Arc 2 Chapter 7: Formal Declaration of War

“I guess that’s all I can get out of him.”

I sighed as I exited the door. I didn’t even look at the mess I left behind. I should probably take care of him soon… but I need to take care of Artura first. She looks like she’s about to hurl.

“You alright?”

“Ugh… yeah. Just remind me not to get on your bad side.”

“Aren’t you a bit too late for that. Anyway, I need you to go back to your men. If what he said was right, then were in for a long war…”

She had a solemn look on her face. It was like she was trying to imagine what the future held for her. Being a queen sure is tough. I pinched her face and immediately pulled on either side.

“Wha far do uwing?!” (What are you doing?!)

“Come on, you should smile more. Now’s not the time to feel down.”

“Wet we gwo!” (let me go!)

I laughed as I continued to play with her cheek. After a few seconds, she managed to free my hands.

“Ugh… that hurts you know!”

“Yeah, yeah. Anyway, how do you feel?”

“… better I guess.”

She gave a wry smile as she began to walk towards the exit. Before exiting though, she stopped.

“Thanks Bryan. Someday, I will repay for this…”

With those words, she left. Jeez… way to make the mood strange. I couldn’t help but laugh. She’s young, but she’s went through a lot. It’s better if she finds days to just take a break and relax. Then again, who am I to talk? Changing my expression, I began contacting everyone.

[Alert status. Level 1. Prepare for short time deployment.]

[[[Hai!]]]

[Ehh… did something happened?]

[Yeah… for one, we might have a problem sitting in interrogation room.]

I stared back at the room I dirtied… or rather, what used to be dirty. Before, blood was spilled even on the windows. Now, they were sparkling clean as if nothing happened in the first place. On the table, as if nothing was wrong, the beastmen casually yawned as he piled the stakes I drove into his body. Just from that, I can already tell that he was someone I’ve let my guard down.

[… alright I’m heading over there. Do you need me to bring Rester or Freyja with me?]

[Just tell Rester to go here. As for you, I want you to prepare the troops. I feel as if this talk will be the one to start it all.]

[Alright. Make you stay safe ok].

The link immediately ended. I then entered the now clean room.

“Ahh, you came back. Honestly, I didn’t know how long I could have held on.”

He smiled as he casually leaned on his chair. I noticed that the restraints placed on him were lying on the floor.

“I see that you’re not just a simple soldier.”

“Simple? Hah. You can say this job was a piece of cake. Honestly, you should have been more wary.”

I couldn’t help but feel a bit mad about his words, but I let it slide. As he said, I was foolish not to have been wary about him. Seeing the people of this world, how they fight, how they act and think. I thought I had them, all figured out. This led me to be foolish and it was only as I was interrogating this man that I found out… there are people that are more dangerous than I could have ever imagined. Someone that had the same mentality from my old world.

“Slowly sending infiltrators to test out the defenses, using sacrifices as well as using the prisoners to get you inside. Furthermore, faking injuries to the point that you had control over your own body’s healing and physical capability… you are the first person that I have met to have done this.”

“Oh, thank you for the praise. I have to say, I have a name to keep. Failure is not an option so it’s better I don’t mess up now.”

His fearless smile matched up to my bloodlust. Even under the pressure, he showed no sign of breaking.

“Really, just who are you?”

“Me? Well, I would say traveler maybe. If that makes any sense.”

“… in other words, hero.”

“Ahh… yes. But, I don’t like being called a hero for you see… I’m nothing like one.”

He then took out a small knife from his pocket. It was a curved blade that seemingly had a hook on the handle. It looked just like a Karambit.

“Let me ask you… what is the definition of a hero?”

“…”

He dug his blade into the table.

“A hero… is someone who saves the people who believes in him. This is the definition I have come up with. I mean, how else can you explain it? A hero is summoned, the summoners ask them for protection and voila. The hero protects those who summoned him… but me? Well… I’m the exact opposite.”

“You see, I have lived in this world for three years now. I was summoned… but I killed those who summoned me. Why did I do that? Well, to be precise… they hated me for my race. Beastmen. Of course, I was human before, but in this world I am a beastmen. That’s why, I decided to kill them.”

“Isn’t that pretty rash?”

He laughed.

“Rash? Nah… I was already used to it. In my previous world, I had a fun job of exterminating huge pockets of pest. Though I was rewarded by being called a psychopath and was soon locked up in a jail. I was then sent to this world around my 2nd month. You can say it’s been a rather fun time.”

“…”

I can tell that this man was already gone. But, through his monologue, I was able to tell one thing. He was an otherworlder. Just like Yuusuke and the others. Also, he was dangerous. I’ve met people like him before. He’s one of the few that will continue to thread the path of chaos no matter how much we try to help him.

“Ahh… it seems I’m rather straying from the main point I’m here. Sorry about that.”

“Please take your time… it’s better to relax while you still have the chance.”

