HPDBC Chapter 140
Chapter 140
Chapter 140 – Let’s Fight Together (2)
Humans and non-human races were mixed together. It was an allied force that included dwarves and elves.
The sight alone would shock the world.
All of them steadied their breathing. They fixed their gaze on the horizon where the monsters were now clearly visible.
“Earth Wall!”
Rumble, rumble, rumble!
The elves were the first to chant their spells. Having been briefed on the plan, the allies didn’t panic.
Boom!
The ground beneath their feet rose up.
“Archers, load your first shots!”
From the instantly created makeshift walls, the dwarves and humans drew their bows.
“......”
Everyone silently stood in anticipation.
With their focus, the monsters would be skewered the moment they entered bow range.
But,
Whoosh!
“......!”
At that moment, a figure leapt high into the air like a bird. This was a situation almost no one had anticipated, save for a select few.
“E-Erina!?”
The elves who had constructed the makeshift walls shouted in alarm.
She was Erina, the silver-haired, crazy half-elf.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Spinning an enormous greatsword larger than herself in midair,
Slash, slash, slash, slash!
She slashed in a sweeping motion, creating a barrage of strikes like a raging storm.
The monsters were not within the range of archers yet.
Rooooaaaarrrr!
Boom! Crash! Crash!
However, shockingly, explosions erupted among the monsters.
Sword energy shot across the distance.
Shockwaves disrupted the air.
And monsters hit by her overwhelming onslaught howled in pain.
But that wasn’t all.
Rippp!
“......!”
Erina charged into the heart of the monster horde alone.
Deeper and deeper.
Until she disappeared from the allies’ sight.
“Wh-What the......?”
“Erina! That’s too dangerous! Get back here immediately!”
Her reckless behavior left even me shaking my head in disbelief.
“I told her to fake her death, but she’s not actually trying to die, is she?”
Hearing my muttered words, even Marquis Foltaine chuckled bitterly.
“After having battled against a lunatic like that...... We should be thankful our heads are still attached to our necks.”
“That lunatic’s recklessness is also disrupting the formation, though.”
This was indeed a pre-arranged plan. However, her unpredictable actions weren’t shared with the rest of our allies.
Since she needed to fake a death, the fewer the people that knew the truth, the better.
‘Everyone is confused.’
A sigh escaped through my teeth.
‘In this case, I’d rather step in myself.’
Resolving myself, I stepped forward decisively.
Hummm!
A powerful hum resonated around me. Before a battle, a commander beats the drum and blows the horn.
This makes the distracted troops focus, delivers orders swiftly and effectively, and raises morale with its majestic sound.
It lifts the spirits of the entire army.
Starting slow and steady,
Growing faster and louder as the enemy approaches.
But even without instruments, there are ways to achieve similar effects.
‘This battlefield is my stage, and only victory lies ahead.’
I closed my eyes. At the same time, I pursed my lips, and whistled sharply.
Whistle! Whistle! Whiiiistle!
Adjusting the tempo to match the enemy’s pace.
‘From this moment, I dominate this space.’
Whiiiistle!
The mana-infused whistle spread far and wide, just like the gentle ripples created by a pebble thrown into a lake.
At the same time, the hearts on the battlefield began to beat faster.
“......!”
At last, one or two pairs of eyes began turning toward me.
“What is this......?”
Marquis Foltaine, sensitive to energy, widened his eyes in surprise.
Some soldiers even shouted, ‘Wooooaaah!’
Their hearts must have been pounding fiercely by now.
“We will!”
I opened my mouth. My voice rang out, shaking the mountains and forests.
“Win no matter what!!!!!!!”
“......!”
Everyone’s gazes sharpened.
And soon.
“Waaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!”
Humans and dwarves alike roared. Even the usually reserved elves clenched their fists and joined in.
‘The battle cry.’
There is no rule that says that mana techniques must only be used for swordsmanship.
This, too, was a form of its application.
As if coordinated, the monsters retreated, screeching as they made way for something massive.
Emerging through the ranks of cowering creatures was a monstrous, towering figure.
“......Twin Ogre?”
Marquis Foltaine’s eyes widened.
