At the surface deck of Rogdor of Kirah, 500 adventurers are standing to receives a briefing from the Main Council and the adjutants. The briefing was made on the way to the Topa Kingdom where they are scheduled to arrive in three hours. Since the Frozen Bracelet did not have enough space to gather all 500 adventurers at any deck, the briefing was held at the secondary flagship's surface deck.
"I congratulate all of you for those who pass the trial. I'm Great Emperor Sacchito and I'm leading this subjugation operation. Captain Rokari will be your Commanding Officer during the investigation at the Pandemonium Contingent. New adventurers will be coming in as soon as she requests more personnel to investigate.
First, reports indicate that the Demon Lord Nosgorath has power on par or maybe more powerful than we can expect since the Giant Ogres have destroyed the 7th Generation Astral Cannon. Our prototype and the shielding were also destroyed, albeit we only install it at the 2nd Generation since we lack intel about everything at the Pandemonium contingent. The actual threat of the Demon Lord itself was possibly around SS rank, and since we can't make an appropriate measure where the Article 12th must be put in effect, it is either higher or lower than the initial assessment itself."
Furthermore, they are being given details about what happened at the Topa Kingdom right now:
The explanation continued. The summary was as follows:
- The target known as the 'Demon Lord' is intelligent, able to command other demons, and aims to inflict harm on all mankind. In addition to the Demon Lord, it primarily eats people so don't expect to return alive if captured.
- The Demon Lord has no natural lifespan; it does not age. It is also possibly similar to the Main Council's blessings, Eternity Age, where they no longer have natural lifespans.
- The Demon Lord was apparently created by the ancient sorcerous empire, an old civilization. It was probably the subject of genetic manipulation. Capturing the specimen was secondary.
- The targets Giant Ogre and Giant Trolls are reportedly quite powerful as well. They are at least doubles the size of the Ogres. Their threat rank is estimated between AAA+ to S- and expecting to have superior combat ability.
- Orcs are 2.5m-tall giants with low intelligence while Ogres are around 4 meters.
- Goblins are physically weaker than humans but much more savage, and they are numerous while they can be also tricky. Ensure to double-check on them to ensure they were eliminated.
- The Topa knight order is currently holding off the Demon Lord's army at the castle town of Tormis.
- The objective of the mission is to exterminate the Demon Lords and its guardian. If possible, capture the Scarlet Dragon and being it to Alicia to be studied. A Corvette Carrier Eleugy will be on station to extract it.
- Pedrons are wielding weapons such as spear, axes, and sword. Expect some resistance.
"And this is also the intel we can get. Captain Rokari will be on station, and if you want to inquire further about this subjugation, please contact Rokari. She will be your commander for the exploration at Pandemonium continent."
With 500 personnel, it will also be the debut of the "Nine Guardians," an adventurer party consisting of the Main Council ever since they have been transported into the New World. The last time they are going for adventure outside the Celestina Empire was around ten years ago.
- Operation: Doom Wrecker
- Participants:
- "Nine Guardians" Captain: Sofya Viltaria, 9 members
- "Cheering Twins" Captain: Luciana Rune Aeria, 4 members
- "Astral Crowz" Captain: Sionx Sharaphova, 6 members
- "White Guard" Captain: Sasha Sylwinder, 8 members
- Adventurers AA+ above: 500 members.
They are scheduled to arrive at the Topa Kingdom in three hours from now. Since they depart in the middle of the night, everyone just woke up in the morning and the trip was quite pleasant since the starship flies at around 150km/h to match the speed with Rogdor of Kirah.
Considering this is the first subjugation operation for the adventurers, the military was not allowed to participate. Despite this was intended to be a military operation, Sacchito wants the Adventurers to experience on how to deal with the army of the demons in this world. Since the Celestina Empire also faces numerous Demon Lords many times, they can put this into a record to determine the current Demon Lord capabilities.
Of all 150,000 participants that registered for the subjugation, only 500 were passing the trial. They were transported by Firefly-class Heavy Frigate, Frozen Bracelet, and Coalition-class Astral Ship, Rogdor of Kirah.
The Topa Kingdom, Royal Capital Berngen
The royal capital of Berngen consisted of a castle reminiscent of medieval Europe and a quiet castle town. To put it crudely, it was a backwater country; to put it nicely, it was charming. The townspeople consisted of humans, beastfolk, and elves. Rather than a multiethnic country, it was a multispecies country. The Celestina Empire is interested in the Topa Kingdom due to the same country, but it also possesses a multiethnic aside of multispecies.
