Our presentation had proven successful, an achievement celebrated with fervor and satisfaction. The resolute Adamant Knights, displaying unwavering determination, pledged their entire force to the formidable task of locating and obliterating the fiend's nest. The once-concerned murmurs regarding budgetary constraints were swiftly silenced, drowned out by the impassioned desire of the knights to engage in battle.
In the wake of this resolute decision, the knights wasted no time in commencing the meticulous planning of the operation. By day's end, only a scant few particulars remained undecided, testament to their remarkable efficiency. It was during this flurry of activity that Petr, the stalwart ally by my side, received a formal entreaty from the order, inviting his participation in the impending endeavor. Eryn, representing the Vandaris Weavers' Guild, also acquiesced to join our ranks.
"Not that it presents a quandary, but they have officially bestowed upon you the designation of 'ally,'" Petr remarked privately to me, his voice laced with astute observation once the day's demanding meetings had concluded.
"Ah..." My initial response was one of slight surprise, for I had not accorded much thought to the matter. Petr, however, was perceptive, highlighting the implications of our newfound alliance. As allies, mutual assistance, and support would be expected. While I had successfully garnered aid and backing from the formidable Adamant Knights, I now bore the weight of responsibility to reciprocate that support. If Armand, the shrewd captain of the order, had meticulously orchestrated these arrangements before approaching me, then his acumen was undoubtedly deserving of his esteemed position, I mused.
"Exercise caution, my friend, lest you amass an abundance of alliances, rendering yourself ineffectual," Eryn interjected, her words laced with a touch of playful derision.
Indeed, a prudent admonition to heed...
"Ugh," I grumbled under my breath, cherishing a few fleeting moments of respite. Nevertheless, duty beckoned, compelling me to depart from the opulent chamber I had been temporarily assigned and venture forth into the vibrant expanse of the courtyard.
I was fatigued, my weariness seeping into my bones, but when Albert summoned me, I knew I could not deny his request.
"I offer my apologies for summoning you at such a late hour, Lord Archmage," Albert began, clad in a suit of resplendent armor. His contingent of knights, twenty in number, stood with unwavering resolve behind him.
"I do not mind, but pray to tell, what is the purpose of this summons?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.
"I wished to beseech your aid in our training," Albert explained.
"Our training?" I echoed, perplexed.
"I have heard whispers that you possess the ability to conjure creatures akin to friends..." His words,' led off, leaving a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
Ah, he must be referring to Create Monster, a spell I had not directly disclosed to them. Lana must have divulged the information to Petr, who then relayed it to Albert.
Nonetheless, this presented an opportunity for me to gauge the proficiency of the knights and gain a rudimentary understanding o,f the power dynamics within Dravus. From my studies of historical records, I knew that the order possessed considerable expertise in combatting undead and fiends. But how would they fare against six ogres?
"Truth be told, I have yet to face a genuine fiend myself," Albert continued, his voice tinged with sincerity. "The same holds for half of the knights within our order. I have assembled a substantial contingent under my command, hoping that you might grant us an experience akin to the forthcoming battle against the daemons. In doing so, we aim to augment our preparedness."
Albert's request was far more calculated and thoughtful than I had initially surmised. It was easy to warm to him, for his earnestness was undeniably endearing. The gleam in his eyes, so pure and radiant, seemed out of place in a world jaded by cynicism, such as my own.
"I cannot, in good conscience, accept payment for such a simple request," I firmly replied, attempting to dissuade Albert as he bowed his head and produced a leather bag overflowing with gold coins. With great reverence, he presented the bag before me, a testament to his gratitude.
"No, no... You need not do this. I could not possibly accept anything in return for fulfilling such a modest task. Utilize that money for the betterment of your order," I insisted, my voice carrying the weight of sincerity.
"Th-thank you!" Albert stammered, his head bowing once more. His entire company of knights mirrored his gesture. The visible relief etched upon Albert's countenance was palpable.
I have already gleaned from Isreal how dire your financial situation is. Please, do not be hasty in spending that...
"As a consequence of this spell, a platoon of six ogres shall materialize ex nihilo, obeying my every command for three days. Create Ogre Platoon," I intoned.
"Grrr!!!"
"Whoa..."
"He truly summoned fiends..."
