Gandharva's First Defensive Battle (1)
The academy dormitory was bustling with activity. Rest days were usually times to verify information, but secrets like this inevitably leaked out somewhere. Even if only core members of each faction knew at first, to urge everyone to prepare quickly, the information had to reach everyone.
Naturally, the professors who learned the truth were all furious.
"Damn that prince. He tricked us."
Professor Reina had a very displeased expression as she stood with the other professors in a corner of the hangar. Professor Iserina and Professor Rodelini wore equally displeased faces.
Surprisingly, Professor Rodelini, who seemed like she would cause the biggest scene, appeared the calmest. Professor Reina, who looked ready to draw her sword, was holding back, while Professor Iserina, who seemed the most easygoing, was the one struggling most to contain her anger.
"Rather, if he had told us in advance and shown a proper defense plan, I might have been somewhat understanding. But to only reveal the truth after strange rumors started circulating on site... He looks down on us too much."
Professor Reina spoke through gritted teeth.
Then Professor Iserina shouted at Reina.
"The headmaster is being far too lenient! A monster attack isn't something to dismiss as a simple accident!"
"Calm down, both of you."
Professor Rodelini spoke coldly, emphasizing her words to soothe them.
"The situation was unfavorable. Even setting aside Prince Rial, the Saras Order was clearly involved to some extent. They could have informed the saints in Vespia, yet even the saints only learned the truth after arriving on site. There are various circumstances, but it's true that we had no choice but to be deceived when they were determined to hide it."
Though Rodelini spoke calmly, she wasn't without displeasure. Her tone suggested she was calmly acknowledging that anger wouldn't change the situation.
After some thought, Professor Reina quietly said,
"As expected, we should urge the headmaster to withdraw the academy even now..."
"That would be fine if it were a month from now, but the weather conditions aren't good right now. People are saying a sandstorm is approaching. Reina, you know better than anyone. In a storm, retreat is difficult, and if we encounter monsters, even with all the professors combined, there's a high chance of casualties."
"What about the golems? Can't they get through?"
"Assuming there are guides to lead the way in the desert, it might be possible."
It wasn't impossible, but at least the guides around the dormitory were likely under Prince Rial's control, Rodelini thought seriously. Negotiating with the Order might work, but currently, she didn't trust the Order either, so her tone was filled with distrust.
Moreover, debating such things was meaningless in the first place.
"Above all, neither side is willing to back down right now."
Professor Rodelini said, pointing at the Cyclops.
As the professors narrowed their eyes, Rodelini shrugged.
"Well, Eisen will consider retreat if he judges things have become too dangerous for everyone, but Abatus will apply full pressure. That's the bigger problem."
"Damn Abatus."
Professor Reina finally couldn't hold back and cursed, but no one pointed it out.
Rodelini waited a moment before speaking calmly.
"Originally, this matter—the competition between chimeras and golems. In my opinion, it's a situation where the interests of four or more factions are clashing. One of them is the academy. Even though the headmaster cares about the students' safety, he's not considering the best withdrawal. There must be something he needs to do."
"There's nothing more important than safety, senior."
"At the same time, there are things you can only gain by taking risks. Anyway, perhaps because the interests of various factions are intertwined, even the chimera-affiliated professors don't seem to be considering withdrawal. Really..."
"Professor Conder of the Noble Studies is a prime example. An honorable battle befitting nobles, and the achievements in combat are what nobles desire..."
The professors discussed among themselves without caring if students overheard. Their common point was that all three were dissatisfied with the headmaster for not withdrawing, but Rodelini, the most senior among them, seemed to judge that complex politics were involved in this matter, entangling even the academy and preventing movement.
In reality, looking at the situation, her words all seemed correct. Prince Rial's schemes were too numerous to mention, and the Order, wanting to quickly resolve the monster situation, lacked substantial forces and thus wanted to involve any faction to solve the problem. With many nobles involved, there were likely many interests entangled that they hadn't grasped.
And the biggest problem was Abatus. They would definitely see this as an opportunity and never back down.
"...Before considering how to utilize it after the war, ultimately, the battlefield is where weapons are most active..."
Recalling a past conversation with Cardio, Noel spoke cautiously.
For safety, withdrawal was obviously the right choice, but since both golems and chimeras were weapons, to see which was more efficient, they had no choice but to stand on the battlefield together. The side that performed better would leave a good impression, and the outcome of the small war between them and Abatus would be decided there.
Moreover, it wasn't just about the two weapons.
"Vespia also has the unwritten rule that nobles must take the lead in battle... And aside from that, to make a name for yourself, it ultimately comes down to the battlefield. Whether it's the Knight Department or the Magic Department."
"Eisen also made a name for himself with his valor in the Phoenix County."
Erica and Mina spoke calmly.
The battlefield was one of the best environments to make a name for oneself. Contrary to the professors' concerns, the majority of students wanted to take this opportunity to contribute or fight and gain something. It wasn't for nothing that the Knight Department students were showing off their weapon maintenance, frustrating Professor Reina. The Alchemy Rioters, perhaps because their direct combat power was weak, were more focused on modifying golems.
In short, the opinions of sensible people were being suppressed by the circumstances of various factions.
'...Originally, the fact that we found out everything after coming this far is also a strange situation.'