In the royal castle, King Rados had just received a report from the foreign affairs department and was speechless. Celestina, who was so shy about utilizing military force, had dispatched a Battalion of Adventurers. He knew well the rumors about Celestina:
- They annihilated the Kingdom of Louria's main forces with powerful explosive magic.
- They successfully pushed back the Papaldia Empire's oversight army.
These stories had already become legends. To date, Celestina hasn't even had a single casualty. Even though they were only sending a Battalion, it wasn't crazy to think they could maybe even defeat the Demon Lord. Fortunately, while they've taken heavy damage, the royal army was still able to hold the Demon Lord back at Tormis. But, if the Celestinian adventurers were on par with the military or as strong as the legends said, did that mean every soldier was as powerful as a high mage?
"Your Majesty!!! Up high!!"
"Is the defenses have been breached?!"
"No! Look!"
The emblem of the Winged Shield with Staff installed at the Skyship indicates that it belongs to the Celestina Empire. Additionally, they can witness the name Frozen Bracelet embedded on it, indicating the giant beast has a name. There is another skyship, with a size of 300 meters long, and they can saw the name of Rogdor of Kirah, a Coalition-class Astral Ship embedded in it. The Coalition-class Astral Ship itself features the combination hull and strength of the Empire-class and the superior navigation and engine power of the Astral-class Astral Ship.
"Reinforcements!! Reinforcements are here!!"
"Inform the front line quickly!!"
Later, all of them make landfall to the north of the town. After some greetings, they would soon be escorted and will arrive at Tormis under the care of Topa escorts. King Rados donned his golden armor and a splendid cloak, then mounted a white horse; he truly had the appearance of a hero. He wondered what kind of people they were. Today, the Celestinian Adventurers would finally arrive at the front line.
Castle Town Tormis
The knight Moah and the sellsword Gai were ordered to receive the Celestinian Adventurers being escorted to the southern gate of Tormis by the kingdom's knights. They would escort them to the castle then also accompany them on their mission as observers.
"Hey, Moah, why exactly are we guiding the Celestinian Adventurers? I heard they only brought a Battalion of Adventurers. Is there any point?"
"Celestina’s Adventurers aren’t the ‘Celestina’s Imperial Army,’ the Empire just sending them a whole Battalion of Adventurers, not the military. You’re right, though, I’d have been happier if they sent the military, but instead, they sent a group of the adventurer, and one with a strange command structure, so I’m wary that there could be complications because of that. However, if they’re as strong as the rumors say, then they could be a big deal.”
“What rumors?”
“On Rodenius, they cleaned up Louria’s large army in a freakishly short amount of time using crazy explosion magic, then later their dragon rider was able to capture twenty-four of the Papaldia Empire’s dragon riders. It’s said that in all their battles, they’ve had zero casualties.”
“Hmm, that’s gotta be a lie. They’re just spreading propaganda to make themselves sound stronger.”
“Y-You think so too?”
Gai had fought as a sellsword his entire life. “I’ve been in a lot of battles. No matter how overwhelming the army, how good the weapons or strategy, or how flawless the tactics, while there were times when the difference in the death toll was monumental, I’ve never heard of an army losing no one at all. It didn’t matter if their technology was insurmountable or if their movements were perfect, soldiers in the front lines always died. I’m guessing they just won some smaller battles against Louria and Papaldia. Well, beating the superpower Papaldia in any battle proves that they’re a major force, but to say they didn’t lose even one soldier is simply unbelievable. I don’t like countries that exaggerate. If they care that much about appearances, will their advance platoon be decked out in sparkling gold armor, you think?”
“Rrrg, you have a point… either way, they are technically state guests, so don’t be rude by going on about how you hate countries like theirs.”
“Yeah, I know, don’t worry.”
After a short wait…
“Sir Moah, I see them! The Celestinian forces are here! They brought several skyships!!” called the sentinel on top of the gate.
“Skyships?”
Three shining white, iron demonic beasts were closing in from far off. In the sky, it was a Rogdor of Kirah escorted by eight Astral ships. Another six brown demonic beasts were also closing in.
VWOOOOOOH…
They made loud noises as they moved. They were also quite big.
!!!!!!
As they got closer, the ground started to rumble. They must be extremely heavy to make the ground shake like that…! The kingdom’s knights in front also looked a bit nauseous.
“What are those?! I’ve never seen monsters like those before!!!”
The procession stopped in front of Moah and Gai. The knight in the lead dismounted from his horse and came up to Moah. The knight treats the Celestinian Adventurers as the soldiers despite they are not the official soldiers.
“We have brought the adventurers from the Celestina Empire here. They are now in your hands.”
“Yes sir!”
