Chapter 256
“…What did you say?”
Glashalavras, preparing for the invasion of the 20th floor, had no choice but to stop her horse as she grasped the reins.
“It’s an invasion of the 2nd and 25th floors! Considering they moved immediately after sending the declaration of war, it seems that Runwe on the 22nd floor opened the way for them!”
The news was that Seere von Debata’s army, having seized the 25th floor, was invading the 21st floor. Glashalavras’s expression crumpled. She seldom frowned, yet she looked distinctly angry.
“Ha.”
However, contrary to her expression, what emerged from Glashalavras’s lips was merely a short scoff. The laughter that carried a hint of despair made her subordinates tense slightly as they looked at her.
“So, their goal isn’t to weaken our forces but to launch a dual attack.”
A sound of grinding teeth escaped Glashalavras’s mouth.
“I didn’t see it that way. Clever, Seere von Debata.”
It seemed she had misjudged the situation, and Glashalavras couldn’t hide her disappointment as irritation surfaced. With a growl, she commanded her subordinate generals.
“Amargo, Jörmundt, Borg, the three of you take your troops and confront the 20th floor. Do not take the offensive; maintain a defensive stance.”
“Y-Yes? Then what about Your Majesty?”
“I’ll return. Since Erergus is leading a force, and I left troops in the castle, it should be manageable if I and the generals here join forces.”
“Your Majesty, you still need to take troops with you. If you encounter the enemy on the way…!”
“There’s no time for that. Do you think mere soldiers can follow me?”
“W-Well…”
Amargo couldn’t rebut. Glashalavras gestured to the other generals, excluding the three.
“Follow me.”
“Yes!”
Glashalavras turned her horse around. She was furious about having to turn away from the foolishness of the 20th floor to set an example. She displayed her anger fully.
“How dare they strike from behind…”
With a fierce whip of her reins, Bicon dashed forward like a lightning bolt.
“They will pay for their arrogance.”
#
Nahun emphasized to his legion the importance of moving quickly on this deployment.
The operation aimed to engage Glashalavras while the remnants of Nabirus faced her, allowing them to capture the 21st floor and then intercept Glashalavras as she returned late.
Thus, speed was vital, and all those injured in the war against the 23rd floor were limited from participating. This included limiting the key forces of the 4th and 7th legions of Debata’s army.
“Haah…”
“Ugh…ugh…”
This war was all about speed. Of course, what was required of them was a grueling march. Thanks to Runwe opening the way, they reached the 21st floor swiftly and made their way as quickly as possible to the Demon King Castle.
With the fast marching speed and no rest taken, the soldiers’ breaths grew ragged, but no one complained about the exhaustion. It was especially surprising that there were no grumblings from the remnants of the 9th and 10th legions that had once belonged to Astharoth.
‘Not a single complaint despite being an army of remnants.’
It was palpable how eager they were to adhere to Astharoth’s last wishes. Nahun muttered with a bitter smile.
“What a shame.”
“Nahun, what did you say?”
“Nothing. Veronica, circle the arena according to the plan. Let those who seek freedom or surrender live, and kill the rest.”
There were gladiators in the arenas created by Glashalavras. Although each one might not pose a significant threat, if multiple gladiators from various arenas converged, they could become an unforeseen variable.
Thus, Nahun intended to strike first. He decided to assign some of the 2nd legion to her, planning to eliminate any potential hindrances as she circled the arena.
It was likely there were also those dissatisfied with living as gladiators. Just like Eliza, who had become the deputy commander of the 2nd legion. Such individuals were to be set free to create chaos on the 21st floor.
“There aren’t many we can assign.”
Nahun asked.
“Is it possible?”
“…I’m not a little kid you know.”
It had already been eight to nine years since Veronica first met Nahun. She had grown into a capable adult and an excellent legion commander. Ersha had previously evaluated that she showed no significant difference from a ‘Lord’ in terms of ability.
“Leave it to me.”
“Good.”
Nahun assigned a portion of the cavalry from the 2nd legion to Veronica. Since they would be circling multiple arenas, infantry would not be suitable.
“Deputy Commander Eliza, you’ll temporarily take command of the 2nd legion.”
“Yes, Nahun!”
“Set off, Veronica.”
“Yes!”
