Episode 1103 Securing the Front Yard (2)
Even if it poses a future threat, all elements that could cause chaos in the current war are eliminated.For now, they are concealed.They remain silent so that it is not publicly known.
Until the end is in sight…
Upon receiving the top secret matter, Verden’s policy was simply consistent.
Verden interpreted the Xerion Empire’s strategy together with the Alliance’s analysts.This was possible because, while his physical body was outside, Ignatia’s spirit body, which shares his consciousness, remained at the Alliance headquarters.
They are showing signs of attempting to halt the Allied advance, but they are not being aggressive. In other words, having experienced the actual combat power of the Allied corps, it is safe to be certain that they will fight their respective decisive battles within the gates.
In the midst of this, Commander of the Southern 1st Suppression Corps—Yurion Hairos—eliminated the enemy’s 6th Commander. Indeed, he was a man who, as a transcendent being, transcended factions to establish a nation.Having eliminated one transcendent-level force without significant losses, it was the greatest achievement of the Alliance.
The current situation on the front lines is… … .
The Pendren Lake Suppression Corps has fought a fierce naval battle in the center of the continent’s second-largest lake and is nearing the gate.
The Ternetia Federation’s punitive force is waiting for weapon transport while facing the largest undead army across all battlefields.
The Southern Eastern Continent Suppression Corps has nearly occupied the hilly area where all weapons are to be installed, and is standing before the gate that urges the choice of corruption.
The Prohas Extermination Corps is still waiting with the Gate of Death sealed.At least ‘on the surface,’ that is.
In the Kingdom of Maren, the Provider is thoroughly blocking the advance of the undead and is indeed rapidly tightening the siege surrounding the Gate of Death.
According to reports from the follow-up units supporting them, the Demon Realm Suppression Corps did not appear to have encountered any significant problems yet during their advance, which also included exploration of the Demon Realm.
Since most of the target points have been secured, the offensive is more successful than planned.
Then, what about defense?
Although the undead legions that spread across the globe following the closure of the Delharun Gate are being effectively dealt with in each region under the leadership of the Alliance Headquarters… damage was inevitable.
Because no matter how much I stretched out my hand, this continent was too vast to embrace.
Innocent people are dying.
It is fate, it is resistance, and those who live their lives knowing nothing scream.
Some villages that did not heed the World Alliance’s evacuation order were wiped out without a trace. There are even towns and urban residential areas that collapsed, unable to cope with the superior species of undead and their numbers.
A corps and a citizen are different.
There is no power to resist the encroaching crisis.
Since the war began, casualties excluding corps have far exceeded 4 million. Even at this very moment, the figures being tallied continue to rise.
Considering that this is the golden age of humanity, the damage would be objectively minimal.
The alliance’s defensive measures were effective.
However, the Bloodcry Plague, the rise of the undead, the annihilation of the southern Eastern Continent… Across all recent events, the death toll has long since far surpassed the tens of millions.The majority of the missing were from the complacent Kingdom of Ronia and the Lower Beastmen tribes.
Above all, death can never be measured by numbers alone.
How much blood and corpses will remain after the war ends?
“…….”
Even if the existence of Verden had not existed, the appearance of the Apostles was a predetermined future. This is because Verden is not the cause, but a variable born from the war between ‘you’ and the First Demon King.Had Verden not existed, the number of casualties would have been incomparably higher than it is now.
Still, I recognized the responsibility.
If ‘you’ and the first Demon King abandoned the casualties of war under the pretext of necessary sacrifices, it is right to rebel. Verden is the god of the abandoned.
The defense is also close to optimal. They have even diverted the Delharun Extermination Corps to defensive roles. Overall, the situation for the World Alliance is optimistic.
Verden tapped his gray gauntlet.
However, there are two variables.
The first variable is the intervention of the Four Dragons, whose location is not yet known. Since nothing can confront the Ancient Dragons head-on except asymmetric forces, the tide of battle on the field is bound to turn the moment they appear.
and.