"But their hue is unlike any we have seen before."
"He possesses such capabilities?"
Whispers rippled through the ranks of Albert's retinue, their expressions a mixture of awe and trepidation. Even Albert's complexion paled in response to the sight before him.
My incantation materialized six hulking ogres with crimson skin within the confines of the courtyard. As this was purely for training purposes, I had refrained from equipping the ogres with any weaponry. However, the unyielding strength of their rock-hard fists alone could effortlessly extinguish human life. Based on my observations of both species, ogres could be roughly likened to the second classification of fiends—the Netherhulk.
Unquestionably, there were discernible disparities between the blood-red skin of a Netherhulk and the brownish-red hue adorning the ogres. Furthermore, the ogres lacked the seething malice characteristic of fiends. While a few knights in Albert's company astutely pointed out these discrepancies, the majority seemed to be overreacting, their unease overshadowing reason.
"W-well then," Albert stammered, attempting to regain control of the situation. "I believe it would be prudent for us to divide into two groups." He turned towards me, seeking guidance. "May we proceed with dispatching them?"
"Indeed," I affirmed. "By all means, proceed."
"Wait! Wait just a damned minute!" A voice boomed through the courtyard. It was Gilbert, leaping and bellowing, accompanied by Linden and the rest of his contingent.
"Al! What is Preservation's name are you attempting to accomplish, trying to one-up me?!" Gilbert roared, his voice filled with belligerence.
"P-please, Gilbert, let us maintain composure," Albert implored, his voice tinged with strain.
"Brother, cease this behavior! Your actions are discourteous!" Linden interjected, hurrying to catch up.
It was evident that Gilbert held no shred of respect for Albert, his imposing stature serving as a constant threat, despite Linden's valiant attempts to intervene. Albert maintained a forced a smile, but both companies stared at each other, their mutual animosity palpable. Yet, as I surveyed the reactions of those gathered in the courtyard, it became apparent that Gilbert's side found little support outside the ranks of his knights.
"Lord Archmage! Allow me the honor of facing those abominations first! I deserve the initial strike!" Gilbert boisterously proclaimed.
"B-but... I asked first..." Albert meekly protested.
Gilbert's presence was an annoyance to Albert (to expect otherwise would be unreasonable), and it didn't help that Albert, in general, seemed to possess a docile temperament. Nevertheless, his reluctance to yield immediately served as evidence that he was not entirely cowed by Gilbert's domineering nature.
"Gilbert," I called out, capturing his attention.
"Yes, Lord Archmage," he responded, his voice laced with deference.
In my days back in America, individuals like Gilbert were not ones I particularly relished dealing with. And had I been burdened with a subordinate such as Albert, I likely would have found him equally irksome. However, with a change in status comes a shift in perspective. As I regarded these spirited yet immature youngsters before me, I found myself growing fond of both of them.
"Although Albert beat you to the punch this time, there is no need for concern. Should the need arise, I can summon more ogres. Could I prevail upon you to wait until Albert has had his turn?" I proposed, my words directed at Gilbert.
"F...fine," Gilbert grumbled, his resistance subdued.
"I offer my deepest apologies for causing you trouble, my lord! Your kindness and consideration are truly commendable!" Linden chimed in, her eyes shining with gratitude.
Even Gilbert, who had previously been so brash, now seemed compelled to hold his tongue. He appeared caught between conflicting emotions of fear and awe. As for Linden, she regarded me as some embodiment of justice, placing unwavering trust in my actions—a perception I regrettably could not live up to. I could only apologize silently for that.
"Well then, my valiant knights. Assume your positions," I declared, eager to shift the focus away from the earlier discord. Raising my staff high, I continued, "Prepare yourselves for battle!"
"Understood," Albert acknowledged with a firm nod.
"Everyone! Ready yourselves for combat! Platoons one and two form a steadfast defensive line! Platoon three, prepare to flank the enemy! Platoon four, remain on standby as reserves!" Albert's voice rang out with unexpected clarity and authority as he issued his orders. Swiftly, his contingent of twenty knights fell into formation. Ten knights formed the front line, with five clustering at the rightmost end and another five taking up positions in the rear, with Albert among them.