“Is that a threat? Ah, well it doesn’t matter anyway.”

He reached into his clothes. Suddenly, I heard the door crash behind me.

“Master!”

Rester came in, his tower shield ready to bash at the beastmen. I held out my hand stopping him in his tracks.

“Master?”

“Wait…”

Seeing the angry look on Rester’s face, the beastman smiled. He then pulled out a parchment from his robes.

“Here, this is the empire’s formal declaration of war. Once you open it, you will have no choice but to face us.”

“…”

I stare at the parchment. For some strange reason, I felt immense power from it.

“Just what is this?”

“It is the declaration of war… and once you open it, you will have no choice but to fight.”

He then stood up as if he was going to leave. Rather, he was about to leave.

“Do you honestly think you can escape from here?”

“Yes. Why do you think I’m standing up? Oh wait… maybe you’re actually blind.”

I couldn’t help but pull out my two knives. I then dashed towards him, hoping to stab him in the stomach. To my distraught, my knives passed through him as if I was only cutting through water.

“Honestly, you’re so hotheaded. What happened to the calm look you had earlier… ah, never mind that. It’s time for me to go.”

“WAIT!!”

“You really think I’ll wait? Ah, however. I actually will be waiting. For now, your fight is with the empire. Until you reached the truth of this world, you’re not worth of my time yet. That’s why, fight and become strong. It’s only then that I’ll have fun kicking you back into the ground.”

I shook in anger as I continued to slice at the particles disappearing in front of me.

“You really do amuse me. Until then, Hero.”

Then he disappeared… his voice echoing like a warning for the future.

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[1 month later]

“Front rank, Kneel! Company… FIRE!”

A volley of bullets rained downwards through the range. The stuffed dummies were shredded into pieces, the bullets landing safely back to the ground behind them.

“Rear line, forward two paces. Front rank, kneel! Company… FIRE!”

Another hail of bullets rained down upon the poor dummies. Right now, the soldiers were currently training with new weapons. Before, the soldiers were given a mixture of M4s, HK416s, and other types of assault rifles. These weapons were capable of being loaded with a huge amount of ammo. The problem though was the aim. No matter how much I tried to design the grooves inside the barrel, they couldn’t shoot accurately for more than 200 meters. That’s why, I decided to equip them with rifles. These rifles were capable of shooting up to 600 to 800 meters. You can say, I’m going for accuracy rather than quantity.

“Master. As you can see, the men are ready.”

“Yes, I can see… tell them to prepare. As of now, we are also entering the war.”

“HOH!”

The sergeant immediately saluted as he ran down the line yelling. As for me, I headed back to the command center. As you enter, you can tell that it was a very busy place.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

“Supplies have arrived. Begin defense operation.”

“The knight squadron has been ambushed at sector H-569. They are requesting support.”

“Gryphon squadron are heading for hill 32. They report that a small brigade is setting up a forward camp.”

Information after information were yelled into the air. In the center, Freyja has taken command.

“Have the militia 24 and 28 support the knight squadron at sector H-569. Also coordinate with the kingdom’s artillery squadron and mage corp to provide wide area coverage. As for the riders, tell them to fall back. We cannot risk any casualties.”

Being a goddess, she sure fits the role of commander well. Rather, you could really see her aura glowing.

“I see your back. So, are we finally doing it?”

Lily entered the room and went right to my side.

“Yeah. As of this moment, were fully entering the war.”

“That’s a relief. With this, the kingdom’s forces morale should increase.”

I smiled. Right now, we were still not participating in the war. Why? It’s because I had to train my men in the use of practical firearms. Not only that, I had to reteach them close quarter combat that combined this worlds martial arts as well as my worlds CQC techniques. In other words, we’ve created a new combat style that prioritizes on speed, technique and force distribution. Of course, we’ve been helping in the war by providing weapons and armor. Also, our information network has greatly contributed to the kingdom’s forces. But today, that will all change. Because now, it’s our turn to attack.

“Bryan, I’ve mobilized your soldiers. Your armored core are waiting for orders. The mechanized infantry are also ready as well as the 1st, 2nd and 4th air division.”

“Thanks for the information. How are the militia doing?”

Freyja smiled.

“Don’t worry about them. They’re doing fine. Plus, being led by a former elite guard… the soldiers are in high spirit.”

Now that I think about it, Sara was the one leading the militia. With her experience, the militia was really in good hands. Every single piece sure came into place. But, even when everything was falling right into place, I couldn’t help but fear. Fear for the unknown. I then felt a hand on my shoulder.

“You know, it’s not good for the commander to be worried. Didn’t you say that to Artura?”

I smiled.

“Sorry… I was just thinking about what happened back then.”

“With the beastmen?”

“Yeah… it just makes me wonder about many things you know.”

“Hmm…”

Lily closed her eyes as if to think about something. She then went in front of me and flicked me in the head. Of course, I didn’t really feel anything.

