Chapter 93 – Royal Order Completion Part 4
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Translator: SFBaka
Editor: Thor’s Stone
Hermann gave the signal to begin, and the square formation began to gradually advance toward the entrance of the limestone caverns. Our formation also advanced and followed after them.
The commander of the formation issued their commands after reaching the area about 40 meters away from the earthen wall, and the shield-bearers opened gaps in their ranks in order to give way for the magic casters behind them, who then proceeded to launch Flame Arrow spells.
Twenty-five people simultaneously launched Flame Arrows. Seventy-five Flame Arrow projectiles flying out in unison was quite a spectacular sight. More than half of said projectiles successfully went through the peepholes in the wall. A wave of pained screams followed soon after.
Immediately after that, there was movement from behind the earthen wall, and the larger peepholes were sealed up by what seemed to be block-shaped masses of soil. It looks like they weren’t idiots after all.
Now that it’s come to this, magic attacks were practically almost rendered ineffective, and the earthen wall managed to block the flaming arrows.
In response, three shield-bearers went up and started to remove the soil blocks. Afterward, a few arrows were quickly fired out from the openings in retaliation. They were able to avoid getting injured due to their shields, but it looks like they can’t carelessly approach the wall.
“This is troublesome. We might need to use a battering ram.”
Hermann declared as he watched on.
(Iris, what’s a battering ram?)
『This is the said item, Captain.』
An image was displayed on a virtual window. The image was of people pushing what looked to be a huge log suspended on a wheeled chassis and using it to hammer a castle gate. It seems to be a weapon designed to destroy gates and fortifications by repeatedly striking them with a large wooden log.
It was a very primitive and reckless method. If we were to use such a weapon, there’s no doubt that the people operating it would be sitting ducks to arrows and other projectiles. No matter how many lives you had, they probably wouldn’t be enough.
“Let us continue with the current attack strategy a little bit more.”
“……By your will.”
If I match the timing with the soldiers’ spells, I probably wouldn’t get found out. Alright, let’s mix a Fire Grenade spell in the barrage.
First, let’s create an appropriate image. It’s unexpectedly difficult. I suppose that’s because I haven’t really tried firing this spell from a distance this far. After revising my mental image a number of times, I finally felt that I’d be able to pull it off.
Right then. I’ll match their timing and…… Now!
Yosh! A single fireball was mixed in with the fire arrows the soldiers launched out. The moment the fireball landed on the earthen wall, it caused an explosion.
“Wha–! Just what happened!?”
“Perhaps something inside the wall got ignited. This is a good opportunity. Focus your magic spells on that opening.”
The grenade managed to pry open a large hole with a diameter of about two meters. At the commander’s orders, the square formation advanced forward gradually while continuing to launch spells.
It looks like after experiencing a number of casualties due to the magic spells being fired at them, the bandits finally gave up on defending the wall. The formations finally arrived right in front of the earthen wall. The commander quickly scanned the interior, and at his order, the soldiers under him proceeded to rush inside the cavern. It looks like we’ve finally done it.
The soldiers didn’t let up on their attacks even after entering the cavern, and soon, panicked and pained screams rang out from within. Well, they were up against an elite military magic corps after all.
Before long, the commotion within the limestone cavern finally died down. No, I could still hear pained groans, but there were no longer any sounds of fighting. Have they finished up?
“Let’s go inside as well.”
After entering, we proceeded about fifty meters into the cavern and found that the soldiers and bandits locked in a stalemate while glaring daggers at each other. It looks like what we were worried about really did happen.
The bandits were pressing their swords on the necks of about twenty women. Perhaps these women were captured and held here in order to satisfy the base desires of these scum.
It looks like the commander decided to pause the attack after seeing the hostages. I suppose I have to try negotiating for their release.
“Release those women. If you do, I promise to spare your lives.”
My voice echoed loudly within the limestone cavern.
“Hou, quite young, aren’t you? Are you the rumored Baron Corinth?”
A tall and well-built man with a face fit for a villain came forward. He was probably about two meters tall.
“That’s right. I will not let you suffer any further harm if you release them.”
“A brat as young as you is being hailed as a Dragon Slayer? It looks like those rumors really are unreliable huh. We won’t release them, of course. Instead, we’d prefer that you withdraw your men and allow us to escape. How about it?”
I suppose no one here actually did believe my words huh.
Now then, what should I do? What deal would these bandits find attractive?
“……How about deciding things via single combat with me? If you win, I shall let you all escape.”
“”Alan-sama!””
“Your Excellency!”
“…………Sorry, but I’ll have to pass.”
“Oi! We can’t pass up such an opportunity! We should go for it!”
