Well, we'd better get ready, too. ......

　He sipped his snack and looked at the battlefield through binoculars. The knights of Taze are really something else, aren't they? The army of demons is being kicked around like paper. I caught a glimpse of Grandpa Kara running ahead of us, and he was very reliable.
　However, Gurne's soldiers also have a strong leadership. Mainly using long spears and bows, they avoided direct combat, standing out of the way of the Tarzan knights and intercepting any enemy that came forward.
　He surrounds the demons that have surpassed his bow and long spear with a team of several people, one to create a diversion, one to break their stance, and the rest to kill them carefully. They understand that their individual abilities are weak, and they are practicing the art of fighting in cooperation.
　In comparison, the army of demons has a lot of momentum, but their individual coordination is weak and their weapons are not very skilled. In the current situation, they can definitely win overwhelmingly. But .......

What is it with your friend, my brother?
"He's probably about to make a move. He's going to use some kind of magic.

　There are four of us now, Ilias, Wolfe, and Mikus. Purple and Duvraeori are a little further away, ready for our instructions. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

I'm trying to time it so that we'll be able to engage all of the units that have been spotted. Isn't that right?
"Knowing the power of gold, we spread out our troops and hit them at the same time. This is not a strategy anymore, but something else. There is a high possibility that they will use the power of struggle. ......

　It is difficult to overturn a situation in which the human side has a great advantage. In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, it's possible you'll need to look at a few of the more popular options.
　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to use it.

My friend, you don't look so good.
I've never seen a war before. I've never seen a war before, and it's a lot different than taking down bandits.

　When we defeated the bandits, the knights were still relaxed. But this time, they are completely killing each other, and both friend and foe are fighting to the death.
　I guess you could say it's akin to the psychology of mass panic, but I'm feeling a bit desensitized. My pulse and fever are a little high. The fact that he was worried about my complexion suggests that I have that look on my face.

If you can eat, you should be fine. If he's moving, what do we do?
"We wait and see. If Kara and the others get overwhelmed, we may have to move in.
It's frustrating to just watch and wait when your friends are fighting right in front of you.
Iliad, Iliad's current role is to protect the Shishou!
You're right, Wolfe. You're right, Urfe. I know exactly what my priorities are.

　It's a waste of resources to keep both Ilias and Wolfe on standby. To be honest, I'd rather have either one of them active on the front lines.
　However, Odysse's advice is that we should not send Wolfe away. On the other hand, sending out the Iliad would make him act in a way that is not in accordance with Marith's wishes. We don't want Marito to have a problem with us taking the head of an enemy general.

"The Iliad and the Wolfe may have to move, depending on the situation. In that case, you can't leave me. In other words, you'll be going into the danger zone with me. You can count on me to be really careful when it comes time for you to go.
You're asking me to protect your friend at all costs?
Exactly. Even a single bow and arrow is more than 50 percent certain death.
You're so weak it's almost refreshing. After all, chainmail alone is ......
Just maintain the wards, please.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not. Even the armor that protects you from shinai is that heavy. There was no way I could have equipped myself with the weight of a steel armor.
　Even so, Mikus and Ilias insisted that I should wear it, so I had them wear it in the virtual world of Gold, in the same body as mine. As a result, we concluded that it was better to be able to move. It was a new experience for me to see a person crushed by the weight of equipment and unable to move.
　Marito's decision was to have someone deploy a taze type ward to protect him at all times. Right now, Mixu is in charge of it.
　The type of ward that covers the body is more fragile than the one Lakra is using. However, it can absorb a certain amount of shock. In this state, he would be unharmed even if surrounded by Earth's thugs. It is only marginally effective against otherworldly threats, and is more effective against poisonous fog.
　On the downside, due to the magical power used to maintain the wards, the mix requires as much rest as a normal person. It is said that it is impossible to keep the wards up for three days and three nights. This is not a problem for us, because we want to rest when we can.
　If there is a problem, it is another disadvantage, that the mix must always be within a few meters. There are no toilets or bathrooms in the encampment. If you don't take a bathroom break at a safe point, it can be quite emotionally difficult.

There's a signal from the rear guard.

