s.sess the situation over there, before I decide whether or not to dispatch the reserve Centaur forces”……]
[So, you came here to check the situation huh.]
[Y- Yes……]
[Any news about the Divine Beast?]
[Ah, no…… They still weren’t found yet. Ummm…… That human too was also……]
[……I see.]
Presences.
[———-You should go back. There are still some of the 2nd’s independent troops…… and these guys aren’t afraid of death. However, they aren’t treating their lives roughly either…… They value their lives, but they’re not afraid to die in battle. They’re troublesome.]
Turning towards the presences I felt, I continued speaking.
[I’ll deal with the 2nd’s independent troops as much as I can. Also…… I don’t know if it’s because they know that their allies are being killed one by one, but I feel like the independent troops are gathering here. Yes, as if they’re trying to surround this area———- A lot of them were drawing near here.]
As if they’re looking for the strong enemy.
That being the case———- That would be quite convenient for me.
[As I said, I’ll take care of all the ones that gather here. Tell that to the main camp.]
[Y…… Yes! May the fortune be with you!]
Leaving those words, the messenger ran off.
[……………………]
The presences I’ve been feeling are increasing.
Their squads were gathering, and as a result, I don’t think I could describe them as a squad anymore.
In other words, there are too many of them.
With this in mind, I looked up to the skies.
Thereupon, I exhaled.
———-Creaaaaak———-
Together with Pigimaru————– Connection established.
▽
The messenger, who seemed to have returned again, was struck in admiration.
[Repo——– uuffhh!? T- This is……]
Scattered about were the bodies of the independent troops of the 2nd Cavalry.
And reflected in the messenger’s eyes is me, my Leopard King armor drenched from the rain.
[For the time being, I’ve dealt with those that came here.]
[T- This number……?]
[The situation on the other sides?]
[Ah, yes! In the edge northwest of Urza and northeast of Mira…… We’ve received word that what appears to be enemy reinforcements have appeared! They’re obviously much larger than the other Cavalries we’ve faced so far!]
[So, they’ve come.]
The 7th Cavalry.
That Cavalry is known as being the largest unit, having seven Deputies to manage their troops.
I’ve heard that the 7th has quite the rearguard-like disposition.
In short, the reserve forces finally moved.
[I’d really like to have some more force on our side but…… I guess we’ll have to make do with what we have.]
[Reporting……]
[Hmmm?]
A Harpy soldier?
They must have landed on the ground en route.
They were working towards me.
The Harpy soldier that was supposed to be on the rear…… went towards here?
What does this mean?
[R- Reinforcements have arrived!]
Hearing their words, the Leopardkin messenger spoke.
[It’s alright. If you’re talking about the enemy’s reinforcements, I’ve already told him.]
[No———– It’s our reinforcements!]
[What?]
[U- Under the persuasion of Liese-sama…… Those inside the door armed themselves as much as they could! Although it was hastily made, the defensive forces inside the door were considerably increased! Thus, half of the increased defensive forces inside…… will be sent as reinforcements here outside!]
Liese.
To have gathered that much———– She has made her move huh.
In such a short time, she gathered those who were inside.
[Currently, the Serpentine Light Army led by Armia-sama are heading towards the main camp to fortify the defense!]
The Leopardkin soldier looked dumbfounded.
[W- What…… Liese-sama did……]
[Hmph.]
She sure is quite the eloquent one, that spider girl.
[……………………]
The rain started to lighten up to a trickle.
However, the sky has already become dark.
The torches of the enemy army flicker in the light rain……
Even though it has gone dark, the enemy doesn’t seem to have stopped moving.
They are planning to continue battling, heading for a night battle.
But with our side having species that can see at night, we may have the advantage.
Most of all———
This is also my time.
[This battle———- is almost over. Now then……]
The enemy has finally begun to deploy almost all of their forces.
[Let’s have one last all-out battle.]
□
The reinforcements that Lieselotte sent were deployed to various directions.
Taking advantage of the terrain, the armies in each direction started their counter attack.
The right flank, where Roa was, collided with the 8th Cavalry.
Roa and the others struggled against them.
However, an unexpected ally appeared at this point.
It was Mira’s army, led by the Mad Emperor.
As Roa and the others engaged with them, Mira’s army swooped in and destroyed the 8th Cavalry.
The 8th Cavalry’s Captain was killed by the Mad Emperor himself.
And such a Mad Emperor apparently told them this……
『Don’t worry. I have no intention of antagonizing you. We, Mira, are currently in hostilities with their Thirteen Cavalries, and we are seeking allies. Therefore, tell your king that my Mira Empire wishes to negotiate with the Faraway Country…… “Do consider it”. Also, the 9th Cavalry has already been defeated by us. And my Mira’s army will continue like this———』
“On this battlefield, I will fight on the Faraway Country’s side”
After saying this, the Mad Emperor led his soldiers to change direction and struck the flank of the Seventh, which was heading straight for the Central area.
