[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : 16 - 4 Part 2

16-4 Part 2

The Village that Burned with Revenge

- Burning Demon -

Translator : PolterGlast

We continued straight through the town. Every time we found the giant body of an Abyss Ogre ahead, Sigrun and I alternated roles as the tank's guard and the vanguard. Sigrun's blades, and the rain of ballista bolts and arrows, defeated the demons one by one, cleansing the town destroyed by the demons.

The sounds of battle attracted more Abyss Ogres, and they fell into our net one after another. However. Something far beyond non-standard got caught in that net. It might be presumptuous for a youngster like me to say, but this was the first time I had seen such a bizarre individual.

「What is that... It's, it's burning...?」

「Wahahaha, and it looks like it's charging right at us!」

「There's no 'what do we do,' you idiots! Shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, keep shooting you bastards!!」

It was a burning demon. Something humanoid, a size larger than an Abyss Ogre, clad in flames. That thing ran toward the tank we were riding with somewhat sluggish steps, raising a scream as if writhing in agony.

The fact that no one speaks its species name means this thing might truly be an unidentified monster.

「Sigrun, I’m leaving the loose-cannon role to you.」

「What did you say, are you intending to be my shield!? That's unfair!」

「Yeah, I'm better at holding them back and buying time. Let's go, Sigrun.」

「Wait, Shinza, close combat against something like that, what are you thinking!?」

「He's probably not thinking anything at all...」

The ones in charge of the ballista are hesitating to take aim. If they miss, it takes time until the next reload. It's not that they can't shoot; they can't afford to miss a crucial shot. Also, crossbow bolts and arrows have been fired at the burning demon for a while now, but it seems they aren't having much effect. The arrows were sucked into its fiery body, burning away leaving only the arrowheads.

Abyss Ogres were tough, but this guy is even more so. Against the demon charging at us, having gotten off the tank, I set up a small trick on the spot and waited.

「Sorry, fair and square is impossible.」

Sorry to use my usual trick, but I dug a pitfall. But the opponent has a giant body twice the size of a human. It's not something that can be easily buried. So I made myself the decoy.

I made multiple small pitfalls behind me, and jumped back, praying it would trip on them. A burning arm reached out right in front of me, sending a chill down my spine, but it was a success. With its arm extended in a forward-leaning posture, the guy tripped on the sinking ground and fell over without being able to break its fall.

「A perfect opportunity! Fire the ballista, I will follow too!!」

The burning demon's movements stopped. Following the volley of arrows, a ballista bolt cut through the air and pierced the demon's shoulder. In succession, Sigrun aimed for its ankle, bringing down her twin swords there.

「Uwa chachachacha?! This is bad, this guy is hot, Shinza!?」

「You can tell that just by looking...」

「On top of that, it's hard! It's like its body is made of iron!」

Was the hard body the reason the ballista bolt only pierced shallowly? The burning demon raised a scream of anger and was struggling to stand up. Then let's extinguish the troublesome flames first.

I flipped over the stone paving underfoot and threw the cold dirt underneath onto its burning body one after another.

「It's not going out at all...」

「No, rather than going out. Isn't the dirt you covered it with melting entirely!?」

「Eeeh!? Then how are we supposed to defeat something like this!?」

The burning demon stood up, dripping melted dirt from its body. This thing is practically a creature from the world of mythology at this point.

「Don't give up there, let's keep throwing it patiently. ——?!」

Because it was such a casual movement, I neglected to react. Who could have predicted that its hand would touch its own stomach or chest, scoop up whatever was there, and throw the red, liquefied dirt back at me.

And who could have predicted that before that red burning dirt, or rather lava, could hit my skin, it would rapidly freeze and fall to the ground.

「Hmph... Being calm is good, but you seem to lack vigilance and a sense of crisis.」

「Sorry Zirant, I have no words in return. I was just about to suffer a terrible burn...」

Before the giant of flames stood the dragon Zirant, whose specialty is the power of ice. That's right, Zirant. With that power that froze the Abyss Ants, she might be able to defeat that guy in one blow.

「Kukuku... I refuse.」

「What did you say...?」

「Try to overcome a predicament of this level with your own power. If Wagahai cleans that up here, there is no growth for you.」

What you're saying is quite different from when we fought the Cherubim Armor, Zirant. If you felt like it, something like that would be defeated in one blow...

「Indeed, and that is exactly why it is convenient. If it looks like you are going to die, Wagahai will save you.」

「Then let me borrow a word from the other world. That's called 'trolling' (namepu)!」

「What is that?」

「I don't know!」

Then what should I do? Zirant says this, but if danger befalls my comrades, she will surely try to protect them. Despite what she says, she's a kind one. If so, I should leave maintaining the battle line to Zirant and the others, and look for another approach.