While they spoke, the march takes at ease position and a person came out from the group, stopping in front of them. He wore a cream robe at the upper body and brown at the bottom. He didn’t have on any armor, but he would probably wear some for battle. Moah didn’t see any trace of a knight’s formality or beauty that he was imagining. Frankly… he was just a barbarian. That barbarian walked up to Moah.
“Great Emperor Sacchito from the Celestina Adventurer Expeditionary Fleet Assault Battalion at your service! Thank you for your assistance.”
!!? This undecorated, unappealing man was the leader of the Battalion, let alone he was the Emperor?! He and Gai quickly kneel.
“F-Forgive us for our unsightly welcome, Great Emperor!! Your help is really appreciated!” Moah still looks down in front of him.
“Please, stand up. I’m here as the Commanding Officer of the Assault Battalion.”
“T-Thank you!”
(Hm?!)
He noticed a patch of a winged shield with staff at one of the adventurers.
(I’ve seen that design somewhere before… Where was it?)
Moah led the Celestinian Adventurers to Castle Tormis while contemplating this. Along the way, civilians looked at the Celestinian like they were looking at aliens. Some of the adventurers are even using mounts that make them terrified, such as Fenrir, June Dreadnought, and even Overlord Aegis.
“Pipe down. Don’t use any mounts.”
“Yes, sir!”
They dismount and make the mount vanish as they continue marching to the castle
They had gotten close to the castle. The Celestinian Adventurers are going into the castle to prepare for the meeting. The Nine Guardians and the Adjutants are entering the war room. The rest of the adventurers are helping Rokari in setting up defenses. They were now near the front lines, so all of them are on alert.
Castle Tormis – built in the age of myth after the invasion of the Demon Lord’s army, it had a lot of history behind it, and it looked like it came straight from medieval Europe. Of course, as times changed, the castle changed with them; it went through numerous rounds of remodeling and no longer contained any vestige of its original appearance. Sacchito surveyed the historical building as he’s using magic to scan the possible in and out for their airdrop. If he listened carefully, he could hear far-off screams and yells, which really drove home how close they were to the front lines.
Adventurer tanks are setting up shields while the ranged adventurers such as mage, wizard, archer, and ranger are spreading out accordingly to anticipate concentrate attack, establishing a kill zone. The rest are preparing the cannons and loading up its Astral Crystal Battery to power up the cannon.
They followed behind Moah, turning who knows how many corners, before arriving at a room with a heavy-looking door. Moah knocked on it.
“Enter.”
“Please excuse our interruption. I have brought visitors from The Celestina Empire.”
Inside, there was a round table, and the man at the far end was standing up. He was about 40 years old, 185 centimeters tall, muscular, and he had short, white hair and a white beard. He wore silver armor, a red cloak, and a sword at his waist.
“Ooh, our guests from Celestina. We appreciate your coming here. I am the commander of the Topa Kingdom Demon Lord subjugation squad, Ajieze.”
“Great Emperor and the Commander of the Celestina Adventurer Expeditionary Fleet Assault Battalion Sacchito from the Celestina Empire. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“Ooohh!! To think that the Great Emperor has come to handle this personally. I was honored to hear that.”
Introductions were exchanged. After everyone sat down at the table, they confirmed the state of affairs. Some choose to stand as they are on the lookout and to guard the room.
- The Demon Lord’s army of about 35,000 strong suddenly invaded the Topa Kingdom from Pandemonium, breaking through the Doors of the World and completely wiping out the standing army there.
- After that, the Demon Lord’s army invaded a district on the north side of Castle Town Tormis called Minaisa.
- At this time, reinforcements from the Topa army reached Tormis, and they engaged the enemy forces to prevent them from invading further.
- The Demon Lord took up residence in a local lord’s mansion and never left it.
- There were still about 600 residents in Minaisa who were unable to evacuate. Once a day, they’re gathered in the town square, and several are taken away to be eaten by the Demon Lord or other demons. Of the initial 600 who couldn’t run away, there were only 200 left.
- The Demon Lord’s army has lost about 5,000 goblins, 25 orcs, 2 ogres, and 10 Pedron Beast while the kingdom has lost about 3,000 knights.
- They’ve tried to launch rescue missions for the hostages 3 times, but every time either the Giant Ogres or Giant Trolls were keeping watch in the town square, so they’ve had to retreat each time with heavy losses. Because their only routes to Minaisa were at the side streets, many knights were dying each time. They were deadlocked.
- Because hostages were being eaten each day, they needed to save them as soon as possible.
After hearing the explanation, Sacchito understood the urgency for rescuing the hostages.
“I see… we’re under a lot of pressure here.”
