Chapter 59
Episode 20: Is That All You’ve Got?
Bengel held a greatsword in both hands, rapidly increasing his speed as he thrust it toward me. But since I could see his attack with 〚Future Vision〛, I spun forward and struck the greatsword with a heel kick, driving it into the ground. His attack was easily dodged, and Bengel’s expression tightened slightly.
「You reacted to my thrust… Not bad.」
「If I hadn’t been trying to gauge the strength of a demon, I would’ve taken your head off by now (laugh).」
「The next attacks will be something different!」
As Bengel slashed his greatsword downward diagonally, it split into two, transforming into twin blades, changing the trajectory of his strikes. Indeed, it was something different, but with 〚Future Vision〛, it had no effect on me. I easily blocked his attack with my twin spears and kicked him in the solar plexus, causing him to collapse forward.
「Ugh… How do you know my moves?」
「Hmm, maybe it’s just a difference in rank? By the way, where do you stand in the Crown Prince’s Knights?」
「Don’t mock me! 〚Flame Lance〛!」
「〚Water Shield〛!」
Bengel, enraged, launched a magic attack, but I nullified it with Water Shield.
「Ah, I see, demons are skilled in magic, aren’t they?」
「You nullified my magic so easily… You monster…」
「Monster? Fine, let’s end this now♪」
Having gauged the strength of this captain, I decided to finish it. I infused magic into my left eye and activated the Holy Eye.
「I, Celestia Z. Sylvania, commands the power of the pure Metatron. Purify and destroy this tainted demon!」
「Ah… What… I’m melting…!」
As the holy rain of Pure Metatron fell, it began to purify Bengel’s body. With each drop that touched him, he dissolved, until not even a single trace of him remained.
「So even demons at the lower ranks are only at this level, huh?」
Leaving those words behind, I returned to the base.
➖➖➖ Selen’s Perspective ➖➖➖
I received a telepathic message from Celestia.
It seems that Stratos, who had dropped out of the academy, had followed Celestia all the way to the Kingdom of Leone…
Although his actions, seeking forgiveness for his betrayal without concern for the danger, were commendable, Celestia told him, 『You’re asking forgiveness in the wrong order,』 and instructed him to come to us first.
Stratos, prepare yourself when you return! Betraying us twice? I won’t forgive you that easily!
–
Episode 21: The Leone Kingdom’s Secret Strategy
There were no reports indicating that the monster attacks in the kingdom had ended… Even the Leone Kingdom, renowned as the strongest military nation, had been unable to bring the situation under control after two years.
Everything had been going smoothly up until the point when David was killed. After that, it was supposed to be over by simply deploying the Crown Prince’s Knights. However, it was an unexpected turn that the Heavenly Child Celestia was strong enough to defeat demons.
Just as they were struggling to find a solution, a report came in from 【Darkness】. They had found documents on the Heavenly Child that David had previously tasked 【Darkness】 and 【Time】 to investigate.
The contents of these documents were valuable.
It turned out that Heavenly Child Celestia had been quite close with the Second Prince and the First Princess while attending the academy in the Empire. It was determined that this relationship could be exploited.
Ignoring the monster chaos within the kingdom, they decided to launch an invasion of the Tiarad Empire. It was far easier to fight a clearly identifiable enemy than a constantly elusive one. And if the Empire, where her close friends resided, was invaded, Celestia would surely go to their aid.
After all, she’s a soft-hearted person who has been eliminating monsters and bandits to save even the weak of a kingdom she is trying to overthrow. Upon hearing of her friends’ crisis, she will undoubtedly leave the kingdom for the Empire.
Since the attack would be initiated from their side, they would have control over the battle zones, which would increase the chance of confronting the Heavenly Child directly.
Heavenly Child Celestia, the kingdom’s counterattack is about to begin. Prepare yourself!
➖➖➖Slaine’s Perspective➖➖➖
We received a report from the border patrol that the Leone Kingdom had begun their invasion. We had not anticipated that they would invade during this time, when our internal affairs seems unstable, so our response was delayed…
Furthermore, faced with the overwhelming strength of the kingdom’s soldiers, we were forced to retreat. Even though we tried to regroup our forces, we couldn’t even hold the line… Is this truly the power of the strongest military nation?
At that moment, it was decided that Selen would head to the battlefield. Although she was still enrolled in the academy, the military had requested Selen’s help, as she had already established her own organization. Since she had renounced her claim to the throne, even Father couldn’t give her special treatment…
「It’s an honor to head to the battlefield for the Empire. I will surely bring back great results!」
With those words, Selen, along with Cantera and Stratos, set off for the front lines…
I pray for the fortune of my sister and my friend in battle.
–
Episode 22: The Empire’s Crisis:
There are rumors spreading that the Leone Kingdom has suddenly shifted its military movements and begun an invasion of the Empire. Even though the monster unrest within their own borders continues, it’s unclear why they would attack a neighboring country. However, the possibility that the security around the royal capital will become lax could work in my favor. On the other hand, it might also be a trap to lure me into the capital.
Brad-san and the others from 【Shadow】 investigated the kingdom’s situation and confirmed that the Leone Kingdom had indeed invaded the Empire. The difference in military power is overwhelming, and the kingdom’s advance shows no signs of stopping.
Concerned about Selen-sama and the others in the Empire, I decided to reach out through telepathy.
『Selen-sama, I heard that the Empire is being attacked by the Leone Kingdom. Are you okay?』
『The kingdom’s soldiers are overwhelmingly strong, and they’ve managed to invade quite far. It’s definitely a bad situation.』
『It seems the Leone Kingdom has allied with demons, and some of their soldiers are demons themselves. That’s probably why the Empire’s regular soldiers can’t stand against them.』
『Demons… That explains why our regular forces are struggling so much. Actually… I’ve been called to the battlefield. Since I’ve built my own organization, they’ve requested us to go to the front.』
『But… Selen-sama, you’re still a student at the academy…』
『Even students often head to the battlefield if they meet certain standards. But for you, Celestia, this could be an opportunity, right? You’re planning to go to the royal capital where the security is weak, aren’t you?』
『Yeah, I’m in the process of confirming how thin their defenses are.』
『I pray that you safely make it to the capital! Let’s both do what we need to do! I have to prepare for deployment, so this is where we end our conversation.』
『Yes… Selen-sama, may you have the best of luck in battle!』
After the telepathy ended, I couldn’t shake the restless feeling in my heart… With the kingdom’s soldiers heading toward the Empire, it should be easier to approach the royal capital. But knowing that Selen-sama is in danger, I find myself wanting to help her more than going to the capital.
Overthrowing the kingdom is my and Mom’s ultimate goal, so it’s supposed to be my top priority… But I want to go and help Selen-sama…
As I was struggling with this, Mom came over and spoke to me.
「Celestia, you seem troubled.」
「Yeah… The Empire is struggling against the Leone Kingdom’s invasion, and I’ve heard that Selen-sama is heading to the battlefield.」
「Celestia, follow your heart. To avoid future regret, always listen to your own heart.」
「Mom… If I do that, I’ll end up going to the Empire… But what about your wish…」
「If fulfilling my wish means you’ll spend your life full of regret, then go to the Empire. Helping your 《《lifelong friend》》 now won’t cause any problems.」
「Thank you, Mom. I’m heading to the Empire!」
And so, following my heart, I set out for the Empire to help Selen-sama.
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