episode_0156

The command room was cluttered.

The leader of each group sitting at the round table was constantly talking into the video mirror.

You will probably be busy listening to reports from all over the place and making decisions.

The emperor sits at the head of the round table.

Military police captain Wolfgang, Aegis leader Leon.

Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army, Margrave Frederick.

The leader of Lazuri, and the leader of the Battle Holy Knights.

Other kings, military overseers, etc. from other countries.

I greeted the few people I made eye contact with with just my head and sat down in the empty seat.

Those on the Seonghwa Church could not hide their discomfort.

It’s because of Katy who followed me.

‘Even if you know the truth, accepting it is a different matter.’

Soon the round table was full.

The emperor spoke solemnly.

“I will listen.”

Reports followed one after another.

There was also news of other walls, so the report was endlessly long.

Two scribes sitting behind the emperor recorded everything without exception.

I also took notes in a notebook and compared them with what I knew of the past.

Even if I am, I don’t know all the information.

So, there may be some content that is difficult for me to determine the truth.

Still, I had to listen, think, contrast, and figure it out.

Fortunately, there have been no annoying problems so far.

‘Still, the first party entered the war earlier than expected.’

It is said that the border of the No Man’s Land has been cleared, and Kylie and Beatrice have begun marching west from the 16th Gate.

Sylvia and Aria also just left.

The reports continued for quite some time.

There were times when the emperor made a decision and issued an order, or an urgent report came through the video mirror, so it was cut off at times.

Still, there were no problems so far.

‘If it’s this easy, it might be worth suggesting the operation.’

When the report was finally finished, the Emperor stared at me.

The eyes of others also gathered one by one.

I looked down at my notes and spoke.

“There are no threatening problems yet. The best and safest decision would be to advance the troops only to the appropriate line, retreat, and then rebuild the front line.”

The second war and the current war are completely different.

At that time, humanity had to face the attack of the devil’s army without proper preparation.

There were no organized warriors or barriers like there are now.

Therefore, there is a high possibility that my calculations are wrong.

Even though the information is collated, it cannot be as accurate as before.

All the information I know about the early stages of the war is the only traces I picked up accidentally or analyzed through belated spying on fallen cities and villages.

I have never seen or experienced it in person.

So, I have to make the most of the solid information I have.

“But. I think it will be difficult to secure victory at this point using only safe methods.”

“Do you have a good idea?”

“I hope you will listen and decide whether it is a good idea.”

After taking a look at the audience’s reaction, I opened my mouth.

“If you go straight north from Gate 8, the elite troops of the Demon King’s army will be stationed not far away. They will be storing up strength there for the second offensive.”

“How do you know that?”

Someone from another country, completely unaware of my identity, asked.

The answer was given by the emperor, not me.

“Go on, Prophet.”

It was the most obvious answer.

There is no space to explain every detail.

At the emperor’s name, several people opened their eyes wide and looked at me.

I continued.

“They don’t know that we will know their location. Also, it was still early in the war. I think it is right to destroy it first, before all the troops for the second offensive are gathered. They will harass humanity throughout the war with their unique mobility, so it is beneficial in the long run to kill them early while they can.”

“What kind of enemy is that?”

“He who leads the 1st Corps of the Demon King’s Army. This is the leader of the assault corps, ‘Night Centaur’.”

This is the force in charge of the devil’s army’s mobility and ‘cavalry’.

First, I plan to cut off their feet and look at them.

*

What I did was just a suggestion.

The decision is theirs.

I waited quietly and asked Kati.

‘Carty. Are you sure you’ll be okay?’

On the way to the command center, I asked Katy.

Could you please cooperate with this plan I am planning to put forward?

Even if it weren’t for her, there might be a way to do it, but it would definitely be easier if Katy cooperated.

Currently, Kati is at a level comparable to the individuals in the first hero party.

[If it’s what the owner wants, I’ll do whatever it takes.]

I answered this way before too.

Although Kati has become stronger, it is difficult to be sure how much stronger she is than the corps commander.

There won’t be just a corps commander there.

‘OK got it.’

[Master, all you have to do is give me an order.]

While waiting for the meeting, I received reports from Mercy about unusual events outside.

Following the example of the ranger, he tames various creatures and uses them quite effectively.

Fortunately, the area near the wall was safe while I was in the command center.

“The decision has been made.”

The Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army said.

“The Humility Coalition decided to support the proposal. Next, it is about recruiting troops to go out as a detachment… .”

“Before that, wait.”

I raised my hand and intervened.

“If possible, I would like to bring in this person.”

I took Kati’s wrist and made her stand right next to me.

Katy stood proudly in front of them.

As expected, there were many surprised reactions.