『Umu, if it is only that much, I do not mind. After all, I want to let Kachua read the ending of that novel.』

It seems that when people are completely at a loss, they look around their surroundings. Wondering if there was a clue to a solution lying around somewhere, I gazed at the town of Enes using Zirant as a shield. And I found the answer there.

「Sigrun, coordinate with Zirant and hold it back!」

「Yeah, fighting alongside the legendary Dragon God is my utmost pleasure!」

「I don't feel bad being told that by a peerless swordswoman. So, where are you going?」

「You'll know soon enough. Hold it off for a bit.」

A waterway ran through the town. That's it, water. I just have to draw the water to this place. Since my course of action was decided, I immediately dug at my feet. I activated the 30x power of the Shovel.

First, I constructed a pool just big enough for the giant to bathe in, and once that was done, I dug up the earth heading in the direction of the waterway. I lightly threw the excavated dirt, rocks, and stone paving outside, and pushed forward in the same manner I built the moat in Corin Village.

「Wh-what the hell is that?! Are you, are you a mole or something!!?」

「Are we dreaming... A burning giant, and Shinza moving through the ground...」

「Ah, I (Ore) get it, Shinza intends to draw the waterway all the way here!」

That's right. The power brought by my ancestor's Shovel softened everything like jelly, allowing me to smash through the wall of the waterway in the blink of an eye. However, I dug a little too deep. A current of water mixed with sludge rained down on my face. Fortunately, I didn't even have the leeway to feel disgusted right now. By the time I wiped my face and spat out the liquid that got into my mouth a few times, water had already flowed into the new waterway up to my feet.

「Sigrun, drop him in there!!」

「Well done, Shinza, that request, is a piece of cake!! Funuuuuuu... Dooryaaaaaah!!」

Curious about what kind of method that female hero would use, when I crawled up from the deep waterway, what I saw in the distance was a feat of brute strength. She pulled out a young tree by its roots... with unbelievable brute strength, and using the damp roots as a spear, thrust it into the burning giant.

That wasn't the only thing that surprised me. In a contest of strength against the giant, she surprisingly won, and splendidly pushed the burning giant body down into the pool exactly as I ordered.

-----

Thank you for my Patrons !!

[Platinum]

-

[Gold]

B random

Nepheos

[Silver]

Corey Hicks

Creris

Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon

Jake Seagraves

Matthew Fraser

Tbaum56

Xavier O'Donoghue

[Bronze]

Anton Lim

Austin Lorenzo

Baelee

Bloodyemperor

Ctdela

Curious Panda

David Bankole

Enrique Miranda

nick nasca

SD Fox

Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon

-----

<<Prev << ToC >> Next>>

Read More

[WN] A Hero From a Remote Village : Chapter 270

Chapter 270

The Cause

Translator : PolterGlast

After that, all the Marble Mages were subjugated without any problems. Fundamentally, Norman defeated them all by himself, and Dorothy simply looked surprised.

「I did it! There are no other monsters around anymore, right?」

「Yeah, I think we're fine. That was some pretty good movement, wasn't it?」

「Yes! I think I was able to fight just like in practice today!」

Norman also had an expression overflowing with confidence, and I was convinced anew that he could fight against monsters around C-Rank. That being said, I have to properly ascertain the reason why he hasn't been able to demonstrate his true ability.

This time, even in a state where Dorothy couldn't concentrate, he was able to fight solidly. Thinking about that... perhaps he is unconsciously deferring to her when it's just the two of them.

「So, what do we do from here? We were able to complete the request faster than expected, so should we casually hunt some monsters?」

「If you'll accompany us, Graham-san, I want to fight!」

「...Hmm. I won't g... Actually, I'll tag along.」

Dorothy showed an atmosphere like she was going to refuse for a moment, but after casting a glance at Norman, she said she would tag along. It's just a guess, but I think she's curious about the reason why Norman was able to fight so well.

「In that case, let's move further south and head to a cave.」

「There's a cave to the south? I've never been there, so I'm looking forward to it.」

「...Wigul's Cave? I believe there were strong monsters there, is that okay?」

「I don't intend to go all the way to the back, so it's fine.」

After getting their confirmation, we decided to go to Wigul's Cave, located at the end of an animal trail off the forest road. It's my first time actually going to this place as well, but there shouldn't be any significant monsters, so there shouldn't be a problem.