“Indeed… If we could defeat the giant ogres and Giant Trolls, we could probably figure something out, but…”
“Hmm… Information from Rokari indicates that they could be around a high threat rank, somewhere around AAA+ to S- rank, but the actual threat has yet to be determined due to our adventurers have yet to face it directly. If we can analyze its battle power, we can make an immediate conclusion, and should there are another out there, this can be a good reference.”
“They’re many times stronger than humans, but the real problem is that they don’t get tired. As long as they have food, they never get weaker and can fight indefinitely. Furthermore, they have this wire-like fur that protects against swords and spears, while for Giant Trolls, they can’t be harmed with swords nor even spears. Ballista bolts could probably pierce it, but the ogres are too fast to hit them with those. The Giant Trolls itself probably makes it harder to pierce.”
“So we need to get rid of the Giant Trolls and Giant Ogres first…”
Sacchito knew that the civilians needed to be rescued as soon as possible, and he already decided that he will make use of this Assault Battalion. As the Commanding Officer of the Assault Battalion, he decided to make a call to exterminate the Giant Troll and Giant Ogres.
“Alright. Once we’ve prepared, we will take care of the Giant Troll and Giant Ogres through air assault.”
“Air assault?”
Feena interjects their talk.
“Do not worry about us, Commander. We know what we are doing. Trust us.”
“Ooh… if the Celestinian army mobilizes for us, knowing that you have withstood attacks from superpowers, I feel as though I’ve gained another hundred, no, another ten thousand soldiers! We shall also deploy our knight order alongside your platoon.”
“First, we should discuss strategies, I think.”
“In that case, let us hold a strategy meeting in one hour. I would like to prepare various documents like maps, so please be patient for now.”
When everyone was about to disband the meeting, Cecilia notices a presence.
“We got company.”
“What?!”
While they’re standing up from the desk, she saw a black object coming from a window.
Moah’s Point of View
The meeting went on. The Celestinian said they would defeat the ogres, but he was skeptical, their numbers were just made them a good food for the Demon Lord and its Lieutenants. Ogres were fast, strong, and did not tire. Their iron dragons might be more powerful than an ogre, but he didn’t think they could keep up with the ogres’ speed. The reason ogres didn’t get tired was probably that they had excessive mana reserves constantly healing their muscles bit by bit. The constant application of healing magic also meant that anything other than severe wounds would be repaired in short order.
For the Giant Trolls itself, although they do rest, their thick skin is going to increase the difficulty, not to mention it has strong offense and defense as well. In natural terms, low-level magic won’t work effectively because of its tough skin.
He wondered how the heroes of legend actually managed to kill these monsters.
Hmm?
So they were ending the initial meeting then switching over to a strategy meeting, but he heard Cecilia’s word.
“We got company.”
“What?”
CRASH!!!
The glass window shattered. A black object fell into the room. The object grew black feathers and white clothes. Th… that’s—!!!
“That’s the Demon Lord’s aide, Malastriss!!!” someone shouted. Moah pulled out his sword and took a stance, facing the new enemy. Other knights in the room had already done the same.
“Hohoho… There are so many heads for me to take, I’ll have to carry them back with my feet… It has been so long, I see that you humans have evolved quite a bit.”
As soon as it finished speaking, Malastriss lunged for the knight captain with its hand out. In front of that hand, the air distorted as it summoned a black flame with its mana.
“Not so fast!!!” the vice-captain shouted, slashing at Malastriss’s side. With a vile smile, Malastriss moved its hand to point at the vice-captain instead and cast a spell.
“Hellfire.”
The vice-captain was engulfed in hellish black flames.
“GYAAAAAHHH!!!”
The black flames burned him fiercely. The air was now thick with heat and the agony of death. The Celestinian leaders only look at her calmly as they knew that she was coming. They were pretty far away from Malastriss, after all. Were all those legendary feats just rumors, after all? But, the Vice-Captain continues to screaming as something keeps preventing him from dying. Malastriss enraged and leaped to the desk, looking for who use the protection spell on him as she saw light protection enveloping around his body.
After some deduction, she found Sofya is the one who cast it, but before she can even react, her head was hit by a baton from both sides.
“GYAAHH!!”
Staggered, the Twin Rabbits leaped backward and jumped, using the wall to leap forward. Attacking in unison, both Lily and Lyla kick Malastriss’s belly hard, sending her flying while Aegina draws her sword, cutting her in two as she was thrown out from the window she broke earlier.
It didn’t even have the opportunity to let out a death cry; Malastriss, its body was split in two when thrown out from the window, fall to the ground. Everyone was speechless.
