Chapter 119

“The enemies are currently stationed up on that hill.”

“It’s hard to pinpoint their exact numbers, but we estimate there are around 20,000 to 30,000.”

With that request from Wallenstein, she arrived…

Chancellor Senel.

After hearing a full explanation of the situation, she calmly asked, “So, what do you want me to do?”

“Like before, please pierce through the enemy’s formation. If you create a gap, we’ll slip in and finish off the enemies.”

“Though we’re facing less than half the number of our forces, there’s no need to increase casualties unnecessarily. Since I’m involved, I’ll support until the very end.”

“Hmm…”

At her words, Senel appeared to contemplate for a moment.

Then she spoke in a serious tone, “…Did you mention the enemy’s remaining main force is over there?”

“That’s right. Based on the flag, it’s presumed that the general Napoleona, who previously thwarted us in Arden, is present.”

“…Napoleona…”

Senel narrowed her eyes slightly as if something was bothering her.

Continuing, she spoke with a calm yet sharp voice, “Understood. Then, like last time, I’ll lend my aid once more.”

“Ah…”

“Th-thank you, so I’m counting on you.”

Honestly, Wallenstein felt a considerable burden knowing who he was dealing with.

However, he secretly felt relieved by Senel’s seemingly compliant demeanor.

‘That’s unexpected… She usually has a pretty abrasive personality in politics… but here on the battlefield, she seems unexpectedly straightforward…’

Senel was the political hotshot known as the ‘Light of Roycen.’

She often wore a friendly smile, but later you’d find out she had a habit of stabbing people in the back.

As a result, this always led to Roycen’s advantage, and despite the territory of the Kingdom of Roycen looking like a tattered rag, it was all thanks to her “efforts.”

Wallenstein himself had been on the receiving end of her cunning many times in the past, so seeing Senel act straightforwardly on the battlefield sparked a mix of confusion, relief, and a bit of concern.

‘I hope I don’t get blindsided again like last time…’

*

In the dark isolation room,

there,

Senel slowly began to release the magical power flowing through her body.

The blood-like essence of magical power slowly dissipated like a mist and then started to spread rapidly, faster than the eye could see.

Within a radius of 12 kilometers.

Information regarding the movements of all living beings within that space began to pour into her mind.

Circle of Magical Power.

A power that lightly disperses her magic to sense the presence of everything within that area.

However…

Under normal circumstances, her capability could reach over 30 kilometers, but at this moment, it was capped at less than half that distance.

‘…Oh…’

There was a force pushing against her magical circle.

It emanated from the enemy formation she intended to explore, blocking her Circle of Magical Power from approaching.

This circumstance made a chilling smile appear on Senel’s face.

The obscured numbers of the enemies, hidden among thickets and trees, were now shrouded in an overwhelming and powerful force that thwarted her attempt to ascertain their numbers, surprising her slightly.

‘To think there’s a being capable of doing this… Things certainly aren’t easy. Is this it?…’

Senel’s Circle of Magical Power was typically capable of breezing through ordinary obstacles.

That such a perfectly executed blockade indicated that the enemy possessed a power equivalent to…

Grade 12…

the same level of strength as her.

‘I had thought General Rafael was the strongest in the Kingdom of Frantz… But looks like I’ve underestimated their true claws…’

It was highly probable that the enemy leader was the one and only Napoleona.

However, considering the scouts were in a pretty rough shape, and now her Circle of Magical Power was obstructed,

the details would need to be confirmed first-hand.

Thus, while feeling regret for the failed reconnaissance and joy at the prospect of finally facing a worthy opponent…

Senel slowly rose from her position and began to move.

*

“…That fellow…”

The moment I recognized the fading magical circle,

I slowly stood up.

The magnificent aura of magical power had felt like an enormous wave.

At this point in time, only one person could wield that level of power.

Chancellor Senel…

The strongest combatant of the Holy Empire…

Her official title was

Grand Witch.

A Witch.

Who possessed the qualities of both a Warrior and a Magician, wielding formidable close combat abilities alongside unique, powerful magic.

In other games, she would be akin to an overpowered hybrid character, but in the original work, players couldn’t choose such a class.

The problem, however, lay in the fact that she was a Grand Witch with Grade 12 power.

And,

I knew very well who this Senel was from the original work.

‘I’m pretty excited… Though the way we meet is the worst…’

Someone I personally yearned to meet.

However… at this moment, I had to do whatever it takes to defeat her, so I couldn’t simply enjoy the situation.

Thus, feeling a mix of expectation, disappointment, and tension,

I gave orders to those standing behind me.

“Let’s begin.”

“Yes. Understood.”

*

The Holy Empire Army set out toward the enemy camp.

As I watched the massive army of tens of thousands advance, a deep smile crept onto Wallenstein’s face.

The battle had just commenced, but at that moment, the word ‘defeat’ did not cross his mind.

Currently, the number of allies matched that of the enemies, and

above all, included Chancellor Senel and her ‘subordinates’.

At this stage, there was practically no reason for the allies to lose.

As he delighted in the impending victory, Wallenstein mounted his horse alongside his loyal soldiers and began to proceed as well.

“Then I’ll take my leave. Ensure the main base is well guarded.”

“Yes, leave it to me, Commander.”

Responding appropriately with a nod was Lord General Frichal.

While he felt deep regret at not being able to earn any glory today, it couldn’t be helped.

As the defense duty of today lay on him and his reserve troops of 15,000, there was nothing he could do.

Sighing at the bitter reality of not being able to earn any merit, he bid farewell to the departing allies and entered the military tent.

“Damn, how unlucky… Of all times…”

“Don’t be too disheartened, General; another opportunity will arise soon, won’t it?”

The chief, offering comfort,

but General Frichal slowly shook his head.

“Don’t spout empty words. This battle will virtually mark the end of this war; chances like this won’t come easily.”

“Uh… W-well…”

The chief was at a loss for words against Frichal’s blunt assessment.

“Ugh… I did manage to achieve something in the previous battle. But still, it’s all quite unsatisfactory; at this rate, I wonder if I can even lay claim to Burgundy.”

“Indeed. Honestly, many desire that territory…”

“Realistically speaking here…”

“Didn’t you tell me not to babble empty words?”

“…Hah, fine. Anyway, since this is the case, I’ll just take a moment to nap. There shouldn’t be any enemies intruding here anyway.”

With that irritated tone, Frichal lay down.

Seeing that, the chief quietly exited, trying not to disturb him.

Now that a full-scale confrontation with the enemies was underway, they hardly had anything left to do.

He thought about finding a cozy spot to rest and began to stroll out.

‘By the way… wasn’t there a supply depot in the back? That would be a perfect hideaway…’

As he pondered, he approached a dilapidated building designated as a warehouse.

And then…

-Bang!!!

“!?!”

In the next moment, the building smashed apart as if something monstrous had crushed it with a pounding slab of concrete.

Simultaneously, the explosives inside detonated, and the rising flames rendered the chief’s face stone-cold.

“What… what was that? This… what in the world…?”

He stared blankly at the abrupt turn of events.

At that moment…

-Bang!

“Ugh!…”

Suddenly struck by a bullet that hit his forehead, the chief collapsed to the ground.

As he lay there lifeless,

she—

Napoleona said coldly, “Wipe them all out. Leave not a single one!”