"Ogres, engage the knights. However, under no circumstances are you to cause them harm," I commanded, marveling at how effortlessly the tone of my voice fell in line with the character I was playing. Not that it truly mattered, for the ogres would obey my every word, whether my delivery was convincing or not.
"Gruooow!"Graah!"
The ogres charged ferociously toward the knights' steadfast defensive line.
"Ready your shields!" Albert's commanding voice rang out, prompting the front line to swiftly raise their shields, each adorned with the emblem of the order. With unison precision, every shield was elevated to eye level, forming an imposing barrier. Albert's knights exhibited remarkable discipline, acting as a synchronized machine that appeared to be an impenetrable wall of iron... or so it seemed.
"Grrooo!"
With the very first swing of the ogres' massive fists, the knights' formidable formation wavered. Though no one was sent hurtling backward, several stumbled and had to retreat. The line began to lose its cohesion.
"Don't yield!" shouted a knight from the center, his voice filled with determination. "Hold your ground!"
"Grroow! Graah!"
Yet, under the relentless force of the ogres' assaults, the line appeared on the verge of collapse. It teetered precariously as if a single blow would shatter its resolve.
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Albert parted his lips, seemingly poised to issue another command. However, he appeared momentarily at a loss, the words eluding him.
"Grraah!!!"
Yet the ogres would not wait. A few fleeting seconds passed, and the first knight was sent hurtling through the air, followed swiftly by the second and third. None could withstand the relentless barrage, and those who managed to remain on their feet were driven to their knees under the unyielding onslaught.
"Platoon four, advance! Platoon three, flank them now!" Albert's voice regained its strength, despite the ongoing struggle. Though the knights were outmatched, he refused to surrender.
"Gyah!!!"Uwah?!"
However, the ogres' immense strength proved too overwhelming for the knights to withstand. Even as the fourth platoon rushed to fill the gaps in the front line, new breaches emerged in the wall of defenders.
"Take that!"Graahhh!"
The flanking platoon launched a coordinated assault, driving their swords into the ogres' sides and backs. Finally, they managed to inflict some damage, but their triumph was short-lived as the enraged monsters retaliated with devastating punches.
"Regroup! Form a circle! Victory to Adamant!" Albert's resolute cry rallied the remaining able knights as they formed a defensive ring facing outward.
"Oh, look at them go," I remarked, genuinely impressed by their tenacity.
"Al! Don't you give up! Aim for the eyes!" Linden's spirited encouragement filled the air.
"What the hell is he doing? If it were me..." Gilbert's grumbling betrayed his lack of support for Albert.
Even so, Gilbert's reaction was a marked improvement compared to the frozen, silent onlookers who surrounded us.
Well, I can't entirely blame them. After all, these ogres are merely substitutes for netherhulks ... I pondered, but then a more pressing concern gripped my mind. What will happen when they face the real thing?
"That's enough!" I bellowed, my voice cutting through the chaos.
Albert fought valiantly, narrowly evading the ogres' thunderous fists. However, one powerful blow sent his sword flying from his grasp. Just as the ogre's fist was about to connect with Albert's head, I commanded the creatures to halt.
The obedient ogres froze in place, their massive forms looming over the battlefield. Albert, though visibly shaken, quickly regained his composure.
"Everyone, you fought with valor!" he declared, his voice resolute. "Rest for the remainder of the day. We shall revise our strategies before the operation begins. Remember, this is but a training exercise. Your strength and bravery will be tested in the real battle to come!"
I marveled at Albert's swift recovery and his unwavering dedication to his company. He moved among the fallen knights, offering them assistance to their feet. Despite the weight of disappointment etched on his face, he understood the importance of projecting strength as their leader.
"F-forgive us for our shortcomings..."Next time, we will prevail..."
As the individual knights wrestled with their shame and despair, their unwavering respect for Albert bound them together.
"I can't believe you all!" Gilbert spat, his words dripping with disdain. "I'll show you how it's done!"
Gilbert, as tactless as ever, drew a barrage of icy glares from his comrades. They say Gilbert and Albert are both contenders for the position of captain, but is it truly a contest? In terms of popularity, there is no doubt that Albert holds the favor of their comrades.
"Take that! And that! Now how about this?!" Gilbert's company displayed a fighting style that stood in stark contrast to Albert's disciplined approach. Without waiting for commands, Gilbert charged forward, leaving his knights to fend for themselves.
