48 Raise the Flag

"I've decided. Let's go with your plan."

It is night time, and by now I have made my decision.

"Are you sure?"

Hearing my ready compliance, the princess appears to be surprised. It doesn't look like she expected my answer so soon. Did I look so unwilling before? I must have. Because I actually was very unhappy with this ploy of hers, and even now, I am still uneasy. However, there is something I would like to ascertain, something that might help us in the long run, and perhaps, if we're lucky, solve all of our problems. For this to happen, it may be more helpful, even imperative, to have all the soldiers under my command.

"All I have to do is win, right? Then I'll do just that."

A frown appears on the princess' face as I say those words, the words mirroring what she had said to me this morning. Even though she should be getting what she wants right now, she looks a little hurt.

"I am sorry, Aurelius, I realize my words must have been harsh. I would not have forced these burdens upon you if I had a choice."

"What are you saying, isn't that what we're precisely here for? Otherwise, why even summon us in the first place."

I meant to comfort her, to reassure her. I did. But, her frown only grows deeper and now it looks as if she's about to cry.

"I know... I know. This is my sin to bear, to summoning you and your friends into this broken world. I won't ask for forgiveness, but so long as this world can be saved, I'll give you whatever you desire, absolutely anything, you have my word."

Anything? That's a bit much to promise. I mean, what if, at the end of all this, I say that what I really want, above all else, is to destroy this world myself? What then? I better not say it out loud though. The princess right now feels rather unstable. If I say something like that, she might get paranoid, even if I tell her that's just a joke.

"I just want my friends to return home safely, that's it. Of course, I wouldn't mind a bit of a reward."

"Just ask and you'll have it. Like I said, I'll give you anything, you and your friends. And of course, we will fulfill our promise of returning you back to your own world once all is done. So please, please, save us."

"I intend to, don't worry about it."

The door to the princess' room shut behind me as I walk away. Knowing that the Beastkins have keen senses, I let out a huge sigh only when I am far enough.

Right then, that's the easy part of the plan dealt with. From here on out, there will only be the difficult parts.

"Hopefully, I am not committing a major mistake right now."

***

It was earlier today, in the afternoon. Discreetly, I gathered all four of us Champions to a meeting, one in which the subject discussed would be kept only amongst us four.

As Toto was still recovering, our meeting took place at her bedside, and there we crowded together and spoke as softly as possible to avoid being overheard by the Beastkins with heightened hearing.

"So, any thoughts?"

Silence, complete and utter silence was the response I received.

At first, they were confused when I called such a discreet meeting out of the blue, but after explaining my experiences last night, the confusion only doubled. It seemed that no one present knew what to think.

"So they tricked us!?"

The first to finally respond was Six, quite furious at the implication that our cognitions were messed with by the H.U.D.

"I can't say for sure, after all, the summoning ritual they used is just as much a mystery to them as it is to us."

At least, that was what we were told. That too could be a lie, everything could be a lie. However, I certainly had no intention of saying all these to Six. He already has enough animosity towards those of this world, making it worst will hardly help. I can't have him treat everyone around us as enemies before anything is verified.

"So I just checked, but I can't find the option to turn off the H.U.D. anywhere. Are you sure you didn't just have a nightmare?"

"It's not a nightmare, Toto, I'm sure. This [contract] proves that it did happen."

I pull out the [contract] of the [World Devourer Woods], the [contract] handed to me by the horned girl.

"Are you sure you didn't just receive it after the battle and didn't realize that you've had it till now?"

Cecilia remained skeptical, thinking that the [contract] might have dropped like loot and automatically wound up in my inventory.

"Well, I don't know what to tell you guys. I'm starring at the button right now. The [turn off] option is right there in front of me."

Again, silence. No one here has any idea what to believe. Do they believe what they are seeing right in front of their own eyes, or do they trust in something that was just told to them by someone else, a friend he may be?

"Say that what you saw is true, what then? Just because everything looks like they are [Corrupted] to you, it doesn't necessarily mean they are, right? It could be that this is just how the world really looks like."

Cecilia has a point, a point that I too had considered. But then, I thought, what of that girl, the one with the spiraling horns? Even with my H.U.D. off, she looked completely different from her surroundings, as if she's the only 'pure' being around... Or, perhaps it was she that is [Corrupted], that she is the [Demon]. Of course, I couldn't come to a conclusion on that, I have no information to work on and what information I do have may or may not be true. Everything may be true, or perhaps it all was just a big lie. I don't know. I simply have no way of verifying it all.

