Chapter 464
Chapter 464: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility (2)
In the vast plains, two armies faced each other.
One side waved the flag of the Northern Army, while the other flew the banner of Duke Delphine.
Count Mathes, leading the 2nd Corps of the Delphine Army, asked the person beside him.
“Hmm, are we sure Count Penris is absent?”
“Yes, he wouldn’t have moved if he didn’t want to lose his father and younger sister.”
The responder was Dentaria, a judge from the Salvation Society.
Dentaria was the priest who instigated the barbarians and created the rift in the North. Having completed that mission, he had now joined the Delphine Army.
Count Mathes nodded and continued.
“Even without Count Penris, the Northern Army is elite. They have many strong men, and their military equipment is known for its high quality. Our priests need to exert their power.”
The skills of the knights and soldiers would likely be similar between the Northern Army and the Delphine Army. However, the issue lay in the equipment and weapons.
The Northern Army was famous for maintaining mobility while hauling siege equipment. It was all thanks to the new technology developed by Count Penris.
The Delphine Army, needing to move quickly, had not brought siege equipment, planning to clear the path for the subsequent supply units to bring it along.
But it was clear the Northern Army had plenty of catapults positioned.
“We must clear the path as quickly as possible. We cannot fight by deploying catapults like them.”
On the other hand, the Northern Army merely needed to buy time. They had no need to charge first.
In fact, if the Northern Army were slightly fewer in numbers, it wouldn’t have been a problem. They could just crush those on the other side with their sheer numbers, even if they used catapults.
But the Northern Army was also a formidable force, reaching 80,000 troops. Therefore, recklessly clashing was out of the question.
Upon hearing Count Mathes’ worried words, Dentaria spoke with an expression that seemed to say not to worry.
“The Northern Army without Count Penris will inevitably be less combat-effective. If we can contain their 7th Circle Mage, our priests will charge ahead and destroy their catapults. There may be some damage, but there’s no need for major concern.”
“Hmm, understood.”
Count Mathes had no choice but to rely on the superhuman priests.
Given that the enemy had deployed numerous catapults, any tactical maneuver would become meaningless. Lacking walls was akin to attacking a fortress.
Thus, the superhuman priests had to take the lead to disrupt the enemy formation.
‘With Count Penris absent, it should be entirely possible.’
Count Mathes genuinely believed this. After all, there were three high priests participating.
If they annihilated the Northern Army, Count Penris would lose his foundation. Then, the war would become easier.
Allied forces dispatched from other nations were arriving one by one, but they were not the main force. They could take the capital first and handle things one by one.
The thought of losing never crossed Count Mathes’ mind, even a little.
He was only filled with concerns about how to minimize the damage and how to execute the additional orders given.
“We received orders to eliminate that Alfoy character if possible in this battle.”
“That hidden 7th Circle Mage?”
“Yes. If we spot someone resembling him as we infiltrate the enemy lines, take them out first. We must prevent him from rejoining Count Penris after retreating.”
“Understood. I’ll identify him after breaking the weapons and kill him first.”
Dentaria gave a cruel smile.
The count had faced too many variables against Count Penris thus far. One of them was Alfoy, who was hiding his true strength.
The plan of the Duke Faction was to eliminate such variables one by one and regain control of the situation.
Seeing Dentaria smile, Count Mathes wore a bitter expression.
‘We’ve now crossed a river of no return.’
The vassals based in the South could not oppose the Duke Delphine. They had long known how fearsome the Duke faction was.
If the vassals fled like the Duke-side nobles, retaliation would come immediately.
Then their territories would be in jeopardy, but they had no idea what might happen to their families held hostage by the Duke faction.
Holding the heirs or families of vassals hostage was an ancient tradition, but Raoul had taken an inordinate number of families.
Some lords were indifferent to their families, but even they gave up fleeing after being threatened by the Duke faction. After all, everyone treasures their own lives.
‘There’s no helping it. We must seize the kingdom. It’s the only way we can survive.’
Now, there was no other path than to win this civil war. They had to stick with the Salvation Society till the end.
The soldiers’ morale was already low, compounded by the fear of an unjust war against the Duke faction and the Salvation Society.
Fortunately, they were well-trained elite troops, so they had to rely on that.
