“I am Aeneas Borealis, Emperor of the Aldebaron Empire. First, as Emperor, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has gathered here today.”
His resonant, beautiful voice was amplified through a Magic Tool.
“As you all know, this country, no, this continent, is facing an unprecedented crisis. Those with keen senses have already felt it, but from the north, the ‘Kin of Twilight’ are advancing in a large horde, attempting to invade this continent. Their numbers are approximately 3,000. This is a terrifying number.”
A wave of tension rippled through the adventurers. Especially for those who had fought the ‘Kin of Twilight’ before, the number 3,000 must have felt like utter despair.
“However, the strongest individuals from across the continent have gathered here today. Brave warriors who have honed their skills and elevated themselves. With you all, we can surely overcome this calamity. I, too, shall be present to witness this battle that you will etch into history.”
The Emperor himself going to the battlefield must be necessary to boost morale. However, many of his aides must have opposed it. I felt a little sympathy for their stomachaches.
“Furthermore, as a matter of course, my younger sister, Marishielle, will also be at the forefront of this battle. And Count Okuno, who defeated Marishielle and won the Martial Arts Tournament, will be as well.”
At that, one of the Royal Guard Knights called out to Marishielle. In response, Marishielle and I were led up to the platform where His Imperial Majesty stood.
The Emperor greeted us with a smile and had us stand before him.
“I believe many of you are already aware of their strength. Marishielle’s power is well-known, an adventurer who can single-handedly defeat multiple ‘Kin of Twilight’. And Count Okuno here possesses even greater power, a figure who can be called a hero. He is the holder of the legendary Skill ‘Vessel of the Commander’, said to have been possessed by the legendary adventurer Midgalt. Many of you may already feel it, but his Skill has already enhanced your powers.”
The discussion about the ‘Vessel of the Commander’ Skill had already been arranged. Well, it had already been conveyed to many adventurers during the verification, and if it was to raise morale, it couldn’t be helped.
Hearing this, the group of adventurers stirred greatly. For those hearing it for the first time, it must have been a surprising story, and it was only natural to be agitated, considering they were under its influence and that it was a matter of life and death.
“Furthermore, Freinir-sama, who is said to be the next Saint of the Arshuram Religion, is also accompanying Count Okuno’s party. In this battle, even the gods are on our side. We will surely be victorious. Let us fight together to promise eternal peace to our families, our friends, and our descendants!”
With that final declaration, His Imperial Majesty drew his sword from his waist and raised it to the sky. Marishielle also drew ‘Whisperer of Fate’ and raised it, so I took out ‘The Great Equalizer’ from my Item Box and did the same. The visual balance was terrible, but it seemed to have hit a nerve with the adventurers.
The adventurers also drew their weapons and raised them all at once. A great roar, surpassing even the final match of the Martial Arts Tournament, temporarily dominated the plain.
Well, now all that’s left is to fight. Strangely, the thought of possibly losing didn’t even cross my mind. If this was also due to the Skill, then I would have to be grateful for it.
If it were my previous self, I would probably be suffering from severe diarrhea right now.
With the adventurer unit at the forefront, the entire army began its advance.
We would reach the planned engagement point in a day and a half, where we would set up camp and wait for the ‘Kin of Twilight’ led by Rendurm.
The reason we weren’t fighting relying on the city walls of the capital was because there were those among the ‘Kin of Twilight’ who could fly. If they were to descend directly into the city, it would cause damage to the general populace.
“Hmm, Soushi is already halfway to becoming a legendary adventurer, isn’t he? The Emperor was just referencing a legendary adventurer, and if he does well this time, he’ll probably become a complete legend.”
While marching, Larni said such a carefree thing, with her hands behind her head.
Karma, who was walking next to her, nodded with a smug look while crossing her arms.
“That’s right. If you’re told that much in front of so many people, everyone will be conscious of it. We have to make sure we do well too.”
“I think I could fight the ‘Kin of Twilight’ one-on-one now. I’ve only fought them once, so this will be a good test of my skills.”
“Larni, you speak so boldly. I still have some anxiety, though. What about you, Sakurahime?”
“I cannot lie and say that I do not feel fear, as I remember the battle with that Zaikal of the ‘Kin of Twilight’. I believe I have become much stronger than back then, but I will not be able to overcome that feeling until I fight once more.”
Come to think of it, Sakurahime had fought the ‘Kin of Twilight’ once when she was part of the ‘Supreme Radiance’. The battle with Zaikal felt quite nostalgic, but it was after that that I started being called a ‘Hero’.
“Sakurahime should be fine now. It seems that many of the ‘Kin of Twilight’ who come over here alone are those who are confident in their abilities. Most of the ‘Kin of Twilight’ we’ll encounter from now on should be weaker than Zaikal.”
“If that is the case, then that is good. However, that also feels somewhat dull.”
“If you have that spirit, then there shouldn’t be a problem.”
When I smiled at her, Sakurahime nodded powerfully.
As the conversation came to a pause, Sfenia called out to Freinir, who was walking next to me.
“By the way, I was wondering, is it alright for Frei to be called the next Saint? I know there was talk of revealing your name beforehand, but…”
“Yes. If this battle will be advantageous because of it, then I don’t mind. Of course, I don’t intend to become a Saint of the Arshuram Religion.”
“Frei is the Saint of the Soushi Religion, after all~”
“T-That’s not what I meant, but I only serve Soushi-sama.”
Larni’s teasing was too scandalous to be considered a joke… Freinir’s words could also be quite dangerous if heard by others.
Sfenia laughed amusingly while turning her gaze towards me.
“By the way, Soushi-san, how do you intend to fight this time?”
“That’s the thing, as I mentioned a little while ago, I intend to charge in alone. So, I want everyone to fight alongside the other adventurers, with Karma and Sfenia at the center.”
“So you’re aiming for a one-on-one fight after all.”
“Either way, it seems I have to fight that guy named Rendurm. Isn’t that right, Geshura?”
“Indeed, that one will never yield. He must be completely destroyed. And Soushi is the only one who can do that.”
“You’re not considering attacking him as a group?”
“To unleash all of my power, it’s better if there aren’t people around. Well, I’ll manage somehow.”
It was truly strange, but I didn’t feel any pressure at all. It wasn’t that I was trying to act normal to reassure them, but I naturally became calm. Or rather, I could feel myself becoming calmer as the battle drew closer.
While I was immersed in that strange feeling, Mariane came to my side and muttered.
“I understand your power well, Soushi-san, but please don’t forget that you’re not alone.”
“Of course. I’ve never forgotten that, and I never will. I’m not so young as to think I can do everything by myself. It’s just that it’s faster to do it that way this time.”
“That’s good then. We are all with you, Soushi-san.”
Looking around, everyone was smiling, nodding, or giving me a thumbs up.
I see, so it’s because they have companions that adventurers can remain human even while possessing such terrifying power. I suddenly felt that and was grateful for all the encounters I had had until now.