Veronica led the cavalry of the 2nd legion away towards the arena, while Nahun and the remaining legions continued their advance toward the Demon King Castle. At that moment, Nahun spotted a city faintly visible in the distance.
“Stop.”
“Pardon?”
“This ahead is the center of the 21st floor. Before the invasion, there’s something I must clearly state to you.”
“What is it?”
“Do not touch the civilians.”
“…Yes?”
The leader of the 8th legion, Alberon, looked bewildered.
“Nahun, what do you mean…? If we’re worrying about that in the ambush, it’ll be too difficult for us to fight.”
“How can one concern themselves with such things in war?”
Supporting Alberon’s view, the deputy commander of the 8th legion, Selmenis, spoke in agreement. Both were vampire lords, and the soldiers of the 8th legion seemed to mirror their sentiments as they looked at Nahun.
“I’m not a saint to impose such a principle in war that civilians must not be harmed. Of course, there’s a reason.”
“Yes? What reason?”
“The 21st floor is currently a hotspot for resistance. Their resentment and hostility towards the Demon King are at their peak. If we were to take control here by killing all the innocent while we become the new rulers…”
Nahun continued.
“Of course, resistance won’t end. Even if we say we occupy this place, we must not provoke their backlash. They need to acknowledge the change from the tyrant Glashalavras to the capable ruler Seere von Debata.”
“…Ah.”
“Thus, even if it’s inconvenient and arduous, it cannot be helped. We must not harm civilians. Of course…”
However, this didn’t mean all civilians had to be spared. If among them were those loyal to Glashalavras, who retaliated against the forces that did not touch them…
“Those who resist can be dealt with regardless. Especially those under Glashalavras should be killed without exception.”
“…Understood.”
“Nahun, I understand your words, but…won’t it be quite difficult to launch an offensive under an ambush?”
“No. It’s possible.”
“Yes?”
“I’m now ordering the 8th, 9th, and 10th legions.”
What could this mean all of a sudden? Even Eliza, leading the remaining 2nd legion, wasn’t included.
“Yes?”
“There are four gates to the Demon King Castle controlling the 21st floor. The south gate and west gate in the direction we face, and the east gate and north gate. The 8th legion will head to the north gate, the 9th legion to the west gate, and the 10th legion to the east gate.”
“You intend to split the forces?”
“I believe that is not advisable.”
It was Krampus speaking. He was a close general of Astharoth, with ample combat leadership experience. Thus, he could not understand Nahun’s decision.
“Our forces are not abundant, and we’re in a situation where we must swiftly seize the castle. A simultaneous breakthrough seems far more probable. Moreover, if we head to each gate, Your Excellency will be forced to attack the south gate, which is undoubtedly the most fortified.”
The south gate connected to the city and was bound to be more heavily defended than the other gates. However, Nahun spoke with an air of assurance.
“No, follow my orders.”
“If we do as you say…we will certainly be defeated.”
“General Krampus, your words apply to typical situations. However, in this case, we have no choice but to split up, and we can still launch an assault on the south gate.”
“…I don’t understand what you mean.”
“To explain why we must split, it’s because of Glashalavras’s potential return.”
Nahun suspected that Glashalavras, who had gone to the 20th floor, would soon hear news of this side and start returning.
“Glashalavras and her subordinates must not be allowed to join forces with the soldiers inside the castle. Naturally, with our current strength, we cannot contend with that power.”
Hearing Nahun’s words, Krampus and the elite officers widened their eyes in realization.
“Are you saying by separating us to each gate, you intend for us to not breach the gates, but rather to prevent Glashalavras from entering the castle?”
“But then, who will lead the attack on the castle…”
This question came from Krampus and Masthes, remnants of Astharoth’s forces. In contrast, Alberon and Selmenis, upon hearing Nahun, began to understand his intent.
Nahun simply stated.
“Didn’t I mention? We can assault the south gate.”
His voice carried not just confidence but conviction.
“The ones facing Glashalavras among you are to send messengers to the other two legions, requesting them to join us. And those three legions must do their utmost to prevent Glashalavras from entering the castle.”
“The necessary time is…while Nahun attacks the south gate?”
“Yes.”
Nahun affirmed.
“It won’t take long.”
#
Following Nahun’s orders, the legions split into three, heading for the north gate, west gate, and east gate respectively. Once they were all separated, it became evident that only Eliza leading the 2nd legion was quite few in number. The 2nd legion was small in size anyway, and some had also been taken by Veronica, making them seem even smaller.