「Is that it over there? It's still noon, but it's quite dim, isn't it.」

「It'll be even darker inside the cave. However, it's a larger cave than you'd think, so I believe it will be easy to fight in.」

「...What are you going to do to secure light?」

「I'll illuminate it with my magic. 【Light】」

I made multiple fist-sized balls of light appear and illuminated the area from various angles. If I illuminate it this much, the brightness shouldn't be a problem either.

「...Manipulating multiple spells? Amazing.」

「Is this really that amazing of a technique?」

「No, 【Light】 itself is a simple magic, so I don't think it's all that amazing.」

「...That's absolutely not true, though. Can you do it with attack magic too?」

「I can, as long as it's an easy-to-handle magic.」

I stopped the 【Light】 magic for a moment and chanted multiple 【Fireball】s. After making them revolve round and round around myself, I made them fly from various angles and crash into each other in the middle.

「Wow, that's amazing~! You've reached the realm of acrobatics!」

「...You really are strong, Graham.」

「I don't really use it in actual combat, though.」

I only do it occasionally when checking my magic manipulation, and I don't use it in actual combat. Flying slashes have better power and usability, and on top of that, they don't consume magic power.

While putting on such a sideshow, we entered Wigul's Cave. Catbats had formed a flock starting right from the cave entrance, and we were attacked the moment we stepped inside.

「Monsters are coming right off the bat. Norman, handle the left side. Dorothy, handle the right.」

「Understood! Please leave it to me.」

「...Mm. I'll strike them down.」

Dorothy also seemed able to concentrate since entering the cave, lightly slashing down the flying Catbats. Norman, just like earlier, shot them down with precise strikes without any issues.

「...Norman's movements are weird after all. They're different from usual.」

「Eh? I-Is that so?」

「...You aren't aware of it? You usually get beaten by weak monsters too, you know.」

「I might just be in good condition today.」

After finishing the battle with the Catbats, the two of them were having such a conversation. Since I haven't seen Norman when it's just the two of them with Dorothy, I can't really say much, but I can tell that it's not simply a matter of being in "good condition."

「...Are you able to fight because Graham is here?」

「That might be a part of it. Because I have the feeling that it'll be fine even if I lose.」

「...Hmm. So your mental state changes things.」

Without daring to interrupt their conversation, I simply watched over their battles as we advanced through the cave. Because I stopped interrupting the battles, Dorothy gradually took the initiative and began coordinating.

Perhaps from that point on, Norman's movements gradually started getting worse. He began casting fleeting glances and worrying about Dorothy, making it completely obvious that he couldn't concentrate on the battle. It was like Dorothy's state during the Marble Mage battle, and it's also not good that he's in a state of completely waiting for instructions. When his reactions to the monsters worsened, I could also see his body stiffening out of fear.

In an attempt to do something about Norman in that state, Dorothy started issuing detailed instructions, but to begin with, Dorothy is a poor talker. A worst-case mutual relationship had been born between Dorothy, who is bad at giving instructions, and Norman, who had turned into someone completely waiting for instructions.

It was so terribly bad that it was almost funny, but it was good that the reason why Norman couldn't fight became clear. Although there are minor problems on Dorothy's end, the vast majority is Norman's problem. Since there's also a mental aspect to it, I think it can't be helped, but if he's going to make a living as an adventurer, he has to fix it.

Now that I understand the issue, and since our cave exploration has become a sloppy mess, I suppose we'll pull out around here for today.

-----

Thank you for my Patrons !!

[Platinum]

-

[Gold]

B random

Nepheos

[Silver]

Corey Hicks

Creris

Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon

Jake Seagraves

Matthew Fraser

Tbaum56

Xavier O'Donoghue

[Bronze]

Anton Lim

Austin Lorenzo

Baelee

Bloodyemperor

Ctdela

Curious Panda

David Bankole

Enrique Miranda

nick nasca

SD Fox

Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon

-----

<<Prev << ToC >> Next>>

Read More

[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 358

Chapter 358

(Kyle Calendar Year 515: Age 22)

The Pride of Imperial Merchants

Translator : PolterGlast

In the northwestern part of the Griffonia Empire, a vast forest zone spreads out, and it is said that the land once called the Demon Territory spread there along the foothills of the mountain range stretching to the border. The byway extending south from this northwestern frontier deviated from normal trade routes, and not to mention merchant caravans, even locals rarely passed through it. After all, it merely connected several impoverished villages in the northern frontier, and south of that lay over a thousand km of empty land, just spreading forests, grasslands, and wastelands...