The Demon Lord’s aide, Malastriss, was a plague. The Topa Kingdom was extremely cold, so its people could not raise wyverns, which were cold-blooded. Because of that, they suffered from countless magical attacks from the sky, truly times of hardship. Malastriss alone was responsible for the deaths of over 100 knights. Then, it started aiming specifically for the knight order’s leaders. Even though it did not fly itself, its overwhelming mana was a significant threat.
“So, what was the threat level for that?” Feena asks Lily and Lyla.
“It can be either S- or S Rank, I think?”
“But, it was definitely not in the S League Rank.”
But now, the Celestinian Leaders have their high combat power easily dealt with the demonic beast Malastriss. The Twin Rabbits' power is worth to be mentioned since their batons can even stop Malastriss on its track, let alone their kicking power can blow her out from the window.
“Battalion Leader Sacchito, by killing Malastriss, you have saved us all. We cannot thank you enough.”
Sacchito shakes his head while he prioritizes the condition of the Vice-Captain first.
“Please bring the Vice-Captain to rest. He needs recovery after his stamina was drained out from resisting the last attack. It’s our job to keep our allies safe at all times.”
“Y-yes, sir.”
One of the Knights quickly takes the Vice-Captain to the infirmary for recovery.
“W-We’ve also thanked you for your efforts! If you were not here, we would all have been killed. That’s how powerful this beast was.”
An hour later, they held a strategy meeting to discuss the rescue of Minaisa’s residents that lasted late into the night.
Two days later, in the early morning, the Celestina Expeditionary Fleet Assault Battalion departed from the castle gate and made for the district of Minaisa. They split up into a group of five to ensure that everything is in place. The Astral Ships won’t be deployed since it can draw unnecessary attention. On the contrary, Rokari deploys four Astral Artillery Bombardment Fourth Generation and Eight Rapid Fire Astral Cannon Seventh Generation for support fire.
The Main Council will start the attack from the air, followed by the ambushes from the sides and fountain.
Celestina Empire, Inside the HTC-92 (Heavy Troop Carrier-92), Ten Thousand Feet Above Castle Town Tormis
There was a Valkyrie Helmet placed at the chair as the Nine Guardians are preparing to drop from Ten Thousand Feet. A floating disc slowly descends into the height of the Council’s waist. Rokari gives a briefing from the Palace Command Room.
“Nine Guardians, as we discussed it yesterday, we got around thirty minutes before they decide to choose the dinner in the town square. The Ground Teams are currently repairing the main road, and it will take around ten minutes before it can be used as a retreating path. Should this succeeded, we may have a chance to lure the Demon Lord out. Eliminate all Giant Ogres and Giant Trolls on approach. If possible, eradicate all of it. Intel indicates that there are three Giant Trolls and two Giant Ogres at the square, the rest is on your way to the Town Square and withdraw back to the castle. If you have the opportunity…”
“Understood, Commander.”
“Good luck, Councils. Command out.”
The entire members of the Nine Guardians are preparing for the drop. Eleonora opens the conversation.
“Say, before we can jump, anyone wants to say a few words or lead the pray?”
Sofya nodded as she leads the prayer for her party.
“O God and Goddesses of the Celestina, grant us protection, bless us, and lead us so we can finish this by saving as many people as we can.”
Feena then clenches her fist, so are the others.
“For the peace of the land!”
“For the peace of the land!”
“Green light to drop!”
Sacchito presses the button to open the hatch. As the hatch opens, it slowly sucks them out due to the difference in the air pressure. Sachi dons his Valkyrie Helmet and makes a drop last as Cecilia is taking the lead.
“Air Glider.”
They flew, gliding as they can see the Demon Lord's main camp from above. Most of the forces are concentrated on two fronts, Town Square and the Main Camp. They intend to create as much damage as they can to draw the Demon Lord out.
Since they saw the South of Doors to the World, they can use it as a leaping point for ground attack. Descending from ten thousand feet is quite an unimaginable strategy for every Topa Knights.
“Weapons free!!”
“Contact!!”
Feena takes the first kill by using the South of The Doors wall by slamming the hammer, happening to find one Giant Troll. She smashes it to smithereens as the Giant Troll was flattened while the others are also using the South of The Doors wall to propel their freefall forward and rush down from a sloping road on the town, heading towards the Town Square to distract them.
WHAM!!
“That’s one down. Nineteen to go.”
“I won’t lose!”
Maya summons her bugs, and it swarms one of the Giant Ogres, destroying its brain and heart from inside out. Cecilia fires some arrows to the Pedron, Ogre, Orcs, and Goblins; while on close-quarter combat, she detaches her bow, turning it into a whip blade to cut anything that gets in her way.