As Professor Rodelini said, there was a strong suspicion that the headmaster had known and acted accordingly, but there was no evidence to pursue it now. And even in this situation, what needed to be done was clear.
Actively preparing for battle.
It was a fact that monsters were coming, and supporting one front line each during this short period had already been decided. For now, they only needed to focus on doing their best.
"So it's finally complete."
I quietly said while looking at the equipment to enhance the desert mobility of the Cyclops and Knight.
Prince Rial had likely sold his conscience, but even so, he would have deployed his own forces on the defensive line. Since he had gone to the trouble of bringing them here and an accident occurred, he had to take the attitude of asking them to fight, saying he was sorry, to receive less criticism. He couldn't use this place as a shield from the start. Probably, the golems and chimeras would each be assigned to support one defensive line.
Even that alone was something that would draw considerable criticism, and anything more would mean war with Vespia. He was the type to push the line but never cross the line that absolutely shouldn't be crossed. Since his sister had completely devoted herself to the Order, was there a situation where he had to make such a risky gamble?
Amidst many stray thoughts.
—Wooooooong....
A horn sounded, ominous if anything.
"I'll board the Knight."
"Eisen."
"It's a dangerous situation. I have to step up myself."
I didn't particularly like danger, but since I was moving to gain benefits even in this situation, stepping up myself was at least the right thing to do, I thought.
"Originally, no one has more experience fighting monsters while riding a golem than me."
"Wasn't it becoming routine in Phoenix County?"
Erica made a side comment, but I ignored it and climbed aboard.
The mono-eye lit up, and the machine rose accordingly. The technology demonstration unit was an unstable machine and couldn't be used, so what remained was...
—Kugugugu....
The sound of another massive body moving.
And communication.
—"I told you earlier, it's routine in Phoenix County now, you know?"
"You've been at the academy the whole time."
—"My heart has been there often!"
Erica, whom I had scolded earlier, said brightly as she boarded the Cyclops.
"I can't face the Count if something happens to you."
—"The opposite is also true, so don't try to send me to the back too much."
I decided not to argue further with Erica, who seemed fully prepared to go together.
And another unit began to move.
—"...Knight Department brats. You lot follow Professor Rodelini's control. However, if anyone charges out to rack up achievements without my orders, I'll personally beat them with a club until they can't use one leg, so keep that in mind."
Professor Reina's Cyclops was moving.
A Cyclops modified to handle close combat like the Knight stood up, and while warning the Knight Department students who were weakly complaining that they wanted to ride it, she was raising her machine.
"There's no need for you to come too, Professor."
—"Have you gone mad? As a professor, I should take the lead."
Occasionally her old personality and speech came out, but still, this professor was the one who looked after the students the most.
—"The incident has already happened. Let's return alive."
"We will."
Professor Reina's Cyclops was moving.
The three golems began moving toward the battlefield.
****
In the opposite direction from where the three golems were moving.
The Gandharva defense forces were moving against the monsters that had already approached nearby.
"Stick to the walls and don't go out recklessly! Mages, prepare your chants! Until the signal comes, don't shoot recklessly!"
A woman wearing a bracelet engraved with a number was commanding the defense forces.
Several mages were preparing magic on the walls, and the soldiers were looking at the monsters without wavering.
"Just do as you trained! Don't worry, His Highness has already prepared support measures! There is no defeat, so don't be afraid!"
When Prince Rial's name was mentioned, the soldiers' fear subsided slightly.
From the academy or Order's perspective, he had become a detestable existence, but in the Kingdom of Gandharva, Prince Rial was trusted.
Especially since the majority of the soldiers were ones selected by Prince Rial.
'If we get through this, Rial's position will be solidified.'
Looking at the bracelet, the female general in charge of the defense forces fell into thought for a moment.
She didn't like the number engraved on the bracelet, but she had no complaints.
'Even for the sake of that guy who helped me, who was no different from a slave, reach this far...'
Various thoughts overlapped, and she strengthened her resolve not to die.
Knowing that the other walls were in similar situations, she was the female general preparing for battle.
And, right behind.
An unpleasant smell began to emanate, and when she turned around, white birds flew in.
"What?"
Birds that didn't suit this battlefield.
Normally she would have praised them as beautiful, but now irritation came first.
And she quietly spoke to the person climbing onto the wall.
"...I've already heard the story. I've been waiting."
"You are Rial's... No, let's talk about that later."
The white-haired young noble smiled as he climbed up.
Then, extending his hand, he said,
"I'm Cardio Abatus."
"...My hands are a bit dirty from touching weapons just now, so let's skip the handshake."
Cardio smiled at the woman who politely refused his hand.
Then he smiled while looking outside the wall.
"There are quite a number of them. Reptiles. Medium-sized. Numerous. Their horns are quite impressive."
"They're called Horn Lizards. They're tough, so you need to be careful."
When the woman spoke politely, Cardio smiled.
Then he clapped his hands and said,
"Then we should show off our proud weapons."
With the signal, as previously discussed, the wall opened.
And Cardio calmly said,
"Go and tear them apart, beasts."
A voice imbued with magic resounded.
The monsters in the cages began to rush out all at once.
It was right after that the chimeras began tearing into the giant lizards.