“All troops, advance.”
With Count Mathes’ order, the Delphine Army began to move.
The Northern Army was also already prepared for battle.
Claude spoke to those around him with a relaxed expression.
“No need to worry. We’ll win when we clash. Those guys don’t have weapons right now. They’ll just fall over dead as we fire upon them.”
Hundreds of catapults had already been deployed in the rear of the Northern Army. At this point, anyone entering range would simply die.
Ghislaine had actively used catapults when fighting against Marquis Roderick. If they could be properly positioned in the field, catapults were a formidable weapon.
Tenant, who had fought against the Penris Army, expressed one concern.
“They probably know we have many catapults too. The fact that they’re advancing regardless means they’re confident. There might be superhumans mixed in as well.”
Common sense suggests it’s more likely there are no superhumans. They are such rare existences. Officially, there are fewer than four known superhumans.
However, with the capture of Raviere, it was revealed that hidden superhumans were in the Salvation Society. It was a question that couldn’t be answered with certainty.
“If there are superhumans, they’ll probably target the catapults first. Although we might be able to block them… the damage will still be considerable.”
There were still two unnamed superhumans on their side, but if the opposing superhuman infiltrated their ranks, damage was unavoidable.
Claude nodded, seeming to understand this.
“Then we should respond as well. Ereness must exert some strength!”
“Sure, how should I do that?”
“Yes! First, you need to go out right away! Go and hold back the enemy!”
“…Just me?”
“Yes! Alone!”
“…Even I can’t stop an army of 100,000 by myself.”
No matter how superhuman, facing 100,000 troops was challenging. Even if it were all soldiers, they’d wear out from striking.
Let alone fighting against the Duke faction, reputed to have the kingdom’s highest power. High-level knights and mages would abound, and it was certain there would be superhumans too.
If she went out and fought alone, she would undoubtedly die.
When Ereness showed any sign of weakness, Claude shouted in a stern voice.
“Ereness! Don’t you know that with great power comes great responsibility?! To minimize damage, you must take the lead now!”
It sounded as though he suggested she go out alone, kill as many as she can, and create chaos before dying.
Even Ereness, who was usually calm, couldn’t contain her irritation at such words.
“And what about you? Are you gonna leave the responsibility to me while you do nothing?”
Claude straightened his chest and replied confidently.
“I have no great power, so I bear no responsibilities.”
“……”
An awkward silence enveloped the command post. Even Kaor and Alfoy, notorious for their foolishness, wore expressions of disdain.
Wendy immediately covered Claude’s mouth and lowered her head.
“I’m sorry. He’s usually like this… but today, I wonder why he’s being worse…”
Claude, who had just been subdued, struggled against Wendy’s hand and shouted.
“No! Let me finish! Ereness has to step up before the enemies gain speed and charge!”
As people looked at him curiously, Claude carefully expressed his thoughts.
“So listen closely. Ereness should go out and shouldn’t show her superhuman prowess but just act like a top-level knight…”
Claude continued to explain. Those listening wore puzzled expressions. It didn’t quite resonate, but it felt somewhat plausible.
Ereness nodded for the time being. Ghislaine had told her to follow Claude’s words in battle, so she was willing to listen just this once.
“Understood. I’ll go out. If it doesn’t turn out like you said, I won’t follow you again.”
“Of course. If it doesn’t go as I said, I’ll step back.”
Confidently, Claude said this as Ereness stepped forward.
She did not realize that Claude always wanted to step back.
The Delphine Army accelerated. The moment they entered the catapult’s range, they would charge.
Of course, this tactic relied on the three superhumans at the front. With their strength, she believed they could surely disrupt the enemy’s formation.
Count Mathes raised his hand and said.
“The front line is about to enter the catapults’ firing range. We must charge quickly and penetrate the enemy’s formation.”
A force of 100,000 would certainly take heavy damage from the catapults in the middle ranks and rear.
But if the front line crashed into them while the superhumans broke through and destroyed the catapults, it could annihilate the Northern Army.
“Wizards, prepare! We will block the enemy’s 7th Circle Mage’s magic!”
The wizards of the Delphine Army began to draw upon their mana.
