Chapter 82

Episode 82: The Battle with the Svel Sect

A thunderous boom shook the air.

It was the sound of a section of the Kingdom of Reshfeld’s forces being blown apart.

They’d walked right into one of our magical traps without noticing a thing.

A wave of scorching wind hit a moment later.

“Sir Aldia! What was that just now!?”

No need to panic.

It was just one of our planted magical devices going off. Most of the soldiers probably hadn’t expected the blast radius to reach this far, but I knew exactly what kind of effect it would have.

“Yeah… that’d be one of the magic traps we laid.”

“That kind of power… I didn’t expect that.”

“We poured all of the Empire’s tech into this. Pulling off a blast like that? It’s child’s play.”

I’d packed the surrounding area with bags full of powdered materials—extremely flammable stuff. When fire hit even one of them, the powder would scatter and trigger a secondary explosion.

Even if we didn’t have enough traps, just one properly arranged detonation was enough to cause devastating chaos.

“That blast probably tipped off the Svel Sect that we’ve rigged the entire region with traps. Brace yourselves—we’re going to be meeting them head-on!”

It was the signal for the battle to begin.

From here on, both armies would clash in the heart of the Dirust Plains.

“We’re working with limited numbers. If the Svel Sect figures that out, they’ll launch a full-force assault. So no matter what, do not let them see us!”

There’s nothing more dangerous than the unknown—whether it’s numbers or strength.

As long as the enemy doesn’t know how many we are or what we’re capable of, they’ll hesitate to charge in.

They’ll probe first. Try to gather intel.

“If they send scouts, take them out immediately. Do not—do not—let them report back!”

“Yes, sir!”

The Svel Sect will regret ever setting foot on this land.

If you stand before Princess Valtlune, then I don’t care what kingdom or religion you belong to.

“Everyone, I expect nothing but your best. Go!”

The newly assembled elite force began moving out.

I suppose that means it’s my turn to step forward too.

—

◆ ◆ ◆

There’s no one beside me.

I move alone—parting grass and undergrowth as I advance.

My destination is a battlefield drenched in death.

But it’s not my death I’m heading toward. It’s theirs.

“What was that explosion!?”

“Didn’t hear anything about this! Was it the Empire!?”

“But the Empire didn’t have enough time to set up defenses, did they?”

…Tch. Noisy bastards.

Long preparation or short—makes no difference.

The outcome’s already decided. I’m going to kill every last one of you.

Worrying about the larger army? That’s noble and all, but—

“Wait, did you hear that? Something’s—ghk!”

“Hey, what’s wrong—GAAAH!”

…You really should be more aware of your surroundings.

The feeling of a blade slicing through bone is the most distinct of all.

The spray of blood that trails along the edge… is undeniable proof of a life taken.

“You—you’re with the Empire!”

“Yeah. I’m with the Imperial Army.”

“What are you doing here all by yourself!?”

What am I doing? What kind of stupid question is that?

I flick the blood off my blade with a swift motion, then level it at the rest of the Svel Sect soldiers.

“I’m here to kill you. What other reason would I have?”

Scouting? Don’t insult me.

I walked straight into enemy territory—right into the heart of their formation.

And if I’m here, then I’ll kill them all. No half-measures.

That’s just how I do things.

“You idiot! Charging in alone—what kind of pathetic military does the Empire run—AGH!”

The Svel Sect’s soldiers love to run their mouths.

If they used their hands instead of their tongues, they might live longer.

“You sure talk a lot… Rodents these days love to squeal, huh?”

The man crumples to the ground.

With a wet splat, his corpse joins the dirt.

Before you insult your enemy, maybe make sure you can walk away from it.

He didn’t. And so, he died.

“You monster!!”

“Kill him! Don’t give him a chance to beg!”

Ah, now they’re getting serious.

They’re pointing their swords and spears my way.

But what—did they think I’d cry and beg for my life?

Did they think I’d drop to my knees and plead, “Please, spare me”?

Which one of us is the real idiot here?

“Tch… I don’t beg for my life. That would be a disgrace to this fight.”

“Let’s fight to the death until one side is utterly destroyed!”

I take a step forward.

Just a step—but I know my face is twisting into a grin.

“Ah…!”

“D-Don’t flinch! He’s alone! There are no reinforcements!”

“Surround him and attack at once—he can’t handle all of us!”

Well, they’re right about one thing.

There are no reinforcements.

My allies are way behind me, waiting to engage them later.

But assuming this area is safe… is a mistake they’re going to pay for.

Click.

A soft metallic sound echoed—and then, from all around the Svel Sect’s formation, explosions roared.

“What the—!?”

“I didn’t mention it yet, did I?”

“────!”

“This land belongs to the Empire. We don’t show mercy to invaders.”

Of course, we’ve set up magical devices on our side too.

Unlike the ones near the Reshfeld army, these are all triggered manually.

All I have to do is pull the trigger—and they die to a threat they can’t even see.

“Kill me, and maybe the explosions will stop.”

Click.

“So? What’s it gonna be?”

The blasts keep roaring. Screams echo all across the field.

A massacre.

But all we’re doing is responding—calmly, efficiently—to a foreign threat.

We haven’t done anything wrong. Wouldn’t you agree?

After all…

You were the ones who came to threaten our land first.