The second variable is space.
Brother Verden.
There is only one person who calls Verden by this title. Medrail Ruin Akenad, the granddaughter of the 7th Demon King, connected the communication.
As the Ruas Theocracy executes a large-scale spatial transfer in the southern part of the Eastern Continent, the spatial stability maintained by the Magic Kingdom’s power source is nearing its limit. Judging by the state of the power source, it will enter a ‘shutdown’ after just a few ultra-long-distance transfers.
If Vangelis’s power source ceases, a form of spatial blackout occurs. This makes normal
Shutdown.
The Alliance named the situation where neither side could cross space as such.
“What is the progress of the new spatial magic circle arrangement?”
───I don’t know the exact figures because my grandfather didn’t tell me clearly, but I think we still need more time. We need to modify the spatial magic circle arrangement to match the Magic Tower’s power source… … .
Vangelis Ruin Akenard, an asymmetrical power, is located in the Diamun Magic Tower. Unlike the power source he created, the Magic Tower’s power source boasts infinite magical power.If space is newly stabilized using this, the restrictions on
Understood. Make sure to contact me periodically.
Yes, big brother. Stay strong.
Medrail, unable to go to the front lines, gave a brief word of encouragement and quickly cut off the communication.He seemed embarrassed.Support from a younger sister who wasn’t even related by blood, let alone a half-sister. Verden let out a brief, hollow laugh and… restrained his emotions to the absolute limit.
Akand and Nana have a limited number of cards.
In addition to the four undead, Akand placed a Four Dragons on the board, and Verden responded with asymmetrical forces while occupying the Four Gates’ front yard.
Now that we have observed the strategic direction of our opponents, it is the opportune time to move beyond mere hard moves and play a bold, brilliant move.
Lake Pendren.Ternetia Federation.Conflict zone in the southern part of the Eastern Continent.
In Delharun, Akand personally led the charge and significantly shook up the tide of the war. It appears he intends to continue this momentum with the Four Dragons, but he has no intention of being preempted.
Now it is Verden’s turn.
“Deploy space to the front line as soon as weapons are installed in the front yard.”
Verden gave orders to Alpha.
Now that the third most important servant of the time from the Glory of the Dead has been secured, Lunesica Anternoa will take care of the rest.
The division plan should be sufficient without any further intervention.
“Transfer Gareth Cyrilliad to the southern part of the Eastern Continent, and in the Central Continent, launch the Ternetia Federation’s four-sided annihilation operation.”
───[Confirmed. Lake Pendren in the Western Continent. How?]
I’ll go myself.
While trying to locate the Four Dragons, using bait to guide their movement is also a good response.
Whether he would bite or not was uncertain, but Verden himself was the perfect bait. Of course, it didn’t matter if he didn’t fall for it. That would be beneficial to the Alliance in its own way.
The coalition preparing for a simultaneous strike.
Verden’s spiritual body is already moving toward the Ternetia Federation leading the airship Arsis, andVerden’s main body is scheduled to assist the subjugation forces at Lake Pendren while completely concealing its identity.
7th Rank Elemental Verden.8th Rank Dark Magic Verden.
After roughly assessing the Xerion Empire’s hand for several days following the start of the war, the two Verdens decided to head back to the front lines, connected by parallel thinking.
* * *
In the southern part of the Central Continent, living things do not become corrupted, corpses are not instantly reborn as the undead, nor are they transformed into something strange that is neither living nor dead.
The function of the sect that controlled the Ternetia Federation was intuitive enough for anyone to understand.
An overwhelming army of undead.
That was all.
Kugugugugugugung───!
The land struck by the magical bombardment of the airship fleet is instantly covered in new death. The undead pouring from the edge of the forest contaminate the plains.
With numbers that are impossible to handle with long-range firepower alone swarming in, close-range combat is inevitable.
The arms transport convoy is scheduled to arrive soon, and just beyond that shallow forest is the boundary of the front yard.
