Episode 1099 Leap Forward (1)
Just as he had done during the Bloodcry Plague, Landerk spread a pathogen, a type of doppelganger, across the entire continent. However, he was unable to cause a large-scale plague.
The one who prepares the dark magician as well.
The Blood-Crying Plague was the greatest and worst terror that had been prepared over a very long period of time.Landerk, who had only recently been resurrected, could only do his best to infect a mere town-sized settlement, but even that was clearly going to be immediately discovered by the Luas Cult, which was on high alert, and that he would be judged by the Saintess once again.
In the Xerion Empire, the widespread use of Landerk was as an informant.
Verification of information, and transmission.
Glory of the Dead did not intervene in the chaotic battlefield but was in charge of intelligence and operations, with Landerck effectively handling more than half of it.
Now he is a servant of Verden.
“I just saw Nekhbael fly up and leave the Citadel, but I have no way of knowing in which direction he headed.”
Needless to say, Landerk’s pathogen is also in the Imperial Palace of the Xerion Empire.
The problem is that the Citadel—that sky island—floats high in the sky, obscured by a thick layer of clouds where the ground is invisible.In this vast, empty wasteland, the distinction between east, west, north, and south loses its meaning.
The Four Dragons moved.
Verden took note of the new information.
I tried to follow Akand’s way of thinking. I focused my thinking on the enemy’s perspective. An Apostle does not desire only pure victory.
“If he was going to be deployed to the battlefield, it would have been better to use the Empire’s spatial teleportation. Why did he fly there himself? If he has his sights set on a place other than the battlefield… his destination must be none other than a force belonging to the World Alliance.”
Verden touched his lips.
Do you want an even greater escalation than this?
The battlefield expanded across the entire continent as a price for the sacrifice of the Delharun clan. That is the only clear evidence, yet it is a matter that even Akand personally intervened in.
It would be correct to view this as an attempt to provoke the World Alliance—which could not simply stand by and watch civilian casualties—in order to waste their defensive forces and cause confusion in the command structure, but… Verden’s intuition rejected that plausible possibility.
A clue that seems within reach but remains elusive.
Still, I can say with certainty.
Akhand intends to completely destroy the international community through war. In the past, he stopped at burning half the continent; this time, he will burn down an era, including all of humanity, leaving no trace.
This war is akin to a secret card game.
Who reveals their hand first, who holds a card that can block it, how many cards are there, how much the stakes are raised with every throw… … .
Verden has secured an inside ally and is now able to read Akand’s hand to some extent. This is a matter that must not be discovered at all costs right now. Notuntil he has seen through the cards the enemy plays, gradually tightened the noose, and secured the victory. Therefore, perfectly countering the information secured by the Glory of the Dead could create a sense of unease in Akand.
A victory won by giving up what must be given.
If we must move forward knowing that a small massacre will occur, should we continue? Can we look only to the greater cause for the sake of the most ideal victory?
While one cannot be certain unless faced with such a situation, either way, it is ultimately the responsibility for the choice that Verden must bear.Verden volunteered to be the leader of the World Alliance. This was because he firmly believed that it was the best option and the only choice that could ensure the survival of the greatest number of lives.
“The policy remains unchanged. No matter how the situation unfolds, the Glory of the Dead must devote itself to preparing the ‘Wedge.’ What you must adorn is the end of the war.”“I know.”“As the King of the Dead wills.”
Landerck and the corpse possessed by Lunesica’s soul answered immediately. Akand is ‘your’ sixth apostle. It was obvious that even without the glory of the corpse, he would have sought to descend upon the continent in a different way.
The glory of the corpse was merely a means used for the resurrection of the apostle after being deceived by its ideals… … However, that does not dilute all responsibility.
Just as they were deeply involved in the beginning of the war, they will be involved in the end of the war as well.
Whoosh.
Verden turned on the communication device.
Nekbael is heading somewhere, but his location is impossible to determine. There is only one person in the Alliance who can find traces of such a guy.
