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Chapter 314 part 2

The eastern sky, painted in vivid colors due to the fierce clash of the true and faux dragonkin and the Arkwitch’s rampage, occasionally sent shockwaves that shook Laslomar’s hull.

「The Arkrest’s battle is quite extravagant. Even a stray bullet possesses alarming destructive power. Let’s hope it doesn’t drift our way.」

This was a sincere concern for both Dran and Gwandan. While Dran had been handling any stray bullets heading towards the Romal Empire’s side, Linette and the others, along with Gwandan and Thanatos, would have to intercept any that slipped through.

Despite Laslomar’s advanced defenses, a stray bullet from Merle, Zandalzar, or Trawl could cause significant damage with a single hit.

Anticipating this, Gwandan made his comment, and Asteria, uncharacteristically troubled, shifted her gaze to the battlefield between the Arkrest Kingdom and the Demon King’s Army.

「It is commonly said that most rumors of the world are about half of what is told, but in the case of Arc Witch, it is the opposite. It can be considered a harvest that we were able to confirm the reality was more than double the rumors.」

In the joint struggle with Arkrest Kingdom, understanding the capabilities of Merle, the nation’s finest individual combatant, was essential for the Romal Empire, which had been menaced by Merle since his rise to power.

Even Asteria, who is planning to push the emperor’s position onto Amria – or rather, to hand it over, recognizes that the true power of Merle is a significant matter that should always be kept in mind.

And today, we could confirm our long-held concerns, but it only led to further worries. I had ordered magicians capable of remote vision to memorize Merle’s battle from the beginning, and I also reviewed the relayed footage, but even Asteria had not anticipated that Merle would be such an extraordinary monster, far removed from normality.

「If the Arc Witch’s combat capabilities are considered, it wouldn’t have been strange if Arkrest Kingdom had taken direct action years ago. The fact they did not might mean the kingdom had not grasped her true strength.

In any case, the kingdom must now understand her abilities through this battle. Do we need to be extremely cautious about what happens after this battle ends?」

Asteria mused inwardly that there might be no need to see Arkrest Kingdom as an adversary once it’s in Amria’s hands, and refocused her attention on the battle between her own forces and the Demon King’s Army.

She was engrossed in the fight against two of the Demon Six Generals until the moment Merle unleashed a shocking strike that astonished both friends and foes, which Doran then further neutralized.

After defeating Zandarza and Tarulu, Merle and Doran were walking inside the main camp of the Arkrest Kingdom to report to Prince Sperion, as they had been summoned.

As Merle’s battle intensified, the soldiers forming the battle lines were ordered to retreat. Merle’s extraordinary abilities, visible even from a distance, were sufficient to deeply awe the soldiers, and the looks directed at Merle from within the camp bore an almost fearful quality.

Fortunately, or so it seems, Merle was too preoccupied to notice the gazes focused on him, continually dismayed by Doran’s lecturing words as he walked ahead.

「I have no intention of unnecessarily blaming you, Merle. Even someone with your capabilities was forced into such a difficult fight against formidable enemies. Undoubtedly, defeating them at that moment was a crucial element for victory in this war.」

Doran’s tone, unceasing as he moved forward, held little in the way of blame or anger. Instead, sorrow and regret for Merle’s actions largely filled his emotions. Understanding this made Merle feel even more constrained. Direct confrontation would have been preferable.

「If Merle judged that such potent magic was necessary to defeat the two Demon Six Generals, then it was surely the right decision.

As Merle is the one risking his life in battle, I may not have the right to criticize or chastise you.

Yet, I must say this. That magic should not have been used. Even if it could have certainly defeated the two generals, it was not appropriate for that situation.」

「Yes, I am reflecting on it…」

「Your reflection seems genuine. I was aware that you meticulously set the range and duration of that magic, even considering the safety of our soldiers amidst the fight.

But few are aware of such considerations. Merle’s magic is too sophisticated, for better or worse. And for those who didn’t realize your care, that magic, which turned everything it touched into light, must have been an immense terror.

