CH 84.1

Chapter 84.1 – Resumption of War

Due to the effect of the opened “Hotbed of Corruption and Delusion”, another imperial city was destroyed.

Freed’s mysterious actions are no longer harmful after that.

「If things went according to his plan, Freed should have gotten two new demon king’s core.」

I wonder if he’s three times more powerful.

However, Oracle-chan said that if he really did that, he would only die by being swallowed up by the power of the demon king’s core.

Finally, I heard the news about the resumption of war.

From the imperial capital of Northmark, the Silesie subjugation army, led by Crown Prince Freed himself, began to march.

However, what was puzzling was that the empire now claimed that Count Brynie was not dead and announced that they would continue the war of intervention.

We had thought that they were going to use other noble families as their banner and we had taken measures against them but to use a dead count as their banner was beyond our expectations.

The count is dead. I killed him myself. I beheaded him and displayed his head for the City of Lauren to see.

Why did the empire invade using such inexplicable insistence?

Was it because of the failure of Brynie? Or did they learn their lesson that local nobles of Silesie tend to do whatever they want and are a bad banner?

It is true that a silent dead man might be better to use as a banner.

It is also possible that the cause no longer matters when it comes to this decisive battle.

There was one more thing that surprised us.

The empire spearheaded 50000 troops from the imperial capital and had another 20000 troops at the rear. 70000 troops passed through the City of Lanct, crossed the border, and attacked the territory of the Lauren Knights.

A war using an army as big as 70000 at once was unprecedented even in the history of Eurasia continent.

It could be said that this was the very limit of the Germania Empire’s mobilization power.

At the main camp in the City of Spike, Lyle-sensei is staring at the strategic map and is astonished.

「This is impossible….」

If the army of 70000, the combined strength of the empire, attacks, it will certainly hit us hard. However, emptying the imperial capital and attacking another country with all your might is a strategy far outside the norm.

No, it’s no longer a strategy at all.

The Germania Empire’s territories have been destabilized by successive wars and its diplomatic situation is at its worst. What would they do if someone attacked their defenseless capital?

In particular, the Roland Kingdom, which has troops stationed along its borders, has a long holding desire to recover its former territory that was occupied by the empire 30 years ago.

The empire’s in a situation where it could be invaded any time. The imperial capital Northmark aside, even their territories are in danger of being occupied by neighboring countries.

Kaara, who was staring at the strategic map, made a rare remark.

「This formation….Freed intends to use the “hotbed of corruption and delusion” as defensive measures. If the enemies invade the imperial capital, the army will be hit by monsters from behind and even be surrounded.」

「Is that even possible?」

However, at the end of Silesie’s coup, Gale used the miasma hole of doom when he was in a desperate situation after being cornered.

I’m not certain but it is possible that using the miasma hole of doom was part of his strategy from the start. I don’t think it’s something humans should do.

「It’s not a normal strategy but if you are willing to sacrifice your own people, you can make good use of the miasma holes. It certainly can protect the imperial capital from a small army. Though it is hard to believe that humans would have such a terrible idea. I don’t think they made the imperial capital’s defenses that thin without any measure.」

「That’s true….」

Even Kaara, who is hostile to humans, is slightly taken back.

However, Freed is a man who even thought of using demon king’s core for war. The golden lion prince pulls off the impossible.

「Well, if you are going to attack with all your might, you might as well do as much as you can.」

「Takeru-dono, you seem quite calm.」

Indeed, even sensei doesn’t hide his impatience and confusion this time.

However, I already thought that Freed would do this much so I’m not surprised. Though I never imagined that he would gather an army of 70000.

「Can’t sensei think of something to win against this army of 70000?」

「……I’ve been planning and preparing for this day for a long time. The enemy is about 30000 more than expected. However, thinking about it, the enemy has no choice but to attack swiftly with large numbers.」

Sensei began to rework the plan after unfolding the strategy map.

「What do you think? Do you think we should use this?」

「That is something….I guess we should try anything.」

Sensei smiled thinly but with a sad expression.

If sensei says it’s okay, then I have nothing to worry about.

「Then, let’s go with this. Freed will be coming like this so I’m sure he’ll try to use the “miasma hole of doom”.」

「Takeru-dono’s point is correct. I have a countermeasure for that so I’ll have you do it when the time comes.」

I think sensei had figured it all out.

Looking at sensei’s eyes, it looks like everything is still under control. There’s no need to panic yet.

「Then, let’s get it on!」

「Takeru-dono….」

When I was about to go to the front line with Oracle, sensei stopped me.

「What is it, sensei?」

「No….it’s nothing much. Since you’re going to the front line, I’ll give you this.」

Sensei handed me a gun. The gun was larger and heavier than a flintlock.

Given its shake, it looks like a sophisticated enfield rifle(with an awkward auxiliary magic tool and a retrofit magazine).

「It has been finally completed, this magic rifle. There are twelve bullets in the magazine and if you pull the lever, they will load one after another.」

「Oh, amazing. This totally looks like a rifle.」