Chapter 189
“Ersha.”
“Yes, Nahun.”
“How is this operation?”
Ersha glanced over the operation plan Nahun had devised and returned it to the desk.
“Girl, may I speak frankly?”
“Um.”
“It’s terrible.”
“…….”
Nahun broke into a slight cold sweat and glanced at Ersha.
“…Really?”
“Yes. It would be better to leave this simple plan to Her Majesty Seere.”
“No….”
It was based on a famous ancient military strategy, but all Nahun received was Ersha’s sharp criticism.
“To follow Nahun’s plan, we first need to occupy the high ground, but it’s not easy to occupy it when we are the invaders. Especially when the enemy employs ambushes taking advantage of their numerical superiority, we are too vulnerable.”
There was nothing to argue against. The plan Nahun proposed involved occupying the high ground and using the terrain advantage to whittle down the enemy, but occupying that high ground was indeed a stretch.
Ersha explained the reason directly.
“Unless you personally take part and break through, Nahun, you can’t join the battle right now.”
Nahun fell silent at Ersha’s words. Looking back, most of the strategies Nahun had established until now involved using his own power.
During his battle with Belial, he had fun with the famous Hammer and Anvil strategy, but even that was possible because it was a one-on-one confrontation despite the numerical difference. Now, the numerical advantage was so overwhelming that he couldn’t even think of such a strategy.
“This kind of plan is futile without a center to break through. The risks are too great.”
Nahun’s shoulders slumped slightly at Ersha’s opinion. As he was about to come up with another plan, something suddenly occurred to him.
“…No, wait.”
“Yes?”
“There is someone who can break through.”
“What do you mean…?”
Ersha narrowed her eyes.
“Surely, you’re not talking about Her Majesty Seere…?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“That’s impossible. No matter how strong she is, can she measure up to Nahun? At the very least, she should have the power of the Massu following you…”
“Ersha, you just don’t know.”
“Yes?”
It was no surprise that Ersha didn’t know. Nahun had recruited her after returning from hell, and she hadn’t seen her put her full strength into fighting during the Celestial Demon War either.
Of course, Nahun had never seen it either, but he did feel fragments of that power. He had experienced it when he returned and faced her head-on as she unleashed all her might to try to defeat him.
“My disciple, she’s incredibly strong. I was momentarily overwhelmed….”
And she had said something along the lines of:
“She claims she can defeat at least one Massu.”
“…What?”
“So, why don’t we give it a try?”
Nahun casually flicked the operation plan that Ersha had just dismissed as terrible.
“This plan.”
“Of course, if Her Majesty has such capability, it might be okay, but…”
Ersha spoke with a hint of anxiety.
“I believe there are safer options. As you know, Her Majesty is our everything. If something goes wrong during the breakthrough process, then…”
“That won’t happen. Just in case, I’ve already sent her.”
“…Ah, you’ve already sent her?”
“Yeah. It seems they quite like Seere, so it should be fine.”
“I see.”
“Then, based on this, I’d like to hear your opinion. I feel like this could work.”
Nahun had a very high opinion of not only Seere but also her legion. Since this wasn’t a game, their strength couldn’t be quantified, but in relation to Nahun’s previous experience playing, they had an extraordinarily impressive force compared to their hierarchy and ranks.
Especially with certain special powers being on par with or surpassing upper-ranking Demon King’s executives, Nahun thought this operation would work quite well.
“This time, since you’ll be staying in the rear…”
Nahun said.
“A useful strategy needs to be set up, so Seere can fight hard.”
#
Seere von Debata’s six legions moved toward the 44th floor. The 40th floor’s Phynox had accepted the war, and the 44th floor’s Vinea, which was allied with him, was also preparing for it. The 43rd floor’s Shaz had already joined them.
Vinea spoke to Shaz.
“We mustn’t let our guard down. While we have the numbers, their abilities won’t be easy to handle.”
