Chapter 155
Chapter 155. Urban Warfare Training
Should I consider myself lucky? While staying in the Reiju Territory, Gorirashia is by my side.
Since Gorirashia observes Leila every day, I don’t have to show off my affection in front of Platy. The real issue will arise after we return to the Demon Lord Castle, though—
“Eh? W-we have to… in front of Lady Platy!?”
With a grave expression, I conveyed Platy’s decision, and Leila clearly panicked.
“Um… well… I-I’ll do my best!”
Blushing furiously, Leila clenched her fists and showed her determination.
I see… so it seems you’re really going to do your best, huh…?
“You too need to work hard, don’t you? Hmm? Should we practice some hip-shaking? Hmm-hmm?”
At this point, there’s no choice but to indulge in some passionate lovey-dovey moments to fill Platy’s belly right from the start!
—or so I thought, but then came the next day.
As planned, we headed for urban warfare training at the ruins in the outskirts. It took about two hours from the capital by skeletal carriage. Nestled in a misty canyon, an ancient city stood quietly.
Trading city Tarfos. It was once prosperous as a relay point for trade routes between surrounding countries. However, even after the capital fell, it refused to surrender to the demons and fiercely resisted until the end, resulting in a brutal extermination of even women and children as a warning…
However, whether surrendering would have led to a better outcome is a mystery. Residents of other cities that surrendered peacefully were all enslaved and ended up perishing, so…
Damn demons… I’ll make them experience the same fate one day…
Staring at the mossy city’s rocky walls, I renewed my vow in my heart.
That trading city of the past is now preserved and utilized as a training facility to learn the basics of urban warfare. The city itself is deserted, but due to the demons’ presence, a small outpost-like area has formed near the entrance.
Somehow, it reminded me of the Cosmo Lodge at the Dark Portal.
“So this is the famous Tarfos training ground?”
The Seire Knight who stepped out of the carriage exclaimed, looking around with curiosity.
“Is it famous?”
“Yep, if you grew up in the capital, you’ve definitely heard of it. A city preserved entirely for urban warfare training—though the fees are high, so us regular demons rarely have a chance to use it.”
There are fees for using it, huh?
“Well, it costs money to maintain a deserted city so it can be used,” Gorirashia chimed in, clad in heavy armor, grinning as he tapped his sword on his shoulder.
“Still, this time, the prince is covering the expenses. Make the most of it and learn!”
“Ah… okay…”
Seeing Gorirashia’s excitement, the Seire Knight already looked distant, realizing the harshness of the training ahead.
“Wow, I’ve heard the rumors too, big sis! The food at this outpost is delicious, and there’s even a hot spring nearby, right? To get to join you for free is a blessing from His Highness!”
Gorirashia’s younger brother, Legorius, was also ridiculously pumped, buttering me up with “You’re the most generous in the Demon Lord Kingdom!”
He seemed incredibly excited, but he was clad in armor that was even bulkier than usual, shouldering a war hammer instead of a sword and shield like a human. Maybe he was dressed for encountering dwarves armed to the teeth. If he swung that thing around with his ridiculous strength, it would be a disaster…
“By the way, the food here really soothes a weary body. Being able to wash off blood and mud in the hot spring makes me feel refreshed; it’ll be tough today, but let’s keep our spirits up!”
“Yup… sure…”
The Dosrotos warriors, who usually seemed sprightly even after training, faced a training menu that would truly tire them out and ensure they’d be drenched in blood and mud.
The words about delicious food and hot springs offered no comfort, and we felt like prisoners being led to the gallows as we prepared our weapons and entered the city.
†††
—and honestly, it was hell from there.
It was frightening enough to remind me of urban defense battles from my previous life.
“Listen up! Humans are weak, and they’ll use any dirty trick to kill us!”
Gorirashia strutted briskly back and forth in front of our lined-up group, lecturing us.
“Rule number one of urban warfare! If civilians beg for their lives, kill them without mercy!”
Then, with a swift motion, he slashed down a mannequin representing a kneeling human in prayer with his sword.
