59
Chapter 59
I fell asleep because I was exhausted, and I ended up having a strange dream. Naturally, it was just a random dream.
I'm not a snake, and I've never been born in a world like that. It was probably True Mallak's memory.
He is the one who gave me this so-called dominance over the soul.
- Hmm.
Why did I see this guy's past in the form of a dream? Is this an ominous foreshadowing that the dominance is shifting?
No. If that were the case, I would be in a more unstable state than I am now. I just had a weird dream; everything else is fine.
...True Mallak said that my mind wouldn't be able to handle it if we had long conversations.
Could this be a penalty for the brief conversation we had through messages recently?
The dominance must have wavered for a moment while I was asleep.
It's nothing major for now, but as we continue to talk, I might face situations where our egos merge or I lose my sense of self.
I should avoid talking to True Mallak as much as possible. I'll only do it at truly critical, life-or-death moments.
It's not all bad news, though.
If we assume the dream was based on facts, it means True Mallak was practically the strongest being in that world, or at least on that level.
Even back when he was a snake before ascending, no one could stop him.
Didn't he overwhelmingly crush the God of Amusement, despite all the tricks that bastard used to get rid of him?
It's the first time I've heard that god's name, so I don't know what kind of jerk he is, but seeing as he built the Grand Cathedral and summoned warriors from other dimensions, he's probably quite strong.
Wait.
The Grand Cathedral and otherworldly warriors? There were also Apostles who received divine authority.
Like the Holy Knights who use the Goddess's power.
Is this God of Amusement bastard actually Ishtania...?
He might have been called the God of Amusement during the mythological era when True Mallak was a snake.
Let's put that aside for now.
Regardless, this is great news for me. It means the peak potential of this being called a Loa—or specifically, True Mallak—is insane.
Yes, he really is a character that becomes incredibly strong once he hits his stride!
He wasn't just some low-tier totem user who clicks away with things like the Totem of Healing!
As expected of an Expansion Pack Boss; he has to be this good. I feel oddly great despite the serious situation.
Maybe... I'll become freaking strong?
Dark Clouds and Karon... maybe I'll just beat them into the ground?
Maybe I'll actually save the world?
Maybe I'll be able to go home, drink a beer, and watch a movie?
I let my imagination run wild with happiness for the first time in a while.
***
The altar of the Tribe Alliance.
After confirming that the Leadership was seated at the Round Table, I spoke.
- We will set out to subjugate Blutan today. Are you ready?
"Of course. We'll have everything finished by today."
Rake was the first to answer.
As always, she was standing next to Totem No. 1 instead of the Round Table.
"The issue with weapon and food supplies has been resolved. I also have contingency plans just in case."
"Leave the scouting to me."
"The warriors are ready too!"
"Everything that could be handled has been handled."
"I will stay behind at headquarters. It's just a shame that my elderly body prevents me from joining you."
In order, Rachel, Paya, Kanto, Harry, and Muri each spoke their piece.
Good.
Unlike the conquest of Symphonia, which was pushed forward somewhat blindly due to a lack of information, this conquest of Blutan will be carried out systematically.
- Summarize it for me once more.
Even if I already know the details, it's always better to go over them meticulously one more time.
"Understood."
Rachel stepped forward and began her explanation.
With the joining of the civilized persons, the number of Tribe Alliance combatants had increased.
This meant there was no longer a need to split the forces to disperse the enemy to overcome the numerical disadvantage.
Unlike last time, we didn't have to risk everything by storming the enemy headquarters just to avoid a war of attrition.
The plan was to slowly conquer the eight villages of Blutan and then head to the city to kill the three mid-tier demons of Blutan, known as the Demon Triumvirate.
Essentially, we'd clear out all the pawns and then take the king who was left alone.
Blutan's territory is smaller than Symphonia's. If everything goes according to plan, the entire conquest can be finished in a single day.
For some unknown reason, the demons did not leave their own territory even when the situation turned unfavorable.
Low-tier demons under the command of mid-tier demons, such as the Orangutan Demons, didn't have their own territories, which is why they could roam outside.
They might prepare to fight us, but abandoning their territory and fleeing is not an option for them.
The only thing to watch out for is the Coordinate Transmission, which a mid-tier demon might use as a last resort.
As for their scouts, they only have Devil's Sight. We just need to deal with them effectively so they can't relay information.
If there are any flying-type demons, Tuntun-i can take care of them.
The intelligence gathering for the city, which would be the primary battlefield, was also complete. It was quick work once Paya and Tuntun-i got to it.
Since the Invisible Pigeon just floated silently in the city air, no one noticed it.
