Chapter 514: Those who Protect other’s Backs

There was a loud bang. A deep, angry voice echoed through the Imperial Guards in front of the Royal Palace in the capital of the Bolvat Dynasty.

「Reorganize the troops immediately! Have the engineers build protective fences and narrow the path of advance! There’s no time to waste! 」

Mastigius continued to shout, with his black hair flying, while swinging his broken arms.

As if pushed by his own momentum, the combined Bolvat and the Heraldic forces, with the Imperial Guards in their headquarters, continued to move.

Mastigius’ angry voice was a relief to everyone who stood there. As long as they continued to follow his voice, they wouldn’t have to worry about the roaring monster.

Hind, his vice-commander, spoke in a hushed voice.

「My General, the reorganization of the first and second divisions is complete. The remaining half, around 4,000 soldiers, will arrive within two hours. 」

「Hind, make it in one hour. We don’t have much time. The demon army will arrive at the capital at any moment now. Prepare them for battle now. 」

「Understood. I’ll gather the bare minimum within an hour. 」

Alright, Mastigius nodded, while sweat was dripping down his neck.

Anyway, there wasn’t much time. Vrilligant’s resurrection was certainly a threat. But at the same time, the once-dazed demons were beginning to regain their momentum with the return of this great being.

If it was just a small-scale, sporadic offensive, they could be overwhelmed by sheer numbers.

But that wasn’t the case when the enemy had an army. Yes, an army. The demon army numbering more than a few thousand was beginning to gather near the capital.

Of course, they weren’t swarming like insects. The demons who were still raiding and ravaging the surrounding villages had gathered together, absorbing the demonic beasts that had fled during the battle in the capital. This made an improvised demon army.

Apparently, there was someone among them who was close to a commander. Without that figure, the demons wouldn’t be able to rally their troops. Their instincts were aware of the concept of a flock, but not of an army.

And that commander was quite strong. As if anticipating this fatal opportunity, the improvised demon army had remained hidden until now. Mastigius frowned, unaware. His heart was heavy with worry.

How dare he wait when there was a large threat coming.

But there was no time to complain either. There was so much that needed to be done.

「Your Excellency, there are so many deserters! Give me permission to make an example of them! 」

The other vice-commander named Eileen spoke rapidly, breathing heavily. She seemed to ignore her dangling arm. Her voice, clearly irritated, echoed throughout the place.

Deserters. Mastigius showed no sign of impatience when he heard those words. Deserters were inevitable when it came to military life. Especially in this case, when the enemy threat became more visible.

The reactions of those around him upon hearing Eileen’s voice were similar. Everyone was beginning to think that it couldn’t be helped. It was doubtful whether morale even existed.

「Permission is granted. But first, issue a proclamation to the entire army…Lord Doha Surah! Is Lord Lugis still wielding his sword? 」

Doha Surah sat on the sofa, grabbing his side of the body, exactly where the poisonous Junelva had pierced him. Despite his listless expression, he opened his demonic eyes and responded to Mastigius’ question.

His cheeks were slightly turned up, as if he was enjoying the sight before his eyes.

「Ah, yes. What kind of madness is that? Or is he really something great? He’s facing that evil dragon head-on. Our Lord Lugis. 」

It was the truth, not a lie. Doha Surah could actually see the scene through his demonic eyes. The impossible sight of a former human facing off against a great demon. It was a truly nostalgic sight.

At Doha Surah’s words, the people around them suddenly became lively. There were even faint cheers. A small light burned in their dark eyes, seemingly consumed by the demonic atmosphere.

There was only one thing in their hearts.

There was someone still fighting against that monster. There was someone who could face the towering heavenly dragon. And that someone belonged to humanity.

That hero might be able to slay that dragon.

That was their only hope. It was because of this that they could still move their arms and legs. They could even move by crawling.

Mastigius spoke with a snap of his fingers. His wounds groaned.

「The proclamation is: Everyone, look up, and behold the dragon. There is one who still fights before it. Who is he? He is someone from Gharast, not a sorcerer, not even a Bolvat citizen. And he is fighting for his life! 」

Mastigius’ every word was filled with a burning passion. It was as if he was cursing his own inadequacy for being injured and unable to fight, but also as if he was speaking to the hearts of his soldiers with madness.

「We have once lost our country and our dignity. If we flee now, we will lose our homeland forever…our hero still wields his blade. Will you allow a spear to thrust into his back? So fight. Only then can we grab this land from demonic beasts to humanity. Fight! 」

His voice was magnificent, brimming with the qualities of a leader. Those words inspired others to act. A glimpse into the fierce nature of Mastigius himself.

Messengers and high-ranking soldiers ran out to deliver the message to the troops. A kind of madness dwelt in Mastigius’ eyes.

「Are you sure of this, my General? We are entrusting our lives and those of our soldiers to Lord Lugis. 」

「That’s not a good idea. Ideally, we should lead our soldiers and confront Vrilligant ourselves. Because we can’t do that, we can only provide passive support in eliminating the demon army from the capital. 」

Mastigius himself knew very well that this wasn’t a fitting answer to Hind’s question. Perhaps Hind was asking if there was a need to flee.

Indeed, no matter how hard Mastigius tried to intercept the demon army, it would all be over if Lugis became dragon food.

On the other hand, if he succeeded in defeating Vrilligant, then they could retake the capital later. In that case, one option would be to escape the capital with their soldiers and citizens.

…But if they did that, they would never again be able to call Lugis their ally.

Besides, the battle with Vrilligant would surely be one in which Lugis fought to the death. Even if he defeated Vrilligant, he could still be captured by the demon army afterwards.

Mastigius couldn’t allow that to happen.

Heroes risked their lives. Therefore, they too must do their utmost to protect the capital. So that the hero could wield his sword without worry.

Mastigius spoke again and delivered a speech.

「Eileen! You have permission to use infection magic. Teach that demon army how a sorcerer fights! 」

—

Mount Bephimus. All that remained were the resolute signs of destruction. The mountainside was gouged out, shattered in rocks.

It was as if a mythical giant had swung his hammer down.

With her silver hair hanging down, Caria rotated her shiny hair.

「I told you I wouldn’t go easy on you. It seems your fate couldn’t distort everything. 」

A single amber eye blinked in response. With half of her body torn apart, Rabel only had her upper body and part of her face remaining. She let out a voiceless cry.

「…Flim, is that an…Original Text? Answer…Immediately…」

The Gear Rabel, barely able to breathe, tried to mutter something. Caria held down her numb arms and legs as she listened to her voice.

「Caria…Burd…It’s too late now…He’s seen his true fate. 」

Caria’s silver eyes widened slightly.

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