The Four Dragons have commenced operations. Continental-scale detection is required.
Verden briefly conveyed his message. There was no need to go out of his way to explain the full story. Being able to sense the death of life, he knew that Luneska had not actually been executed.
Unless death occurs, the location cannot be pinpointed; however, if such death energy does not stay in one place but moves, it is bound to leave a trace. It just takes time.
That is enough.
I’ll leave the search to the first Tower Master as well.
The first Necromancer lost his transcendence as a price for claiming to be undead, but was reborn as a Bone Dragon following research at the current Darkwarton Magic Tower ruled by Reindel Nexreon.A Bone Dragon capable of wielding magic.He was one of the forces intended to counter the Evil Dragon of the Xerion Empire.
As soon as I finished communicating with Reindel, I connected to another Transcendent. To the fastest mage, assuming there is no
“As soon as the Four Dragons’ location is confirmed, we must catch him by the ankles. Can you do it?”
───Oh, is the first battle against the Four Great Elder Dragons my turn?
The Great Catastrophe of Gwangmyeong.
The ancient 8th-rank transcendent being who sided with the World Alliance after promising to wage a sincere battle of slaughter against Verden burst into loud laughter.
───Hahaha! I really like this!
A mad thunderous sound echoed clearly beyond the communication device.
* * *
A meteor of destruction fell on the Fortein Plains—and as of today, it is about the 10th day of the war.
While the fierce battle of the Transcendents raged in the south, the Empire’s danger cast a shadow over the Alliance’s supply lines. It was expected, but the scale was beyond expectations.
Novar Boru.
An undead legion armed with various siege weapons advanced toward the hill.
“That is exactly as reported by the scouting party of the Kingdom of Ronia and the Lower Beastmen Tribe…!”“To think an undead like you knows how to smuggle things out.”“Head! Bow your head!”
BANG!
A rock of earth magic traced a parabola and struck the fortress wall. Ripples rosewithin the magic circle.Had there been no defensive measures, that single blow would have damaged a portion of the wall. In the modern era, magic was a fundamental necessity, whether for the attacking or the defending side.
Marquis Ravishrun of the Duchy, taking cover behind the parapet.
“I’m no match at all in terms of numbers.”
Count Rodenmeyer, who also belongs to the Duchy, added likewise.
“It appears to be at least 100,000, Your Excellency.”“At least seven times. It wasn’t even this much when we declared independence from the Kingdom of Estiria together with Your Highness.”
Undead magic and arrows flew ceaselessly from below the hill, while the Alliance counterattacked from the castle walls. The ground shook repeatedly at the deafening roars and explosions.
The elders of the Volcanic Island Magic Tower and the Darkwarton Magic Tower intercepted the projectiles fired by the enemy’s magical catapults, and the one that missed landed in front of the castle wall.
“I don’t know what kind of undead entities they are, but they are protecting weapons from the Alliance’s magical bombardment. We should consider this to be a significant number of state-level forces.”
It was enough to make my eardrums ring.
“If you leave the siege weapon units unchecked, the stronghold won’t be able to hold out for long. That would turn into a ground battle, and even if we win, we will suffer near-total annihilation.”“Then let’s head outside the castle. Just like in the old days.”“Just like in the old days…….”
The Principality of Liviant was founded when the Kingdom of Estiria and the Republic of Beldirn were at war. Both were nobles who contributed to the independence of the dukes, and they also had a common connection with Verden.
Marquis Labishurn is a member of the Ark.
Count Rodenmeyer is the one who entrusted Verden with various requests through Gray. He even sent him to the agency’s matches.Pale, who was promoted to Eon’s informant, was an informant the Count frequently used until recently.
Kugugugugung!Kugugugung!
“That must be the only solution. It seems the commanders of the stronghold have decided the same.”
Dozens of people had gathered in the courtyard of Novar Fortress. Standing at the center was the Temple’s High Priest—Kishena—who raised her voice.
