Chapter 19 - Duel of the Ages
After several hours that led to noon, Krist and his troops had stained the battlefield with corpses and pools of blood. Amputated remains scattered the field and the smell of iron was rich in the air.
“Recover your mana and prepare to join the main force,” out of all the soldiers, Krist had no blood or dirt on his person. Whereas, every soldier in his troops was blood-stained by the blood of the Carcerons.
“As you command, Demigod.” Loutch meant this half-jokingly and the other, seriously.
The victors of the battle gazed upon the battlefield form atop a high vantage point, “Krist… I’m baffled.”
Loutch expressed the state of being shocked due to the godly display. The intensity was something that humans could never hope to do. This is the Demon Bow’s line of thinking. “What a massacre.” Bodies are cut into multiple pieces.
I have also studied the Manual Krist gave us since our first enlistment. The Divine Art of Lionturtle Breath had been fully assimilated. Is it because I do not fully utilize this Mana Breathing Method to its true realization? Loutch was beginning to ask the right questions. When can I start to do amazing things like Krist? Loutch had aspired to be like his close friend not just in character, but in combat prowess as well. If he could do it, why can’t I?
In that sentiment, Saix, Laciel, and Reddas felt the same: "You guys feel the same way, no? Kuku.” Loutch was beginning to sound like Krist.
A day had passed and the recovery of the troops was completed. The results were astounding. To start with the senior commissioned and enlisted, Ser Barristan Selmy and Hal Chirdinj had undergone Body Reformation. As for the rest, Loutch Lawliet, Saix, Reddas, and Laciel, had also undergone Metamorphosis as their shells could be seen. “Collect the remnants of your shells. Those are precious ingredients for a Miracle Pill.” Although the Demigod title was the premiere reputation belonging to Krist, the Medical Sage was always in full effect.
“I received a report from the Main Reconnaissance Commander, Krist.” Loutch had signaled for his adjutant to gather the shell of his past self.
“Count Ludwig and his personal Knights have reached the enemy’s headquarters.”
“Casualty count?”
“More than half of the main force had perished and the enemy suffered similar thanks to our efforts.”
Count Ludwig and his Knights were the sole reason why he had reigned for so long. A thing such as war could do nothing but age the old man. Krist knew that Count Ludwig was to die in this war and the one to receive the rank of Count formally would be passed down to Axel.
“Your Title as ‘Demigod’ has reached the ears of their commanding officers. The Knight donned with a black cape is from the famous Wallace Family,” Loutch remembered a corpse equipped with heavy armor and an insignia showcased at the back of the dark cape.
“Right, I remember him. Resper Wallace was a premiere 3-Star Knight who could activate Sword Energy,” it was hard to tell if Krist was being respectful to the fallen or if it was the arrogance of the strong since the whole battle consisted of Krist slaying enemies with that telekinetic spearmanship while simultaneously controlling a hundred weapons through Telekinesis and causing mayhem like a sea wave.
Not only that, the rumors about the “Legend of Demigod” talked about amongst the troops had spread like wildfire and the Carcerons had come to hear about the rumors. The only ones who could truly tell the truth were the troops or the slain, and the former would rather die than tell a tale behind their Lord’s back.
“You make it sound like he was a fly on your shoulder,” Loutch witnessed that Knight Wallace had been killed by a sea of weapons flying towards him at a speed as fast as sound. “Kuku.” Loutch joked about the godly features that Krist was displaying.
“Hal, send this to Hollow Bastion,” Krist handed a parcel letter to Hal Chirdinj. “I will allow you to mount Shadowmere. Make haste and return to us preparing for battle.”
“Yes, my Lord.” Hal complied submissively. The term, “Lord,” was fully cemented in the troops.
In my previous life, this “event” will happen several days from now. As of now, I am ahead several weeks during this war. The future is in my hands.
Krist and the party proceeded to the next phase of the grand plan. Everything was measured, meticulous, and conniving, the plan to take everything was devised in Krist’s head. And, for an individual on the level of having achieved the Age Reversing Revival Spell, he was practically a Martial God.
***
Hal had arrived at Hollow Bastion with the speedy Shadowmere, “Say again?!”
“Orders from Knight Krist Ceringer asking to assign some troops. As much as possible,” Hal sent the message.
“...” The Commanding Officer was pressured as the reputation of the Demigod had reached legendary status and denying such a person was tantamount to being killed.
“My Lord requires for the troops to meet in front of Count Ludwig’s castle walls. Time is of the essence, Commander!” Krist chose Hal for knowing his tactful personality and taking action when required. Therefore, such words were perfect to stump the Commander.
While Hal gathers the troops as instructed on the piece of parcel paper, Krist and the party trek to Fort Essex, Count Ludwig’s fortress on the border between Lukedonia and Carceron.
“Cavalry approaching!” A soldier atop the palisade shouted.
“Fuckin’ hell! Now out of all times?!” Warrant Officer David Cross was assigned as a liaison overlooking Fort Essex. It was recently that Cross had transitioned from the enlisted to the commissioned ranks as a Warrant Officer due to becoming a Magic Swordsman.
