Chapter 19: The One Who Rules the Kin of Twilight 18
Upon returning to the surface, the Wandering Dungeon vanished as usual.
The first thing I felt upon stepping outside was a terrifyingly ominous aura drifting from the far north.
“Lord Soushi, I sense an incredibly strong, heavy power like a muddy torrent coming from that direction. It’s a sinister force that seems intent on crushing everything around it,” Freinir said, her face slightly pale, which was understandable. Naturally, the other members were also keenly aware of it, and everyone fell silent for a moment.
We hurried back to the capital and headed straight for the Marquis Manor, which served as His Imperial Majesty’s residence.
Even before reaching the Marquis Manor, the capital was in a state of chaos. Many adventurers, soldiers, and horse-drawn carriages loaded with supplies were actively moving towards the north gate, and the streets were in an uproar.
The faces of the people seeing them off were filled with anxiety, and the atmosphere was such that one could feel the impending unprecedented battle in the air.
The Marquis Manor was also bustling with people coming and going, but we were given top priority and guided to His Imperial Majesty.
“Ah, Lord Soushi, Marishielle, you have successfully conquered the Wandering Dungeon,” His Imperial Majesty said, standing up with a relieved expression as we entered the reception room, which had been converted into a temporary headquarters.
“Yes. We each obtained powerful Skills. Please rest assured,” I replied.
“As expected of Soul’s Guidance. As you may have guessed, the Kin of Twilight have finally landed on this continent.”
“Brother, when are the Kin of Twilight expected to arrive at the Northern Corridor?” Marishielle asked, and His Imperial Majesty placed a finger on a map on the desk. His finger pointed to the northernmost part of the continent, a land known as the permafrost.
His Imperial Majesty’s finger slid south from the permafrost, over the mountain range, and onto a plain flanked by mountains to the east and west. This long, corridor-like plain was called the Northern Corridor, and it was expected that the army of the Kin of Twilight would be encountered there. If they were to break through that point, there would be nothing to stop the Kin of Twilight from reaching the capital.
His Imperial Majesty moved his finger slightly back from the Northern Corridor and stopped it over the mountain range.
“According to the scouts, the Kin of Twilight are indeed moving almost directly south through this mountain range. Their numbers are as reported, no less than 3,000. Some can fly, but they are currently keeping pace with those on the ground, so their movement is not fast. Even so, they are faster than humans, and even if we assume they will rest at night like humans, they will arrive at the north side of the Northern Corridor in three days.”
“Then, we must also hurry to set up our defenses at the Northern Corridor,” Marishielle said.
“The troops will depart first thing tomorrow morning. We will set up our defenses on the south side of the Northern Corridor in two days, and as planned, we will meet the Kin of Twilight there. As I mentioned before, I would like Lord Soushi and your party to take the vanguard. Is that acceptable?”
“Yes, there is no problem. There is no escape in this battle, and it is better to settle things sooner rather than later.”
“Your words are very reassuring. I have done everything I can, but the number of Kin of Twilight, 3,000, is something this continent has never experienced before. If they all possess the same power as the Kin of Twilight we have seen so far, it will be an extremely difficult battle. To be honest, we are relying heavily on Lord Soushi’s power.”
“That may be so.”
“Yes, it will undoubtedly be so. But for now, this is all I can say. Lord Soushi, please protect this country and this continent. I am counting on you.”
The young emperor bowed his head to me with a serious expression.
I already recognized that this was a task I should undertake, and I had confirmed this with my members several times. We had also discussed the battle once, and it made me uneasy to be asked by the emperor, who even lowered his head.
But this was a situation where I should suppress such personal feelings.
“Understood. I and my companions will do everything in our power to overcome this crisis. Your Imperial Majesty, please wait patiently for good news.”
When I answered in a theatrical manner, His Imperial Majesty smiled broadly.
“Thank you. I will be at the main camp, watching your battle with my own eyes.”
Now, we were about to throw ourselves into a battle with no turning back.
Come to think of it, this would be the second time I had participated in a major battle. Considering that I was a man who had never even thrown a punch, let alone fought, a year ago, it was quite astonishing.
However, I am now the leader of a party with precious members, so I will do my best to appear as a veteran warrior and face the battle without causing any anxiety.
We returned to the inn and stayed overnight, and the next morning, we lined up with the other adventurers on the plains north of the capital.
Almost the entire army participating in this battle was gathered on the plains.
In the end, the number of adventurers participating in this battle was nearly 1,000 A-Rank, nearly 3,000 B-Rank, and over 5,000 C-Rank, which was almost as expected.
In addition, there were 2,000 elite imperial soldiers composed of former adventurers, but their strength ranged from A to D-Rank, with only about 200 being A or B-Rank. Besides that, there were 30,000 regular soldiers from the Imperial Capital and 20,000 soldiers from each territory, including Marquis Zanzagil, making up the total force for this battle.
Considering the battles in the Country of Mecalinan, the army of this great empire might seem insufficient, but Dorozitte said that having an elite unit of former adventurers was important.
In any case, the sight of so many soldiers lined up was nothing short of magnificent.
We, Soul’s Guidance, were at the very front of the army, almost in the center of the front line of the adventurer group. Around us were Polar Drake led by Jaze, the Lion of the Water Lily led by Somyule, Tyrfing led by Yozam, whom we faced in the first round of the tournament, and other parties who fought alongside Isunani’s summoned monsters in the arena. Needless to say, they were the highest fighting force among the adventurer groups in the empire.
The members of Soul’s Guidance currently present were myself, Freinir, Larni, Sfenia, Mariane, Shizuna, Karma, Geshura, and Sakurahime, a total of nine people.
Marishielle was to escort His Imperial Majesty during the march, and Dorozitte was to oversee the adventurers as Grand Master. I couldn’t help but smile wryly at the fact that Dorozitte had somehow become considered a member of Soul’s Guidance in my mind.
After waiting with the members for a while, Marishielle came to me.
“Sir Soushi, His Imperial Majesty has requested your presence. Please come this way.”
“Understood. Is there something wrong?”
“Yes. His Majesty will give a speech before the departure, and he would like you to join him on the platform at that time.”
“…I see.”
I wanted to refuse with all my might, but I was no longer in a position to do so. But to be called upon to give a pre-battle speech… no, I should have expected this.
The carriage that His Imperial Majesty rode in was a special one, like a festival float that had been made luxurious and heavily armored. The center was raised like a stage, and a canopied throne was set up there. There were platforms around the throne, where four Royal Guard Knights stood, holding shields and watching the surroundings. In short, it was a command vehicle for His Imperial Majesty to oversee the battle.
His Imperial Majesty, who was sitting on the throne, slowly stood up and took a step forward when he recognized my face. His pure white silver armor shone in the sunlight.
He spread his arms and began his speech.