“The magical weapons captured by the Xerion Empire are wearing down the fortress’s resistance. Therefore, I have determined that we must destroy the enemy’s siege weapons and eliminate a significant portion of their commander-level units through a counterattack. Rear support will be handled by the Magic Tower on the Volcanic Island, the Luas Church, and Count Terit of the Kingdom of Estiria.”
Kishena headed toward the castle gate.
Those who wish to volunteer, please follow me.
Hundreds of people confident in their skills gathered and mounted horses. Marquis Lavishrun, Count Rodenmeyer, and their knights were also with them.
Kishena raised her gaze.
Archbishop Joseph met her eyes, knelt on the spot, and grasped the necklace. A prayer began to be conveyed through the golden cross.
“Open it.”“Pull!”“Ugh!”
Ebrak and Barova, members of the Republic of Beldirn, pulled the pulley. The position was empty as the soldier in charge of opening and closing the gate had unfortunately had his head blown off by an arrow. Thiswas not the time to save face.They were men who had experienced an all-out war with the Kingdom of Estiria. They had long understood that in war, the more a person clings to dignity, the more easily they die.
thud.
The stronghold opened.
The knights of the World Alliance recklessly charged toward the undead. The High Bishop performed a miracle, bestowing Holy Armor upon the extermination force.Before light and darkness collided, a magical radiance arose from the fleet of airships.
“Frontline. Maintain a distance of 160m between the magic range and the Allied Forces!”
Count Territ.
Callia de Esperensa’s uncle, and the owner of the estate where she stole the airship to chase after the Skeleton Viola and the old man.
“First wave! Pour it out!”
The salvo from the airship fleet scattered the dense undead army. The weakened wall of the undead crumbled under the horses’ hooves, accompanied by a sword energy.
Wave 2! Next, Wave 3!
Kwagwagwagwagwagwagwagwang!
Modern tactical bombing paved the way.
Led by Elder Melconi of the Volcanic Island Magic Tower and Elder Zhael of the Darkwarton Magic Tower, the Magic Tower’s mage corps supported the advance so as not to be outdone.
Then… … as if orders had been issued to the entire army, the movements of the undead changed. Their offensive became much fiercer.
A battlefield filling with screams and groans.
A powerful spell flew in from somewhere and shattered the parapet. The wizards casting spells from cover were blown to pieces.Crimson organs adorned the castle walls.As the durability of defensive magic circles and magic items began to deplete faster than before, the defensive forces also faced significant damage.
Boom, roo roo!
Three small seaplanes and one medium-sized seaplane lost their balance due to hull damage and descended slowly or steeply.Some crashed into the midst of the undead, and every survivor was dismembered alive.
Still, morale did not decrease.
The fact that no soldier had turned into a degenerate out of despair was the proof. The courage of the punitive expedition, relentlessly digging into the Hill of Death, sustained my heart.
Undead specialized in defensive magic.
Kishena, who was still maintaining the lead, identified a unique set of liches deploying a shield among the siege weapons.
He jumped off the horse.
Sunin
With her sword resting on the groove in the shield’s hilt, she charged forward with a straightforward intensity. A technique specialized in breaking through defenses. After the clash, she partially damaged the shield and pierced right through it.Smack!She shattered every skeleton in her path and split the skull of one of the Lichs.
The punitive expedition pursuing Kishena also instinctively realized which one to deal with. They immediately spread out and engaged the enemies guarding the siege weapons.
A situation where the protective shield has blurred.
Elder Melconi destroyed the siege weapons one by one by zapping them with a heat ray boasting white brightness. Kishena made this possible.As the High Priestess of the Temple, she was an extreme swordsman who had dueled with the Master several times.
It was then.
A hook flew by out of nowhere and grazed past. A sound was heard belatedly. Elder Melconi was being supported by wizards, having been deeply slashed between his ribs.
“Kuh-hoo…!!”“Elder!”
