Chapter 159
Chapter 159
“The plan is like this.”
A black iron said to be handled only by high meisters among the dwarves. A black helm made from that in one piece.
The Golden Duke, wearing expensive equipment befitting his dignity, gave us instructions.
“When we backtracked the mana flowing into the World Tree, there were two presences felt in the jungle. If we destroy the totems located there, the corruption operation against the World Tree should fail.”
“If that is so then….”
“Yes. Since it’s the jungle, it’s difficult to deploy an army. You academy students will infiltrate in small numbers and remove one of them.”
One team would be us.
And the other would be the duke’s knights and dwarf meisters.
‘A reasonable deployment.’
Since they involved the academy students, it was an obvious sign they intended to use us efficiently.
There was also a carrot inside it.
“If you break the totem, I will personally tell the academy that that student performed excellently.”
“The Golden Duke himself…?”
“If this goes well, you might even aim for a ranking change.”
Even while doing that, he stirred up competition — truly a master of handling people.
Although on the way here he had subtly complained about the heat and humidity.
The jungle’s dense undergrowth?
Poisonous insects and snakes and wild animals?
The students, burning with the desire for extra points, fell for it helplessly.
Once the plan was set, then it was only execution.
We prepared immediately to prevent the World Tree’s contamination.
Fsssst—
With the sound of leaves brushing and faint presences heard, we hid in the undergrowth and confirmed the destination.
“So that place is the beastmen’s stronghold that has that totem?”
“Ah, right. The forward bases of beastmen that Hans and I smashed before mostly felt like that!”
[DUNGEON]
[BEASTMEN FORWARD BASE]
When we reached the place marked on the map, we saw palisades we had seen before and movable huts.
And inside them….
“The number of beastmen is considerable.”
“I’d estimate it to be dozens.”
A half-open palisade entrance.
Beyond it, fitting the dungeon name ‘Beastmen Forward Base,’
inside, creatures with all kinds of animal ears bustled.
Of course, there was not much tension in Luciana’s voice as she estimated the enemy numbers.
“Hm, the Levain of the South. I wonder how strong they are.”
She more eagerly anticipated finding a new opponent to test her sword on.
Drawing her blade, she smiled faintly.
“There’s no time to delay. Hans, cover the rear as always.”
“Enter with confidence. Others have already run far ahead.”
Clicking his tongue ostentatiously and nodding at the leading students, Luciana let out a slight sigh.
Strategy? Tactics?
Such things no longer existed for students blinded by the grade of the totem.
‘Well, it’s still acceptable.’
They had force but their experience was that of chicks. They were different from Northerners who sought maximum efficiency even on the smallest battlefield.
Moreover, strategy is born to overturn disadvantageous situations; it’s not very applicable when crushing with overwhelming force.
The scene unfolding before our eyes would explain everything.
“Bestow your blessing.”
With the saintess’s spell, our steps lightened.
“…Hup!”
Receiving that blessing, Oparn in the lead slashed his great sword in a straight line at the palisade.
Kuu—
Thud.
As a result, the palisade flew away root and all; it drew involuntary admiration.
“Ha. No wonder he’s a prince. Quite flashy. It’s brute force.”
Of course that was my personal impression.
Using the opened axis, the young humans not yet even of age charged in to ravage them.
“W-what’s this?”
“It’s humans!”
“Enemy incursion! Everyone, take up arms!”
The beasts beyond the palisade revealed themselves naturally.
True to a race with beast senses, they did not run about in confusion despite being ambushed.
“Everyone, form up!”
Under the command of a wolf beastman who seemed to be the commander, a wall of beastmen was formed at the breached palisade.
“Don’t send anyone to the shaman! Hold the line!”
“This one here, strong… Gah!”
“Damn, bring weapons!”
“…!”
“……!!”
Of course, I also slipped into the stronghold amid the noisy commotion.
“…! When did you get this far! You can’t reach the shaman!”
“I don’t know if that will go as planned.”
Sorry, but that shaman will certainly die.
Including Luciana, there were more than a few students crazy for extra points.
So my job was set.
Clear the obstacles that would get in Luciana’s way.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
Casually, I blocked the front of the beastmen who were surging toward Luciana.
They emitted power and wore fairly ornate decorations.
—Hans, I will join!
—No. Lady Luciana, you know? The one who holds the totem will be close to first place.
A kind offer but declined.
When it comes to battle, Luciana is more resourceful than anyone. She should know my intent.
—…I see. I’ll entrust it to you.
