Chapter 30. Wolfskrig (4)
‘He is looking forward to your performance.’
The words Archduke Gabir left with when I last saw him.
My thought that the person behind that aningful sentence was the Emperor has not changed since yesterday.
Only the Emperor's command can move the Imperial family's secret knight order.
And the [Consecrated Cannon] technology, a joint work of the tal school and the priests, is a dedicated tech tree for the Emperor hero.
The ascetics were also a hint.
Those who fanatically follow Luark instinctively follow the whereabouts of individuals chosen by God, like saints or the Emperor.
The fact that ascetics had been flocking to Wolfskrig for the past few weeks was not for nothing.
‘…The problem is that encountering the Emperor this early was not in my long-term plan.’
In my original plan, I intended to et him only after creating at least a rcenary band, and a mid-sized one at that.
The Emperor is quite a burdenso opponent to et from the early stages.
He may be adorned with all sorts of brilliant titles like ‘The Unwavering One’, ‘The Monarch of Reform’, ‘The One Favored by Luark’, and so on….
But the nature I think he possesses is closest to this title.
‘The Iron-Blooded Emperor.’
A nature derived from the unique trait [Mind of the Iron-Blooded Monarch].
A characteristic completed with the addition of cheat-like traits such as [Lord’s Unyielding Mind] and [Genius that Surveys the Battlefield].
That characteristic, in a word, is ‘an emotionless and perfect strategist’.
One who quantifies and calculates everything, and can do anything for the sake of a single victory….
The extre of what one would commonly think of as an inhuman monarch, I suppose.
KIIIIING!
[[Imperial Knight Swordsmanship] is active.]
I push aside my thoughts and parry the wight's sword.
[[Shadow Blade] is active.]
After blowing away the arm holding the sword with a spell, I cut through its spine and plunge my sword between the skeleton's eye sockets.
“KYAAAAAK!”
Just then, soone scread.
Over the shoulder of a collapsing skeleton, I saw an isolated mage.
She was surrounded by a group of zombies.
Her robe belonged to the earth school.
I imdiately jumped in and shouted.
“Karen! The mage!”
“Yes!”
[[Warrior’s Insight] is active.]
[You have acquired a skill.]
[Ranger’s Rapid Shot (Level 2)]
P-P-P-P-POW!
With a series of flesh-tearing sounds, the group of zombies that had been rushing the mage fell like dominoes.
Arrows were stuck in the heads of all five of them without exception.
It was certainly an amazing skill.
To a degree that was difficult to explain with just her ranger experience or simple elven lineage.
[[Imperial Knight Swordsmanship] is active.]
CRACK!
I quickly dealt with the remaining zombies and slamd down my staff.
The skull of the skeleton soldier that tried to grab my ankle from under the [Shield] spell was shattered.
“T-thank you.”
“Go down the wall. It's better to reinforce the walls or gates from down there than up here.”
After sending the mage down the wall, I also retreated for a mont.
I take out a mana potion from my coat, pull the cork with my teeth, and pour it into my mouth.
More than half of the contents spilled due to my ragged breathing.
It was because several hours had already passed since the battle began.
“…….”
The sky was dark.
The sun had long since disappeared completely beyond the horizon.
The nightti hours were a battlefield specialized for the undead and vampires.
Fortunately, the top of the wall was bright thanks to the torches prepared in advance and the priests’ [Halo of Light] miracle.
KWAKABOOM! KABOOM!
Within the secured vision, spells and artillery fire flew in real ti.
A tenacious battle of offense and defense was unfolding over the walls on all sides.
For reference, the role of our rcenary band in this battlefield is that of a firefighter.
Literally, a role to put out urgent fires.
Like when I saved the earth school mage a mont ago.
Originally, it was a mission that should have been assigned by forming a reserve force, but….
Looking at the formation, there was no proper reserve force.
‘Well, it’s not that I don’t understand it from a realistic point of view.’
Since so many rcenaries and rcenary bands were gathered in one area, it would have been difficult to operate a reserve force in reality.
Co to think of it, that too was intentional to execute the Emperor’s strategy.
Fortunately, a force of just over 100 n, while not enough to block an entire front, is a sufficient number to act as firefighters.
Just then, I heard an ominous thud from below.
The gate.
“Uwaaaaargh!”
“The gate! The gate is breached!”
“Brol! To the gate!”
The enemies had not yet fully rushed in.
I imdiately sent the spearn and swordsn down.
“Shields! Up-”
“Spears! Set-”
Under old man Brol’s command, the spear wall and shield wall are deployed.
At first, he had struggled to command even a single squad, but over the past couple of months, he had beco a commander who could easily lead eighty n.
[The spearn use [Spear Wall].]
[The swordsn use [Shield Wall].]
The gazes and postures of the squad mbers facing the oncoming enemies are also quite different.
While the rcenaries guarding the gate flee in a panic, they hold their ground without wavering.
It probably wasn't just because of the morale boosted by [Lord’s Unyielding Mind].
The squad mbers must have realized it too.
“…….”
Countless repetitions of training.