"It is as Cecilia said, maybe the H.U.D. is only making the summoner's faction look like friendlies and everyone else looks the same, maybe that's the case. However Doesn't this mean that the [Corruption] isn't what we thought it is? All along, we thought that the [Corruption] created the [Demons] and the monstrosities we've been fighting all along were exactly that. However, if everyone looks like that from the start, then was there really even a [Corruption]? Maybe this whole time, we were just fighting a war against regular people, thinking that we were slaying [Demons]."

"That, or perhaps we were the [Corrupted] all along."

From Toto, came a chilling hypothesis. Are we the [Demons]? Are we actually the ones threatening this world? That was a terrifying prospect, the fact that we may, in fact, be the monsters. However, I do not believe that is the case.

"No, I don't think so. It wasn't just us, the entire sky as well, was looking all twisted and evil, so I think maybe it's everyone in this world."

"Or perhaps that's just how the sky looks like in this world."

Six has a point, a frustrating point that reminded me that nothing I know from our world, neither of the online game nor of reality, may apply to this world. For all we know, it could be operating on completely different sets of rules. The existence of magic and the fact that this incomprehensible thing is a science to them is evidence of that.

"This is all sorts of frustrating."

Cecilia laid back on her chair and starts pinching the bridge of her nose. Looks like she's at the end of her patience for this, and frankly, so have I.

"As it looks like we're not going to be getting any concrete answers anytime soon, I propose we take a break from questioning reality. That's not exactly the purpose of this meeting. No, I gather you here today for something else. It is about what we'll be doing from now on with this information."

"Sounds like you already have something in mind."

"Don't I always, Six, don't I always?"

I don't of course, but thankfully, everyone within the room allowed me to have the moment.

"Well? Go on, tell us."

"Alright, so here's the plan..."

***

The very next day after I accepted my position, the princess made it official to all. A brief ceremony was held and I was dressed in fancy robes. In those heavy and stuffy clothes, I walked up to the throne. The eyes of the noblemen gathered were concentrated on me, and within their gazes, some held confusion, some held admiration, while others held disdain. A Champion I may be, I was still but an outsider. To most of them, I might as well be but a weapon, one preferably under control than being in control. Apparently, as I had been told in whispers by the maidservants, even many of the kingdom's generals thought that this decision was unwise. Even so, I went up to the throne and received the king's blessings.

It was the very first time I met with the king, and he looked thin and frail, practically skin and bones. He couldn't walk without being helped and appeared to be extremely light, so much so it felt like he would scatter to the wind if I were to touch him with too much strength. Just how sick was this man? I recall thinking.

With all that said and done however, the ceremony went off without a hitch, and I am now the Beastkins' supreme commander. By the decreed of His Royal Majesty, King Romulus, I now hold authority over all of the kingdom's army.

"In truth, I wanted to stay."

"So why don't you, princess? Nothing has stopped you before."

At the moment, I am seeing off the princess in the courtyard as she prepares to head further south, to where the new center of government will be located while the current capital becomes the new frontlines.

"As you have seen, my father is very ill. I'd like to spend more time by his side for the foreseeable future. Not to mention, now that we're moving into Lord Remus' land, there's a need for me to keep a tighter rein of things. While it is true that the royal family holds the highest authority in all of the land, that place is still Remus' territory."

"Really now, Your Highness, is there a need for such mistrust? Not to mention, I certainly can't appreciate you badmouth me in front of our 'supreme commander'."

From behind, a voice that said 'supreme commander' as if he spat out the vilest of phlegm. I turn to see a man with long gray hair and a pair of ears standing sharp and tall above his head, a man looking very similar to the king, except much younger and definitely much, much healthier.

"Would you look at that, Aurelia, your Champion is confused. Have you not told him about me?"

How should I put it? This man, his expressions, every word that comes out of his mouth, they make me what to punch him. Just give 'em one right in the teeth.

"That is 'Your Highness' to you, but yes, I suppose it's time I point you out. Aurelius, this is Lord Remus. I believe I spoke of him briefly once or twice."

"Why such open contempt? While I may have heavily opposed your use of the summoning ritual that, mind you, we know so little about, I only did so in the kingdom's best interest."