“You wanna go fight him then? Even if the opponent is young, he’s still an A-rank adventurer y’know? And there’s no guarantee he’ll even keep his word.”
“I swear upon my honor as this kingdom’s noble that I shall keep my word.”
My words silenced everyone, including the bandits. I just tried saying it out, but it looks like those words did hold some weight huh.
“……Sorry, but no. I’m a pretty determined guy even if I look like this y’know.”
The heck. He’s not acting like your typical villain at all. Well, this is troublesome. I can’t make any further concessions.
“Then, what if your opponent was me?”
The one who suddenly spoke up was Selena.
(Alan, please let me do it. I will never lose to such a guy.)
(But Selena–)
(I also have my pride. If you really consider me as your Vice-Captain, then please let me do this.)
I see…… Pride huh. I suppose she really would require holding such pride if she was to stand above and lead the people of this planet alongside me.
And thanks to their strengthened bodies, Selena and Sharon have grown to be second only to me in terms of swordsmanship skills within the Clan. I guess there’s no way she’d ever lose.
“Are you saying we’ll be allowed to escape if we defeat you, lassie?”
“……Very well. I shall also swear upon this with my pride as this kingdom’s noble.”
“If that’s the case, then it’s a different story. Fine, I’ll take you up on that. I’ll be your opponent.”
Everyone in the Clan was very familiar with Selena’s strength so no one raised any protest.
After a simple exchange, the one-on-one duel was finally decided. The women were moved to a corner of the cavern where the bandits wouldn’t be able to easily reach them.
It would be easy to round up the bandits if we made a move now, but I have to preserve my face as a noble as well. Haa…… What a pain.
And so, Selena and the bandit leader’s duel finally began.
“Oh, I didn’t manage to inform you earlier, but this is my sword.”
The bandit leader displayed a sneering grin and pulled out his sword. It then glowed brightly. It was a magic sword.
“I see. Then go ahead and take a look at my sword as well.”
Selena made her sword shine as well.
“”Oooh!””
The soldiers and adventurers in the gallery raised cheers after witnessing the scene.
“I also didn’t manage to say this earlier, but I previously served as an assistant instructor in the Divine Sword style dojo. I ended up killing lots of people and got excommunicated though.”
“I see. Then you should be able to put up a good fight.”
The distance between the two was about three meters. Everyone present was holding their breath while listening to the two’s exchange.
The bandit leader suddenly made his move and slashed down. Selena calmly received the attack and locked swords with her opponent. She made full use of her strengthened body and pushed her opponent back.
“”Oooh!””
“……You’re pretty good, lass. Alright then. I’ll let you have a taste of my trump card. ……Divine Sword style secret technique, Extreme Blade Slash!”
“”Extreme Blade Slash.””
People from the gallery muttered in agitation. Was it some sort of famous technique?
The bandit leader proceeded to hold his sword in an upper diagonal stance. This stance was similar to the one often used by Dalshim. Dammit. I ended up thinking the technique name sounded a bit cool as well.
“Corinth style secret technique, Justice Judgement.”
“”Corinth style secret technique.””
The people from the Clan let out surprised voices.
Selena then held her sword in an overhead stance. I internally wallowed in both utter embarrassment and pride after witnessing the sight.
Justice Judgement was a one-hit sure-kill technique, which was pretty rare in the Corinth style. This duel will be decided after this exchange of blows.
The moment the bandit leader got into range, Selena had already swung her sword down. The bandit leader’s arm that held his sword flew through the air.
The ones who were able to fully follow the sword strike were probably just Sharon and me. It was just that sharp and fast.
“”Oooh!””
The sight of Selena flicking the blood off her sword and placing it back on its sheath was dazzling and cool, man.
“That was wonderful swordsmanship, Selena.”
“Thank you very much. But it looks like his style wasn’t a match for Corinth style after all.”
“Oh, I believed you’d be victorious, but I still feel so relieved, Selena!”
“That was such an amazing sword technique!”
“You truly displayed such wonderful swordsmanship, Captain Selena!”
The Clan members heaped praises on Selena. Well, I suppose this was only natural.
The bandits allowed themselves to get apprehended without resisting. We also secured the women who were held hostage.
Now then, it’s time for some fun.
“Yosh. Let’s go and check out the loot everyone.”
A large number of goods were stored at the back of the limestone cavern. They were more than enough to fill up an entire rental warehouse. Even a casual scan revealed plenty of valuable-looking items.
“This…… It would be quite difficult to transport all of this back to the city in one day. We’d need two days at least.”
Hermann declared so with a satisfied grin on his face.
“This is also part of the job. Let’s just do our best.”
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