And several real battles where that training was applied.
The experiences of crossing the line of death were telling them.
That if they moved as one, dealing with the horde of skeletons before them would not be difficult at all.
“Everyone, hold on-!”
The waves of the dead crash against the breakwater of steel.
“It’s a Necro Ogre!”
GUOOOOH-!
Olif takes exclusive charge of the formidable enemy capable of breaking the formation.
[The crossbown use [Volley].]
SWIIISH-!
The crossbown, who had quickly taken the high ground, poured a rain of arrows onto the enemies’ skulls.
[[Wall of Fire] is active.]
FWOOSH!
I poured out the mana I had just chugged from the potion and blocked the front of the gate.
“Repair the gate! Bring the logs!”
“Sappers! Where are the sappers!”
The fleeing rcenaries finally began to return.
I had bought so ti with the wall of fire, so we should be able to hold out until the sappers temporarily repaired the gate.
It was a relief that it wasn't completely destroyed, but only a few bars were broken.
When the earth school mage I had saved earlier joined in, supports and piles of earth blocked the gate in an instant.
[[Warrior’s Insight] is active.]
[You have acquired a skill.]
[Earth Flow Reversal (Level 3)]
“Brol! Top of the wall! Siege tower!”
“Yes, Captain! Everyone, let’s go up-”
How much longer did I run around like that?
As I was uncorking another potion bottle, Olif approached .
“Captain.”
“…Yes.”
“The enemy's offensive is faltering.”
I looked at Olif.
His armor was caked with rotten flesh and blood.
I probably looked similar.
“They are starting to retreat little by little.”
I peeked my head over the crenellations of the wall.
I could certainly see that the number of undead had decreased.
I shook my head.
“No.”
Although the number of enemies had clearly decreased, I knew.
“It’s not over yet.”
That our enemy, Count Calvenia, was in a hurry.
I, who have played as every hero including him, can be sure of it.
Compared to the Imperial army, which has expanded its supply lines and even requested support, his forces are being checked even from within.
If I were him, I would settle the score tonight.
Because with ‘that spell’, he could at least decisively annihilate the wall on one side.
‘It would be nice if the place where he settles the score isn't this wall.’
But that wasn't sothing I could control.
Just like this damn luck-based shitshow of a ga always was.
And as I've felt since Burken Fortress….
The dice of ‘Inferno difficulty’ rarely roll in my favor.
“…Captain.”
Karen whispered.
When I turned to look, her eyes were anxious.
“Sothing is coming.”
Although I didn't have outstanding sensory traits like her, I had a hunch.
That he was here.
KWAAAAAANG!
At that mont, I heard an explosion.
An explosion, not the sound of cannons.
I turned my head to the source of the sound.
Inside the wall. A place hidden by buildings.
“What! Shit! That’s where the mortar team is…!”
POW! KABOOOM!
No sooner had old man Brol shouted than a series of explosions accompanied by flas erupted.
As he said, that was where the mortar team, blessed by the priests, was located.
When I looked up, I saw dark clouds spreading across the night sky, which had been clear until just a mont ago.
There was no doubt.
He had co inside the walls.
That was one of Count Calvenia's traits.
The [Shadowed Advent] trait, which hides the sun and moon with dark clouds and then instantly teleports using the shadows.
And if he had co inside the castle, his purpose was singular.
To cast his ‘unique spell’ and swallow the wall.
“O-over there!”
An apprentice rcenary shouted.
Was his na Bart?
I turned to the direction he was pointing with his finger.
I saw sothing writhing and growing in size from near where the explosion had occurred.
Swoooosh-
It was sothing that looked like a wall of pure black fog.
The mont I saw it, a notification window popped up in front of my eyes.
[[Warrior’s Insight] is active.]
[You have acquired a skill.]
[Calvenia’s Waning Moon Labyrinth (Level 6)]
“…….”
I hadn't thought it was possible.
Is it even possible to acquire unique skills?
My admiration for the trait’s cheat-like performance was brief, as the commotion erupting all over the walls caught my eye.
A dark curtain of fog was instantly swallowing everything around it, extending a hemispherical domain.
“Uwaaaaargh!”
“Run! Run…!”
The rcenaries and soldiers on the wall began to flee instinctively, without exception.
It was useless.
Because the expansion of that shadow domain is faster than a person.
Judging by the speed, there were only a dozen or so seconds left before it covered the entire southwestern wall.
I raised my sword and shouted.
“Hold your positions!”
[[Commander’s Roar] is active.]
[[Lord’s Unyielding Mind] is active.]
I focus their attention.
“No matter what happens, do not abandon your positions, do not scatter, and do not abandon your comrades!”
I give the order.
“Survive. And I will save you!”
Although I don't have command authority beyond my small rcenary band.
I do hold the key to preventing pointless deaths.
“Olif.”
“Yes.”
“I’m leaving the rcenary band to you.”
I told Olif last night.
That if I were to voluntarily leave the unit, he should take command in my place.
He will fill my absence and protect the rcenary band.
Gripping my staff and sword, I ran without hesitation.
“Captain!”