Eleonora found one of the Giant Trolls and she immediately cut its throat and separate the head from the body with her blade on her shield while smashing through a house that shatters and falls upon impact. Sacchito summons an Explosive Shotgun and gives the Giant Troll a beheading with explosives. Sofya uses her light judgment to purify both Giant Trolls and Giant Ogres before she finishes them off with a light blade from her staff.
With Two Giant Ogres and Thirteen Giant Trolls to go, it was not hard to find them since their size is relatively easy to find. Both of them got around six meters long and they have weapons such as a club and sturdy sticks that have the blood of the fallen knights.
“Sachi! Sniper!”
“On it!”
Manifesting an anti-material Sniper Rifle Stanchion Barrett, he tosses it to Cecilia, where she immediately fires two rounds into a Giant Troll’s head and heart at the distance of one kilometer with a slight stare, eliminating it instantly. She tosses it back and Sachi transforms it into a gauntlet to push up the attack. Shiela makes a roaring approach as she quickly pierces through the heart of the Giant Troll.
“Make a home run!!!”
Feena swings her hammer as she scores several home runs when she whacks the Ogre, Pedron, and Orcs that gets in her way. To her, it feels like she can join a baseball league after she scores several home runs, but it’s not to her liking since she likes machinery the most. One Orcs leaped to her, but she quickly dodges and scores another home run. Maya keeps cutting any enemies that get in her way while she finishes off another Giant Troll by decapitating it.
Freya doesn’t want to let up as she immediately turns two Giant Trolls and those who around it into cinders while Alicia slowly disassembles a Giant Ogre and a Giant Trolls using acid spells. With one Giant Ogre and seven giant Trolls left, they continue to dash towards the Town Square as the attack commences.
“Got you!”
Sachi grabs one of the Giant Troll’s upper teeth while leaping, and he plants some grenades and explosives inside the mouth as he slams it to the ground, killing it instantly when explodes. Now they are around 400 meters distances from the Town Square where Rokari immediately blew loud whistles to retreat once every surviving civilians are rescued.
“Manifestation! Machinegun arm!”
“Defending Aura!”
“Spiral Ballista! Arrow Assault!”
“Quagmire!”
“Ice Meteor Storm!!”
The spells used by the Main Councils are highly destructive and they already mastered the chantless spell or even shortened spell. Normally, casting it will take several seconds, but to make such an output, it requires a deep understanding of magic.
There are around one Giant Ogre and six Giant Trolls, which their intention is to lure them out. Sasha and Luciana’s Team has already defeated two Giant Ogres and Three Giant Trolls at the Town Square, while Sionx’s team is preparing a defense perimeter on the main road to secure the retreat path. Sure enough, the rest of the giants are lured out and they chase them out of sheer rage.
(I’m scared… I’m so scared… someone, help us…)
Ellay, who ran a diner in the Minaisa district of Tormis, was shaking in fear. In the middle of the day, all the survivors from the Demon Lord’s invasion were gathered in the town square. Demons watched the entire area, so they couldn’t run away. There was one person who tried to escape before, but he was quickly caught then cooked right in front of everyone. The demons had laughed and pointed at the torture, making remarks like “live dancing, hahaha!” They repeated this each day, taking several people away to be eaten.
“Today will be… you, an’ you… an’ you.”
Just yesterday, her neighbor and childhood friend, a girl named Menia, was chosen. Her parents fought desperately to protect her, so they too were chosen and now all three were gone. It was a living hell. Why now… why did some terrifying creature from a fairy tale like the Demon Lord come back now? If any gods were listening, they really needed help.
She thought of her other childhood friends: Gai, who became a mercenary, and Moah, who became a knight. She wondered if they would come to help. Sir Moah was stationed at the Doors to the World, though, so he might already be dead.
The kingdom’s knights tried to rescue them many times, but the Giant Troll Guard Team had destroyed the main road connecting the town square to the castle gate, so it was now untraversable. She remembered an old story about the Demon Lord’s army fighting against the elves, the God of the Sun heard the prayers of the elves’ god and sent down messengers to fight them. She was an elf herself; even though she did not believe in any gods, she prayed anyway.
God! God, please! Help my people! Help everyone here! Destroy the demons! Send your messengers again! Please!!!
So she prayed… but nothing happened.
“Uhhh… and meat for today…”
The demons were choosing people to eat.
“The Demon Lord said something plain would be good today.”
“Maybe we’ll have vegetables be the main dish, then…”
All the residents felt their tension dissipate into relief.
“For the seasoning, an elf woman would be just right. You.”
A demon grabbed Ellay’s right hand.
“NOOOOOO! GOD, HEEEEEELP!!!”
“Oy, stop that.”
At that moment…
WHAM!!
SLASH!! SLASH!!