　Responding to Ilias's voice, I look towards the rear guard. A set of yellow wolfsbane and a magical light source to illuminate it were shooting up. That was one of the designated signals, "The enemy is moving, prepare for both pursuit and retreat. In other words, don't be too aggressive, but be prepared to run.

Marith's orders. I wonder if Grandpa Kara is aware of this.


It's not just Grandfather Kara. The other knights are watching for signals too. They're still on the offensive, but they're beginning to be less aggressive.
"It's amazing you can tell from this distance. Let's go then.

　I put away the map and gather my things. When I tried to take it, Miks quickly snatched it from my side.

"My friend, please save your strength. It's only been a short time since the war started, and with that look on your face, it's going to be very difficult later on.
"Right. Sorry, thank you.

　I'd like to say that it's not a problem since it's a light load, but honestly, just being here is exhausting. I'll take your kindness in stride.
　I can't afford to lose heart at this early stage. If the Scarlet Witch King, who knows the power of gold, is acting like this, it must be easy for him to overturn this situation.
　The strategy should be left to Marito. But it's my job to make sure Marito wins. I've got to go for it.

　◇

Mercerstiel, status.

　In a mountainous area in the Ghanaian demon world, overlooking the vast demon world and the Ghanaian territory leading to it, the Demon Lord spoke to me. With his eyes closed, he must have been listening to the sound of battle far away in his ears.
　I deployed far above and gathered information from the harpies who were observing the battle. The Demon Lord can give orders to all the demons at once. However, he does not receive information from each demon. He can hear the voices of all the demons, but he can't pick up the noises from the lower and middle level demons that are not intelligent enough. That's why I'm summarizing the battle situation in each region via my harpy troops.

"Almost all units are engaged, but there are still two units on the march.
How about the ones that got into the fight first?
Not so good, sir. All of them were taken by surprise and were forced to start the battle in a disadvantageous situation. Especially Kogagyosu's troops, who started the battle the earliest, are likely to be more than forty percent exhausted.

　It was only at the beginning that it seemed that everyone was in bad shape. All of the troops were trapped or ambushed on the march. I'm not as skilled in military strategy as the Demon Lord, but I'm not oblivious to this anomaly.
　It's obvious that they are reading our actions. The Demon Lord has left the decision-making to the captains of the troops. In other words, each general's thoughts are all that matters. .......

"You are the Yellow Ruler, aren't you? You can easily read my thoughts even if they are scattered so far. No, I should think there are better humans than me.
What do you want me to do? I can give orders at any time. With the Demon Lord at the helm, this level of difficulty...
No need. This battle is not a contest of intelligence. It's just a battle of humans and non-humans killing each other. Leave it to each of you to decide how to do it. Therefore, I wield not a word but a voice, a roar that will awaken the will to fight that lies dormant in the blood of the beast.
"So you'll be using ......?

　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've. I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not. From now on, we will be followed not by soldiers, but by beasts.
　The Demon Lord raises the axe in his arms high into the sky and speaks to the world in a calm and composed manner.

"Beasts born of my magic. The time has come. The time has come to awaken the instincts that lie deep within your bodies. Bite down on useless wisdom. Bite through unnecessary reason. Spare your own lives. Seek the life of your enemy. Now unleash the full power of my struggle!

　◇

What was that?

　Suddenly, a wave of magical power spread through the air. It was supposed to be invisible, but somehow I recognized it as a crimson color.
　It was His Majesty's signal to stand ready to retreat at any time, and this wave of magic power was surely a sign of that.
　Even the dull intuition of an old man can see it clearly. This means something bad is about to happen. A sense of danger looming behind us, like the demons that attacked Taze. The others sensed it too. Even the knights fighting in the flames are preparing to retreat, not going deep. It's not because they're all old, either.

"Whoa!

　He evades the oncoming attack of the demon and slams his hammer into its face. The entry was a little shallow, but the skull was shattered. Then he's no longer conscious.

"What?

　He dodged a counterattack by moving back. The Kobold that should have crushed his skull strikes back. The ugly, crumpled, bloodied face showed a beastly ferocity in the eyes.
　Was it just shallow, or did it have guts? In any case, it will be a threat unless you kill it well.


　Swing the hammer. His aim at the head has been read. Then he strikes a blow to the empty torso and blows it toward the enemy lines.