There were as many as five 6th Circle Mages participating in this battle. In addition, many 5th Circle and 4th Circle Mages were also present.
Even if the enemy had a 7th Circle Mage, they would surely be able to block the enemy’s magic.
As the Delphine Army gradually approached the Northern Army and picked up speed, then—
“Hmm? What is this?”
An elf dashed out rapidly from the Northern Army’s formation, blocking the path of the Delphine Army.
The elf exuded a considerable aura. Upon seeing this, Count Mathes narrowed his eyes.
“It’s obvious what their intention is.”
He briefly slowed down the speed of their advance to consult with Dentaria beside him.
“They seem to be requesting a knight duel. What do you think?”
“Hmmm, judging by the aura, they seem to be an elite level fighter. It’s a good opportunity to eliminate a threat before the battle.”
“I think so too. Without Count Penris, they’re resorting to desperate measures.”
“They likely don’t suspect there are three superhumans on our side.”
No one would think there would be three superhumans in one army. The Duke faction and the Salvation Society had surely overstretched their limits to annihilate the Northern Army.
Of course, the Northern Army is also known for having many capable individuals. They probably intended to send a strong fighter to boost morale by engaging in a knight duel.
If they could overturn their situation and crush the enemies, morale on this side would rise significantly. There was no reason to pass up such a great opportunity from a position that was strategically unfavorable.
“There aren’t many who have received kill orders. Gillian, Kaor, Belinda… However, that elf isn’t listed in the intel. Surely, it can’t be that foul-mouthed elf.”
Dentaria pondered for a moment before continuing.
“Well, judging by the aura, they seem to be an individual on par with them. So, it wouldn’t hurt to eliminate such a presence beforehand.”
“Indeed. Eliminating even one such figure will reduce the damage when our army clashes.”
“I’ll go take care of it quickly. As soon as I kill it, the commander should charge. I’ll start running right away.”
“Do so.”
Count Mathes purposely slowed down the pace of their advance.
The Delphine Army, which had been inching forward, stopped the moment the front line entered the catapults’ range. However, there was no enemy attack.
“Of course, they were looking for a knight duel. Very well. Once the duel is over, I’ll launch an assault on the enemy.”
Though the elf seemed strong, a superhuman would be facing them. Even if they weren’t a superhuman, Dentaria didn’t think the elf could win.
If they were that strong, word would have gotten around long before now.
He had expected considerable damage but getting rid of an enemy combatant before starting was truly a fortunate development.
Dentaria walked confidently towards Ereness.
“What’s your name? You don’t seem to be listed in our intel.”
“Ereness.”
“Was there an elf by that name? You’re not Lumina or Ascon.”
Ereness didn’t respond to that, instead asking another question.
“Why did you halt your army?”
“Isn’t it to request a knight duel?”
“That’s correct. But I didn’t think you’d come out. You could have charged directly instead. Losing might have worsened the situation, you know?”
“Hahhahaha! Lose? I lose? You foolish elf, do you dare speak such nonsense to me?”
“So you came out, fully confident you’d win?”
“Yes! With Count Penris gone, there are no more superhumans in the Northern Army. No one can stand against me.”
Gooooo……
Black energy began to seep from Dentaria’s body, pressing heavily on Ereness.
He grinned cruelly and said.
“Indeed, it’s true that we’re at a disadvantage because of the catapults. Therefore, it’s only natural that we accept your duel proposal. Eliminating someone of your caliber will lessen our casualties.”
“Is that so? How intriguing.”
“What are you talking about?”
“It’s funny how you all move as if you’re puppets in that lightweight’s command.”
Drudududud.
Vines began to rise from beneath Ereness’s feet and started creeping up her body.
Before long, armor made of wood enveloped her, and antler-like forms sprouted from her head.
A gentle green aura emanating from her radiated as if it were protecting her.
On seeing this, Dentaria’s eyes widened.
“Y-You… were hiding your strength?”
What he felt now wasn’t the level of an elite; it was at least superhuman-grade power.
Ereness took a step forward and said.
“Why didn’t you just use your entire army to crush me? In that case, I would have retreated.”
“What?”
“Actually, we were thinking of eliminating a superhuman too before starting.”
Bang!
Intense green light burst from her eyes.