The Giant Ogre that was guarding the fountain got smacked by batons from Lily and Lyla while Luciana and Aegina finish it off. Feena’s smashing sound can be heard all the way from the South of the Doors to the castle, gaining attention from those who heard it.
“How long until the repairs are done?”
“It won’t take long since we need to put a camouflage in front of them to deceive them, otherwise they can crush this road again.”
Yuuna Caskett is currently repairing the road with nano-repairs at her gloves. She needs to move fast since it won’t be long before the Nine Guardians are preparing to drop.
“They’ve started to descend!”
Lyrallei’s report through binoculars immediately makes the adventurers rushes into the position for Search and Rescue Mission. Yuuna will lower the camouflage once the main road was repaired.
“Blackburn, in position!!”
Using a manifestation glove, he summoned a 17 Pounder and aimed right at the Town Square to provide covering fire. Ludmila arms it with Ice Bullet, and Izumi augments it with electricity to boost up the speed.
“Shield’s down!! All units, attack!”
“Fire!!”
BOOM!!!
At Lyrallei’s command, everyone began the attack and Blackburn’s shot instantly froze the Giant Troll. Hakuren makes a snap on it and the frozen Giant Troll shatters to pieces.
A strike force of Celestina Adventurers party whose task was to rescue the civilians traveled through the now-dry water supply and jumped out of the water fountain in the town square. There were fifty orcs, twenty ogres, twenty Pedrons, Three Giant Troll, and two Giant Ogre. They were led by Luciana to commence a surprise attack from the fountain.
“Here you go, Lily.”
“Come, Lyla.”
“Yes!”
“What are they doing?”
Both Luciana and Aegina prepares to launch the Twin Rabbits and awaiting the signal.
WHAM!!
“Go!”
“Alley-oop!!”
Tossing Lily and Lyla out, they knock out the Giant Ogre before Luciana and Aegina finish it off by making a clean cut. Moah and Gai also jumped out of the water fountain.
“I can’t believe it… a plan to jump out right in the middle of all these enemies, that ain’t nothing any sane person would do,” Gai complained while looking around. His eyes stopped on an ogre holding the hand of an elf girl.
“Th-That’s…!!!”
Gai made a beeline for the orc and slashed it with his sword.
“PIGYAAAHH!!!”
The orc couldn’t defend itself and perished.
Ellay was prepared for death. A monster had caught her by the hand, intending for her to be the Demon Lord’s meal.
“NOOOOOO!”
WHAM!
“Oy, stop that.”
As her hand got grabbed, there was an explosion at the Giant Ogre standing at the main road. The Giant Troll was immediately frozen and shattered to pieces.
“All units, attack!!”
She could hear the sound of the battle cry. The other demons left a few behinds and rushed in a group towards the loud sounds that were emitted by Feena. Then, she saw a twin cheerleader leaped out, smacking the Giant Ogre’s head with a baton while another two girls clad in armor appeared from the broken water fountain in the middle of the town square, finishing the Giant Ogre. When she saw several demihumans went out from the same spot, it made her feel sick at first when she mistook them for another demon, but then she realized that they were allies, and they hold various weapons. Staff, baton, sword, scepter, it as the hero has descended once again to save them.
The demon holding her hand was frozen in shock. A single swordsman attacked that demon, quickly killing it. He was… someone she knew very well.
“H… Hey, Ellay, are you okay?”
It was her childhood friend, the sellsword Gai. He often came to eat at her diner. Three years ago, he tried to court her, but she gently turned him down. It was because, truthfully, mercenary work wasn’t exactly stable.
But… when she was on the verge of death, he saved her. Even though there were all these frightening demons here, he came to rescue her.
(He was… just a little bit cool there…)
Right as she was going to call out to him…
“Miss Ellay, are you all right?” a voice called out from behind her. This voice…!!! Her head whipped around at the speed of light.
“Sir… Sir Moah…”
(Oh, this is bad… I almost lost myself for a moment there. Sir Moah also came to rescue me from this horrible battlefield. Sir Moah really is my knight in shining armor! I absolutely won’t let him get away!)
“You came for me! I’m so happy!”
Unfortunately, Gai was yet to find happiness.
CLANG!! CLANGG!!
PWEEETTT!!!
“It’s a sound to withdraw!! Everyone, let’s bring these civilians to safety!”
“You’re mine! OINKYAAHH!!”
When the last Giant Ogre was about to smash Moah and Gai, Sasha quickly kicks its belly and lands on the ground before she launches another kick to kick through its body quickly enough so she won’t get any spill of blood when she lands. The hole tore by Sasha immediately makes the Giant Ogre collapses.