“As expected...... It seems the leader you spoke of is that thing.”
At the same time, Duke Serin was about to take a step forward, but then.
“I’ll handle it.”
“......!”
Shing.
I quietly drew my sword.
“You fool! That’s no ordinary beast. Unless you sever all three heads at once......!”
I tuned out Marquis Foltaine’s voice.
No, I blocked out all noise.
These two people, fighting at the frontlines.
And the children, who reminded me of my dead child.
They had stirred something fiery within me.
‘I am the sword.’
Hum! Hummm!
The sword cried. The mana-infused steel trembled, resonating like a living being.
In one stride, I cleave my enemy in half.
In two strides, I split the very earth.
Why not aim for the heavens in three?
‘Heaven-Splitting Sword, Second Technique: Decisive Cut.’
The tip of the sword moved. In an instant, compressed energy surged forward.
Slice!
The sound was soft.
Splaaaaash!
However, the result was anything but small
“......!”.
Before anyone could react, the Twin Ogre’s massive body split in two, cleaved vertically from its middle head.
“You brat...... Don’t tell me, you’re already a Master?”
Marquis Foltaine muttered in disbelief.
Screeeech!
The remaining monsters scattered in terror. Of course, they moved forward instead of retreating.
They were following their instincts, and heading towards weaker prey.
“Shall we let them be?”
“We can’t kill them all. Trevor’s forces will clean up the rest.”
Marquis Foltaine hesitated for a moment before casting me a strange look.
“I had this feeling for a while, but...... You and the Swordsman of Illusions seem like old comrades.”
“We’ve grown quite fond of each other, surprisingly.”
“Fond? Do you even know how old he is?”
Marquis Foltaine chuckled at my jest before asking.
“So, do we keep marching north?”
“We still need to track down that runaway lunatic.”
Just then, Duke Serin interjected.
“Even so, completely eradicating the monsters is impossible.”
“I never intended to.”
Both tilted their heads in confusion.
“Human greed knows no bounds.”
I said cryptically. The monsters had served as Black Swan’s natural barrier for years.
No one dared covet this land because of them.
“There’s no reason to go out of our way to eradicate these helpful creatures ourselves, is there?”
“Ah......”
The two quickly understood what I was saying.
“You mean to avoid doing all the hard work only for others to reap the rewards?”
“Hahaha, that’s true. If the threat of monsters disappears and even a city is built, the land might start to get coveted by nobles from both kingdoms. No...... Worse, even the king who granted Your Highness this land might recall it.”
Duke Serin added with a faint smile.
“Exactly. We must maintain a balance of peace and danger, just enough to keep others wary—like walking on thin ice in politics.”
“Heheheh. Now that’s our area of expertise.”
Still, I had an additional plan in mind.
Even if others desired this land, I’d ensure there was something far scarier than monsters waiting for them.
“Mask. Are you nearby?”
Narakas, along with two figures in indigo masks, stepped forward.
“I’m here.”
“I have a request. Spread a rumor discreetly.”
“A rumor?”
It’s common knowledge that defense is far more advantageous than offense in war.
Black Swan, in itself, is a natural resource hub and a ‘fortress’.
Even if just the entrance to the canyon is blocked, it can hold back an entire army.
‘They’ve had their eyes on this land for a long time.’
A faint smile crept across my lips. Once a full-scale war of conquest begins, this land will likely be their first target.
The dwarves’ weapons will be of great help in the long run.
“The target is the Empire. The news is that Baron Ancelot is on the verge of conquering the Black Swan.”
“......!”
Everyone’s eyes widened at the same time.
“Hahaha. So you’d drive off the wolves by inviting in the tiger?”
Marquis Foltaine let out a hearty laugh.
This way, even the nobles of our country won’t be able to covet this land so recklessly.
Additionally, there’ll be a sense of crisis that whoever takes it will become the first to take the brunt of the Empire’s attacks.
Of course, from my perspective, this was an opportunity to reap the rewards without lifting a finger.
‘You’re welcome anytime, Empire.’
The sky exists everywhere. And here, too, I can cut down as much as I please.
* * *