“Hold, sir! They’re with us!” The soldier replied.
“Allies..? Oh?!” Warrant Officer David Cross instantly recognized the energy emanating from beyond the castle. He’s grown more powerful… Cross noticed the insurmountable power emanating from Krist which the practitioners of the Great Art of Lionturtle Breath could acutely sense and see.
Gates opening.
“It’s good to see you, Officer Cross,” in a rare instance, Krist smiled.
“Welcome Knight Krist!” Officer Cross was shocked to see Krist out of all people. “There’s been crazy rumors about you! Did you destroy 2000 enemy soldiers by yourself?”
“I did have help from my troops as well, don’t forget,” Krist made sure to give credit where it was due. “Anyways, what’s up with your arm?” It was at this moment that Krist remembered how David Cross, a prospective soldier in the army, had succumbed to his injury, and was necessary to amputate said arm. I will prevent such a thing from coming to pass. You are one of the cornerstones that will make my army.
“Right… I got hit pretty badly. They said the gash was likely to spread infection and that amputation was necessary,” thanks to the recovery effects of the Great Art of the Lionturtle Breath, David Cross was able to avoid the like-changing injury by a hair’s breadth. The luck of the devil was with the Warrant Officer.
I could easily treat something like this. “I can treat it right now.”
Warrant Officer David Cross was about to make accommodations and the members of the Kain Guild secretly handed Krist some healing poultices and a topical cream. “Krist, let’s grab a drink like old times. People don’t believe that we’ve gotten drunk and that I fought by your side!”
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
“I look forward to it!” Krist would be excited when that time would come.
Fort Essex has been garnering many injured troops. Any more and this fortress will fall.
“Knight Krist, what brings you here?” First Sergeant Bolsir was donned in heavy armor as he was one of the leading non-commissioned officers.
“Bolsir, I’ve come to relay sensitive information. The enemy encroaches close to the castle.” Krist knew of future events and how to eloquently persuade people of what was to come.
“If the report is from you, then I’ll believe it. I leave the command to you.” Bolsir had wanted nothing more than to hand the position of Fortress Commander to someone more capable instead of more experienced.
Carceron will send 2000 soldiers to strike Fort Essex. Just like the rest of them, we’ll slaughter them down to the bones and be the nutrients for my men to grow.
“Commander Bolsir!” A messenger soldier hastily arrived and shouted.
Outside of Count Ludwig’s castle walls surrounded by a mote, “2000 Talbot Elites at the front!”
Though visibly sweating, Bolsir held a poised stance, “How many soldiers are on standby?” Krist asked.
“Including the injured, 200 in total,” Bolsir was straightforward.
700 against 2000 sounds doable, especially when we're on the defensive. They have no idea the number of soldiers capable of wielding Aura on my side so they’ll send an envoy for a duel-off.
Drumming! Drumming!
The platoon that held the instrumental band drummed loudly as they ushered a retinue of soldiers with Fenrir’s banner seen clearly.
This sensation… Krist had remembered that when the Fenrir Clan appeared in front of Fort Essex, an assassin would attempt to kill 1st Sergeant Bolsir. The drumming was merely a signal to send to the assassin to initiate the plan.
Krist moved, “Where are you-” Bolsir had yet to complete his sentence.
?!
By a hair’s breadth, Krist kicked the assassin’s arm that had extended and was about to stab Bolsir.
“A-A spy?!” Bolsir had reacted instinctively.
He is the ‘Demigod’ that people have been talking about?! I can barely feel my hand! The assassin instantly recognized the level of the famous Demigod.
“Sal Mu, huh?” Krist recognized the distinct martial arts that the now-extinct Sal Mu Sect had practiced since ancient times.
“Capture the enemy spy!” Commander Bolsir shouted the order and soldiers hastily arrived on the scene.
Slightly inferior to Laciel but better in Qinggong Arts (Movement Arts). A real professional, Viera Trissdale.
“Surround her!” Krist took command and the soldiers internally raised their morale when hearing from the Demigod.
I can formally create the Assassin Guild I’ve been dying to make. With you, Laciel, the Poison Demon, and ol’ Delvin working in tangent will make the “Underworld” mine for the taking!
“You are an Initiate, no? This is my domain. Abide by the strict tenet of the Sal Mu!” Krist invoked a code in which Viera was the only person who would understand.
“..!!” Clutching the arm that Krist had hit, the assassin was shocked to hear such words from a foreigner, however, her instincts kicked in, and she proceeded to kneel.
The soldiers proceeded to arrest the unknown assassin in a smooth procedure, “Proceed to the dungeons with that one.” Krist’s orders were absolute. No one dared to question the will of Demigod.
“At once!” 1st Sergeant Bolsir bolstered the order.
After the situation was over, Krist explained why there was an assassin, “They won’t be making any moves for the rest of the night.”
“Can I ask why you think that?” Bolsir was curious.
“That drumming sound was the signal for the assassin to initiate the hit. Without the assassin, they must be formulating a new plan.”