What if that golden brilliance had come upon them? Many soldiers must have feared for their lives at that moment.」

Here, Doran said “not a few,” showing concern for Merle, but in reality, every soldier who witnessed the event felt a threat to their life.

「Yes, yes. At that time, I only thought about defeating the two Demon Six Generals, and I forgot how I would be perceived. I apologize!」

In terms of how he was perceived, Doran felt a certain sympathy for Merle. It’s unlikely Merle had ever displayed his power so publicly before.

His first full-force battle was only last year, after the Magical Tournament, and even then, preparations were made to ignore the surrounding gazes.

Unlike last year’s sparring where the safety and lives of those around were assured, this was a genuine life-or-death struggle. It’s natural that Merle couldn’t fully consider this new situation, and Doran understood this.

「You don’t need to apologize to me. Indeed, it was only because of you, Merle, that those two could be handled simultaneously, and you managed to fight so advantageously. The Demon King’s forces must now deeply understand that toppling the Arkrest Kingdom is not an easy task.」

「Do you think so? I hope that’s the case. But that old man with three heads seemed to thoroughly enjoy the fight. He might eagerly seek another battle with me.」

「They are descendants of the War God, so they desire life-or-death battles with the mighty. Your battle with Merle must have been immensely satisfying for them. The Demon King himself might even appear on the front lines for a chance to battle Merle.」

「Oh no, being called the Demon King, he must be stronger than the Demon Six Generals. Given the nature of the Demon King’s forces, one would expect their leader to possess formidable combat skills…」

Merle, predicting that the Demon King would be a formidable foe beyond Zandarza and the others, struggled to suppress a budding smirk, rallying his reason against such impropriety. Dran consoled himself, seeing Merle’s effort at self-restraint.

Although Merle strongly opposes unjust violence against the weak and abhors massacre even in battle, he has a twisted enthusiasm for challenging powerful opponents requiring his full strength.

「It’s likely that in future battles, Dramina and I will need to take a more active role. If Romal Empire can synchronize with us, even without the Demon King on the frontline, we could penetrate to his main camp. Let’s see, hmm.」

Communication with Romal Empire could be quickly facilitated through Gwandan, and Asteria would swiftly corroborate and act accordingly. Drawing two or three of the Demon Six Generals would be a favorable outcome, Doran concluded.

As they discussed the previous battle and forthcoming developments, they arrived at the main camp of Arkrest Kingdom’s force against the Demon King’s Army. The camp was unusual this time, operating a floating battleship as its headquarters.

This massive floating battleship, formed by connecting four ships around an especially large central battleship, was a repurposed construct, originally halfway built as the kingdom’s aerial power cornerstone.

Instead of a single enormous flying battleship, five were linked, designed for dynamic connection and separation as needed. But the project was abandoned midway due to its complex structure and the challenge of maintaining necessary buoyancy. Now revived as a huge floating battleship, capable of navigation independent of terrain, it hovered at a certain altitude above the ground, grounded by descent apparatus extending from its ship’s base.

The lower front of the central ship was partially open, serving as the entrance to the interior.

「Now, what will Prince Sperion and his advisors say, Merle? Considering your position, I don’t expect severe reprimand, but taking responsibility for one’s actions is a part of being an adult. Please be prepared.」

「Yes…」

Dran thus cautioned Merle, who seemed so disheartened that he wondered if the admonition was even necessary. Despite being arguably the most powerful human magician, Merle’s spirit was notably frail.

「It’s troublesome if he remains this dejected. Having directly experienced the might of the demon forces, he must understand that conventional warfare would result in extraordinary casualties. Perhaps a proposal for a smaller force to target the enemy’s core is forthcoming…」

Dran based this guess on his past life’s experience. This smaller force would surely include Dran, Dramina, and others from the Barony of Berne.

Dran strongly foresaw a future where they would soon confront the Demon King.