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Chapter 10: The Battle of Pyrrhos III – Grinning Through Combat

Chapter 10: The Battle of Pyrrhos III – Grinning Through Combat
Our mixed unit of Blumund warriors and Elves began moving steadily toward the far left edge of the formation.

As we shifted positions, I called out to the other Barbar tribes we passed.

「We’re counting on you to hold here!」

That’s when I spotted Rosso and Drye of the Great Lizard Tribe.

Those two, with their hulking bodies, gave off a solid sense of reliability.

Even against cavalry, they wouldn’t go down easy.

「Rosso! Drye! We’re about to pull a big prize, if you want in, follow us!」

「Heh! Big talk! I’m in!」

「Grab whatever shields and spears are lying around! Rosso, Drye, you’re in the front line!」

「Got it!」

With Rosso and Drye joining us, we fought through minor skirmishes and reached the far left flank.

A Vaffancrow Empire officer shouted at us angrily.

「Hey! You Barbars! What do you think you’re doing over there!?」

He was decked out in shiny gold armor, clearly an officer from our employers.

We couldn’t just ignore him, so I shouted back in Imperial tongue.

「The enemy cavalry is coming! We’re preparing to intercept!」

「What!? Cavalry!?」

At that moment, the Sma-ho screen lit up with activity.

The enemy cavalry was on the move, splitting into two units, left and right.

「Sir officer! They’re coming! We’ll be casting magic, keep your distance!」

「Understood! It’s in your hands!」

I cut off the conversation and turned my full attention to the incoming threat.

「They’re coming! Shield-bearers, up front! Rosso, Drye, get into the front line with shields ready!」

「Oho! Big game hunting time? Ohh, I’m loving this!」

Following that remark, Rosso stuck out his long tongue, clearly excited.

On the Sma-ho screen, the cavalry units moved across the enemy’s backline, one heading straight for us.

Lucky break: they had split forces.

That meant we only had to handle half, twenty-five riders.

From the back ranks, Elranief the Elf chief called out in Elvish.

「Magic and bows ready!」

「Alright… Aim for vanguard horsemen. Take out the front line, and the rest will crash into them!」

「Gaia, you’ve got a head on your shoulders!」

Truth be told, I was just copying a strategy I’d seen in a movie back in Japan. Still, Elranief seemed impressed.

But no time for that now, the cavalry was closing in.

「Save the praise for after we win. I don’t know the range of your magic, you decide when to fire.」

「Understood!」

On the Sma-ho screen, the enemy cavalry unit was nearly upon us.

I turned to the Blumund warriors, Rosso, and Drye to reinforce the plan.

「We hit them with magic and arrows first! Don’t move until I give the signal!」

「「「「「Got it!」」」」」

Their voices were tense, understandably.

Cavalry is terrifying. If the opening salvo missed, we’d be trampled.

「They’re here!」

Uncle Athos shouted.

From behind the enemy formation, the cavalry unit came into view.

The pounding of hooves echoed across the battlefield.

Even amidst the clamor of war, the rumble of twenty-five charging horses sent a deep, menacing vibration through the air.

I drew my bronze sword and braced myself.

I had to fight the pressure of the cavalry’s approach, so I raised my voice to rally our side.

「Hold steady!」

「「「「「YEAH!」」」」」

From the gap in the enemy line, the lead horsemen turned toward us.

The rest followed, picking up speed.

There was nothing between us and them now.

The cavalry vanguard noticed us as they continued to accelerate, but made no effort to avoid or change course.

They were planning to trample us.

「Crap! Here they come!」

「Hell of a sight!」

「Don’t panic! Hold your ground!」

The allies barked rough words at each other to keep their fear in check.

Sweat rolled down my brow as I stared down the approaching horsemen.

The cavalry that was charging at us raising clouds of dust was a wave of violence.

If we didn’t resist, we’d be crushed into mangled meat.

But, that’s not what this is about.

(That’s my prey… I’m gonna eat it! devour it whole!)

A fire surged up from deep inside me.

Was it rage?

Was it hunger?

Was it joy?

I didn’t know.

But I found myself grinning wide, baring my teeth like a beast.

「Elranieeef!」

I shouted to the Elf chief.

He answered with a sharp Elvish command.

He’d judged the distance, he was going to wait until they were nearly on top of us before firing.

「Release!」

Elven Magic surged toward the charging cavalry.