—A retainer always clears the path the lord walks. I’ll tie these up, so hurry to the center of the stronghold.
—All right. I’ll handle this quickly and support you; hold on a bit.
After exchanging looks from a distance, Luciana pushed off the ground and ran forward.
My lord worries way too much.
What support? Freesia and I had already cleared places like this between the two of us.
‘Ah, right.’
I was supposed to be rescued by Freesia — that premise made understanding her seeming frailty easier.
But considering the beastmen shaman is a tricky foe, it would be faster if I cleared this place first and went to Luciana.
“…Sir! I’ll help!”
“It’s fine. You and Miss Freesia block the small fry. I’ll deal with this commander.”
Oparn, who was coming, turned away with a look of regret.
But it couldn’t be helped.
The beastmen had eyes; Oparn, who took down palisades and showed prominence on the battlefield, was a priority target.
My specialty is one-on-one.
Facing many enemies is not my forte. Handling the ones trailing Oparn as well was bothersome.
‘Let’s see, the one dressed the flashiest….’
Right after defeating Luciana’s obstructors, I quietly concealed my presence and looked around.
I conceded the tastiest parts to Luciana, but I should get some substance too. Among those not yet in combat, the most heavily adorned…
‘Found it.’
Not only did I find it. The one also noticed me and was revealing it.
Roughly tousled hair, gray ears perked, a necklace of assorted fangs strung like beads — a wolf beastman.
“Grrah! Those human pups are cocky after a successful raid.”
He had no real weapons and only sharp claws raised.
That alone was fine. It was more than enough to contain aura better than most swords.
“I’ll tear you apart and kill all the rest!”
“Hoho, if you could. You’re just indulging in an empty dream.”
Provoked by my taunt, the wolf beastman struck down with his right-hand claw.
The force carried was fairly severe, but—
“Oh?!”
“If I may offer advice, beastmen uniformly lack technique. Do they only trust their strength? It’s truly regrettable.”
I shrugged and made a face of disappointment.
Their murderous intent was too straightforward.
Their emotions were too contained and thus easy to read.
Their movements were too honest.
If I listed his faults, they would be countless. But it all summed up to lack of technique.
Moreover—
“Kraaa! This bastard just runs away!”
‘They’re incredibly weak to provocation!’
The opponent put his right foot forward.
That meant, due to bodily balance, he would use his left arm.
—Chank!
Then I only had to block accordingly and counter.
The diagonal-pointed sword tip caught on the claw.
To catch the blade, the beastman’s left arm flew in the air.
As a thief by nature, it made my hands itch.
“You bastard!”
The wolf with half-turned eyes took a step forward to find an opening.
Having allowed me into his chest, could he block my attack?
—Screech.
“Gyaaah! You, human! How dare you wound me!”
That fact was proven by the tearing sound from his body and the scream from his throat.
“Uuuu…”
Leaving him groaning behind, I looked around.
“Oparn! Watch the right!”
“…I already have that level of awareness. Do your work, Georg. Is the flank unguarded?”
“Hmm, it sure was. Thanks for the advice.”
The mercenary duo who always performed beyond one man’s share, showing solid exploits.
“Salamander, burn all the huts! I’ll help too!”
Behind their protection, Freesia steadily neutralized enemies one by one with ranged attacks.
Even so, the beastmen fallen around her all lightly twitched their bodies.
They were breathing.
It seemed the gentle Freesia had used some means when she dealt with them.
I too had one man beneath my feet.
I had my blade at the throat of the wolf beastman whose arm I gripped.
“Such a pity. Your subordinates and you have been defeated.”
The one who met my eyes ground his teeth and then suddenly smiled.
Even while writhing in pain, his face was filled with rapture.
“Grk, even if we meet our end here, Lord Fenrir will have fulfilled his will.”
“Phew, that may be, but why do you revere Fenrir so much?”
I had always wondered since playing the game.
Of course I knew beastmen worshipped strength.
‘But still, this is excessive.’
Yet drunk on their own strength and arrogance was beastmen.
How could they unify when they had never once been unified before?
Will to reclaim the World Tree?
Even the Calamity himself did not show such will. It was only used as a pretense. Later, even when the World Tree became completely contaminated and withered, the beastmen followed and praised him.
‘Even knowing he killed the Mother Tree.’
However, unlike his light foot, the wolf beastman seemed heavy in what he wore.
“…Hahaha! How could mere humans understand us! I have nothing to say! Stop mocking. Your victory is yours. Kill me at once!”
“Ah, is that so. Quite the determination.”
It was as expected. Such strange devotion would not be crushed because one arm flew off.