“Humans often use such tactics! They lure with weaklings to draw attention, then ambush from the blind spots. The best countermeasure is to not engage! There are similar dolls placed all along our advance route. As soon as you spot one, kill it or destroy it immediately! Train your body to react before you think, even in real battle!”
““Aye!””
The three fools straightened their backs and replied crisply. I was holding my lips tight.
…It was a tactic I’d used in real battles before. Warriors peeling off their armor to act as bait while their comrades ambushed the enemy—but making civilians bait? Never! Don’t just say whatever you want, old lady!
“Now, rule number two of urban warfare! Keep a close eye on your feet!!”
Next, Gorirashia stomped down on the stone pavement near him.
With a crack, a disguised panel in the pavement broke, and his foot sank in. A trap door.
“Look at what’s inside!”
“Ugh…”
“That’s nasty…”
“Looks painful…”
The three fools peered into the hole, shuddering. Inside the trap were metal spikes embedded at steep angles. If a foot slipped, it would become a reverse thorn, making it hard to extract.
“Humans use these kinds of traps to trip you up. You…”
Gorirashia quickly checked all our foot gear.
“Hmmm, nice boots you all have. Though perhaps the others, like Zirba and Kuvirtar, are the best. The three fools also have good ones!”
“Hehe, my family’s bloodline magic has woven protective charms into them.”
Albar said proudly while rubbing his nose a bit.
“Really! That’s interesting, can that magic be put on later?”
“Yes, as long as it’s not a too powerful magical item, it can be done.”
“Nice. I’ll pay for the service, so prepare one for all my companions later.”
“Wow, seriously? I’ll be glad to! My big sister and mother will handle it!”
Albar was thrilled at the unexpected job.
“Though it’s not a huge protection.”
“Those little differences can sometimes determine fate.”
Gorirashia snorted.
“Well, then. There will be plenty of traps like these along the advance route. Each of these is a tactic the Night Elves learned from actual humans. Let me show you some examples.”
And so, Gorirashia introduced several “underhanded” traps used by humans.
“Springboard. Stepping on it will launch you up, and blades will harm you!”
“Wow…”
“Yikes…”
“Sounds painful…”
“Wire trap. If you accidentally cut a thread blending into the surroundings, blades shoot out from the wall, or stones fall…”
“Ugh…”
“Spiked wheel. A variant of a pitfall, this has rotating rods with sharp spikes; if you fall, you’ll be shredded!”
“Yikes!”
The three fools turned pale at all the examples shown. Yeah… I’ve definitely used all these in actual battles… weak demons sometimes fell for them, but they must have been impoverished folks who couldn’t afford the training…
“By the way, it’s not like we’re recreating every detail here, but blades or spikes are often smeared with filth. Even if you treat your wounds with a teleportation spell, poison can still get in. If you happen to get pierced, make sure to dig out the surrounding flesh before treating it!”
“Ugh! What the heck!”
“I can’t believe those sneaky humans…”
“We absolutely can’t fall for any of this…!”
The three fools were trembling in fear.
“Really, did they go this far?”
Antendeixis asked, slightly taken aback.
Yes, indeed. There were times when I smeared poison from mushrooms or snake venom, but feces are the easiest to get ahold of…
“Also, if you get caught in a trap during training, you’ll be treated just like in real battles!”
…My burden! As I squeezed out a silent scream, Gorirashia looked at me with a hint of pity.
You idiots! I swear I’ll hold you accountable if you make any foolish moves!
“And all these traps were set yesterday by Zirba’s subordinates,” Gorirashia said, pointing to the Night Elf hunters, including Virosa, standing by.
They had smug expressions, as if to say, “We made these.”
They probably went above and beyond to set these up for my sake… I could almost shed tears from the gratitude. I had confidence I could spot most human traps, but if they were disguised by Night Elves, it changed the game entirely.
“All right, let’s head out for training! Are you prepared!?”
“…Ohh…”
“Your voices are so quiet!”
“Ohh!”
“Okay! Finally, rule number three of urban warfare! Never let your guard down for even a second! That is all!”
With Gorirashia’s motivating shout, the hellish training commenced.
