Chapter 18: My Granddaughter Called Me Grandfather! What More Could I Ask for in Life!
The far northwestern edge of the Krantz Empire, in a remote pioneer village that required even more travel to reach—Grand Emperor Valerian Ignatius Leonhardt von Unt zu Drachenkrantz was holding back the surging undead horde alongside two knights who accompanied him on campaign.
"Your Imperial Majesty, it would be wise to retreat to the fortress behind us even now."
"Indeed, Your Imperial Majesty. This spot is too close to the Wave origin point. Even though the Hero is pressing the horde's leader, we can't predict when the situation might shift."
In a brief lull amid the endless horde, Valerian and the two knights filled their stomachs with baguettes and water as they conversed.
"Hoho, well now. Surely only loyal retainers surround me, yet why do you suggest letting this horde draw near my subjects? I'll pretend I didn't hear it, so never speak such words again. That's an order. Understood?"
"...""
The two knights, hearts heavy with worry for their lord, couldn't bring themselves to acknowledge the command.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk... These young folk nowadays don't listen to their elders at all. Enough. Once we repel this horde, news from the Hero's side should arrive soon. Just hold the line with me until then. Now, will you defy my order to block the Wave as well? Speak up."
"...No, Your Imperial Majesty. We shall obey your command."
Valerian, who loved his people; and the loyal knights who served such a grand emperor. A mere squad of three, yet the horde they faced filled every inch of the ground they could stand upon with undead.
"Cough... ahem. Getting on in years, my body's not what it used to be. Fetch me some spare water if you have it. I need to drink more."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Here's my waterskin."
For Valerian, who had yielded the throne to his successor due to health issues and was in recovery, this was no easy task. He knew full well that stepping out to block this Wave would shave years off his remaining lifespan.
But he judged there'd be no better chance to purge the eastern nobles still scheming to shake the empire. Of course, the most pressing issue was the insult to his precious granddaughter.
Valerian gulped down the waterskin's contents with gusto—glug, glug.
The knight receiving the skin back swallowed hard upon spotting the blood staining its rim.
"...!"
Seeing this, Valerian pressed a finger to his lips, silently commanding silence.
"Kuh! Water truly tastes best on the battlefield, doesn't it?"
"...Wise words, Your Imperial Majesty."
The empire's great sun. The finest ruler in imperial history, beloved by his people. The Bloody Emperor Valerian. His time was racing toward its end.
The two knights squeezed their eyes shut, imagining an empire without Valerian.
Valerian gave a wry smile at their expressions. He too had mountains of unfinished business. Even after ceaseless toil to secure the future, lingering unease was inevitable.
Meanwhile, the undead horde regrouped and crested the hill beyond.
Rumble-rumble-rumble—a force exceeding ten thousand shook the earth as it bore down on them.
Valerian and the knights rose, checking their weapons. Then, recalling his granddaughter's comment, Valerian addressed them.
"Come to think of it, our lovely granddaughter fretted over not hearing from Grandfather. The Wave seems nearly over, so posting to the Ark Gallery sounds perfect. What say you?"
"An excellent idea, Your Imperial Majesty."
"I agree, Your Imperial Majesty. I'll capture some screenshots during the lulls."
Valerian beamed. This was his chance—to show his granddaughter how cool Grandpa could be! No more of that doting old fool image. He stepped slightly ahead of the knights.
"Post to the gallery mid-battle. I want to show her my prowess as soon as possible."
"As you command, Your Imperial Majesty."
Perfect in every way, save his excessive granddaughter love, he charged the undead horde.
*
BOOM!—Rumble-crash!—Crackle-zap!—KABOOM!—!
The bunker shuddered from the thunderous impacts overhead. Wincing at the noise pollution, I checked the Ark Gallery.
Judging the ongoing undead Wave horde to be weakening, I'm posting this update for the empire's citizens.
The screenshots below were taken mid-Wave for informational purposes.
(Screenshot: undead horde filling the landscape)
(Screenshot: Valerian grinning fiercely as he launches toward the undead)
(Screenshot: Valerian spinning amid the undead legions)
(Screenshot: undead horde filling the landscape, twitching unnervingly)
(Screenshot: Valerian pursuing the fleeing undead horde)
We've successfully thinned their numbers while holding them back, enabling a counteradvance toward the Wave origin. Per His Imperial Majesty's will, we prioritized a low-yield area for maximum blockade effect.
Screenshots below from the subsequent Wave.
(Screenshot: slightly thinned undead horde)
(Screenshot: Valerian laughing heartily while drinking water, knights looking flustered)
(Screenshot: significantly thinned undead horde)
(Screenshot: Valerian scratching his head with his greatsword's hilt as undead flee)
Currently pursuing to fully expel them from imperial territory. Will post again with any updates.
That's all.
"So, human weapon Grand Emperor Valerian is bouncing around right over my head...?"
That meant the Wave's path overlapped the bunker. If I'd bought it just days later, I'd have joined the undead horde and gotten mulched there too.
"That was close..."
> External CCTV footage review confirms undead horde passed directly near bunker during Wave.
Sora kindly explained, "you almost died."
Anyway, survived now, so time to enjoy bunker life.
"Sora, can we view the battlefield via CCTV now?"
> Yes. Possible. Displaying on screen.
Safe in the bunker, live fantasy battle view? Can't resist.
An elderly knight swinging a greatsword at the forefront—must be Grand Emperor Valerian. Two young knights follow, mopping up undead he misses.
Whoa! Fantasy combat! Honestly, hard to follow. All I see is east-flash, west-flash with the greatsword, then the spot's cleared.
That's a human weapon. Brutal world, but with monsters like that everywhere, peace seems doable.
Rebelling against that power? Suicide attempt, human or otherwise.
Lost in idle thoughts while spectating, the room felt oddly quiet.
"...Why are you guys just sitting there?"
From arrival till moments ago—minus meals and sleep—Hero and Bigshot had been romping nonstop. Now they sat still, staring at the bunker entrance.
Wait, is this that? Old story from childhood: dogs see ghosts.
No way... right?
Shaking off goosebumps, I refocused on the battle.
They'd dominated till now, so no issues expected, but...
"...Huh?"
Valerian coughed, hand over mouth. Blood trickled out. No visible wounds, but coughing wouldn't stop.
Knights panic, try approaching—but undead push back. Other undead twitch warily, inching toward Valerian.
"...This is bad."
From gallery info, Valerian must die naturally in the palace. Not just any death—blocking a Wave undead horde? Empire's spiritual pillar falls like that? Massive shock. Could collapse irreparably.
Way... there had to be a way. I hit the shop tab, rushed to the entrance.
Suddenly, Hero and Bigshot's eyes sparkle, tails wagging furiously.
"...Oh?"
Clicked instantly. These mutts finally earning their keep today.