An anomaly occurred on the ground as well.
Thump!
Count Rodonmeyer was sent flying with a broken arm. It was the result of the powerful figure of the Duchy failing to withstand a mere single attack.
Marquis Labishurn immediately pushed off the ground and caught the Count’s body.
“Rodenmeyer!”“Your Excellency, a being from a different dimension……!”
Even though the broken bone had pierced through his flesh, the Count stood up and glared straight ahead. The cold sweat streaming down his face was not solely due to the pain.
And then, the atmosphere changed completely.
A skeleton letting out a grim scream.A pale corpse gripping a hook with four arm bones.A featureless woman embracing a young corpse.
[The living flesh that invites hardship.]
They were the highest-ranking degenerates.
[Choose and find comfort.]
The momentum of the extermination party faltered. The enemies were truly on a different level from other undead. Even considering just those three, it was difficult to predict the outcome.No matter how much the Elders of the Magic Tower and Kishena were present, fighting while surrounded by an undead legion was a reckless struggle.
So you are the supreme commanders.
Certainly, even for Kishena, it was difficult to handle those three corrupted ones.So she decided not to deal with them.
Have a safe journey.
[… … ?]
Kishena raised her sword and signaled, and Novar Fortress responded.While she had come out of the castle to deal with the siege weapons, her primary objective was to find the leaders hiding somewhere within the undead legion.
The vast divinity illuminated the hill fortress.
“Saint, I have a favor to ask.”
An answer to the plea for trust came back soon,just as it had been when the Battle to Exterminate the Bone Dragon was waged in the Republic of Beldirn.
───Location coordinates confirmed, Archbishop Joseph.
Starting from the sanctuary, the light passed through the central continent and arrived at the eastern continent. The dark sky was opened up. From there, a massive figure of light descended rapidly.
Holy Spear, Gran-ter.
──────────────────!
The view before my eyes was bathed in light. The flash of light gradually grew larger until it enveloped the space. For beneath that holiness, no impurity could dare to exist.
“This is, the Saint’s…”“It is a warm light.”“It is truly a miracle of God.”
The center of the undead army has been lost.
Unlike their arrogance, the corrupted were purified in an instant and erased from the world. The higher and lower undead near them also scattered as light.
The precision strike by the Saint was successful.
However… there are still many undead remaining who are targeting Novar Fortress.
Boom!Boom!
Kishena gave the order to destroy the remaining siege weapons so they could not be used again. Mounted on her warhorse, she repeatedly directed the troops as she retraced her steps.
“Ambiguous intelligence is often worse than having no intelligence at all. Thanks to their heads taking the bait, the enemy has lost a significant portion of their siege power and leadership, so they will not be able to repeat their previous offensive.”
Kishena was at the forefront both when advancing and when returning.
“We just have to hold out now. At the very least, until the weapons transport arrives at Fort Hastow.”
The alliance is making great strides.
* * *
Yurion, clashing with the 6th Commander and leaving the scars of battle all around the area.
That’s a graceful movement.
Despite his appearance suggesting brute force, he displayed characteristics of the martial arts world just as the commander had said. It was as if he had undergone training that could not be ignored… My heart tingled with curiosity about the commander’s origins, as if he had become a mage.
Well, anyway.
They absorb most attacks but retreat swiftly the moment they spot an opportunity, making them incredibly annoying. Consequently, you have no choice but to force the enemy into a battle at a disadvantage.
Joint Pledge: Rules
“How about we set a rule for each other? Like, not backing down arbitrarily.”
[… … .]
“Oh, you don’t want to?”
Yurion’s oath does not fully work on commander-class entities.Above all, the joint oath is a season that requires agreement.
Yurion laughed fiercely.
Accept it even if you don’t like it.
Transcendence.
Sacrifice Pledge: Forced Execution
From now on, overwhelming compulsion is imposed on all oaths of Yurion Highros.Even for the Transcendents.
