Chapter 640 – The Soldiers of the Fortress

While handling research and development, analysis, magic tool production, training, and other tasks, I also set up various preparations around Termwills and traveled back and forth between there and the fortress to further advance our readiness.

In the workshop courtyard—stood Rosemary and Ignis. Since I had incorporated magic tools using the technology employed by Tears into Ignis, we were promptly conducting experiments.

“Well then, let’s begin.”

Puppet Strings extending from Rosemary’s fingers connected to Ignis’s back and shoulders. A Magic Circle deployed beneath Ignis’s feet, and with a momentary burst of Magical Light, it shot upward at explosive speed, sweeping past the Aqua Golems in the air as it went.

Magical Light erupted from its flank. Ignis’s entire body shifted as if sliding. That’s… based on Paladin behavior, isn’t it?

Leaving the approaching water bullets behind, it kicked off a Shield and stepped in—or so it seemed—before plunging from a High Stance into the midst of the Aqua Golems, its joints displaying a top-like Spin.

Scattering the Aqua Golems as it Deflected them, Ignis landed with a heavy thud. Since Rosemary had been moving while attached to its back until Ignis plunged into the center of the enemy group… it could be considered a success as an experiment.

“How about this latest adjustment?”

“It’s good. The Magical Power consumption is properly suppressed.”

Saying that, Rosemary grinned.

Using Shields and such remained the same as before. Since I tweaked the Spell Formula to prioritize burst power, the adjustment leaned more toward emergency Dodges, Ambushes, or rapid acceleration during assaults rather than propulsion.

Instantaneous acceleration and behavior. Rosemary herself reduced the resulting load with Levitation. Well, since Rosemary herself was likely commanding Ignis’s emergency braking, practicing the combined use of Levitation as a continuous flow would allow her to keep up with the emergency braking without issue.

“Shall we head down into the Labyrinth later?”

“For training in actual combat, you mean? Understood.”

Training with Aqua Golems was close to real combat, but since both the water swords and water bullets lacked lethal force, it still felt psychologically different in various ways.

Mental states change when placed in different situations. To ensure consistently stable results, new combat methods, Techniques, magic tools, and such needed to accumulate real combat experience in the Labyrinth—that was the idea.

Well, in that regard, I think Rosemary’s competitive nerve, or rather the strength of her Spirit, is quite remarkable. Watching her fight, she seems to have the boldness to set up groundwork and then decisively commit to a confrontation.

The destination for real combat training was the Magic Light Water Vein. Lately, Labyrinth Exploration had been focused solely on the Magic Light Water Vein, partly because the Blessing of the Spirit King allowed for a sufficient safety margin, and also because it enriched our dietary life, to some extent.

The scallops and anglerfish were well-received too. Especially Sheila—perhaps her energy was brimming—her movements seemed good in both training and actual combat.

Even now… she was wrapping herself in a whirlpool of water, kicking off Shields and flying around in the air. And… just then, Elliot contacted me via the Communication Device.

‘The fortress defense training is progressing smoothly. Since we’ve reached a point where the targeted movements are possible to some extent, we’d like Your Excellency to observe.’

Hmm. I had been thinking the fortress training was nearing completion.

I promptly informed everyone that we’d go check on the fortress-related matters later, along with Elliot’s message.

“So the fortress preparations are finally in order, it seems.”

“Yes. If Sir Elliot says it’s reached a form he’s satisfied with, it must be quite something.”

“Brother Elliot said all the fortress soldiers have high proficiency levels.”

Nodding at Grace’s words, Ashley smiled.

“Ah, that’s probably because they were originally trained under Sir Simon.”

On top of that, elite troops from various countries had joined. Originally high-proficiency individuals had been training day and night with high motivation, so it made sense that they were quickly becoming familiar with movement within the fortress.

“So, will Theo-kun and the others be heading to the fortress afterward?”

Alfred asked.

“Yeah. First, I’ll contact them via the Communication Device, and if it’s no problem to head over immediately. I hadn’t planned to go down into the Labyrinth today anyway, so it’s easy to arrange. I’m thinking of going to the fortress for a bit and joining their training.”

There was an aspect of wanting to make the training meaningful and substantial. First, I’d observe their readiness; if it seemed smooth, I’d need to boost their morale, and if I thought there was still room for improvement, I wanted to be able to point out those areas.

After completing various preparations, we flew to the fortress via Claudia’s Teleportation Magic. Since we were going to observe the fortress’s readiness, the royal representatives from various countries—Princess Stephania and the others—came along too.

“Welcome, everyone.”

Greeting us as soon as we showed our faces at the fortress were Head Shrine Maiden Penelope and over a dozen other Shrine Maidens.

“Good afternoon. We received a message from Sir Elliot, so we came to observe.”

