Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 7: Blood in the Forest, Part 1
...—25th June, E642 | Amarest— Large Forest...
RAIN is not something to be feared, but the story is different if it is a rain of arrows made of concentrated wind and hot star dust. Even for individuals of the caliber of the Imperial Army, that terrifying look in the sky still left their temples filled with panic sweat. The arrows were not something that could be blocked with a wall of dirt—no doubt that it would be able to pierce through the thin adamantite shield.
Xavier instructed the soldiers behind him to stop, who were responsibly filled with 4503 people behind him. It was not necessary to second-guess who bombarded the skies of the Amarest Great Forest with arrows; the answer was clearer than the arrows themselves.
“Meet!” exclaim Xavier, and instantly their range against each other becomes smaller.
More saving mana using [Reverse Law] with smaller coverage area, inner Xavier while looking up with his right hand held high—use [Reverse Law] to reverse the direction of the arrows targeting them.
After all, Xavier did not want to let his soldiers fall if he could save them. They all have families who are always waiting for their return. Letting them be killed when he can prevent it is like deliberately telling thousands of families who pray for their safety. As much as Xavier doesn't want to care, .he's their leader.
“Commander!” exclaimed one of the soldiers, his gaze led to the front of— which was then followed by the other soldiers.
Xavier glanced at the soldiers, before turning his head in the direction they all looked.
Magical Beasts. It should be that the area they passed through was not inhabited by many Magical Beasts. If it was a lot, it would be harmless Magical Beasts, which were not even stronger than horned rabbits. However, in addition to the hundreds, the Magical Beasts that confronted them were dangerous. In fact, there were some of them that were as big as young dragons.
They made good use of the Magical Beast, praise Xavier inwardly, but outside let his forehead frown. “Trident head formation!” xavier's orders, and with full discipline the soldiers carried out the orders.
There was nothing too special about the trident head formation, other than its great flexibility.
It was a formation they learned to use when they were surrounded, or were in a situation where one-on-one combat was impossible. Depending on the circumstances, the position of the soldiers would be different. When they are surrounded in a circle, the better soldiers in the supporting magic will be in the outer part of the attack target. If it was only attacked from one side, all of its strong offensive warriors would form a spearhead. As the strongest, Xavier was of course at the tip of the middle spear of the trident.
With his right hand still raised above the arrows that had not stopped descending, Xavier's left hand stretched forward with his palm open. Black flames instantly gushed out intimidating the Magical Beasts. Simultaneously, the soldiers simultaneously threw out their spells.
...* * *...
As she calls on her soldiers, Emily puts all her focus on overcoming the dangerous arrows. Both of his hands were in a state of fusing with grinding teeth, a barrage of magic circles of various sizes shooting lightning arrows intercepted the arrows falling from the sky. A series of explosions like sparks instantly filled the sky as the arrows competed against each other.
On the other hand, even though the soldiers had darted forward as per Emily's, their pace came to a sudden halt. The screeching and ringing of the Magical Beast's mouths made them unable to go.
There was nothing Emily could do to help them. His focus is entirely centered on the enemy attack ‒ he does not want the arrows tucked away from his attention. The arrows descending from the sky are still hunting them, but Emily's lightning arrows can intercept them first. If his focus is shared, of course he will not be able to block the rain of arrows perfectly.
...* * *...
Kanna had to admit that it was a good opening attack to reduce the number of enemy troops. Nor did he hesitate to praise magic users who can attack from that distance. Unfortunately, that didn't mean much when he was here.
With a single swing of the replica of the Kurtalaegon, a giant barrier had stretched over them. All of the arrows instantly melted into mana fragments as they struck the barrier, and the barrier became stronger with an additional supply of mana.
The panic of the soldiers instantly disappeared after seeing how helpless the enemy's attack was. It made them lose their doubts about what they heard about the princess. Everything he has done so far has not been exaggerated at all. Kanna el Vermillion was truly powerful; his existence always ensured the soldiers had the maximum chance of survival. The past war, for example, not a single Imperial Army soldier was killed.
The confidence of the soldiers this time was no longer permeated by doubtful stains. They have an unwavering belief at heart: “As long as we are under the orders of the princess, there is nothing to fear.”
...* * *...
“Commander Xavier and Princess Kanna were among those soldiers, weren't you?” atland asked as he leaped from the top of the city wall, landing between Alforalis and Evillia.
“Ya.” The response came from Camelia. “They are both in the attacking army.”
“That explains why my attack didn't twitch.” Atland nodded to himself, his blood seething as he imagined himself a second time crossing the attacking weapons of Xavier. “Lantas, who's the other commander? He looks very capable in lightning magic—and I know it's not Commander Dermyus; that guy couldn't have used pink lightning.”
“Commander Emily, replacement of Commander Nizivia.”
Atland did not hide his surprise. Nizivia is strong, even Xavier who defeated her does not dwell in front of the midget girl. “What is this Commander Emily stronger than Nizivia?” tanyanya. “Or, Nizivia has died?”
“Commander Nizivia stronger. Commander Emily.he may be the weakest among the commanders,” explains Camelia. “He became commander because Commander Nizivia has disappeared since some time ago. Whether he died or not, the empire has not confirmed. If you don't know yet, he and Commander Lumeira had infiltrated the Elf Kingdom.”
“There's a lot going on these few days,” open Evillia's voice. “Two Deus Chaperon members have died. Menez was taken prisoner by the Vampire Kingdom. And other. We'll talk about it after the war is over. For now, we focus on what lies ahead. Alforalis.” Evillia stepped forward; aforalis nodded. “Come go.”
Camelia and her squad immediately followed Evillia who had been at the front with Alforalis.
Atland slicked his shoulders. In Deus Chaperon, he could say only close to Menez. So, he didn't really feel anything hearing someone die. However, he understood very well what it meant. The situation ahead will get more serious. And, it is not impossible that the turn of death will follow.
At least, before I die I should at least have gotten a friendly kiss Elenoa. With a determined mutter at heart, Atland also stepped up after Evillia and the others.