The Army of the Kingdom of Din’el, the Army of the Kingdom of Belmair, the Army of the Silpera Autonomous Region, the Army of the Principality of Noden, the Upper and Central Beastmen Tribes, the Army of the Masterless Land, the Order of Wizards of Eon, and the Order of the Holy Rule and the Priests of the Theocracy of Luas.
Move forward.
The forces belonging to the punitive expedition are waiting for a clash in their respective positions.The tips of the soldiers’ coiled swords tremble.
There is no retreat.
Numerous commanders, having received orders from the punitive expedition commander, raised their voices in unison.
“There is no retreat───!”“Advance───!”
The shouts of the Alliance echoed against the footsteps of the undead legion. The sunlight was setting. Shadows rushed toward one another.
Kuuuuuuuung!
The forces of both sides clashed.
Although the undead legions consisted mostly of lower-tier undead, they held back the Federation’s punitive forces on every battlefield with numbers several times greater than their own, instilling fear beyond mere sickness. Thiswas especially true on night battlefields. The ceaseless, distinctive sounds of the undead gnawed at the weakest parts of one’s mind.
The speed of the advance is gradually decreasing.There are still countless enemies.
It feels as though I am trapped in a nightmare where I must repeat battles until I am killed by the undead. I miss the daily routine of working and getting a good night’s sleep on my days off.The corpses of allies who died before being healed by the miracle of the Luas Church keep getting caught under my feet.I feel a sense of resentment toward the people who must be living comfortably in a safe city.
But we cannot back down.
Because they have friends, neighbors, lovers, and family behind them. They cannot allow the undead to dare to covet their lives. For the sake of what they wish to protect—that is one of the values upheld by the World Alliance.
Crack!
The soldier shouted and struck the undead’s skull with a poleaxe with a hammerhead on the back.
Skeleton types are vulnerable to blunt force attacks, and zombie types are weak to slashing attacks.
The Extermination Corps’ armament is specialized for the undead. Their basic armament consists of flawless, high-quality equipment that is excessive for a mere soldier to wear.
The hand bones of the undead, attempting to tear off the skin of the face, scraped against the helmet and fell off. Even the undead possessing weapons could not do anything to his armor.
A loud explosion went off ahead.
The presence of Saint Leonhardt overwhelmed a wide area, weakening the undead, and strong beastmen rushed in to hunt down the dead.The Inquisitors of the Order of the Holy Law advanced with precision, taking control of the plains.
At that moment, a dull thud brushed past my ears.
You can tell just by listening to the sound.
The Xerion Empire had deployed undead entities akin to weapons. As soon as I looked up, I saw projectiles made of chunks of corpses flying toward me from beyond the forest.
They were intercepted with magic, but not only were their numbers large, but their power was formidable enough to rival siege weapons, making them impossible to block with a 5th-tier barrier.When they land on the ground, they cause severe decay and contamination due to morale.
Humans hit directly die instantly.
At this, a purple sword energy cut them down.
“Leonhardt.”“Yes, I know.”
Adrian and Leonhardt broke through the enemy lines immediately, as if by prior agreement.
If there is one thing I have realized while going through various battlefields here, it is that I must eliminate troublesome higher-ranking species as soon as possible, even if it means going to great lengths.
If you try to keep pace with your allies, the damage will only increase.
Adrian spewed energy and pierced through the forest at overwhelming speed. The undead in his path were all sliced apart by his lightsaber.Leonhardt chased after him with a divine burst, leaping repeatedly.
Another plain visible as we leave the forest.
Bizarre entities that shoot contaminated corpses are positioned among the massive undead legions, which are so large they provoke a wry laugh.
If the area near the gate is like this, I can’t even fathom how much worse it will be inside. It looks like it will take quite a while just to clean up this place.
While the two are away, the punitive expedition is exposed to danger from powerful entities. The Xerion Empire employs advanced military power and tactics.Exploiting weaknesses is only natural.
However, unlike a few days ago, there was no need to worry about the rear today.