That byway was being trodden by human feet for the first time in a long while, ever since the trading unit reportedly arranged by the King of Fearalt secretly used it the previous year. Among the military forces dashing through the byway in an orderly manner, some felt doubtful about this maintained road in the frontier.

「I had no idea that a bypass extending endlessly to the south existed, all while entirely avoiding the major towns and strategic strongholds along the way.」

The Commander inadvertently let out a voice of admiration on horseback, but I myself was also surprised. At first, I thought it was a back road or something, but according to Accelerata's story, it is a road that received minimal maintenance so cavalry could dash through it, and it supposedly continues endlessly to the southern part of the Empire territory.

「Our forces are divided into north and south. And because the main highways necessary for travel are controlled by the enemy camp, they cannot be used in times of emergency, so...」

「So that is why this highway was maintained?」

「Yes, since about eight years ago from now. Under the instructions of the then Viscount Kampfer, under the pretext of countermeasures against bandits, we secretly proceeded by dispersing the construction sites.」

I see... Speaking of eight years ago, that would be the year following that very battle—the disaster in which my elder brother was supposed to have died in action. So, from the moment Sieghart was entrusted with the management of the Empire’s northern frontier, he had already foreseen this exact situation in the future?

「However, to establish a logistical base so deep within the hinterlands... it is a terrifyingly far-sighted tale, indeed.」

Certainly, as the Commander pointed out. For an army to move swiftly and demonstrate its power without regret, logistics are indispensable, and that means Sieghart understands that better than anyone else. Including up to now, our grueling forced march was supported by the perfect logistics he prepared. That is precisely why we have already successfully traversed a third of the entire distance.

「Amazing...」

I inadvertently couldn't help but let out a voice of admiration. I had the means to know the future, my own historical knowledge and history books. But Sieghart has nothing of the sort.

「A true genius, a genius of both politics and strategy... I'm no match for him.」

I intended to mutter it to myself, but it seems it became an unexpectedly loud voice.

「Ah, excuse me, but His Excellency Kampfer always said the same thing about His Majesty. He said, 『I don't feel like I can win, so he's an opponent I absolutely do not want to fight, and if possible, I want to make him an ally.』...」

No... that's why mine is a cheat. Thanks to that, even an ordinary person like me could somehow pull through. However, I have absolutely no information about the new world we are proceeding into now. So it's all ad-libbed, and I'm filled with anxiety of not knowing what lies ahead. However... the only source of relief is that although I can't match him one-on-one, I am blessed with geniuses of military and politics like the Commander and the Minister of Internal Affairs, trustworthy companions starting with Alexis, and wives who demonstrate excellence in various fields. That much I can proudly boast about, and if I consult with them, we can somehow pull through! Well... though it's a bit pathetic of me to be relying entirely on my companions like this.

「By the way, Sir Accelerata, how do you plan to handle resupply from here on out? Up to now, a massive amount of supplies, unthinkable for the most frontier impoverished villages, were stockpiled in the villages scattered along the route, but...」

Certainly, as the Commander pointed out, the villages we stopped at for resupply and rest so far were all those with populations of less than 100 people. Yet for some reason, food and supply materials to sustain 10,000 cavalry were arranged. No matter how you look at it, it's strange. And according to the map, a road without even an impoverished village continues endlessly south for a while ahead.

「Hahaha, His Excellency the Commander of the Demon Territory Knights' concern is reasonable. From here on, we intentionally deviate from the human-inhabited domain, and we will completely disappear.」

「But what will you do about resupply?」

「Arrangements have been made for that as well.」

Well, we have several Space-Time Mages, starting with Bart, accompanying us, so to be blunt, we could manage even without resupply. However, we want to save our trump cards until the very end. Thinking so, we learned the meaning behind Accelerata's confident nod in the evening of that day.

※

Around the time the sun began to sink in the west, we passed through a single road traversing the forest and arrived at a slightly open grassland. There... A caravan consisting of dozens of horse-drawn wagons was waiting!

「My word! Where on earth did they come from?」

Preparations for a camping facility with tents pitched in various places were also ready, and perhaps for meal preparation, fires were already lit in makeshift stoves made in various places.

「More importantly, Commander, the several banners the merchant caravan is raising, I feel like I've seen them somewhere...」

In response to my doubt, Accelerata bowed and spoke.

「Your insight leaves me in awe. Just as His Majesty the Archduke said, they are the ones from the trading companies I introduced to you previously (when we started bidding). They advanced along the central highway ahead of us, headed west midway, and are standing by here.」

I see! Even under the current situation, merchants can move freely. Did he use that to his advantage and send them ahead...

Before us, who were taken aback, several men stepped forward and spoke to Accelerata.

