Chapter 224 – Situation in the Southern Region
Chapter 224 – Situation in the Southern Region
I received information from my familiar, who was constantly observing the Southern Region battlefield during our journey. The Human Side had maintained a balance, but eventually, a change occurred.
The major difference between monsters and humans is probably fatigue. Even with magic enhancement to maintain stamina, there will eventually be a limit. Moreover, if they have to maintain their abilities in a nerve-wracking battlefield, even the most trained knights and soldiers cannot fight indefinitely.
On the other hand, monsters use their magic power to attack endlessly. They are probably only given attack orders by the commanding Demon Race. Of course, they disappear when their magic power runs out, but the way they attack until they are destroyed without regard for that is truly bizarre.
Given these crucial differences between humans and monsters, and the fact that the Demon Race can create monsters on the battlefield… it’s only natural that the Demon Lord’s Army would have the advantage in a protracted war.
That said, even if the formation is at a disadvantage, it’s not a situation where the front line would immediately collapse. There are still armies held in reserve, so there’s no way the Book faction would be invaded.
“–Indeed, the situation is different from before.”
When I relayed the information I received from the Familiar to Richard, that’s what he said in response.
“Even if it’s a stalemate, it hasn’t been that long… Considering they have forces held in reserve, there might even be a chance to win.”
“Is that so? That’s good then. If the front line collapses before I arrive, there’s a possibility I won’t be able to provide full support.”
It seems they are fighting well… In the game, despite the high difficulty, I didn’t lose very often. I only lost once in the game. But it seems real war isn’t like that.
“Nevertheless, the Demon Lord’s Army is still at an advantage right now.”
Richard stated definitively.
“Among the Allied Forces currently fighting in the Southern Region, there’s probably no mechanism that could overturn the tide of battle. If it becomes a long-term battle, the tireless monsters would have the advantage, but the human side doesn’t have enough forces to bring about a short-term final battle.”
“Besides, the monsters have superior military strength…”
“That’s right. But well, I don’t think there’s any need to be pessimistic.”
Richard smiled. For him, having experienced the desperate battles in the Southern Region, he probably believes there’s a good chance of victory in the current situation. For my part, I found his words convincing.
“…If the human side were to win without our intervention, what possibilities would you consider?”
I casually asked a question. Richard considered it for a moment, then offered his opinion.
“It would be by utilizing something the Demon Lord’s Army lacks and the human side possesses.”
“What is that?”
“Morale. The Demon Lord’s Army’s strength, besides not getting tired, lies in its unwavering discipline and its morale never dropping, even when the battle turns unfavorable. But there’s a pitfall here.”
“It’s the story that it doesn’t go up in exchange for not going down.”
“Correct.”
Richard nodded deeply.
“If the human side has a chance to win, I think it’s here… However, I can’t judge what to do to raise morale.”
…For example, could there be a possibility that King Kanan would rouse himself to action? It’s true that, as Richard says, it would be difficult to push back the Demon Race from the current situation without such a move.
“Well, if Ruon were here, I don’t think there would be any problem even without such methods.”
“…Perhaps so.”
As I responded to his comment, the battlefield changed further. The unit led by Kanan advanced to the front line and began to intercept the monsters all at once. The number of monsters visibly decreased.
“Is it a strategy to rapidly reduce their numbers and target the Demon Race?”
If the Demon Race, which creates and commands monsters, is destroyed, the tide of battle would turn dramatically. However, the Demon Race also seems to be wary of this, and they quickly choose to retreat before Kanan can reach them.
At the same time, the monsters began to withdraw. It seems today’s battle is coming to an end.
“Nevertheless, the situation worsens day by day…”
It’s true that there are still reserves, but after one night, reorganized monsters will attack again. Until today, the Knights had fought hard and were able to resist. But who knows what will happen tomorrow.
“…I have a question.”
Here, Richard began to speak.
“Has it been conveyed to the Demon Race side that Ruon was fighting?”
“I think that’s certainly the case.”
The Demon King also knew.
“Then, do they also know that he is heading to the battlefield in such a hurry?”
“…I don’t know if they can pinpoint my current location, but I think they would proceed with the battle assuming I’m on my way–“
If that were the case, they might resort to a more aggressive strategy from tomorrow onwards—Richard clearly meant to say that.
“…Mr. Richard. In terms of distance, if we push through the night, we might arrive by noon tomorrow, don’t you think?”
“I knew you’d say that. Are you alright, Ruon?”
No problem. How about you?
I have medicine to maintain my stamina. I’ll be fine for two or three days.
Then—Richard and I rushed to the battlefield without another word.
We kept moving throughout the night, but we took a break once and contacted them using Sofia and the Familiar. After reporting that we had driven back the Demon King, Sofia spoke.
“…All that’s left is our battlefield.”
Yes. I think I can arrive by noon tomorrow. Until then—
We will be prepared to respond to any situation. Also, I will report to Kanan myself.
…To any situation, huh? That probably means they will fight without relying on me. There’s a possibility that I won’t be able to go to the Southern Region battlefield, such as if a new Demon Race attacks.
My existence is known throughout the Demon Race. How they will act from tomorrow onwards…
Sofia, be careful.
Yes. You too, Lord Ruon.
After finishing the contact, we resumed our movement.
Eventually—when morning came, the Demon Lord’s Army finally began to move.
Through the Familiar, I could hear the roars of the Monsters. Unlike the previous days, it was as if they had a strong will to settle things today.
It seems the Demon Race intends to defeat us today. However, the Human Side still has reserves. Even if they try to overwhelm us with numbers, it might be difficult to strike down the Human Side all at once—
When I reached that conclusion, the Familiar spotted even more Monsters behind the Enemy Army. Reinforcements…!?
No, that’s not it. Could it be that they created them overnight…!?
Considering that there was no trace of such a horde of Monsters until yesterday, my idea must be correct. However, if that’s the case—
I see, perhaps they’re wary of Ruon and plan to settle it today.
Richard offered that opinion.
I don’t know if they’re keeping track of Ruon’s movements, but they’ve probably already predicted that he’s using Movement Magic and such to act. If so, isn’t it possible they calculated when he’d arrive and started moving today?
…After sealing the Demon King’s Magic, I immediately started moving. If that information has reached the Demon Race in the Southern Region, it’s highly likely they’ve made a plan considering my movement speed.
According to information from the Familiar, the number of Monsters is considerable, so much so that the Human Side needs to respond with full force… The Human Side must have understood this situation. If so, they will make appropriate moves.
Today is the day of the final battle…
As I muttered, Richard nodded in agreement.
Then I must hurry, even a little—I think, but the estimated arrival time is still around noon. I don’t know what the Demon Race’s assessment is, but in terms of military strength, they even show signs of trying to finish it by morning.
How will the Human Side move—at this point, Sofia, who had remained behind, began to move. In addition, Sylvie and Eina, who serve as Guards. And Kuuza also appeared.
Furthermore, Adventurers led by Phili and the standby units. It seems they will face them with their entire Army.
Without a doubt, it’s an all-out war.
Sofia and the others must also be aware… The Familiar captures the Monsters’ advancing movements. As if in response, the Human Side’s frontline units begin to move.
While Richard and I hurried… Sofia and the others’ battle was about to reach its climax.
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