Chapter 131: The Rebel Prince Resolves
“Ugh… Am I still alive…?”
Rodel was engulfed in confusion. He had no idea what had just transpired. Suddenly, a blinding flash of light had struck the command center where Rodel and his allies were stationed. In reality, it wasn’t just his eyes that were scorched; the command center itself was ablaze, along with the soldiers who had been stationed at the front.
All around the remnants of the burned command tent, bodies lay strewn about. They were all nobles of the Queen Dowager Faction, who had, at least nominally, supported Rodel.
“Tch… What a formidable magician we have here…”
“Who are you…?”
As Rodel squinted through the haze, he noticed a man standing protectively in front of him.
“Are you from the Empire…?”
The man was the leader of the reinforcements sent from the Empire, his face obscured by a black hood.
“Was that just now Light Magic? No, just before that, everything went dark. It must be a spell that gathers sunlight and fires it as a laser… a Solar Ray. It’s likely not just a light attribute spell; it might even be using a gravitational lens…”
“What are you talking about…?”
“Clearly a strategic-level spell. Such magic shouldn’t have been recorded in the Council of Sages’ Magic Encyclopedia. Is there an enemy of sage-level who has created a new type of magic in this country…? Damn it, this is unexpected!”
The Black Hooded Man didn’t respond to Rodel’s words. He clicked his tongue in annoyance and kicked the body of a man lying nearby. It was none other than Marquis Aiger, the de facto commander of the Rebel Army.
“Ugh…”
“Hey, wake up! Get up already!”
“Guh… Ah… I… ugh…”
“Enough! Quickly give orders to the soldiers! The enemy will charge at any moment!”
“It… hurts… I need treatment…”
“Tch…”
With a loud click of his tongue, the Black Hooded Man grabbed Marquis Aiger by the collar and yanked him up forcefully.
“Damn…!”
“It’s an order… ‘Give instructions to the soldiers’ ‘Prepare to confront the enemy’.”
A strange purple mist emanated from the Black Hooded Man’s hand and was drawn into Aiger’s ear. Instantly, the agony that had contorted Aiger’s face vanished, and he stood up on his own.
“…Understood. I will command the soldiers to confront the enemy.”
Marquis Aiger stepped outside the command center and began issuing orders to the panicked soldiers to prepare for the enemy’s assault. By then, the sounds of battle and shouts could be heard from outside. It seemed that he had been just a moment too late in giving orders, as the enemy soldiers were already charging in.
“…We’ve fallen behind. Can we win like this? No, it’s impossible. The militia must have been terrified by that last attack and fled. Those looking for gold and plunder likely ran as well. If we’re lucky, half of our soldiers might still be willing to fight.”
“W-What are you saying…? Hurry and treat my injuries!”
“Hah…!”
Inside the hood, the man let out a mocking laugh.
“Don’t make a fuss for such a lightweight. I carried you according to the will of our ‘comrade,’ but… this is where it ends.”
“W-What…?”
“The conclusion will come soon. It seems we can’t drain any more from the Aiwood Kingdom. However… I managed to reveal one of the kingdom’s trump cards. Your existence wasn’t in vain after all. Good work.”
“…………”
“Perhaps that was also the doing of a Reincarnator… If she becomes a comrade like her, it would be reassuring, but if she ends up like the ‘Heavenly Emperor,’ then she must be dealt with. Ah, truly! The future is worrisome!”
“Guaah…!?”
After making a scene on his own, the Black Hooded Man stepped on Rodel.
“The Empire will no longer support you. You’re nothing but a puppet with a name and bloodline. Whether it’s execution, dying in battle, or taking your own life… do as you please in a place where I can’t see you. Farewell.”
With that, the figure of the Black Hooded Man vanished. Teleportation Magic—a miracle said to be nearly impossible with modern magical techniques was demonstrated right before Rodel’s eyes. He stood there for a moment, dazed, before finally whispering with trembling lips.
“A lightweight… puppet…?”
Was he referring to Rodel? Neither Marquis Aiger nor any of his subordinates, nor the reinforcements from the Empire, were paying any attention to him. He was being belittled. Mocked. The last shred of pride that remained within Rodel felt as though it had been pierced by a thick needle, causing him pain.
“…I won’t let this end like this.”
He was not the grandson of the Queen Dowager. He was neither a mere puppet nor a vessel. He was Rodel Aiwood, a single human being. He could not die while being used without showing that truth.
“Guh, Uuuuuuuuu…!”
Rodel gritted his teeth against the pain and forced himself to rise. Through Body Enhancement, he strained his body to stand, somehow managing to get to his feet. Rodel was not skilled in Healing Magic. It wasn’t that he lacked the talent to learn it; rather, he had never intended to study it. He believed that someone as exceptional as himself would never sustain injuries. He had no intention of using his magical power to heal others.
As he cursed the arrogance of his past self, he took the time to staunch his wounds and stood tall, gazing out at the battlefield.
“I’ll do it… I’ll engrave my name…!”
Rodel was a fool, but even a fool could understand one thing. This war was a losing battle. Defeat was merely a matter of time. Yet, he had no intention of sitting idly by and waiting for death. He would etch his existence into the minds of as many people as possible. He was not the grandson of the Queen Dowager… but Rodel Aiwood, a man.
“Just wait… just wait for me…!”
With his body dragging behind him, Rodel slowly made his way toward the battlefield.