“But he… .”

“Mine… . Ah.”

Someone I was about to mention as Mine made eye contact with me and quickly shut his mouth.

He declared that he was a beastman, not a demon, but he didn’t seem to be familiar with the word yet.

“Can I ask the reason?”

“Simple. Because it is very strong.”

“Hmm… .”

“Compared to the individuals in the first hero party, he will not be inferior. I guarantee it. If you know what happened in Galway, you will know that this is not a baseless bluff.”

Naturally, they will also think about the political repercussions.

A beast race that has yet to completely wash away its stigma of being a demon.

One of the prisoners enters dangerous enemy territory, assassinates key enemy troops, and returns.

What result will this lead to?

The commander-in-chief of the imperial army asked.

Among these, he was one of the few who could think independently of politics.

“I know your opinions and feelings, but other warriors will not easily accompany you. Because that’s what prejudice is.”

[You just need to add a few quick-witted people.]

Kati relayed her opinion to me telepathically.

A person with quick feet.

In other words, it means that Carty will take charge of the main force.

In my opinion, that is the ideal picture.

“Just attach a few quick-footed warriors.”

“… Good.”

The commander-in-chief informed the soldiers through the video mirror and selected volunteers.

Surprisingly, there were three volunteers.

S-class knight and S-class archer.

And, an A-class wizard.

The wizard was someone I knew.

‘Katharina?’

She was the wizard of Dora’s party.

Katarina smiled when she saw me and greeted me with a smile.

The Commander-in-Chief asked Kati.

“Is this enough?”

“Enough.”

“Good. Van Gogh, Leisha, Katarina. This operation is a very important and dangerous mission to assassinate the enemy’s core troops. I will ask you again. Is your will to participate firm?”

“Yes.”

The three nodded solemnly.

“Thank you for the courage and dedication of the three. Then, let me explain the strategy.”

*

The operation was completed.

Before leaving, Carty checked his equipment.

That outfit is also an enchanted maid outfit, not an ordinary one.

The weapon is an artifact, and I know Katy’s skills well.

still… It is true that I am worried.

“Kathi.”

“Yes.”

After completing the inspection, Katy looked up at me.

“Be careful.”

“… … .”

Kati quietly took my hand and lifted it above her head.

As I naturally stroked it, the soft cat ears occasionally caught and folded.

“I will be careful.”

Mercy also advised from the side.

“Definitely! Absolutely! You definitely don’t want to make a big deal out of it! You know right?!”

“Yes. Don’t worry.”

Kati smiled reassuringly and let go.

“I will go.”

So, I left for Kati.

*

By the time Katy left, several hours had passed since the war had already started.

It was quite quiet near the wall.

This meant that the advance force was moving steadily and steadily.

Things worked out surprisingly easily.

Is this okay?

They say they used information about the future that they knew only fragmentarily.

Compared to how tense I was, seeing the peaceful wall nearby might have made me feel more relaxed, but that wasn’t the case.

‘Are the fruits safe? .’

The order to retreat for the advance force is about to be given.

Originally, it should have been announced earlier, but they decided to wait a little longer for the special forces, including Kati.

There is no contact from the fruits through the video mirror.

‘You might be in battle, so I can’t contact you… . It’s a good thing Kati has the Ring of Subordination.’

1st Legion Commander, Knight Centaurus.

He and other cavalrymen of the assault corps used their unique mobility to brutally harass humanity with hit-and-run tactics.

Because it is so fast, it is difficult to track it.

‘If we take care of the main corps commander, the subsequent battle will be quite easy.’

Can Kati do well?

When I was thinking about it.

“Ian?”

Mercy said.

“Huh?”

“Something, something… . Something is strange.”

“That’s strange?”

“People are suddenly dying all over the place… . What is this… .”

“… What?”

I quickly took a wide look outside the barrier.

Because of the hills, visibility is limited to the far reaches of the demon world, but there is nothing that looks dangerous.

“Something makes people… . Something like a black lion… .”

“Black Lion… ? A black lion? Are you sure?”

Why is that guy already?

Isn’t this the guy that’s coming out at this point?

“Yes. It was clearly a black lion. Although I couldn’t see his face. But, what about this… . Suddenly appearing and disappearing… . Because of this guy, the advance force was isolated. In addition, holes appeared in some of the widely spread advance troops.”

I caught a passing soldier and told him what Mercy had just said.

I was telling them to go to the command room and deliver it, but Mercy hurriedly called me.

“I, Ian? Something, something is coming. Coming straight for this barrier! Through the hole in that advance guard!”

“What do you mean?”

“So big… elephant? An elephant walking on two legs… ?”