This was the prelude to the collapse of the 7th Cavalry.
Thereupon, Mira went straight and struck the Seventh’s rear.
This created a pincer movement with the Faraway Country’s army.
The Mad Emperor also left such a message for Roa and the others……
『You can judge who is friend or foe by the emblem we wear or the flag we carry. It’s easy for us to recognize those on your side, but it will be difficult for your side to recognize us. Well, in this darkness…… I’ll tolerate a few misjudgments.』
However, Mimori Touka’s prior explanation paid off in this case.
『It’s not a good idea to kill a potential ally because you think they’re part of Alion’s Cavalry. If you do encounter them, avoid engaging them.』
Mimori had informed Liese and the Four Warlights about the characteristics of their emblem in advance.
Having knowledge of them beforehand, the awareness they had towards them was different.
Those in the Faraway Country somehow managed to move, distinguishing friend from foe.
Mira’s army started attacking even more unpredictably.
In addition, under the Mad Emperor instructions, a mixture of true and false information started spreading.
Taking advantage of this, Mimori Touka took advantage of this and had them spread information that could cause confusion.
This led to further confusion among the 7th Cavalry.
[I’ve heard that Mira’s army is closing in on us from behind!] [What!? Are there that many of them!?] [Look at how far those torches were behind us! There’s a lot of them!] [No, wait! That’s just torches! We still don’t know if they actually have that many people!] [You have any proof about that!?] [I heard that all the cavalries aside from the Seventh has been wiped out!] [That’s nonsense! How is that possible!? Stop lying!] [Don’t tell me——— They got the Sixth too!? That Sixth!?] [The 2nd Cavalry’s Rashid-sama was apparently found dead though!?] [Is it true that our 7th Cavalry’s Captain has escaped!?] [No, I heard he was cut in half by a big Leopardkin with a black body and burning-red eyes!] [I thought us Seventh was supposed to pick up the tasty part!?] [I heard that Mikhail-sama and the 1st Cavalry are heading this way!] [I heard that too, but when the heck are they coming!?] [What the heck is this!? What the heck is happening!? WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON!?] [It’s over…… We’re screwed! We’re all going to be die……!!!]
The confusion was swelled up by the fact that it was nighttime.
The 7th Cavalry had fallen into an uncontrollable state.
But at this moment———
The 11th Cavalry, which had been lurking in the background, moved.
Taking advantage of the confusion, they instantaneously attacked the main camp.
Instead of using torches, they hid in the shadows of the night, and by using their specialty of covert marching, they poked holes in the Faraway Country’s defensive line and charged in.
Upon receiving this report, Seras Ashrain personally attacked from the main camp.
And thus, along with the Centaur troops in the main camp, the Princess Knight clashed with the 11th Cavalry———–
She successfully killed the 11th Cavalry.
She also secured the Divine Beast that had been moving with the 11th Cavalry.
His name is Radis.
With Seras’ ability to tell if someone lies or not, Seras confirmed that he was definitely the real one.
He had lost his way within the forest and was unable to meet up with the Ninth, so he had no choice but to take refuge with the Eleventh, whom he had met along the way.
Meanwhile, Mimori Touka was moving in the left flank.
This was because he had received a report that the left flank was being pushed back.
The reason he went there was partly because he was worried about Niko, who wasn’t in perfect health.
However……
[N- Niko-sama…… Niko-sama has taken out the 5th Cavalry’s Captain……! Niko-sama did it! Sniff…… Snifff…… She did it…… Niko-samaaaaaaa……]
The Dragonewt soldier was shaken by Niko’s come-back and violently wept.
Kokoroniko Doran.
It was here that she showed her reputation of being one of the Four Warlights.
No———– It could be said that the 6th Cavalry really was just a bad match-up for her.
The 7th Cavalry, the unit with the largest number, was now in total collapse.
The sight of their soldiers as they began to retreat was quite painful to watch.
Among the Cavalry unit’s Captain and his seven Deputies, only two Deputies survived.
Those two Deputies surrendered and became Mira’s prisoners of war.
On this day————
The G.o.ddess’ pride, all of Alion’s Thirteen Cavalries, were completely defeated by the combined forces of the Faraway Country and the Mira Empire.
0 1 : 0 9 ————————- Alion’s Thirteen Cavalries, Annihilated.
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The next chapter will be updated on October 29th (Friday), around 9:00pm.