SWNOVELXO Chapter 421
The situation on Ainel’s side, as relayed by Epheana, didn’t look too promising.
‘As long as the monsters are just covering the fortress, we should be able to handle it easily.’
The fortress where Ainel was stationed was packed with those seasoned in combat. Leading them was Ainel, who had reached the level of a master, along with the elite forces gathered by Adelhaite to take down the dragon – a formidable force keeping watch over the fortress.
Especially since many battle wizards from the Royal Sorcerer and Duke Rephelia’s House were heavily involved, even if the monsters came in droves, they could be held back by the overwhelming magical firepower.
‘The problem is that not only the monsters but also the dragon is coming down with them.’
The fact that the dragon was descending among them was the worst-case scenario.
“The Count deals with the demons in the west, the Kalia Marquis deals with the Imperial army across the border, while we, the Alenarr Marquis Family, have so far been preventing the monsters from advancing due to the dragon’s movements. As long as we’ve held this place for so many years, we also carry the history of having fought against dragons in the past.”
It’s true that lately, he’s been spending his days sleeping, unable to withstand his old, frail body, so there hasn’t been much friction.
But when he had awakened after a long time, on days when his health was good, he would sometimes come down here to wander. It seems that the Alenarr Marquis Family has fought against dragons even at the edge of human territory.
“The dragon’s massive body creates earthquakes whenever it leaps. Even if it’s just a subspecies that has fallen from the divine dragon, the magic within its blood is immensely high and destructive, making it difficult for humans to contend with.”
Thus, Epheana said,
“Dragons inherently carry overwhelming strength and possess a domineering temperament.”
“But the thing is, our understanding of dragons is deeper than other families, and we, along with Your Highness the Princess, see aspects more important than just the dragon descending.”
Nodding cautiously at Epheana’s words, I replied.
“The surviving scout team reported that the dragon’s body was covered in wounds and appeared to be fleeing from something.”
“Correct, Baron. Until now, there hasn’t been a creature in the north that could injure that old dragon. Moreover, the sight of it moving so hastily signifies something unusual.”
“I recall what happened at the Academy. They said a demon was lurking in the north. If it could drive a dragon into such a corner, it must be a high-ranking demon.”
“As expected of you, Baron. I knew you would say that. I think Your Highness and the information officers at the Central Fortress are assessing it the same way.”
The only thing capable of inflicting that much damage on a dragon would be the Demon of Gluttony.
It was a powerful foe, even when it was withered and crying out in hunger. Now, the cultists were busily supplying it with food. A well-fed demon would surely seek even higher quality prey.
“Thus, it was said that from the Central Fortress, there’s a high possibility that the fleeing dragon will lead hunters to the fortress where Young Lady Shianella is stationed. We might manage to divert the monsters and dragon’s routes, but if yet another monster arrives that can match the dragon…”
It would be the worst-case scenario for Ainel.
‘The Grand Elder of the Great Forest, Edelin, also struggled to cleanse the demon’s poison.’
A millennium-old high elf who had faced demons during the Great War—Edelin needed immense effort to manifest spirits in the world to cleanse the demon’s poison.
Five demons are a whole different caliber of monster.
No matter how much Ainel might be a master knight, there’s no way she could deal with both a dragon and such demons simultaneously.
“Therefore, in response to the sudden situation, we received direct orders from Your Highness at the Central Fortress.”
Epheana slowly turned to Abel and the commander of the royal regular army.
“All forces, except for those defending the fortress, are to prepare to secure the passages connected to the west to prevent the cultists from infiltrating the Count’s fortress.”
Then, her icy gaze shifted to me.
Under a grave atmosphere, she conveyed Adelhaite’s orders to me.
“Baron Ray Karpel. Since you have joined this war with the mission of hunting demons, you are to prepare to execute joint operations with Young Lady Shianella at the Central Fortress, rather than Kisia Fortress, to meet any potential situations.”
We’ve forged a friendship under the spirit of hunting demons together.
“From now on, we shall prepare for a fierce battle.”
Adelhaite seemed keen to reap the rewards of our new friendship.
*
Wuuung─!
The heavy sound of a horn echoed from the ramparts of the fortress.
“Movement of monsters detected! Currently advancing toward the fortress!”
“Beat the drums!”
The soldiers hastily began to strike the drums set up atop the castle walls.
Thud… Thud… Thud…!
The sound of drums heralded the imminent assault and made the hearts of the defenders on the walls race.