An elephant walking on two legs.

Goosebumps run down my spine.

I know what kind of object it is.

“Ganesha… .”

The commander of the 2nd Corps, in charge of the Demon King’s army’s infantry corps.

He stormed into the command room with Mercy and reported the current situation.

I’m glad we found it quickly thanks to the animals Mercy sent out to scout around.

“We must immediately gather the remaining troops and respond to Ganesha.”

Each commander was busy issuing orders.

“What you should pay special attention to is Ganesha’s shield. Be careful because there is a skill that returns the damage received… .”

Thump, thump, thump, thump… .

The wall shook.

Ganesha has come closer.

I quickly climbed up the castle wall and looked beyond the front lines.

A vibration that shakes the earth.

A large figure appeared beyond the hill.

It was an elephant, as Mercy said, but it was different from regular elephants.

Elephants that walk like humans have two feet and four arms.

Two pairs of arms.

Each left arm held a shield, and each right arm held a mace.

‘2nd Corps Commander… .’

It is walking slowly, but because it is so large, the speed is fast.

It is at eye level with the barrier.

‘Infantry Corps Commander, Ganesha.’

The appearance of Ganesha and the black lion, which should not appear at this time.

Isolated advance party.

Why?

Where did it go wrong?

Suddenly, I am reminded of the past where I almost died once on the front line.

When I was still the manager of the first hero party.

Even then, an enemy that wasn’t supposed to be there appeared and tried to assassinate me.

If the devil’s army’s movements seem as if they are targeting me, am I overreacting?

As if answering that doubt, Ganesha opened his mouth.

“Ian.”

He was looking at me and pronounced my name correctly.

“Looks similar.”

A low, gigantic voice resonates.

What do they resemble?

“I came to kill you.”

Just so did Ganesha declare.

***

“Hey, Marco!”

“Ugh… !”

Marco’s stomach was bleeding.

Helena quickly tried to heal him, but Marco stopped her.

“No. You need to reserve more power… .”

“What are you talking about! As it is… !”

The warriors, including her, who took the lead, were surrounded.

At some point, the traces of our allies who seemed to be following behind us stopped, and there were only enemies around.

“Damn. There are too many… .”

The S-class knight muttered.

They might be able to survive with Helena’s protection, but it was only a matter of time.

“Ah! Yes, support! Let’s request support!”

Helena belatedly remembered the burn mirror and tried to contact Ian, but he did not answer.

“Uh, why… ?”

“… Looks like something’s going on at the wall.”

“No way… .”

The countless monsters that are getting tighter and tighter.

The shadow is encroaching.

The warriors gathered closer together around Helena.

I’ve definitely gotten stronger.

I have enough strength to overcome Ian, but is it still not enough?

Even though Helena tried to shake her head and gather her will, there was no way out.

‘What should I do…? .’

That’s when I was seriously thinking about it.

-ping!

A sharp explosion was heard as if piercing my ears.

-Kwagwagwang!

With a beam of light crossing the siege, the monsters burned in a straight line, turning into ashes and scattering.

Everyone’s eyes, including the monster, turned to the direction from which the beam came.

There was light there.

Living light.

-Jump, jerk.

The light walked.

With every step I took, the nearby demons burned.

Helena saw a nun spreading her light like a halo.

Brilliant platinum blonde hair.

Deep eyes, gray eyes that cannot be understood.

Hands clasped as if hoping for a miracle.

A shaking necklace.

Without realizing it, everyone thought of the Virgin Mary.

‘Incarnation of the Virgin… .’

I end up thinking that way without thinking.

A woman of light approaches, cutting through a shadowy monster.

A member of the first warrior party who recently regained his old skills due to Ian’s influence on the Manager’s Guild.

Arya looked at Helena.

“… I’m here to help.”

Aria walked leisurely and stood next to Helena.

“I will sort it out soon.”

Aria got down on one knee.

Everyone just looked at her in a daze, as if fascinated.

She closed her eyes and immediately sang a song.

[Salve, Regína. Mater, misericórdiæ.]

It was a beautiful tone that seemed to pierce the ears and reach the brain directly.

It was so direct that it didn’t even sound like a human voice.

It felt like I was hearing the most beautiful song that each person could think of, as if I was imagining it or hallucinating it.

The sound alone spread an unrealistic ecstasy.

Helena listened to her hymn without even realizing it.

Then, an unknown vitality surged through my body.

The other people’s injuries also healed quickly.

[Vita, dulcédo et spes nostra, Salve.]

A hemispherical protective shield was placed around the group.

Light spread out in all directions from that hemisphere.

Like sunlight shining through dark clouds, the light that Aria shot out burned the monsters.