Gilbert's confidence was not misplaced. He fought with remarkable skill, parrying the ogres' strikes with his shield and swiftly counterattacking, targeting their vulnerabilities with precise swordplay. Despite his hulking stature, his movements were surprisingly agile, a testament to calculated maneuvers rather than mere reflexes.
"Hiya! Yah!" Leoria, on the other hand, danced around Gilbert in a whirlwind of motion. She moved so swiftly that her armor seemed weightless, confounding the ogres with deceptive feints and capitalizing on the resulting openings to strike at their legs.
A wave of cheers erupted from the onlookers. One of the ogres, assailed by Linden's assault, crumpled to its knees. Witnessing the knights' extraordinary performances, it became increasingly difficult to believe they were mere mortals. If matched against an ogre in a one-on-one duel, it would be a formidable challenge to determine who possessed the greater strength.
This is the true nature of Sedia, I mused. In this fantastical realm, individuals with diverse aptitudes and experiences displayed an astonishing array of skills and abilities, prompting me to question their very humanity. It was a world of swords and sorcery, a world of heroes.
"Good going, Lin! Hrrngh?!"Hey! Let me go!!!"
However, regrettably, these two heroes had reached their limits.
Gilbert, struck from behind by an ogre's kick, was sent sprawling amidst the sand. Meanwhile, Linden, panting heavily, found herself ensnared by another ogre, her sword slipping from her grasp. The rest of the second company had already succumbed to defeat.
"Stop! That's enough!" I interjected urgently, commanding the ogres to halt their assault.
"Damn it!" Gilbert cursed, his form adorned with a coat of sand. "Give me one more chance, Lord Xandros."
"You... you brute! Release me!" Linden's voice brimmed with defiance as she continued to struggle, launching punches at the ogre that held her arm.
Both of them impressed me, albeit in different ways than Albert had. However...
"What are you doing, dampening morale before the operation even commences?!" Eryn's incredulous voice reached my ears. Unbeknownst to me, she had arrived to witness the spectacle.
Couldn't you have spun it more positively? I inwardly protested, though now, at least, I possessed a clearer understanding of their capabilities. As an ally, it was my responsibility to be aware of such matters. I nodded, seeking to persuade myself that this was not an utter catastrophe.
Later, within the confines of the guest room...
"No, I agree. It was entirely your fault," Petr sided with Eryn.
"I can't believe you disgraced Albert in front of all those people," Eryn charged.
"But you told me that combating friends was the primary objective of this order, so I thought—"
Petr's fist clenched, his frustration evident. "If you aimed to recreate real combat, you should have pitted twenty against two, not six!"
I pondered his words. Ah, so that's the power dynamic between humans and fiends in Dravus. Taking into account his statement and my observations, I estimated the equivalent strength of an average knight in T&T terms to be around Level 3, give or take.
"If you were to pit six knights against twenty curselings," Petr continued, "the knights would likely emerge victorious. However, that is not the way things are done. Fiend extermination requires a united force, not the strength of a few heroic individuals! Hunting fiends demands the coordination of a full-scale army, not the prowess of a handful of exceptional warriors."
Indeed, the two companies deployed for the present threat consisted of over four hundred knights combined.
"I... I understand," I said, rubbing my temples. "But while we're on the subject, how would you describe the average strength of adventurers like yourselves? Is your party stronger than most?"
"Our strength..." Petr paused, a troubled expression crossing his face. "If we factor in Eryn's abilities, we are likely one of the strongest groups in all of Vindaris. However, without her, we would be considered average."
"I can use high-level weaving, after all," Eryn chimed in proudly, puffing out her chest.
So, weavers do hold a significant role in the power dynamics of Dravus. It didn't come as a surprise.
"However," Petr continued, "there aren't many adventuring parties capable of taking down a Netherhulk. I would estimate only three, including ours, possess the capability."
Among all known fiends, considering their combat prowess and rarity, netherhulks stood atop the hierarchy as the most formidable. While curselings were commonplace, individually, they posed no overwhelming threat to an ordinary soldier. In other words, a swarm of curselings could be managed as long as the numerical advantage was maintained. Of course, by "managed," I meant just that. Having numerical superiority did not guarantee to avoid significant casualties, particularly with the wrong stroke of luck.
