Chapter 143: Ardius Fortress Siege Battle – A Place to Return

“…And this is what happened leading up to the arrival of master.”

I recounted the details of what had happened truthfully and thoroughly. As I finished speaking, half of the commanders in the tent furrowed their brows with expressions of concern, while the other half directed skeptical gazes toward me.

While I couldn’t discern the thoughts of the former group, it was evident that the latter didn’t believe my report. It was a story that even I found hard to believe as I told it, so I understood their skepticism. By the way, I hadn’t mentioned that the opponent was a descendant of a god. The only basis for this was Asumi’s information, and I believed that voicing this detail would only make my story less credible.

However, it was strange to find doubters among them, especially “that man” my superior. After all, he should have the best understanding of my circumstances among all the commanders present. Currently, due to the binding spiritual arts, I was compelled to obey that man’s orders. Ensnared by that technique, I couldn’t lie before him. Did he forget such a basic fact?

“It seems there are those who doubt. You, ask him if he’s lying.”

“Y-You! What’s the truth? Lying won’t be forgiven!”

“I am not lying.”

With no guilt on my part, I answered promptly. Naturally, since I wasn’t lying, there was no reason for any physical discomfort. Finally, it seemed they were beginning to believe me… or so I thought. However, some of the doubters still harbored their suspicions.

Well, the binding spiritual art wasn’t flawless either. In places beyond the binder’s reach, one could freely engage in activities that weren’t forbidden, and while lying wasn’t possible, it was feasible to manipulate the content of spoken words using clever tactics. My deliberate restriction of some information was an example of that. The skeptical commanders surely knew about this.

“It seems to be the truth. Very well. Now, Renkvinst and Altissia, explain the events from there.”

“Then, allow me to explain.”

However, the old commander seemed to believe me. After that, Lady Altissia recounted the events that occurred after master arrived. Master stood with his arms crossed and his eyes closed, seemingly recalling the enemy’s appearance. I didn’t miss the slight upward curve of his lips. I couldn’t understand the emotion of wanting to face an opponent he might not be able to defeat.

While they might doubt me, it appeared they took Altissia’s words seriously. Almost everyone had begun sensing a significant threat from the golden-armored soldier. Particularly when they heard that the poleaxe thrown by master had been repelled, the shock was evident not only on the Kogo commander’s face but also on the composed visage of the old commander.

Master possessed attack power strong enough to pulverize the fortress gate with a single blow. Even though it wasn’t a direct swing, the fact that the attack had no effect was shocking in itself. The atmosphere within the tent grew heavy and tense.

“Well… let’s ask the two most powerful people of the central front candidly: Can you win?”

“If you command us to fight, then we shall battle until our lives are spent! Even perishing on the battlefield holds its own splendor!”

“While I’d like to say it’s possible, it’s practically impossible. At least with just the two of us, it seems quite hard.”

Though their expressions differed greatly, they had the same sentiments. Both imply that even staking their lives as a duo would inevitably lead to defeat. I share this viewpoint as well.

While my straightforward master was likely to say that if something couldn’t be done, it couldn’t be done, it seemed that even the dignified Lady Altissia, who appears rather proud, had thought that she couldn’t win. The commanders were all taken aback, especially the Eru race commander, whose eyes were wide as if they might spill over.

However, this dismay lasted only a brief moment. They, as commanders, had to contemplate what lay ahead. Some argued that they should swiftly seize the fortress while the two stalled for time, while others advocated for an organized approach, suggesting they should conquer it steadily. There were even those who suggested a more cautious approach, proposing a temporary retreat.

The debate grew heated, evolving into a fierce verbal confrontation. Amidst this, the old commander maintained his composure. After closing his eyes and pondering for a while, he slowly reopened them and directed a question at the two.

“Even for you two… it seems impossible. In that case, what if that demon guy there were to join you?”

“Wha—?!”

The commanders who had been making noise all turned their attention to the old commander simultaneously. It was only natural, given the significant differences in status and position between me, my master, and them. How could a demon like myself and the trump card of the central front occupy the same position?

Completely disregarding the various emotion-laden gazes from the commanders, the old commander gazed directly at my master and Lady Altissia. After sharing a brief glance, each of them voiced their opinions.

“Certainly, my disciple managed to hold that thing back single-handedly despite sustaining serious injuries! However, even if we consider my disciple as part of our forces, I believe that we still wouldn’t have enough to defeat it!”

“Considering the combat power demonstrated by this guy surviving a solo battle, it seems possible that we could bring the situation to a standstill. However, I’m doubtful if we can actually subdue the enemy.”

The two of them expressed that even if I joined the battle, it wouldn’t be enough to defeat the enemy, despite potentially being evenly matched. I held the same view on this matter. If I focused on distraction tactics, it might become easier to land master’s weighty strikes and Lady Altissia’s formidable spiritual attacks. I had confidence in maneuvering skillfully as long as I wasn’t alone.