The Ternetian Federation’s amnesty annihilation operation was executed, and the weapons transport convoy had nearly arrived, along with the very familiar presence of a Transcendent.
Commander-class and weapon-class entities.
Adrian put weight on his front legs.
“You take 30%.”“Take half—”
Adrian accelerated before he could even hear Saint Leonhardt’s answer.
“……I’ll take on 30%.”
Leonhardt let out a deep sigh and flashed a divine light. Divine power surged from the holy sword [Luens] raised toward the sky.
──────!
The roar of the two transcendents spread like ripples through the hundreds of thousands of undead legions.
* * *
During the subjugation in the Ternetia Federation, the entity that inflicted the most damage on the legion was a creature wearing the mask of a being beyond the limits of its species.
Transcendental Doll.
Beings who roamed the continent and massacred many lives before the outbreak of war. Although they had lost their transcendent status, their realm was beyond the pinnacle.As undead, they naturally joined the legions of the Xerion Empire.
Caw!
As soon as they exchanged blows, Layla, the Blood Sword, pushed back by the power, took a large step back and regained her stance. Her elbows and wrists ached.Her gaze, hidden behind a peculiar helmet that completely covered her face, grew sharp.
“Three Transcendental Dolls…….”“Dolls, huh? I understand the meaning, but it is unpleasant to hear.”
The Magic World Transcendental Doll opened its magic path and began casting its unique magic.
“Call me the One Who Has Been Freed from the Shackles of Ideals.”
Two puppets of martial arts transcendents positioned themselves on the flank of the subjugation legion. They targeted the gap the moment the Heavenly Sword and the Saint entered the enemy lines.
The corps’ officers assembled against them.
To stably stand against three transcendent dolls, one would need as many as six extreme points, but the Southern Suppression Corps does not possess that level of power.Instead, since there are many national-level forces, the only option is to defeat them with numbers.
“The Eye-Opener? You’re asking for a grandiose name for a doll.”
Reigner Rateon prepared to charge first, thrusting his shield forward.The formation was completed around him.Triton, the Master of the Helion Magic Tower, calculated his unique magic to counter the opponent’s spells.
Even though they had lost their transcendence, the dolls who had experienced that realm took a step forward with mockery. Theyintended to unleash a massacre starting from the clash of magic and chew on their vibrant flesh. They had to devour life to sustain their bodies.
It was then.
“……!”“……?!”
The dolls of the Martial Arts Transcendents paused, then suddenly scanned their surroundings. They appeared to be searching for something. Immediately afterward, they swung their swords and axes, but their skills hit nothing and scattered into the air.
“What are they doing?”“Wait. There’s a magic reaction nearby…”“The presence is very close.”
Only the chief of the beastman tribe and Triton sensed the presence of others.
“This is…… a high-level
The doll, a transcendent being of the magical world, also became engrossed in its magical senses and unleashed a barrage of magic.
Flames mixed with gravity exploded. Wind raged, and the ground sank deep.Having devastated the surroundings to kill whatever was approaching silently, he spread his magical power through the air and focused on its traces.
“What on earth—ah!”
The moment I turned around after barely managing to pinpoint the approacher’s location.
Crunch!
A brute grip pierced the abdomen of the magical realm transcendent doll. Despite being stained with blood and organs, the gauntlet did not lose its gray dignity.
“Cough… cough…”“The stench is overwhelming.”
Ignacia’s spiritual entity—7th Rank Verden—deployed from the World Alliance headquarters and arrived at the battlefield in the southern part of the Central Continent.He had overtaken the weapon transport unit at the speed of the Ark Captain’s airship, Arsis.Of course, to others, he would appear to be Verden’s true form.
“8th Rank…… Transcendence, Self…….”
The trembling eyes of the transcendent doll were filled with questions.
“Why, here…?”
Verden didn’t answer and grabbed the guy.
Crackle crackle crackle crackle crackle crackle!
The doll of the magical transcendent being, torn in half just as it was, burst into flames.