“Eliza, you’re not feeling uneasy, are you?”
Nahun attempted to ease the tension by initiating a conversation. Eliza replied with a wry smile, as if to say “What are you talking about?”
“Surely you’re not joking right now?”
“I’m being serious.”
“In that case, you’ve asked the wrong question.”
Eliza had not forgotten. She was one who had experienced his power first-hand, if only a little. Even when she had been utterly helpless, she never thought it was because of spoiling her guard.
“I was concerned about the separated legions, not about us.”
“…Is that so.”
Nahun chuckled slightly and smiled. He slightly closed the distance.
“Alright.”
Now just a little closer, Nahun said.
“Set off for the south gate. It will open as soon as you arrive.”
“Yes.”
Eliza began leading the 2nd legion towards the south gate, while Nahun stood alone on a hill overlooking the 21st floor, the Demon King Castle, and the city.
“Muuh!”
Then Behemoth confidently sprang forth as if to say he would take a turn, but Nahun pressed down on its head with his hand.
“Stay still. It’s not your turn.”
“Muuh?”
Slightly sensing a change in mood, Behemoth looked back at Nahun. The corners of his mouth curled slightly up, a sardonic smile appearing.
“That’s mine.”
Magical energy began to ripple. The golden-colored eyes overflowed with magic as they started glowing red. The vast circuit swirled, releasing a foreboding aura filled with dreadful energy.
“Muuh…”
Even Behemoth stepped back slightly, fearing the overwhelming power.
Crack!
The space split open. Nahun reached into the rift to draw forth his sword. Grasping the sword, unlike before, the magic sword reacted to his magical power.
Thrum thrum thrum thrum thrum thrum───!
It vibrated so intensely that it sounded like it would shake apart. Yet, with a nonchalant gaze on the sword, Nahun began to gauge the distance from where he stood to the south gate with his naked eye. Estimating the distance, Nahun held his sword horizontally. Lowering his waist and wrapping his arms as if to deliver a broad slash, he slowly gathered the magical power he had just unleashed.
As the gathered magical power settled, the trembling magic sword became startlingly calm. At the same time, he recited a short incantation before swinging the sword.
“Split apart.”
『 Spatiōrum Scindet 』
Vwooom!
He swung the sword powerfully, yet he merely split the empty air before him. No matter how one looked at it, the distance seemed unattainable. He did not unleash any magical energy, and after swinging the sword, one or two seconds passed, with nothing happening—it was all eerily silent.
However.
Crack!!!
“Didn’t you hear something just now?”
“I heard something, but what was it?”
“It sounded like something was breaking; where did it come from?”
They heard a sound as of something splitting, or more accurately, shattering. The soldiers on the 21st floor, who had come up to the walls to repel Eliza and the 2nd legion, were completely oblivious.
“Huh?”
It wasn’t until they sensed that the sound was from the walls they were guarding that they began to comprehend what was happening.
KWAAAAAAAH──────────────!!
Surprisingly, the massive castle wall and gates began to split into two and collapse in the very direction Nahun had swung his sword. The soldiers standing on the wall naturally fell to their deaths as the wall crumbled, and those guarding the gates were also struck by falling bricks or crushed by the massive debris.
“W-What the hell is happening…!!”
They could not comprehend why the walls and gates were suddenly collapsing. It was as if they had neatly split like pieces of wood, divided along a horizon. Rockan, defending the castle in Glashalavras’s absence, stood dumbfounded.
“Trample them all!!”
And at that moment, Eliza and the 2nd legion arrived exactly on cue. As the castle walls crumbled and the enemy surged forward into the still disarrayed front, even the carefully selected soldiers of Glashalavras found it difficult to counter.
Watching the South Gate become in disarray in the blink of an eye, Nahun lowered his sword and spoke as if addressing someone.
“You saw that.”
Yet Nahun was alone. But though no one could hear his words, the target he spoke to was distinct.
“If you haven’t gone far, then I’m sure you’ve seen.”
Nahun was referring to Glashalavras, the owner of this place. Imagining her feelings, he chuckled softly.
“Are you feeling impatient?”
Glashalavras would surely be trying her hardest to return before the castle was completely taken. But her wishes would not easily come to fruition.
“Overcoming those who stand in your way won’t be as easy as you think.”