“Oh! As expected of the Strongest Kick of the Empire!”
“Come on! Let’s go!”
“Yes!”
Some adventurers that are wounded, particularly around S- Rank are quickly being escorted by those who are capable of carrying it. The remaining two Giant Trolls were eliminated by a group of AAA+ and S- Rank party and it was quite a tough fight for them. The Topan Knights also evacuated one after another, not leaving anyone behind.
As the Nine Guardians are closing in, suddenly they stop and turn around, forming a defensive perimeter. They will hold the line until the entire civilian at the Town Square is evacuated.
“We will cover your retreat!”
“Sir! We’ve got you covered!”
Blackburn immediately loads another round and this time, Yuuna augment it with Nano Machine for disintegration. Their distances between the castle and the Town Square are 1,5km so the evacuation still takes time.
“Nano Machine installed!”
“Speed boost augmented!!”
“Fire!!”
BOOM!!
GRAAAUUGGHH!!
The last Giant Ogre disintegrates into nothing as soon as the bullet from 17 Pounder hits its chest.
“Your Majesty!! Civilians and adventurers have successfully withdrawn!!”
“Fire the Astral Cannon and Artillery!! Make sure they are backing off!”
The Astral Cannon and Artillery firing in unison, swarming to the Giant Trolls and the hordes of demons. To add the wound, this time, Blackburn installs his signature augmentation magic, Shotgun Spread, into the 17 Pounder bullet. Izumi augments it with electricity while Yuuna augments it with explosives this time, making the bullet becomes Super Spreader Lightning Explosives.
“Super Spreader Lightning Explosives Loaded!”
They are waiting until the remaining Giant Trolls charging into them while using magic, they withdraw the 17 Pounder into 300 meters from the castle gate. As soon as they reach the destination, the main road becomes full of demons, and six Giant Trolls can be seen in their sight.
“We’re clear!!”
“Hold up!”
Cecilia augments the bullet and it was transformed into a Smart Spreader Lighting Explosives bullet. It locks on to the remaining Giant Trolls. The Ogres, Orcs, Pedrons, and Goblins are struggling since the barrages from Astral Cannon and Artillery hindered their advance, giving a room for Giant Troll for a clean shot.
“All clear!!”
“Fire!!”
BOOM!!
With a more violent sound, the 17 Pounder bullet disperses into six, with each augmented the same abilities. When it hits either the chest or head of the Giant Trolls, it exploded and the remaining Giant Trolls are killed.
As soon as the job is done, Blackburn’s team and the others immediately withdraw back as Sofya and her adjutants raise the shield to prevent any pursuers from catching up with them.
The joint operation between Celestinian Adventurers and Topa Knights is being carried out according to the plan. From the start until the end of the rescue mission, at least 10 AAA+ Rank and 5 S- Rank Adventurers are heavily injured while around 40 are moderately injured. The reports from the Adventurers make the Main Councils and the Guild Staff can measure the battle strength and rank for Giant Troll, Giant Ogres, and some of the demons.
Giant Troll was rated S- a threat for Party or S Rank for solo due to thick skin and highly resistant against physical and magic attack. The Giant Ogre was rated AAA+ for Party or S- Rank for solo due to strong body, but can be manipulated easier than Giant Troll. Ogres are being rated at least B-, Orcs were C+, Pedrons was C+, while goblins in horde can be C rank while the individual is E Rank due to its deceitful.
“Glad the Topa Knights didn’t receive any major injuries though.”
“It sure is. Still, this operation is a success.”
“Yep. With this, I bet the Demon Lord will be lured out the next day.”
The Celestina Empire is used to this kind of high-risk operation. Not only because of their nature as adventurers but there are always quests related to rescue missions like this.
Excerpt from Moah’s diary entry for that day
I feel like I am in the middle of history being written.
The legendary Demon Lord known only in myths, its fearsome army that conquered the continent of Fillades in the blink of an eye, was truly fighting against the elite forces of the Topa Kingdom. In the castle town of Tormis, we had to defend against the Demon Lord’s invasion while minding our losses. We’re far stronger than the coalition of races from the past since we now have the geographical advantage. Or, that should have been the case, but because of the Giant Ogres and Giant Trolls, many of our men were lost to the demons. I wondered how the heroes of old were able to fight them. But today, something historical happened.
Both the Giant Ogres and Giant Trolls were quickly and easily defeated by the envoys of a newly emerging country, the Celestina Empire. Their weapons were so powerful that I can’t even describe them using my own common sense. The Celestinian Adventurers annihilated those famed demons of a legend like they were simply pests to be exterminated. They even say that this job is already a usual thing for them.
I hope you'll upload more chapters