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Chapter 289 part 1

There were both rational and irrational reasons why Dran chose to arrive at the battlefield on the shoulder of Magic Control Armor operated by others instead of walking or using a self-made Horse Golem.

Firstly, it was to create and propagate the notion that the Magic Control Armor unit was poised to become the mainstay and primary force in the Bern army, and despite its dubious nature in convincing everyone, they fought valiantly against the Demon King’s army alongside with a flesh-and-blood aide, Dran, on their shoulders.

Additionally, it was widely known among the kingdom’s military personnel and the magic circles that Dran was regarded as a powerful figure and the successor to the Arc Witch. The expectation was that his appearance on the frontlines would effectively boost soldier morale.

In doing so, if Dran were to stand out alongside Bern’s highly regarded Magic Control Armor unit, it was envisioned that in future battles, even in Dran’s absence, the mere sight of the
Magic Enforcer Armor force would lift the spirits of soldiers, as they would come to associate its presence with reliable allies. This foresight into the aftermath of the war also factored into the decision.

The attachment of the name “Gambeln” to the Magic Control Armor, co-piloted by Leania and another individual, was in conjunction with the territory’s name and carried significant weight, as it denoted the milestone of being the first officially adopted and mass-produced Magic Control Armor within the Barony of Bern.

Dran was driven by a strong desire to make Gambeln’s debut battle a resounding success. This was because he played a significant role in the enhancement of the outdated model, Gambei, and its subsequent transformation into Gambeln.

Despite having the capability to observe every detail of the battlefield from afar, Dran, as one of the developers, harbored a strong desire to witness firsthand how the Magic Control Armor he had worked on would perform in combat, even if it meant being as close as possible. This aspect revealed a certain degree of Dran’s self-indulgence.

The Magic Control Armor unit, though outnumbered by the giant knight-type Vengittas, effectively utilized their coordination to pulverize them one after another. From the trenches, soldiers observed their valiant efforts, their expressions brightening as they unleashed a barrage of magic-infused gunfire and explosives.

The weapons of the heroes summoned by Dran had completed their support for the beleaguered soldiers across the battlefield. They now transformed into tiny particles of light and vanished.

「Alright, Leania, Mer-Allen, as planned, we’ll lead the golems and charge into the center of Vengitta’s forces. We are constantly sending our location to the rear to avoid friendly fire, so don’t worry.」

Mer-Allen, piloting another Gambeln, was a young man. He was a pure-human with black hair, dark eyes, and brown skin. Known for his skill both as a warrior and mage, he was particularly renowned for his expertise in operating Magic Control Armor. In the Barony of Bern, he ranked second only to Leania in this regard.

That was why he was entrusted with the Gambeln, which had undergone extensive modifications, both internally and externally, unlike the knock-off and used golems they had purchased.

Mer-Allen responded to Dran’s telepathic communication with a faint hint of concern in his long slits eyes.”

「Sir, wouldn’t it be better for you to disembark from Lady Leania’s mech? With your prowess, you can achieve significant results with just magical support from the rear, without needing to be at the frontline.」

Dran could discern Mer-Allen’s refined upbringing from the sound of his voice. When he arrived in Bern, he had been informed of his lineage, which was said to be a branch of a fallen noble family.

「Sure it’s a valid suggestion. But you’ve brought it up countless times before, Mer-Allen. You know I’ve shot it down every time. I explained several times that I wanted to feel the atmosphere of the real battlefield, especially on the front lines, to limit Vengitta’s actions using myself as bait, and above all, to closely observe the capabilities of the Magic Control Armor that I’ve personally developed.」

「Absolutely, I do remember. I just saw it as my last opportunity to change your mind, sir, so I spoke out of line. I apologize for my audacity.」

「Well, it’s pretty clear that you’re the one making sense here. I’m not out to fault you. So, how about we show the Demon King’s army just what our Bern’s Magic Control Armor unit, a squadron, and two machines, along with the leading mage.」

Dran maintained a defiant attitude as he spoke and shifted from Gambeln’s right shoulder to the back of its head. Standing on the right shoulder would have obstructed Gambeln’s movement of the right arm, and it was to check the condition of the special equipment specially equipped on Leania’s unit this time.

「Leania, the flag.」

In response to Dran’s brief instruction, Leania pressed one of the buttons on the control column, which she was gripping tightly.

In general, the operation of Magic Control Armor entailed affixing cultivated pseudo-nerves to the pilot’s neck and limbs, allowing them to control it as an extension of their body. However, the human body lacked magical cannons on the back or propulsion mechanisms incorporated into various parts of the body.

In the usage of mechanisms not naturally present in the human body, Leania manipulated the control column and pressed a button. Subsequently, the rod from the back box extended smoothly, reaching a certain height. At that point, the embedded image projector on the rod activated, projecting the crest of the Barony of Bern prominently into the air.

Dran let out a sigh of relief upon confirming the successful projection of the crest without any issues. Throughout history, raising one’s own flag to boost morale has been a standard tactic on the battlefield. Conversely, the destruction or seizure of the flag was a demoralizing act for one’s own forces. To prevent this, Dran had been serving as a close guard near the flag.

Subsequent to the faintly shimmering Barony of Bern’s flag rising prominently in the air, Dran widened the range of his telepathic communication to encompass every Bern soldier present in this area.

Being the possessor of the highest-ranking dragon soul, Dran intentionally infused his thoughts with power. Everyone who received his telepathic communication felt courage and vigor surging through their minds. They no longer felt fear.

「To all who gather under the banner of Bern, now is the time to drive back the invaders from the distant wilds with our own hands and defend the peace of this land and our families. Raise your arms, move your feet, look forward, and confront the enemy.

Follow this flag onward. Hail Baroness Christina Almadia, Hail the Barony of Bern! Hail the Kingdom of Arkcrest!」

Drawing from speeches delivered in battles throughout history, Dran gathered advice from Dramia and Ryoukichi. With their guidance, he formulated words that would kindle the spirits of the soldiers, spreading like wildfire through their minds and bodies. While Doran lacked the talents of an instigator, his background and abilities were ample to mold the soldiers into fearless fighters.

「Leania, Mer-Allen, go!」

Both pilots, specifically instructed by Dran, shook off their fear of the countless eerie dolls before them and, breathing fire with determination, drove Gambeln forward to crush all who stood in their way.

In addition, fifty combat golems, Belter, transitioned from autonomous action to remote control under Dran’s guidance, serving as the vanguard cavalry alongside Dran instead of air support.

Standing atop Gambeln as it surged forward at full speed, Dran’s presence sparked a flurry of magical arrows around him, prompting the mouths of the surrounding Vengittas to start moving one by one. The appearance of a figure far more valuable than common soldiers elicited a response they could not ignore.

「Here he comes, here it comes, the linchpin, the key, the wedge, the chain, the pillar of Bern.」

Having a hole drilled in its belly by Dran’s magical arrows, a charming catfolk baby lauded Dran in such a way.

「He is one of the great foes designated by my king. Our king.」

With her body pulverized below the neck by Mer-Allen’s Gambeln, a horsewoman praised Dran with only her head remaining.

「Those with magical abilities seek out enemies. The Demon King seeks powerful adversaries. As someone aligned with magic, I, too welcome foes worthy of facing my might.」

Sonorously sang a three-headed giant centipede as it attacked Reania’s craft with a dry, crackling noise, despite having its necks restrained with a shield and magical cannons bombarding its lengthy torso.

「But above all, we fight for the crystallization of beauty I seek. You are an obstacle, a great hindrance. Therefore, we must defeat you.」