「It is wonderful that you arrived safely. We arranged the supplies as requested and have been waiting.」

「Thank you, that is an immense help. I am truly sorry for causing all of you so much trouble as well. So…… how are things moving on the other side?」

「Yes, it seems they are somewhat in a flurry about various things. Even on the main highway, wagons carrying cargo to Griffin are running incessantly. Because of that, we were also able to move without being noticed.」

「I see... then it seems the merchants in charge of the logistics bases ahead will also be fine. I appreciate everyone's cooperation, and I will surely convey it to my lord.」

「What are you saying, we are all ones who have been allowed to make huge profits from the sugar trade and various businesses.」

When one man said so, the surrounding men also nodded greatly in agreement. They are probably his retained merchants.

「To even have you call upon us is a matter for which we are deeply grateful—and on top of that, you gave us an advance payment for this order. We are merchants, after all; we will venture anywhere if there is business to be conducted. Please, do not give it another thought.」

「No, no, that can’t be all there is to it, can it?」

Receiving those words, the other men also laughed and began to join the conversation.

「We are those who have received favors from His Excellency the Count (Sieghart). Even though we move for profit, there are things we must never forget. Otherwise, it would be contrary to our faith and duty.」

「Yeah, precisely because of that, we must have Lord Grat win no matter what this time.」

「Of course! We’ve finally reached an era where we can conduct business without being crushed by those massive merchant magnates colluding with vested interests. If everything regressed now, it’ll be too tragic to even look at.」

「Exactly. These days, we’re finally able to do excellent business with both the Count and that terrifying Demon King-sama—and yet, this whole mess is just completely absurd.」

「Even so, Boss, this is a tremendous number of troops... Where did you bring them from? His Excellency Durul should be on the northern front...」

「Boss, don't tell me this army is... the Demon Territory Knights... E-Eek! D-Demon King?」

One merchant looked at me standing beside Accelerata, unable to speak out of surprise. Drawn by that, the other merchants also stared intently at my face. And after a moment of silence...

「「「「Wh-whaaaa!」」」」

They let out strange voices in unison and completely froze.

「Hahaha, it seems there are some who know my face. We are here to grasp everyone's future. Therefore, I ask that you keep the fact that the Demon King was here a secret.」

「E-Eh, ah... Yes. Of course. But... why?」

「Of course, to teach the Sura Principality and the Turncoat Kingdom the terror of the Demon King as well. So they won't do mischief a second time.」

「Just that?」

「It means the Empire governed by Lord Grat and Lord Sieghart is preferable for us as well. That is precisely why we support them with all our might, and we will surely win! So, will you lend us your strength?」

「Of course, on the pride of Imperial merchants!」

「Hahaha, this is going to be amazing.」

「We did it, it's as good as won with this.」

「Long live the Empire! Long live the Demon Territory Dukedom!」

Well... I got carried away and bluffed too, but... what am I supposed to do with this heavy atmosphere, where everyone treats me like a walking, talking guaranteed-victory flag? The Commander and everyone else are just smiling with absolute, smug satisfaction, as if to say, 'Yep, that's our Majesty for you'……For me personally, being overestimated by the surroundings was conversely a pressure. The truth was, I had only been sent out to this front lines because of a razor-thin, down-to-the-wire decision and the sheer resolve of the people we left behind. Right about now, Alexis is probably fighting a brutal, grueling battle—even if he isn't losing—at least until reinforcements from the Kyle Kingdom arrive. Because we've placed such a heavy burden on them, we absolutely must deliver a decisive victory to answer their sacrifices.

「Takuhir-sama, at this rate, it seems it will be possible to advance to the southern front while slipping past the eyes of the First Prince's side.」

「That's right. It seems logistics are arranged in the same way ahead, and if we proceed with covert actions, we can take them by surprise.」

However, we did not yet know at this time the reason why the enemy camp did not notice our actions, that the eyes and ears within the Empire were focused on a different movement. That they had finally begun to bare their fangs against their allied forces, and that this was the result of being overwhelmed by preparations for that and neglecting vigilance of the surroundings; we would come to know this at a later date.

-----

Thank you for my Patrons !!

[Platinum]

-

[Gold]

B random

Nepheos

[Silver]

Corey Hicks

Creris

Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon

Jake Seagraves

Matthew Fraser

Tbaum56

Xavier O'Donoghue

[Bronze]

Anton Lim

Austin Lorenzo

Baelee

Bloodyemperor

Ctdela

Curious Panda

David Bankole

Enrique Miranda

nick nasca

SD Fox

Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon

-----

<<Prev << ToC >> Next>>

Read More