“Commander, the enemy has been identified! It seems they will clash with the fortress shortly!”
“This is already the third time today. What’s the size of the enemy?”
“Approximately 300 medium to large monsters are currently heading toward the fortress.”
“Hm.”
Ainel adjusted the grip on her longsword at her waist.
After organizing her thoughts, she began to move slowly and continued speaking.
“I could hear the dragon’s roar from beyond the horizon; it seemed like more were coming this time. I suppose this can be regarded as fortunate.”
“……”
“Unlike before, the high-ranking attack and binding magics being prepared by the wizards should continue their magical constructions. Meanwhile, we will deploy the battle wizards and priests that were resting to the walls.”
“Understood.”
“Disperse the soldiers with experience from the last Count’s defense operation to the expected attack zones of the enemies. I’d say it’s best to fill those gaps with the forces of the Alenarr Marquis Family and the royal army. Keep the deployment as is.”
As Ainel’s strides quickened, she soon reached the ramparts.
Although it didn’t reach the height and sturdiness boasted by the Count’s House, its fortitude had stood the test of time, unwavering against assaults.
Ainel climbed the steps of the ramparts and looked down at the landscape beyond.
“Indeed, the monsters have grown significantly larger than before.”
Every individual monster was likely larger than the orcs in the West, filling the ground.
Their massive forms, combined with the pressure of over 300 monsters charging at once, felt quite threatening.
But instead of grimacing, Ainel merely scoffed at them.
“However… they still can’t compare to the monsters that attacked the Count’s House.”
To her eyes, they were nothing but defeated soldiers chased by dragons and demons.
They couldn’t even be likened to the overwhelming tide of murderous intent that had surged before, and the elite soldiers gathered to keep the fortress standing had come to kill the dragon, not to deal with such trivial monsters.
With the belief that they would never breach the gates, Ainel commanded in a steady voice.
“Battle wizards, prepare for bombardment.”
At her command, the skilled wizards from Duke Rephelia’s House gathered mana.
“Archers, nock your arrows and stand by; heavy cavalry, prepare to charge in front of the gates.”
The fortress’s elite troops bristled with the spirit of battle.
As soon as the monsters entered the range of the wizards…
“Battle wizards, attack!”
“Attack!”
Flames and thunder swept across the ground, and countless corpses tumbled to the earth.
The monsters that pressed closer, having stepped on the corpses of their kind, shouted,
“The enemy is within range! Archers, fire!”
“All troops, commence firing! Make way for the heavy cavalry to sweep through the enemy lines!”
The defense force, spearheaded by powerful longbows, had turned the assailants into pincushions.
In an instant, half of the 300 enemies had been reduced in number.
Ainel sought to capitalize on this momentum.
“Archers, attack the remaining enemies, and gatekeepers, open the gates!”
As the thick and sturdy gates began to slowly creak open, heavily armored cavalry warriors appeared, ready for battle.
Even their mounts exuded an impressive fighting spirit, showcasing their instinct to charge.
“Heavy cavalry, charge!”
They quickly gained speed, plunging into the heart of the battlefield, fighting bravely.
The tides of battle began to swing in their favor. Just as Ainel was planning to resume discussions on defeating the dragon without personally entering the fray, a fierce voice broke her thoughts.
“Commander, a large monster has breached our defenses…! There are three of them! One of them has broken through the heavy cavalry’s fierce assault and is charging toward the gates!”
In line with the fame of various monsters inhabiting the north,
perhaps due to their thick local layers, even with arrows embedded in them, the monsters continued dashing about without a care.
The one that stood approximately 3 meters tall and was elongated moved with remarkable agility; it barreled through the heavy cavalry and headed south.
Ainel clicked her tongue softly and slowly drew her sword from its sheath.
“I’ll handle this myself.”
As warmth from her hands flowed into her now-cold sword, the white blade began to shimmer with a silvery aura.
An overwhelming presence pressed down around her. Those present realized she had become the commander of the extermination team, destined to be the one to slay the dragon. The soldiers from the Count’s House cheered, while soldiers from other houses felt awe and tremors of excitement.
And that presence was not limited to humans. As the large monster turned its head to look at Ainel, at that moment…
Thwack─!
Ainel leapt down from the ramparts, swinging her sword.
“…The enemies keep getting more bothersome.”
A crescent arc, drawn by Ainel, cleanly sliced the enemy’s massive body in half.
“May the princess’s schemes shine bright before dragons and demons sweep through the fortress.”