“Ahh…”

“I know you worry about the future. But right now, it’s better to focus on the present. If you continually dwell in the future… then you’ll never focus on the present. And honestly, the present is much more important than the future since the future can be changed… but the past can’t”

“… I see… I’m sorry for worrying you.”

“It’s fine, rather cheer up a bit. Look, everyone’s staring at you.”

I stared around the room. Everyone had a worried look on their face… even Freyja. I sighed. I then slapped myself on the face and gave a confident smile towards everyone.

“Start deployment. We’ll go overtime to reach the battlefield at the quickest pace possible. Understood?”

“HAI!”

With a thunderous shout, everyone near the place screamed. I smiled, knowing that I was in capable hands. I couldn’t help but think that, whether good or bad, we are the ones to carve our fate… and our future.

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(This is an event that is happening parallel to Bryan deploying his forces to the front lines)

[A forest near the city of Kraftig]

“Shhh… be quiet.”

Through the darkness, small silhouettes could be seen. It was a small company of imperial men at arms. Their dark blue coat and black armor blended with the night. As for their swords, they were currently sheathed so as not to attract the full moon. They slowly crept towards the kingdom’s fort. They were tasked with surprising them and opening the doors for the imperial army. So far, they’ve managed to get really far and their morale was really high. Suddenly, a whistle rang through the air.

“Our base! FALL BACK!”

Many of the men spat at the floor with anger. They were very close to the fort, yet they were instantly recalled back to their base. Seeing the looming fortress to be so close, they couldn’t help but be mad at the lost opportunity. Running through the forest though, that sentiment soon changed though as they saw their burning base.

“What in the world?”

“Don’t stand their! Cover our comrades!”

They all shouted as they charged back to their base. There, they saw the reason to the burning encampment. A small group of men, clad in red and green could be seen. A flag of a falcon with some weird symbols on the back could be seen. The knights were astonished since they’ve never seen that flag before, but they had no time to watch. They instantly threw themselves at the attackers allowing their combat training to help them. Some will find this to be their biggest mistake.

“AGH!”

“Ugh.”

“AAHHHH!!”

Many were flipped to ground and were instantly stabbed to death by many blades. Others were simply bashed to the ground before their heads were cut off. The knights were astonished. They’ve never seen anything like it. Seeing that they couldn’t throw themselves that easily, they began focusing on one on one sword fighting with the assailants. Only death awaited them. One man was rendered useless as a man used his own momentum against him. The knight had tried to go for a jab, but the unknown attacker simply slid past him using his shield, pummeled him with his pommel and cut the knights neck all in one move. Others were killed in a similar fashion and they began to feel fear. They had reason to for the fact that only the dead bodies of their comrades littered the floor.

“Just who are they?”

“Monsters…”

“DEMO…!”

They didn’t even finish their sentence as they were cut apart by the attackers. As they slowly cut through the knights, the commander knew that they have lost this battle. When a man began walking towards him, he thought it was over. But, to his surprise it wasn’t.

“RETREAT!”

The attackers were beginning to retreat in a fast but orderly manner. It was truly bizarre seeing as they had the advantage… until they all realized one thing. They were allowed to live. As if to hammer this fact, the last person to leave was a young knight. From her armor, you can tell it was a female knight. Although she was wearing a kettle hat, you couldn’t see her face for the flames seem to hide her. But, you can say one thing. She was sending out a message… a message that told the knights that they were allowed to live for another day. You could feel the amount of bloodlust that she held for them. The pressure was astonishing. With a loud neigh, her horse wound itself up as it clawed at the air. A fog then appeared as if to engulf both her and the horse. Then they disappeared… the mist dissipating into the night sky only to show the ground littered with the dead as the fire illuminated the battlefield. The knights engrained this image into their minds, for they knew… the dead bodies could have been. Gone was the courage and pride they had before for they knew that they were fighting someone… or something out of their league. As the night progress, the knights lamented for them and their dead comrade. It was a sad day for them… but the conflict has only just begun.

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Editor: Wow battle finally but that last part confusing I’m sure author san will explain, but yeah happy the series is getting back on track.

Collaborator: Seams like the author knows what he is doing, adding mystery to the story good all humans fear the unknown that sinking feeling in your stomach before you go to a party that is the unknown who is going to be there what’s going to happen to me? All is adding to that feeling that we all get, the author is getting better at writing, so hope your still around to join us on this really really long journey.

Author: I know it might not seem as much but, I really did have problems with this chap. I’ve always wanted to introduce the beastmen as an enemy in the format of shrugging of the torture session as nothing. (I currently have 6 versions of this part with me lol, all ending in many different ways). Also, I wanted to kick start the war and for some strange reason, I had a hard time transitioning. That’s why it may seem a bit rushed, but I decided to just follow the pattern of a time skip from other stories that had the same troubles I did. So, even if it’s not that great after the long wait, I sure hope you enjoy.