“I know, Vinea. We are also fully prepared. And…”
Shaz turned around. Behind them were troops supported by 40th floor’s Phynox and the magic artillery they had developed for this operation.
This magic artillery, named the ‘Concentrated Magic Battery’, was characterized by gathering the soldiers’ magic and firing it in a powerful artillery form.
“As long as we have this, they will have no choice but to give up on occupying the high ground.”
It could perform at the highest level for both defense and siege. Vinea agreed with Shaz’s opinion.
“Indeed, having the brilliant scientist Ariana under Phynox’s command allows us to create such weaponry. If we can defend the high ground with this, there will be only one path for them to take.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
What they wished for was for the Debata army, who dared not attempt to occupy the high ground, to come through the single entry point beyond the portal, the Boije Gorge. The gorge had a straight path, with steep cliffs on either side, making it an excellent terrain for ambush and sudden assaults.
“Once they enter there, no matter how powerful the army, they will be helpless.”
“That’s correct.”
Of course, the Debata army wasn’t foolish enough not to foresee this, but they intended to force that choice. With overwhelming numbers and powerful magical artillery.
It was an ideal picture. According to their recent tests, the power of the magical artillery was enough to easily crush boulders larger than a person. While a few might lack impact, it was a mass-produced item, so the power was adequate.
“I don’t know how they won the Celestial Demon War, but we’ll show them that we won’t be easy to handle.”
“Indeed.”
As the two Demon Kings smiled at the thought of victory, the portal to the 44th floor activated. Since Bi-Front had perished during the Celestial Demon War, there was no one to stop their advance to the 46th floor, allowing them to arrive safely.
“They’re here.”
“All troops, prepare for battle! Deploy the magic batteries to their positions and load them!”
“Yes!!”
At Shaz’s command, each army began to move busily. Their orderly appearance showed how well-trained they were.
The magic batteries were moved into place, and all soldiers readied themselves. Shaz observed the enemy’s movements and commanded.
“They are indeed heading for the high ground! Prepare to fire!!”
Waiting for them to reach the range of the batteries, Shaz raised his hand. And as Seere von Debata’s army stepped onto the high ground, Shaz shouted.
“Fire!!”
“Archers! Begin follow-up fire!”
Following Shaz’s command, Vinea’s order came next. The magic of three soldiers clinging to the battery concentrated into it and was released as powerful artillery fire.
Kwaaaang!!!!
Not just one but dozens of powerful magic cannons fired simultaneously. As a result, the movements of the Debata army stopped.
“…Stop?”
Something felt off. They should have been avoiding it, but stopping meant they were trying to block it. How could they block this? Shaz’s thoughts were clouded.
“As I heard, they made something interesting.”
With her white hair fluttering and draped in a contrasting cloak, a Demon King stepped forward. A blackened sword was held in her hand.
“All troops, stand by. We execute the plan.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Just before dozens of magic shots rained down from above, the few strands of red hair scattered among her white hair lost their color. The immense external magic that poured from her colorless hair converged into the sword she held.
The Demon King, who gathered magic into her sword…
“One Cut.”
『 Brutus Ictus 』
She swung her sword toward the sky. The moment she did, the corrupted red energy erupted in one go, flying like a gigantic blade.
Tu-kwaaaaaaaaang────────!
“What…!?”
Not just one, but dozens of magic shots were dispelled in a single strike. The soldiers raised their shields to defend against the falling arrows. Meanwhile, the Demon King, Seere von Debata, who had annihilated the magic shots, commanded a few of her executives.
“Baruna, Rexion, Veronica, Celestia.”
Calling the four executives, Seere commanded.
“We break through.”
“This will be interesting. Let’s go.”
“I will follow.”
“I will follow!”
“I receive the orders.”
The Bicons raised their front paws and howled. The Demon King riding the Bicon and the four elite warriors followed, dodging the rain of arrows.