I returned the greeting. Marlene ran over to Penelope and the familiar Shrine Maidens with a cheerful smile. Penelope and the others also welcomed Marlene happily.

To enhance the power of the Moon Temple within the fortress and provide personnel capable of bestowing Blessings upon the officers and soldiers, including the Demon-Slaying Knight Order, on the day of the decisive battle, Penelope and the others were on assignment from Termwills to the Moon Temple inside the fortress. When I inquired whether we could borrow personnel from the temple for the fortress’s internal temple, Penelope had volunteered herself.

“How is it? Are there any inconveniences in the construction or such?”

There were likely things that became apparent after actually living and using the temple. When I asked that question, Penelope thought for a moment before answering with a gentle smile.

“It’s a quiet environment, and it’s built so we can properly conduct our ascetic practices and prayers. The bath and water facilities have magic tools incorporated, making them convenient and easy to use. If I said anything more, it would probably be extravagant.”

The other Shrine Maidens nodded at her words. Hmm. Even though the Moon Goddess’s teachings are lenient, actual Shrine Maidens and Clerics tend to be quite stoic. An overly pampered environment might actually be problematic for them.

If they say this is fine, then I’ll leave it at that.

“The temple’s power is increasing too. That’s because Penelope and the others are properly offering their prayers.”

“Thank you.”

Penelope narrowed her eyes happily and bowed at Claudia’s words.

Well then. Having finished greetings with the Shrine Maidens, it was time to show my face at the command post. This Moon Temple was close to the fortress’s core, heavily Defended, and allowed direct access to the command post.

It was structured so that temple personnel could evacuate immediately in case of emergency. Knocking on the door leading to the command post via the direct passage, we were let in right away.

“We’ve been expecting you.”

We were welcomed with smiles by the Demon-Slaying Knight Order’s Elliot and Elmer, Donovan, and Simon.

After brief greetings, we quickly got to the main topic.

“We received a message via the Communication Device, so we came to observe.”

“Yes. We believe it has reached a level we wouldn’t be ashamed to show Sir Theodore as well.”

Elliot said quietly.

“It might be faster to show you than to explain with words.”

“Then let’s have you observe the actual movements right away.”

Responding to Elmer’s words, Simon nodded.

When Elliot gave the order, the voice pipe operator relayed commands throughout the entire fortress.

“Commencing training as scheduled. All personnel, assume your positions.”

Saying that, the officers and soldiers visible on the monitors quickly moved to their respective posts.

They had been informed of our visit. Showing actual movements after my arrival like this was likely part of the plan. For me too, being able to observe the officers’ and soldiers’ movements would provide a benchmark even if I participated as an opponent in training later.

Once everyone was in position, an order was issued to the entire fortress.

“Enemy sighted approaching. Seal all external windows!”

Simultaneously with that voice, the doors to the general sections closed all at once. There were even people acting as civilians in those sections, and the officers and soldiers moved briskly to swiftly evacuate them to heavily Defended sections.

They seemed to have a firm grasp of the internal structure as well.

“In this situation, we’ve predetermined evacuation routes based on this internal structure. Since the Golems that form the walls and windows can be commanded in groups with some flexibility, the soldiers and the fortress’s entire structure can move in coordination to intercept according to this setup.”

Elliot explained the current situation. Yeah. I did leave that flexibility in the Golems considering actual operation. Quite practical.

Since assumptions are just assumptions, there was also room for flexible responses like individually altering the structure according to the battle situation.

“We had them do running drills inside to memorize the fortress’s internal structure and improve their Vitality at the same time.”

Elmer gave a wry smile. …I see. It seemed they had trained thoroughly.

As if to prove it, the necessary combat readiness for interception was prepared in no time, and from there, instructions explaining the situation’s progression were issued.

“From this point, training will commence under the assumption that the main gate has been breached and enemies have invaded the fortress interior.”

Saying that, the officers and soldiers began moving busily again.

Where and how to switch passages, how to intercept—it was all properly assumed.

The timing for the Golem soldiers stationed in Hidden Rooms to sortie. The officers and soldiers moving efficiently, perfectly adapting to the changing routes. Buying time through roundabout paths, dividing enemies, surrounding with superior numbers, etc.—it was splendid. The enemy invasion feeling quite fast was probably because they had increased the Difficulty for training purposes.

When facing Beriondora’s Demons, there were aspects where advanced training was unavoidable. With the day of the Seal’s release approaching, there was no such thing as “this much is enough.” Raising proficiency to the limit made perfect sense.

“To achieve these movements in this period is quite impressive.”

After observing the full sequence of movements, I said, and Elliot bowed.

“You honor us.”

Well then… I’ll have them let me participate in training as an opponent. I want to make it substantial training, using the previous movements as reference.