It's shallow again. ...... No, they made it shallower.

　There was nothing wrong with my blow. The enemy's movement had changed. He had been thrown forward to kill the impact of both attacks.
　He was trying to shift the point of impact in the hope of saving himself, when a direct hit would have killed him instantly. It is a technique that cannot be imitated by ordinary nerves. ...... Or perhaps it cannot be called a technique.
　It's not just that one demon that's acting strangely. It's not just that one. All the other monsters have a different look in their eyes.

"Well fought, Borbelaktian. "Well fought, Borberaktian, but so much for your progress.

　Only one of them hasn't changed. The only one that didn't change was the one I've identified as the captain of the team, and that's not the one with the triumphant look on his face.

"Is that the magic you just used? I'm sure you're not the only one.
"This is the power of the Demon Lord! Low-level demons are no longer low-level. Intermediate demons are no longer intermediate. A high level demon is not a high level demon. All the qualities you thought were superior will be overturned!

　It's a demented demon. I'm sure you're not kidding. In fact, the one you just failed to kill is an intermediate kobold. But its movement was not an exaggeration to say that it was advanced. ...... Let's find out while we're being stupid.

I can't believe it. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how it works.
"The power of the Demon Lord awakens the fighting instincts of the demons born of the demon world. It can bring out the power of the beast beyond its limits!
You look the same to me.
I'm different. The unique class of demons, the core of the tribe among the captains, have been under the power of the Demon Lord from the beginning. I'm not sure what to do with it. I'm sorry, but I'm responsible for throwing them at the enemy.

　Hmmm. It seems your instincts can't overcome the arrogance of ...... spouting off to your enemies. Thank you for saving my life, so I won't say anything.
　But if the story is true, it's not good. Most of the lower level demons were roasted by the fire and decayed, but the intermediate and higher level demons survived. The intermediate level demons were also able to take away their strength in the flames, but from the looks of it, they didn't seem to have much effect.
　If the advanced level is further strengthened, we'll be at a disadvantage. That's reason enough to pull out.

"Hmm, then ...... withdraw!

　With that order, the cavalry jumped over the demons and disappeared into the flames. That's a very impressive retreat. Except for me, who was left behind without a horse. No one was looking at me, remember.

Don't let him get away! After him! After them!

　The demons who had lost their reason rushed out into the flames after the cavalry. I don't think you'll be able to catch up with the cavalry even if you're a better demon.
　In the event that you've got a lot of money, you're going to need to be able to pay a lot of attention to the way you're going to use it. I don't know. I think I'll buy a little more time here.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had it. Then there's nothing to worry about.

　I used my hammer to dispel all the demons that were coming towards me, creating a sufficient distance between me and my enemies. Use your magic to create breathable air around you. Take a deep breath and build up strength in your belly. Then deploy the maximum amount of magic enhancement you can use. I pour as much magic into my hammer as I can muster.
　It's been decades since I've unleashed the full power of my mind that shattered a mountain to prevent a demon invasion.

No! He's going to do something! Stop it!
It's too late. If you want to stop him, you'll have to come stop him!

　As soon as he slams the hammer into the ground, the exploding magic forcefully activates the magic. There's only so much you can build in an instant. But it's enough. Messy is fine.
　The magic you've put into it dives deep into the crushed ground and spreads over a wider area. And then you invoke the wild magic and make it happen.
　The earth around you rises up in a haphazard manner. Left and right, up and down, it doesn't matter. And the colliding lands collide, explode, and transmit their momentum one after another. And finally, they head for the easiest place to escape: the ground.
　The uplifted soil covers your vision. What you hear is the roar of the earth flying into the sky, and the screams of demons being blown into the sky. And what follows is the sound of sand and debris raining down from the sky.

Now, ......, shall I flee too?

　The sound stopped, and I ran after confirming that the falling objects had stopped. Many of the demons were buried in the ground, but they were merely blown away and buried with dirt. If an intermediate level demon has grown to a high level, only a small percentage died. The damage is insignificant.


　They'll come out of the ground. In fact, I could hear them roaring and see their arms sprouting from the ground everywhere.
　I smashed the demon whose head I could see with my hammer as I ran, and ran through the wilderness that could no longer be called a village.