However, even if a swarm of curselings included just a single netherhulk, the casualties would soar. Petr explained that it took a group of twenty heavily armed soldiers to bring down a single netherhulk, and even then, if luck was not on their side, the entire team could be wiped out.
"However," Petr insisted, "it is crucial to understand that an adventurer's value extends far beyond their prowess in combat alone."
Unlike an army, an adventuring party could specialize in various roles, including tracking, defense, and battle. It would be an oversight to focus solely on their combat strength. Petr's point was valid, without a doubt.
However, it did not change the undeniable truth that humans in Dravus faced a significant disadvantage when confronting fiends.
"What about what some might call heroes?" I inquired.
"If you're referring to heroes involved in fiend extermination, there's a warrior by the name of Ludwin the Fiend Destroyer," Petr replied. "He could likely take down five or six netherhulks, perhaps even a Dreadbeast, single-handedly."
"Among weavers," Eryn interjected, "the Vindari Guild's first seat, Paul, is capable of facing a Dreadbeast alone. It's rumored that he can wield one of the highest-ranked weavings, Glacies Tempestas."
"In addition to them, the strongest party in Dravus is led by a weaver known as 'Perdition' Cillian. Someone like him could probably engage multiple Dreadbeasts simultaneously."
"However, since they are based in the capital, we cannot rely on their assistance this time," Eryn informed us.
Fiend Destroyer, the esteemed first seat of the Weavers' Guild, and Perdition, I pondered silently. If this were a role-playing game and they were non-player characters, I might expect to encounter them later in the campaign...
I paused, shook my head vigorously, and banished that foolish notion. These were real individuals, not characters in a game.
"Well, you seem eager to join the ranks of our heroes," Petr teased. "Ready to stand alongside them?"
"No, that's not what I..." I struggled to find the right words. "Practical concerns aside, I'm simply not cut out for that kind of role. There's a vast difference between fighting and desiring to fight."
Both Petr and Eryn shrugged indifferently at my response.
"Damn, you! Take this!"
"Brother, behind you!"
From the courtyard, we could still hear the resolute cries of the Adamant siblings—they had requested overtime—engaged in their training.
"Take that!"
"Ga-gyaah!"
To my astonishment, after two days of unyielding practice, Linden managed to bring down an ogre largely on her own. She had the support of Gilbert and her fellow knights, and the ogres were unarmed, but her rapid improvement was nothing short of remarkable.
"Thank you, Lord Xandros! This is all thanks to you! I'm so grateful!" Linden's body was smeared with dirt and blood from her encounter with the ogre, yet her radiant smile made her undeniably beautiful at that moment.
"What in damnation?"That precipice wasn't there before!"How in the Lord Ruler's name did a fortress materialize atop it?"
The clamor of the knights drowned out any remnants of nostalgia as they beheld the effects of my spell on the fortress.
Swiftly, I restored the fortress to its original position, allowing the knights to commence the unloading of supplies. With nearly five hundred souls in our ranks, it was evident that not everyone would find shelter within its walls. Therefore, the knights set about establishing camps in the fortress yard, ensuring the best possible accommodation for all.
It should be noted that I had taken care to separate Leo's stolen goods from the rest of the bandits' plunder. I permitted the knights to seize the remaining spoils, knowing full well they would make use of what they could, thus alleviating the financial burden on the order. My heart ached for the treasurer, whose burdens had only grown heavier.
"Now, let us delve into the intricacies of our operation," declared Edward, the strategist.
Gathered within the commander's office, the room buzzed with the presence of essential personnel and ranking officers.
"The first company shall proceed eastward, while the second company will venture south, thus forming our defensive line. Our current plan entails maintaining this defensive posture for three days, after which the operation shall reach its culmination. However, be aware that this duration remains subject to change should the operation necessitate an extension. I must emphasize that to the west of our line lie villages, and the north lies the Lawful Way. Under no circumstances shall we allow the fiends to breach our defenses. Once our lines have been fortified, Petr, Eryn, and Lord Xandros shall lead an elite force to the valley where the fiend legion was last observed. It is there that they shall pinpoint and annihilate the fiends' nest. Upon the destruction of this nest, the elite force shall rejoin our defensive ranks, lending their aid in eliminating any remaining fiends."
