We returned to the Knights’ Order Base. Sofia’s presence was completely known, and it seemed King Kanan’s Army had also arrived, which definitely boosted the Knights’ morale.

For now, I’ll go see Sofia…

As I wandered around, the first person I ran into was Sylvie.

Ruon, you’re back.

Hm, Sylvie… Good work on the Five Great Wars with Demons.

You too, Ruon.

So, what are you doing now?

As Sofia’s companion, I’ve ended up being treated as a Vassal. Along with Eina.

Well, she’s a woman, so it’s not strange for her to be chosen.

Eina follows Sofia around quite a bit, so I’m not doing much work. Besides, she doesn’t really need a Guard, does she?

Isn’t it just in case? Now, what should I do?

With the Southern Invasion imminent, I definitely don’t want to go to the Western Edge to get Sword Material. The only thing I can do is probably send Familiars to various places to investigate the movements of the Demon Race.

Ruon, I have a question.

…A question?

There’s no doubt that the battle is approaching its climax. It’s also true that King Kanan and others are devising their strategies against it. In that situation, what role should I and Kuuza play?

There’s no need to be so tense. Just act as you always do.

As always, huh.

Sylvie shrugged her shoulders. It seems she’s feeling some dissatisfaction with the current situation.

Given her history of fighting the Five Great Demons, she probably felt like she was on the front lines of the War with Demons. That hasn’t changed even now, but with the Knights and King Kanan’s Army starting to take the lead, she feels like her presence has faded.

As I was thinking about how to respond to that, Kuuza also appeared.

Oh, Ruon. You’re back.

Yeah. What were you doing?

Just a brief meeting. Though, it was just me asking how Sylvie and I should move in the upcoming battle.

What did the Knights say?

To Sylvie’s question, Kuuza shrugged her shoulders with an exasperated look.

Honestly, it felt like they didn’t really want us to get involved.

Just as I thought… Ruon, at this rate, we’ll be pushed aside.

The Demon Lord’s Side is also planning to fight with an Army. So the Human Side also has to counter with an Army… but I kinda understand what Sylvie is saying. If King Kanan visits here, I’ll talk to him.

I said that, but Sylvie still looked dissatisfied… but she said, “Understood.”

If Ruon says so, then I’ll follow. However, I’ll act in my own way.

Don’t do anything reckless, okay?

Of course. I have no intention of causing trouble for Sofia.

Please… Kuuza, you too.

Leave it to me.

I parted ways with the two of them. Now, I’ll do what I can do.

Regarding the Southern Invasion event, I’ll keep an eye on the Demon Race’s movements… but it seems it won’t happen immediately, and it might take some time.

As for me, I need to execute the Demon King’s Magic vs. Strategy, so it’s better to have more time. While assuming it’s a temporary lull, I decided to gather information.

For a while, the Demon Race’s movements were stagnant. Perhaps their engagement with the Dragons further slowed them down.

Then… about a month after defeating four of the Five Great Demons, the presence of Monsters was confirmed in the Southern Region. I realized it was finally beginning.

King Kanan, having heard the circumstances from me, quickly initiated a response. Furthermore, the Human Elite Guard, who had been preparing for the Southern Invasion, showed surprisingly coordinated movements under his command.

Additionally, Sofia’s presence and the survival of the Barcus Kingdom were major positive factors. And the Magic-users from the Nateria Kingdom, whom we rescued, also joined the war… there’s no doubt that preparations are steadily being completed.

“For now, it seems we can secure sufficient forces for the Southern Invasion.”

Amidst all this, I had a discussion with Lefin. The location was the Knights’ Fort. Sylvie and I have continued to stay here, and we’ve grown quite accustomed to life here.

The discussion room was like a conference room, but small. Furthermore, only Lefin and I were present.

“There were concerns about simultaneously attacking two of the Five Great Demons, but I’m glad it seems to be working out.”

“We have King Kanan to thank for this. We couldn’t have done it alone.”

“Yes, about that… could you tell me the detailed flow of the Southern Invasion?”

“Details?”

“Yes. I believe Lord Ruon confirmed the battle between the Demon Race and the Dragons after performing Spirit Creation, correct? Since there are other forces like that… I thought it would be effective if we could use them as a surprise attack after the Southern Invasion battle officially begins.”

“I see… However, my information is merely from the story. The events leading up to the battle have changed quite a bit, so honestly, I don’t think it’s reliable.”

“That’s fine with me.”

“…Understood.”

The battle in the Southern Invasion was the largest in the game, and also boasted the highest difficulty among simulation battles.

There were two reasons for the high difficulty. One was the sheer volume of enemies. In addition to their large numbers, reinforcements would arrive from behind. Their timing, appearing just when it seemed victory was within reach, would plunge players into the depths of despair.

The other reason was the allied troops. It wasn’t that their quality was poor. However, the enemies’ strength had increased dramatically, making the allied troops relatively weak.

Furthermore, the types of troops were limited. In the game, there were several simulation-style wars, and units like cavalry and magic-users had distinctive abilities. Tactics utilizing these advantages to defeat enemies could be employed, but the Southern Invasion was different.

First, the army unit was called the ‘Allied Forces,’ and its main force consisted of Soldiers with more powerful equipment than usual. This would be a good element, but unlike Magic-users and cavalry, they lacked unique characteristics, which inevitably limited strategies against the surging enemies, leading to a disadvantage.

An exceptional force was the ‘Royal Guard’ army unit led by King Kanan. They possessed a different kind of strength, and if they fought hard, the difficulty would change significantly. Also, the game’s Protagonist would participate in this battle and fight by utilizing their high abilities. However, they couldn’t be overused, as a penalty of reduced abilities was imposed if they fought in consecutive battles.

The key to success was to primarily utilize the Allied Forces Soldiers while making good use of the Royal Guard and the Protagonist… but from what Richard said, this was the most challenging part of the War with the Demon Lord. It wouldn’t be easy.

Furthermore, there might be repercussions from simultaneously conquering the Five Great Demons… As I was explaining to Lefin with this thought, there was a knock.

“Yes?”

When I opened the door, there was a single Soldier.

“King Kanan has arrived… and wishes to speak with Lord Ruon.”

Did something happen? With that question in mind, I nodded and moved to the room where King Kanan was. Lefin followed suit.

Upon entering, it was a spacious conference room. Inside were King Kanan and General Bosuro, as well as Sofia and Guard Sylvie.

Eina was not present… which meant this discussion was likely only for those aware of my circumstances.

“I’ve been waiting.”

Kanan’s voice was stern as he spoke. As I waited for him to speak, he eventually began.

“A problem has arisen… First, let me explain the current situation–“