Only—
[OPPONENT SUPPRESSED.]
[S rank : Emotion Absorption — available]
[Would you like to peek at the opponent’s memories?]
[Y / N]
Even if he had nothing to say, that didn’t mean I didn’t know.
Of course YES.
The somewhat contrived reason not shown in the game was curious.
‘I’m curious.’
Each time I discerned another facet of the “under the chandelier” side I didn’t know, pure pleasure welled up. Perhaps because I had been sincere about this game.
‘You never know, this might also be something I can use.’
Prizing open his head and drawing out the memories focused on the most stimulating flavor of ‘rapture.’
[The world shrouded in darkness, licking despair to survive.]
[One who grants eternal freedom will come.]
[He shall be born outside the forest and reign.]
[…Those human scum cannot possibly understand the prophecy of this great sorcery.]
Memories pouring from his wounded, ragged head.
Now I understood.
‘Indeed, prophecy.’
Prophecy in this game held great credibility and influence.
Never once had it erred. Prophecies that in some way came to pass were truly the fate of the world.
Just as the shrine foretold the existence of calamities such as the Demon King, beastmen also had their own prophecies.
‘Prophecy, prophecy….’
—Frost Mane, this skill is…
—Ah, Lord Batory has bad memories of this. Sorry.
—…No. It sure was the ability to peek and steal memories. How was it? Did you obtain any helpful information?
—Ah, yes.
It was nothing but satisfaction.
I chuckled at the thought of what would occur ahead.
—…Frost Mane. Just curious, are you plotting something?
—How do you know so well?
—Your smile has kinds. The current smile is… one shown when plotting something mean.
This is something.
To hear that from Batory, who always deceived, I was surprised. I need to manage my mask too.
Even if we caught a big haul, we shouldn’t be so unable to hide it.
After smoothing my expression, I stepped back and put on a full sneer.
Then then.
Shall we have a long conversation with the protagonist of our play?
‘How bitter. To be defeated by humans, mere humans not even of age.’
The wolf beastman warrior Buyar closed his eyes, sensing his end.
To die pressed under a human’s foot — a miserable end he had never imagined.
‘Still, Lord Fenrir is with us…’
Then.
“Hoho, is it because of the shaman’s prophecy? That one who grants eternal freedom will come?”
“…! How do you know that!”
“It seems so.”
“Grrk, you undeserving of the name beastman, who do not even know honor!”
Apparently a loose-tongued comrade had revealed it.
Added to his humiliation, Buyar trembled all over.
“Kuh, ahahaha!”
Laughter suddenly spreading across the battlefield.
His maniacal laughter made not only his kin feel uncomfortable but even the allied humans throw wary glances.
Buyar’s foot was cleared away before he realized it. Rising awkwardly to regain posture, he ground his teeth.
“…What’s so funny.”
“No, how could one refrain from laughing. Are you stupid? Or is it just because you’re a beastman.”
Mocking the loser who does not know honor?
He was about to vent his anger through the remaining arm when—
“Exactly where in this prophecy does it say ‘beastman’?”
“…What?”
Buyar froze at the completely unexpected reply.
“Isn’t that so? Fenrir may be a beastman born outside this forest, but I don’t think one who’s unfriendly to the World Tree is someone who brings eternal freedom.”
“How dare you insult Fenrir…!”
“Can you really be so certain? He redirected human attention and then spread curses on the World Tree’s roots?”
‘How would a human know that…?’
But there was no time to question.
Between his half-lidded eyes, dark black pupils.
The gaze insisting one face truth was so burdensome that he involuntarily looked at the ground.
In truth, Buyar had been thinking on the side as well. Even if after the seizure they could heal him, still.
How could one poison and curse the Mother Tree?
Tolerating ‘a little sacrifice’ for means — it was like…
‘A filthy human way of thinking… isn’t it?’
While Buyar stiffened—
“Do you really believe he will drive out humans and dwarves and liberate the World Tree and beastmen? Do you truly believe that?”
“…….”
“Pity rarely rises beyond stupidity. Tsk tsk. I don’t even feel you’re worth killing.”
The young human clicked his tongue once and then, with his comrades, departed like the wind.
“…Damn it!”
Left with the shame of being labeled a loser and his doubt about Fenrir.
[TARGET OVERACHIEVED]
[Beyond subjugating the beastmen stronghold, sowed doubt among the enemy…]
“Good.”
A sweet smile naturally appeared at my lips.
Both strategically and personally, it was a perfect deception that achieved the objectives flawlessly.