The weight of responsibility hung heavy in the air as we absorbed Edward's strategic directives. The fate of countless lives now rested upon our shoulders.
The success of our endeavor hinged entirely on Petr's exceptional tracking prowess and my arcane capabilities. During the initial discussions, when the operation was still taking shape, I had intended to offer support from the sidelines. However, upon witnessing the knights' impressive performance during training, I vehemently insisted on assuming a more active role. Albert and Gilbert initially voiced their objections, but a simple reminder of their encounter with the ogres swiftly silenced their protests.
Perhaps my concern bordered on overprotectiveness, but who could blame me? I felt a twinge of remorse for denting their pride and experienced a flicker of personal anxiety. Yet, I was prepared to shoulder greater responsibilities if it meant safeguarding lives.
"Now, allow me to disclose some lesser-known facets regarding the fiends' nest we are determined to eradicate," announced Gunther, the seasoned lieutenant commander of the first company. Having partaken in the eradication of a fiends' nest a decade prior, he possessed invaluable insights to share.
"A fiends' nest distinguishes itself from the nests of other creatures and monsters. What we colloquially term a 'nest' often assumes the guise of a crimson blood sphere, though not always. Its nature is mutable, devoid of a fixed shape or form."
My intrigue was piqued as Gunther emphasized that a fiend's nest transcended conventional notions of a nest.
"The nest I confronted a decade ago resembled the bulk of a bull, and I beheld fiends oozing forth from its core, their forms still dripping and malformed."
The more I delved into their nature, the more repugnant the daemons of Dravus appeared. They shattered the preconceived notions I had gleaned from novels and games, presenting a wholly distinct breed of monstrosity.
"Just to clarify," I interjected, seeking confirmation. "You were able to vanquish this nest through swordplay or weaving?"
"Indeed, Lord Mage," came the response.
Well, if spells and physical force can bring about its demise, then I should have no difficulty obliterating it with my magic, I mused, a flicker of confidence kindling within me.
Petr's inquiry interrupted my musings. "You mentioned accompanying an elite team... Does this team consist solely of the three of us?"
"Please, allow me to join you!"
"Don't be foolish! It is I who should accompany them!"
"I wish to be a part of it as well!"
Alnogia, Gilbert, and Linden were swift to voice their desire. I had anticipated this response. If only we possessed knowledge of the nest's whereabouts, I would have petitioned to embark alone.
The fervor exhibited by Albert and Gilbert struck me as a suspect. I couldn't help but wonder if their eagerness stemmed from a bid to curry favor with the other knights within the order, each harboring ambitions of becoming the captain's successor.
"Linden aside, both of you hold commanding positions! Ponder your duties!" Gunther's admonition reverberated, amplified by the scar adorning his face. His chastisement appeared effective, yet the protests persisted.
"But... we cannot simply leave all the work to Lord Xandros," Albert persisted.
"No! Do not lecture me about duty! I am an Adamant! I must be the one to slay the fiends!"
"Cease your bickering, brethren! I, too, am an Adamant!"
Observing their sincere countenances, my skepticism regarding ulterior motives waned. For better or worse, their drive emanated from a genuine sense of purpose rather than political machinations.
Regardless of their underlying motivations, I mused, it would be imprudent to expose both candidates for the next captaincy to the most perilous segment of our mission. However, I kept my reservations to myself, unwilling to entangle myself in the order's intricate politics.
"In my estimation," Edward chimed in, "it would be prudent for Gilbert, Linden, and Gunther to accompany Lord Xandros, Petr, and Eryn to the nest. I shall assume command of the second company."
"Ah! So you do possess some commendable ideas, strategist!" Gilbert exclaimed.
"Thank you!" Linden chimed in.
The Adamant siblings exuded elation while Albert clenched his lip in silence. Is he hoping to eliminate these two by sending them into danger? I sighed, exasperated. Well, at least they find solace in this arrangement, I suppose.
"Very well. May our efforts culminate in a resounding victory."
"Very well! Rely on me, Lord Mage! We shall fulfill our duty!"
"I pledge this: I shall safeguard you!"
I appreciated their enthusiasm, I thought, though if all unfolds as planned, their role may be limited indeed...