However, their speed of breakthrough…
“Fast, too fast…!”
It was incredibly rapid. Watching them close in on Shaz and Vinea, Shaz roared.
“d*mn it, what are you doing! Prepare the next bombardment and keep shooting, archers!!”
“Spearmen, prepare to block their approach!!”
Even well-trained soldiers became anxious in urgent situations. Cool-headedness was needed to remain calm at such times, but as they watched just five figures breaking through…
‘Why, why are there only five of them…’
They were feeling fear, especially from the Demon King with the white hair running at the forefront, Seere von Debata, who resembled a forgotten image of a certain Demon King.
“Veronica, breach it.”
At Seere’s command, Veronica spread her hands sideways.
“Bloom.”
【 Bloody Flower 】
Suddenly, red bl**d began pooling at the feet of soldiers who were charging the concentrated magic battery. The soldiers were startled and asked their officers what to do, but they really had no idea.
“What is that!?”
The bl**d Clan had been away from the Demon World for so long, and information about them had faded equally long ago. Those who had lived for an incredibly long time would know, but…
Kwah-zzik!!!
The routinely swapped-out soldiers didn’t have a clue. A flesh-eating flower that arose from the pool of bl**d swallowed the soldiers whole. Those consumed by it also became bloodied corpses.
“It’s bl**d Magic! It’s magic too, so don’t panic!!”
Vinea belatedly shouted, but it was too late. While Veronica caused chaos, the Bicon’s front paw reached right in front of the soldiers.
“Spearmen! Thrust forward!!”
A captain calmly commanded the spearmen who were waiting behind the shield soldiers. Just as the soldiers thrust their long-range spears forward, Seere’s eyes lit up.
“Useless.”
Kwah-aaaang!!!!
With her sword, the soldiers were swept away. The impact even reached the rear, causing their formation to collapse in an instant.
“W-What the…?”
It wasn’t magic. It was merely a powerful strike with concentrated magic. Nevertheless, it exhibited unimaginable destructive power.
Before long, the executives who had entered with her began to wreak havoc on the battlefield.
“Is there anyone who dares face me?”
“I will accommodate you.”
“Let’s have some fun.”
“Don’t come near me!”
Each executive revealed different attributes, but all of them swept through the enemy line with remarkable skill.
“d*mn it, I will take you on!”
Since their strategy involved ambushes and the two highlands required generals to oversee them, there weren’t many powerful fighters to counter her here. When it came down to it, there were only a few aides of Vinea and the two Demon Kings.
“I will assist!”
“Sounds good!”
Although Shaz’s aide from the left highland was hastily leading troops over, it was too late as they descended and would have to climb back.
Shaz and Vinea stepped forward with their swords drawn. They could no longer allow those commanders to disrupt their formation. In the chaos on their side, the Debata army had advanced significantly.
“Don’t let them assemble! Surround them and k*ll them!!”
“Then…”
Seere observed the soldiers moving to encircle her and raised her sword.
“Didn’t I say that’s a useless endeavor?”
Kwah-aaaaaang─────!!
As another similar strike hit the ground, the soldiers there were violently torn apart by powerful magic. Shaz hurriedly raised his sword to defend against the impact.
“Kugh…!”
“Shaz, are you alright?!”
“Yes, don’t worry about me, focus on the other side…!”
“Understood!”
Through the sandstorm created by the impact, Shaz peeked his eyes. And he saw. The soldiers before him were cleaved in half.
“Rank 43 Demon King, Shaz.”
“…….”
Shaz froze. This was not what he wanted. The moment her mouth uttered his name, unexpectedly, his whole body stiffened. He was overwhelmed by the momentum, the atmosphere, and the immense magic.
Shaz remembered. In the past, there had been such a Demon King. Regardless of the number of soldiers, that presence alone made the enemy fearful of her.
“To me.”
Seir von Debata.
“Do you dare come at me?”
It was the reincarnation of the Martial King.
