Chapter 19: The One Who Rules the Kin of Twilight 12
The Imperial Army’s elite unit, composed of former adventurers, numbers about 2,000, while active adventurers, mainly high-rank ones, number about 2,000, and there are an additional 30,000 regular soldiers.
Hearing that, it might seem like a small-scale force for the Emperor’s personal campaign, but especially against the Kin of Twilight, the number of regular soldiers is almost meaningless. At best, they could barely handle the Twilight Hounds that the Kin of Twilight employ. Even then, if a battle were to occur, there would be significant casualties.
Therefore, the key is how many adventurers and former adventurers, in other words, Awakened Ones, can be gathered. Whether a total of 4,000 is a large or small number for mobilization is something I can’t judge.
However, knowing that 3,000 Kin of Twilight are expected to come, it’s clear that it’s not enough. Most of the Kin of Twilight possess power exceeding that of A-Rank adventurers, and each can summon around 10 Twilight Hounds. In other words, the opposing force is effectively 33,000 strong.
“That’s probably what you’re thinking, but tomorrow, we’ll have reinforcements from House Zanzagil and other territories, consisting of former adventurer units. You can rest assured to some extent,” Lady Dorozitte said with a smile.
We are currently in a room within the Marquis Fulcrum Manor. The people in the room are myself, Lady Dorozitte, His Imperial Majesty, and Princess Marishielle.
“That’s good to hear. However, those who can effectively fight the Kin of Twilight are A-Rank or, at the very least, B-Rank. What are their numbers?”
“Sir Soushi, you’re quite astute. Indeed, there aren’t even 1,000 A-Ranks in the entire Empire. We’ve also made inquiries to the Kingdom, and we’re looking at about 1,000 there as well. There are five times as many B-Ranks, but only about 3,000 will be coming here.”
“So few? Well, I might have thought it was a lot if it weren’t for this situation.”
Lady Dorozitte lightly shook her head at my words.
“Honestly, the number of Kin of Twilight that Sir Soushi managed to find out beforehand is quite despairing. They’ve always been considered an existence that requires multiple A-Rank parties to face just one.”
“According to Geshura, those who cross over to this continent alone are often the boastful ones, and on average, they are a bit weaker. Still, they are undoubtedly formidable opponents.”
“If we were to face them head-on, our odds would be very bad. That’s why—”
“We will be relying heavily on Lord Soushi’s power, I believe,” His Imperial Majesty continued.
The young Emperor, who exudes an aura of great potential, is noticeably less composed than usual today.
“Of course, I will do my best. It is my duty as an adventurer and as a noble of the Empire.”
“It’s reassuring to hear you say that, Lord Soushi. By the way, Marishielle can also fight the Kin of Twilight single-handedly, but how many can Lord Soushi handle?”
Princess Marishielle and Lady Dorozitte looked at me with interest at that question.
I wanted to point out that I’ve been assuming I’d be facing multiple opponents from the start, but that’s probably not what they’re asking.
“If I unleash my Shockwave at full power, I can probably defeat a Kin of Twilight with one blow. If they are grouped together, I think I could take down dozens at once.”
“That’s incredible. Does that mean you weren’t at full power in the arena?”
“I wasn’t at full power with Shockwave. There was a possibility of destroying the entire arena.”
“I see. Then, the outcome will largely depend on the enemy’s formation and tactics.”
“If possible, I intend to challenge Rendurm, their commander-in-chief, to a duel early on. If I win, at least half of the Kin of Twilight are said to lose their will to fight.”
Not only His Imperial Majesty but also Princess Marishielle and Lady Dorozitte widened their eyes at that suggestion.
“…That seems like a rather reckless plan… Would they even accept a duel?”
“He seems to be a king who unites the Kin of Twilight through power, so he probably wouldn’t refuse a challenge.”
“You’re talking about that Migitima, the Kin of Twilight, right? Can we trust him?”
“According to Geshura, he seems to be a trustworthy individual. Either way, I had expected it to come to this, so there’s no problem.”
“The survival of the Empire rests on Lord Soushi’s shoulders. As Emperor, I feel deeply sorry. However…”
“This is something that someone has to do. It just so happens that it’s me, so there’s no need for Your Majesty to worry.”
That might have been a bit too much of a cool line, but it’s also the truth. Whether I want to or not, if I’m the strongest adventurer right now, then I have to do it. I might be relying a bit too much on my Bad Luck Skill, but there’s no way I’d let someone younger than me take on all the responsibility. Even if that person is the Emperor.
“Thank you. I will also be on the battlefield, witnessing Lord Soushi’s battle. Marishielle, Lord Soushi is truly a remarkable person. I have no objections to the matter we discussed, so you are free to do as you wish after this battle.”
“Brother, you didn’t have to bring that up here…”
Princess Marishielle blushed and looked down, then glanced up at me.
For some reason, the atmosphere suddenly became less like the eve of a battle, but it might be better than everyone wearing serious faces.
As the noble siblings showed their close relationship, Lady Dorozitte, who had been grinning, returned to a serious expression and said,
“By the way, Sir Soushi, about that time in the arena when you were dealing with the Candlestick of the Netherworld, Jaze and the others said that they felt strangely empowered afterward. I was wondering if it was an effect of your Skill, what do you think?”
“It’s probably the effect of Vessel of the Commander. Mecalinan said the same thing.”
“So, we can expect the same effect in this battle?”
“Probably. But we won’t know until it happens.”
“Then, would you mind if we tested it out? I think we could tell if we called a few parties and moved our bodies together.”
“Yes, I don’t mind. We can’t just go into battle without preparation, you’re right.”
As the two of us were making plans, Princess Marishielle asked with a puzzled look.
“What are you talking about?”
“Actually, I have a Skill called Vessel of the Commander, which allows me to form large parties, and it also seems to have the effect of increasing the power of my companions. According to my members, their power increases by about 30%.”
“Oh my. Now that you mention it, I felt more powerful when I fought with Sir Soushi in the arena. So, it wasn’t just my imagination.”
“Yes, I believe so.”
I noticed that the way she addressed me had changed, but I pretended not to notice. It’s best to avoid stirring up trouble.
“To think you possess such a Skill, Sir Soushi, you are truly the reincarnation of an ancient ‘Legendary Adventurer.’ I must be even more grateful to fate for allowing us to meet.”
“I feel the same way. I am grateful to fate for allowing me to meet you, Your Highness.”
I immediately replied, and then realized that I had stirred up trouble myself.
Seeing Princess Marishielle turn bright red, His Imperial Majesty laughed as if he was enjoying it, and Lady Dorozitte teased, “Can’t you be grateful for meeting me too?”
After that, we did discuss how to arrange the adventurers, focusing on Soul’s Guidance, but the atmosphere remained amicable throughout. I wonder if that was a good thing.
In movies, these kinds of interactions are often foreshadowing bad scenes… Well, I’m used to fate, so I’d like to crush any unnecessary fate, even if it’s not a battle with Princess Marishielle.