Yet, even with that strategy, I believed that defeating that enemy would remain difficult. While master’s and Lady Altissia’s full-force strikes could likely pierce through the armor and strike the body beneath, one shouldn’t forget the regenerative capabilities of that guy’s inner flesh. It was astonishing that even after receiving fatal wounds through the gaps in the armor and being subjected to huge amounts of potent poison, the enemy was still in fighting condition.

Even if the three of us ended up battered and bruised, it still wouldn’t be enough to finish off that enemy. My firsthand experience in the battle against him convinced me of that. Arriving at the same conclusion as me, even though they have hardly fought, speaks to the caliber of the two individuals often referred to as the trump cards of the central front.

“Hmm… Then, if a fourth person were to join, could we win?”

“A fourth person? In that case, it should be possible…”

In response to the old commander’s inquiry, Lady Altissia hesitated in her words, clearly puzzled. I understood what she meant. Even if there were someone with mediocre combat abilities, they would only be a liability in a battle against that enemy. However, she didn’t explicitly state this because, frankly speaking, it would be insulting to the others if she did.

Not limited to the central front, only those individuals referred to as the elite of each nation could confront the armored soldiers with the terrifying weapon known as the “gun”. Those who couldn’t defend themselves from bullets through fighting spirit or spiritual power would merely be slaughtered without a chance.

Hence, these individuals held the pride and dignity of being the elite. However, the ability to contend with the golden-armored soldier was reserved for those who were called heroes among the people, like master and Lady Altissia. At the very least, one would need strength comparable to these two to be considered a viable force in such battle.

However, Lady Altissia should have spoken more clearly, even if it meant drawing disapproval. In the current situation on the central front, there was no one capable of accompanying us toward the battle against the golden armored soldier. Master tried to say something in haste, but it was already too late.

“Then, entrust that great task to the finest of our knight order! We shall undoubtedly overcome this formidable enemy!”

“No, it is we who are suitable for this task. Your Excellency, please give us the command!”

As a result, a competition for seats began among those seeking military achievements. The various commanders successively recommended members from their respective orders of knights and warriors. While they might be famous knights or warriors on the central front, I had never been involved, so I couldn’t discern who was who. Since the commanders were making the recommendations, I assumed they must have confidence in their strength.

However, judging from Lady Altissia’s expression, which looked like she took a bite from a bitter insect, it was clear that the people who were recommended lacked the strength to take on the challenge. Similarly, master was also holding his arms with a troubled look. The old commander, glimpsing the faces of these two, silenced the other commanders once again with a calm gesture.

“We must not lose sight of our objective. Our goal is solely the destruction or capture of the Ardius Fortress. If someone can stall that formidable enemy during our siege, then so be it.”

“…So, are you saying that we don’t need a fourth member?”

“Toppling the fortress is by no means guaranteed after defeating that guy. Besides, it’s not guaranteed that he will come out again. It’s fine to compete for military achievements, but that drive should be directed towards the siege.”

The words of the old commander were correct. The other commanders seemed to understand that as well, and there was no further commotion. It was likely their reasoning as leaders.

However, dissatisfaction was clearly written on their faces. A little discontent would be fine, but some of them were evidently plotting something. Given the opportunity, they were probably scheming to outmaneuver others and take down the target with their own hands.

They would almost certainly end up defeated, but that was of no concern to me. If things got entangled with the special operations unit, that would be a different story; however, “that man” was not among those plotting something. His military achievements were built upon ours, so there was no need for him to rush. That was good for me.

“Now then, let’s hold a strategy meeting for the siege with the new information at hand. Demon guy, you may take your leave.”

“Yes. Excuse me.”

“Also, thank you for bringing back the information. You should take some time to rest.”

“…Thank you.”

Since I was told to leave, I tried to make a swift exit, but I unexpectedly received words of appreciation from the old commander. I didn’t even know the name of this man, but I understood that he normally wouldn’t talk to a demon like me. Although I felt perplexed, I left the tent after expressing my gratitude.

Nevertheless, being surrounded by unfamiliar faces, especially those of higher status than mine, was quite taxing. While there was a danger to life, being in battle might be mentally easier… No, it couldn’t be said for sure, as there were creatures one couldn’t defeat alone, much like the golden-armored soldier.

Just before I stepped out of the tent, master lightly patted my back. Perhaps this was his own form of appreciation. At first glance, it might seem like a casual gesture, but it felt more heartwarming than the words of the old commander. Surely, the distance between our hearts was more important than our positions.

“Aah! Big brother! Welcome back!”

“Aah, I’m back.”

Lost in such thoughts, I returned to the tent where my special operations squad comrades were. Lappy, who was quick to notice my return, leaped towards me. In an instant, she twisted and turned, climbing up my body to perch herself on my shoulders.

Following Lappy, the rest of my comrades also expressed their joy at my return. More than master’s appreciation, their welcoming gestures warmed my heart even more. The existence of a place like this seemed truly wonderful to me.