“Looks like I won’t be sleeping at all,” Bolsir was used to such things.
“On the contrary, you may rest tonight,” Krist replied.
“How about tomorrow?” The 1st Sergeant was asking from extreme worry.
“I will take over.” With that statement, the power of Demigod spoke. Assurance had never been more reliable.
Krist also retired to a room set for Officers and was anticipating the upcoming events. I wonder how we’ll meet? Kuku. A devilish smile arose from such thoughts. The person that Krist was referring to was the young star of the Carceron Kingdom, Rastul. He is a young Knight from the Fenrir Clan, one of the top aristocratic families of the Carceron society. He was supremely gifted with swordsmanship and looked to be worthy to tread the path of a Sword Saint, but, the Orc Waves that would happen in the future decimated his country.
Rastul, the youngest Aura-user in Carceron Kingdom. A genius of the current era and is greatly loved by his countrymen, the young star.
He was the one who had successfully impregnated Fort Essex!
***
“Looks like you had a good rest,” Krist walked to the palisade and saw Bolsir in the same spot.
“Thanks for being so reliable, sir Knight.” Bolsir had looked well rested. He was up for a couple of days in a row before meeting Krist.
I’m glad that you look better, old friend. “It’s about time. Lower the drawbridge.”
“By your order!” Sergeant Bolsir was ecstatic to see the Demigod in action.
From below the palisade, Krist, Loutch, Saix, Reddas, and Laciel were seen walking the drawbridge, “What scheme are you plotting, sir Knight?”
“Kuku. To meet an old acquaintance,” Krist replied. “Tell me about the Fenrir Clan.” Krist was referring to Loutch.
“The Fenrir Clan is one of the eight ruling nobility families of the Carceron Kingdom. Considering their financial status, they are the poorest noble family. This family is purely a warrior clan that prioritizes combat above all else.”
“Very good. However, why do I think the four of us will take on 2000 thousand soldiers?” Krist was revealing his genius strategical mindset. The mind of a devil. “Amongst the eight noble families, the Fenrir Clan emphasizes ‘honor’ in their code of ethics as a warrior clan.”
From afar, a 5-Star Knight led the band of 2000 Legionnaires, Knight Otto, Brigadier General of the Fenrir Clan.
“Four enemy soldiers approaching. Demon Bow and the Demigod is in that group,” the Carceron Legionnaire soldier reported to Knight Otto.
From the reports, Demigod had slaughtered the Regiment we sent to secure the rear. His subordinates were said to be Aura Knights as well. Could the four of them overcome 2000 soldiers? Knight Otto was capitulating. A Force Master like himself knew full well the capability of such people, they could easily decimate a portion of an army, if not, the entire force. Indeed, the Transcendent level Knights, Warriors, and Martial Artists are a vast realm with powerful individuals who can stand as an army themselves.
“Which one of you dares to face us in a duel?!” With a technique called “Telepathy,” Krist sent a wave of sound at supersonic speed.
?!
Befuddled, Knight Otto felt the acute sound wave that rattled the eardrums, “Fuck! So it’s true! The Demigod is as good as they say!” Knight Otto acknowledges the level of skill to emit such a sound wave from miles away.
Such a parley of words on a battlefield is a challenge and if suitable to offer as “terms.” It is a system in which violence is organized and is a winner or loser-based system. The winner takes all, whereas, the loser stands down to fight another day.
How bold! Is it courage or insanity? Knight Otto was weary, the rumors about Knight Krist placed him beyond a 5-Star Knight.
“General! Did you think it’s a trap?” The Adjutant to General Otto acquiesced. “Should we use this chance to trample them and enter Fort Essex?”
“You would bring shame upon our honor? Our ancestors left us with this legacy!” Knight Otto reprimanded his subordinate for saying such things. “I should personally cut that tongue of yours for speaking as such!”
General Otto spoke to the soldiers, “Who would step to the challenge and slit those brat’s neck?!”
“General Otto! Entrust this to Knight Gunnarson!” A 3-Star Knight stepped up.
The first round would be Sergeant Major Saix versus Knight Gunnarson, “Sergeant Major! Then this will be a worthy battle! Still, you look too young to lead such soldiers!!” Knight Gunnarson charged his Aura and stampeded. The ground had quacked and the earth had bent to the force of a 3-Star Knight.
I can see it. Saix had been practicing the Divine Art of Lionturtle Breath since the beginning, his heart no longer skipped a beat and was breathing through the skin. He was a cold-blooded warrior trained in the ways of a stealthy assassin. In that essence, Saix could read the flow of the battle and reacted with a greater flow.
Slice!
Saix primarily uses a giant axe while on foot and a poleaxe while mounted. Unlike Knight Gunnarson who had initiated the battle with a burst of Aura, Saix merely counterattacked by going against the flow of a 3-Star Knight. With his natural-born strength, Knight Gunnarson had been cut in half as Saix perfectly reacted to such a straightforward charge.
“Next!” Saix proclaimed his victory.