We couldn't see the mid-tier demons because they were inside their residences, but we had already figured out the city's terrain, the approximate number of low-tier demons and worshippers, and the quality of their forces.
Three mid-tier demons.
Four low-tier demons.
Seventy demon worshippers (soldiers only).
The overall verdict was 'pathetic.'
They were severely lacking in every aspect compared to Symphonia.
It almost felt like the three of them just spent their time scratching each other's backs and sleeping.
That Gorilla Demon—he was just the exception.
A well-armed army, two low-tier demons equivalent to level 4 Holy Knights, and his own formidable strength.
His intellect was similar to a human's. The way he stalled for time while waiting for the Orangutan Demon was particularly impressive.
Thinking back, it really was a first-round boss with an absurd level of difficulty.
In truth, without the Totem of Confusion, it would have ended in either defeat or a 'Dark Cloud ending.'
This time, I won't rely on such variables; I'll win through pure skill.
Fair and square.
...But I'll have to use the Totem of Confusion once the three mid-tier demons gather.
"That is all."
Rachel finished the briefing for the 'Blutan conquest.' It was a solid presentation.
- Let's begin.
"Understood!"
I shifted my consciousness into Totem No. 3.
While leaving my body—the totem—in Rake's care, I headed outside to find a well-armed army awaiting me.
The ratio was probably about seven barbarians to three civilized persons.
Every one of them was a veteran hero in the fifth year of the demon apocalypse.
"Loa Mallak!"
"We shall bring you victory!"
"We will reclaim Blutan!"
I doubt they'll actually use that region as their own territory just because they reclaim it, but what does it matter?
Let them just enjoy the feeling.
- My believers. I promise you victory. Do not fear. I shall be with you wherever you go.
"Waaaaaa!"
A thunderous roar echoed through Symphonia.
The subtle boundary between barbarians and civilized persons vanished. They were all warriors and my believers.
At least, for this moment.
"Shall we?"
Rake locked eyes with Paya. Paya gave a silent nod.
Rake grinned and, with a quick motion, hopped onto Tuntun-i's back.
Koo!
Tuntun-i, the monster pigeon pretending to be a spirit, continued to grow until he was large enough to carry both Rake and Paya.
In terms of sheer size, he no longer lagged behind low-tier demons.
"Let's go!"
Nodding at Paya's command, Tuntun-i spread his wings and soared into the air.
"Follow Lord Mallak!"
The cavalry, led by Kanto, followed behind Tuntun-i. It was a so-called 'sausage-link march.'
Since mobility was the lifeblood of this conquest, I had brought out every horse from the stable.
Everyone basically knew how to ride a horse. The warriors who couldn't had all perished.
"Giddy up! Giddy up!"
Seeing hundreds of horses galloping across the land together fills my chest with grandeur.
I wonder if the Khans of the Mongol Empire always felt this way.
I feel like a 'commander' in every sense of the word.
Screech-!
Tuntun-i entered the Blutan region.
We weren't using stealth, but we were higher than any Devil's Sight, so we went unnoticed.
"Fire!"
"Don't let them get away!"
The cavalry following behind shot their arrows with seasoned skill, taking out the Devil's Sights.
The archery of the barbarians, who lived by hunting, was slightly superior.
After clearing out the Devil's Sights and the Infected blocking the way, we soon arrived at the first village.
"That house. The low-tier demon is in there. I can feel its energy."
Rake pointed toward the sturdiest-looking house in the village.
"Got it."
Paya nodded and maneuvered Tuntun-i directly above the house.
Glancing down, Rake once more tightened the cloth wrapping around Totem No. 3.
Then she leaped from Tuntun-i's back with incredibly acrobatic movement.
Crash!
She crashed right through the roof and plummeted into the house.
A total Rake drop.
The moment the demon's eyes widened in shock at the sudden intrusion, Rake's curved sword was drawn.
Slish! The demon's neck was severed in one clean stroke.
One of the eight demons ruling the eight villages departed this world just three seconds after encountering Rake.
It was an enemy that five Infected could never have defeated.
Dammit, isn't this a bit too much?
"Hmph."
Letting out a satisfied snort, Rake climbed back onto the roof through the hole she'd just made in the ceiling.
Paya and Tuntun-i were waiting. Rake quickly scrambled back onto Tuntun-i's body.
All Rake needs to do is kill the demons, and all Paya needs to do is act as the transport.
Since killing the leader is half the battle won.
- Let's clear out the others quickly.
"Yes!"
The two women on the spirit's back answered simultaneously.
Let's make this one quick and safe.