“H-hey! Where are you going!”
Swoooosh-
Leaving the panicked shouts of the squad mbers behind .
I run towards that shadow domain that is swallowing the wall with an ominous sound.
To get even one step closer to the center where he would be.
To dispel this spell even a little faster and prevent aningless sacrifices.
Whoosh-
Before long, the wall of fog swallowed .
Thud.
When I opened my eyes, I was inside a pitch-black labyrinth.
“…….”
A completely different scene from the top of the wall where I had been standing just monts ago.
Walls and a ceiling made of fog blocked all sides.
It was a place like a cave shrouded in darkness.
The entire place was overflowing with the ominous mana of necromancy.
Swish-
After confirming that there were no signs of anyone around, I took the mask out from my coat.
[[Warrior’s Binding] is active.]
[You summon the bound enemies.]
[Summoned Forces: Grave Knight (1), Necro Ogre (1), Wight (1), Skeleton Spearman (7), Skeleton Swordsman (8), Skeleton Archer (3), Zombie (11), Vampiric Bat (2)]
From the dark void, about thirty undead appeared like a mirage.
It was ti to beco the human necromancer, Tribus.
* * *
A labyrinth of fog where not a single point of light enters.
I am walking quickly through a passage that resembles a tangled natural cave.
“Hoo. Hoo.”
Although it's a cave-like terrain, it's a relief that the floor is not uneven.
The consumption of my biggest weakness, stamina, is sowhat lessened.
The white mask I wore on my face made the dark passage look as bright as day.
I had given the squad mbers plenty of torches in advance, and I had also brought a torch myself, but I didn't use it.
Light reveals my position.
Furthermore, it indicates that I am human.
In the jaws of the enemy camp, that is not a wise decision.
Especially in a situation like now, leading dozens of undead.
Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.
A wight and a grave knight guard my imdiate sides.
Behind them, a Necro Ogre follows with a sound that seems to shake the earth.
Behind the hulking body made of stitched-up corpses, skeleton spearn, swordsn, archers, and zombies follow.
I had a couple of zombies run ahead as at shields.
In effect, my own undead rcenary band had been created.
‘What a crazy trait this is.’
I haven't even properly learned necromancy.
Nor do I possess an innate dominion trait like a vampire.
It has only been a few weeks at most since I got the trait, yet I am already commanding a force the size of a platoon.
In a strategy ga where war is the main focus, this is ridiculous.
The summoning ability itself is powerful enough, but to think it’s possible to steal the enemy faction’s units.
It's to the point where the unexpected misfortunes that have been popping up one after another, from Burken Fortress to Archduke Gabir, the Princess of Blood, the Emperor, and Count Calvenia, seem insignificant.
No, at this point, I'm worried about the crises that await in the future.
The fact that such a powerful hero was placed in the Empire faction ans that they have prepared a device that can shake the Empire faction to that extent….
I can't even get a sense of what kind of total crisis awaits.
KIIIIING!
An unpleasant sound breaks my train of thought.
As I turned the corner, an enemy appeared.
It was about twenty skeleton soldiers, led by two wights.
The plan proceeds.
I passed by their side without stopping.
KIIIIK!
As expected.
They don't attack.
Since I'm wearing a mask and leading the undead, they must think I'm an ally.
To be precise, it seems that Count Calvenia, who is controlling them from sowhere, thought so.
‘Left. Right. Middle. This ti, left.’
I passed several groups of undead and dozens of forks in the road.
The [Calvenia’s Waning Moon Labyrinth] spell, as its na suggests, is a unique spell created by Count Calvenia himself.
Its effect is to temporarily change the terrain within a radius of several hundred ters into a labyrinth of fog.
The path of the labyrinth itself is random.
Once you get caught in it, you can't escape or find your way out until the labyrinth is dispelled.
However, there is a hint.
Count Calvenia, the creator of the spell, probably didn't want his own allies to get lost in the labyrinth.
Therefore, he made it possible to find the way in a manner only a necromancer could.
‘I can find the way to the center of the labyrinth, to Count Calvenia.’
The mana of necromancy is densely infused throughout the entire labyrinth.
That mana is slowly flowing out from a cavity in the center.
If I go against the flow of the mana, which flows like a sticky stream, I can find the central cavity of the labyrinth where he has nested.
I haven't mastered the essence of necromancy, but fortunately, I can feel the flow of mana.
It's a sense I acquired while learning nurous vampire school spells, including the [Soul Absorption] skill.
The plan is simple.
Go to the central cavity and kill Count Calvenia.
Then this huge labyrinth he is maintaining will also collapse.
As long as the main target, the Count, is dead, the Emperor won't go so far as to project large-scale firepower at the cost of sacrificing his own troops.
About halfway to the estimated distance.
I encountered an unexpected obstacle.
“Halt! It’s the enemy!”
“A necromancer, a Necro Ogre, a grave knight, and about thirty other undead!”
“Battle formation! Deploy around Sir Andarin!”
Plate armor caked with rotten blood.
A sword from which a pure white holy aura flickered as if on fire.
It was the paladins.
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