Chapter 19: The One Who Rules the Kin of Twilight 21
There’s a saying about night raids and morning rushes, but the next day dawned without incident, and the sun rose.
Beyond the plains, a group of the Kin of Twilight could be seen. The number 3,000 didn’t seem that large on the wide plain, but the sense of pressure was definitely on a different level. Of course, they would summon the Twilight Hounds just before engaging, so the current number was not a problem in itself.
I strained my eyes, trying to see if Rendurm was visible in the distance, but I couldn’t find anyone who looked like him, perhaps he was in the back.
I even considered the possibility that if I charged in alone now, he might accept a duel, but,
“If the opponent is calm, there’s a high chance they won’t fall for our strategy, so I think it’s better to refrain for now. If they attack all at once, even Lord Soushi would have a hard time,”
Sfenia said with a serious face, so I reconsidered. I felt like I could probably manage, but I decided to stay put, at least until the battle started.
“Well, it’s about to begin. Are you all ready, Lord Soushi?”
Dorozitte, who was commanding the adventurers, casually approached me. Even the Grand Master couldn’t hide a hint of tension on her refined face.
“We’re ready to go anytime. I’ll charge in when their front line reaches us, so please tell them not to fire magic at that point.”
“That’s already been communicated. Everyone was surprised when I told them that Lord Soushi was going to charge in alone.”
“Well, I guess so. ‘Soul’s Guidance’ will be split into two groups, with Sfenia and Karma each taking command. What will you do, Dorozitte?”
“This is the center of the adventurer unit. I’ll hold my ground here.”
“Frei’s Absolute Barrier Magic will be a very strong defense, so it’s good to use magic from behind it. By the way, what does Marishielle plan to do?”
“She’ll probably come forward soon. After thinking about it, she decided to participate as the leader of the Water Lily Lion this time.”
“Ah, that’s probably for the best. It’s better to fight with a familiar party here. The Water Lily Lion can’t fight with just Somyule in the front.”
As we were talking, Marishielle, along with Somyule and three others from the Water Lily Lion, came over.
“Sir Soushi, I will be participating in this battle as the Water Lily Lion.”
“I think that’s for the best too. It would be helpful if you could coordinate with Sfenia and the others.”
“Yes, I will do my best to defend this place. Therefore, Sir Soushi, please just look ahead and advance.”
“I will. I don’t have much room to spare this time.”
“Fufu, you certainly don’t seem like it. You’re probably the calmest person on this battlefield, Sir Soushi. You look as composed as ever.”
“If it looks that way, then my acting is good.”
As I was saying such jokes,
Doon, doon
A loud drum sound echoed from the rear of the unit.
Looking over, I saw the Kin of Twilight unit beginning to advance. It was finally the start of the battle. Tension ran through everyone present, and they readjusted their weapons, getting into battle formation.
The Kin of Twilight spread out horizontally as they advanced. Black smoke-like things rose around each of the Kin of Twilight, and long, slender, reddish-black large dogs appeared one after another. The Twilight Hounds increased in number like stains spreading on a carpet, and within a few minutes, they numbered as many as our forces. It was a nightmare-like scene for those who saw it.
“Lord Soushi, it’s finally starting, isn’t it?”
Freinir came to my side and looked up at me with her blue eyes. There was no sign of anxiety in her eyes, and they seemed to overflow with trust in me.
“That’s right. There’s no turning back now. All we can do is do what we can. Frei, please leave a place for me to return to.”
I said, stroking her head, and Freinir narrowed her eyes and nodded powerfully.
“Yes, Lord Soushi, I will definitely protect the place where you will return. So please, be sure to come back to us.”
“Yes, I promise.”
After answering that, I looked over at Larni and the others lined up behind me.
“I will definitely return. Everyone, please stay safe. That’s my only wish.”
“Okay Soushi, leave this to us and go ahead and do your thing. If you’re not careful, we’ll end up getting more credit than you.”
“I will engrave Lord Soushi’s valiant figure in my eyes. Please fight like a Demon God.”
“We will be fully prepared, so please don’t worry. Please end this battle with your power, Lord Soushi.”
“Well, we’re not too worried about Lord Soushi. Rather, we just pray that you don’t overdo it here and make things even more difficult.”
“That’s true. It feels like not a single blade of grass will be left after Soushi walks through. I almost feel sorry for the Kin of Twilight.”
“Soushi will definitely be able to defeat Rendurm. As for him, be sure to take his life stone and destroy him.”
“I also believe in Lord Soushi. I will not retreat from this place, so please be sure to return.”
“You’re all so reliable. Well then, let’s prepare to fight.”
Somehow, their words moved my heart more than the prospect of battle. I felt, now more than ever, that this was what it meant to have companions and family.
As I watched, Freinir created a thin, glowing wall of light in front of us with her Absolute Barrier Magic. Three walls, about 5 meters wide and 3 meters high, were lined up horizontally at equal intervals.
Freinir further concentrated her mind and activated the Divine Spirit Magic, Divine Spirit’s Rampage. It was a magic that she had been able to use since the battle with Lyra Nora, and it strengthened allies within range. Of course, with the effects of skills such as Range Expansion, Multiple Magic, Charge, and Remote, about 1,000 adventurers, mainly from Soul’s Guidance, were affected. It was a secretly tremendous magic.
Meanwhile, Shizuna was summoning Spirits on the spot. They were large, feline-shaped Spirits, their entire bodies covered in metal. It seemed that they were transformed by the Sacred Spirit Beast Transformation skill, becoming attack types that emphasized mobility. Her Spirit Resonance skill had leveled up, and she could summon four of them. This alone was a considerable fighting force.
There was also a plan to have Geshura summon Twilight Hounds, but it was rejected because it would cause confusion.
I watched them and then turned my eyes back to the battlefield.
The Twilight Hounds had already closed to within a kilometer. The main body of the Kin of Twilight was still much further back. There were also about 300 Kin of Twilight who could fly in the air. Migitima and the others must be among them.
Unfortunately, Rendurm’s figure could not be confirmed. According to Geshura, he wasn’t particularly large. However, she said that if I charged in and made myself noticeable, he would definitely make contact with me. I had heard about his appearance, so I would know him when he appeared.