Chapter 356: Surprise Attack
And so, Rest overcame the first hurdle after arriving at the fort.
Though the hurdle wasn’t the enemy demi-humans, but rather his allies, or more specifically, Yuri’s three older brothers.
“Count Clover, it’s time for the War Council. You will attend. You wouldn’t refuse, would you?”
“Lord Clover, may I have a moment? Please share your opinion with us.”
“Lord Clover, how about a quick mock battle? I won’t lose this time!”
“What’s with those guys… Do they have too much free time?”
Several days had passed since he arrived at the fort.
He was getting fed up with the Catleia Brothers, who frequently found time to bother him.
“Wishing the enemy would just attack already is probably inappropriate…”
Rest let out a deep sigh while hiding behind something.
Rest was on top of the fort’s ramparts. He had run away from the Catleia brothers and was currently hiding.
A few figures of watch soldiers could be seen on the ramparts, but for now, there was no sign they had noticed Rest’s presence.
(Doting older brothers, huh… Well, it’s fine, really. Totally. But dealing with them is exhausting…)
Rest had no younger siblings. Not in his previous life, nor in this one.
He did have a half-brother named Cedric… but could he really call a brother with whom he shared no bond, a brother?
He had sometimes wondered what it would be like to have a younger sister or brother… but perhaps it was a good thing that he was the only victim of his toxic parents.
“How long are days like this going to last…”
He never expected that upon arriving at the battlefield, his greatest enemies would be among his allies.
He had anticipated that war wouldn’t be easy. He had thought he would face harsh experiences.
But… this kind of difficulty was unexpected.
“Well, whatever… The advance party’s mission is to defend the fort until the main force arrives. Soon, once reinforcements get here……… Hm?”
At that moment, the sun darkened.
For an instant, he thought clouds had covered the sky. But then, foreign objects entered the detection range of his constantly active [Life Search].
“Above… Demi-humans!?”
Rest looked up at the sky.
White clouds swam like whales in the blue sky… and those hiding within them revealed themselves.
Humans with wings. They were one of the demi-human races, the ‘Winged Folk’.
They must have gained altitude and used the clouds as cover to deceive the watchmen’s eyes… No one besides Rest had noticed the enemy’s presence yet.
(They hid in the clouds to launch a surprise attack… I have to let everyone know!)
“[Burst]!”
Rest activated a spell.
A small explosion occurred above the fort. A large spark and sound erupted, and the soldiers who were outdoors all looked up.
“What was that explosion just now!?”
“Hey, look up! Enemies!”
“The demi-humans are attackinggggggggg!”
The explosion Rest created communicated the abnormality to the entire fort faster than words could.
“Soldiers, intercept the enemy! Show them the justice of the Aiwood Kingdom!”
The commander, Bareya Cattleya, appeared and ordered the soldiers to intercept.
“Magicians, use magic! Warriors, shoot down the Winged Folk with bows and arrows! There may be other enemies. Do not neglect vigilance of your surroundings!”
“””””Yes, sir!”””””
Following Bareya’s instructions, the fort’s soldiers immediately sprang into action.
Those who could use magic fired spells, while the other soldiers aimed their bows upwards.
“[Thunder Bolt]!”
“Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?”
Rest also unleashed magic towards the Winged Folk.
The lightning strike charred the winged demi-human black and sent it falling to the ground.
Other soldiers were also shooting them down, but their side wasn’t unscathed either. Some soldiers fell after being hit by spears or stones thrown by the Winged Folk.
“Their numbers are greater than the last attack…”
Still, if the enemy was only the Winged Folk, dealing with them wouldn’t be difficult.
Just as he thought that… multiple presences once again registered on Rest’s [Life Search].
“What the…!?”
He looked in the direction of the presences.
It was outside the fort. On their side of the border river.
Countless presences were emerging there. What’s more, their numbers were rapidly increasing.
Only the presences were there; their forms were invisible.
“[Thunder Bolt]!”
Still, trusting his senses, he fired his magic.
Lightning struck towards the empty ground… but immediately after, the air shimmered.
The scenery wavered like a mirage, and from beyond the lens-like distortion, countless figures appeared.
“No way… Were they hiding themselves with magic!?”
“Demi-humans! A large number of enemy soldiers are heading this way!”
Lagging behind Rest, the watch soldiers noticed the enemy reinforcements.
Because they had been invisible, detection was delayed.
Having crossed the border river, over a thousand demi-human warriors were advancing towards them.
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Volume 1 of the book is now available from Sneaker Bunko!
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