"You have done more than heavily oppose me, Lord Remus, you've turned more than half the court against me. You obstruct my every move made to save this kingdom, this world."

"You were also making very reckless moves, Your Highness. Need I remind you that when you performed the ritual, after ignoring every single opposition no less, you ended up with but a single Champion, with three others scattered across the kingdom. Clearly, the ritual did not go according to plan. We are fortunate that it went as well as it did, but should something go wrong-"

"But it worked, and that's what mattered. The Champions did arrive, and they did save us on more than one occasion, and none of that happened because I was sitting around debating what is to be done while pushing responsibilities around."

Lord Remus sighs, one that sounds rather insincere, after the extensive argument.

"Very well, regardless of how you went about doing it, you did produce favorable results, so I'll give you that. While I too am happy that it ended up that way, do remember this well, princess, it is only because we were lucky, very, very lucky. I doubt we'll be able to get such luck every single time. Now then if you'll excuse me."

Having said his piece, Lord Remus leaves with a brisk pace and climbs nimbly into his carriage.

"While I hate to admit it, this lord does have a point. We did get lucky."

"And I am lucky that I have you by my side."

There she goes again, saying the darnest thing. It puts a smile on my face, even though I suspect she's only saying it to detract from the conversation.

"Shouldn't you get going?"

"I suppose I should, but before that... Aurelius."

"Yes?"

"Win this. Prove that you are the one who will save us."

"I have no intention to do any less. As for you, do take care of yourself and not let Merida worry so much for once. And of course, I'll be counting on you to take care of Toto as well."

"Oh, will you stop worrying? I'll be fine and so will Lady Toto, and we will be waiting eagerly for when we are able to return."

She pouts before turning away from me as she proceeds to her carriage, where Cecilia can be seen just finishing saying her goodbyes to Toto. Once the princess is on board, the carriage begins to move, and as the carriage leaves the castle courtyard, the princess peeks out of the window, waving to me as she goes further and further, till she is out of sight.

'Win', she says. Well, I certainly have no intention of dying here. Hopefully, my plan actually works out as I hope this time, or else, well, I'm not sure what I'm going to do if it doesn't.

***

Two days after the princess' departure, the Dragonbroods finally arrive upon our doorsteps. Atop the massive city walls, I look down to see the Dragonbrood [Demons], marching like a horde of ants in the distance, very large, bulky ants, some with wings, some with huge claws, some seem to drip flaming saliva from their lips.

Alongside me are Six and Cecilia, while Toto is still recovering from her mana drain and has gone with the princess. Hopefully, by the time she recovers, this will all be over.

"I thought they told you that you are not to fight until your hair starts regaining its color, right?"

"It is 'recommended' that I do not. Nothing is actually stopping me from doing so, except maybe the threat of excruciating pain, but well, we'll cross that bridge when we get there."

"I hope you know what you're doing."

"So do I, Cecilia, so do I."

With my [Insight] skill, I begin scanning the approaching army, searching for a particular target. In my search, I spot a few items of interest.

"Cannons..."

"They must have brought it over from the northern fort."

Six leans into the edge of the castle wall, squinting to get a better look into the distance.

"Do we have any cannons in this castle?"

"I'm afraid not, Six, the four from the northern fort were the only ones the Beastkins salvaged from the kingdoms of Mankind. They have no more"

"Salvaged?"

"Yes, salvaged. Apparently, they've already been overrun by the Dragonbroods long before we got here."

"What happened?"

"From what I've heard, it was either Mankind or the Dragonbroods that first manifest the [Corruption], and as they were the closest to one another, with no natural barriers in the way, they were the first to clash. Mankind lost that confrontation."

"Sucks to be them I guess."

Six turns his gaze towards what may soon be the battlefield, apparently not thinking very much of those known as Mankind of this world. They say that the race of Mankind are the ones closest to the humans we know, but it seems for Six, so long as they do not belong to our world, they do not matter.

"So, you two have seen these cannons in action, right. How well do they work?"

The one to answer me is Cecilia.

"They have better piercing power than most spells the Beastkin Sorcerers can use, and the grapeshots are great at knocking out the flying Dragonbroods off the sky. But, with only four of those, they are only good against so many enemies. I wonder why they even bothered bringing them though, the Beastkins don't have scales and hides strong or thick enough to protect them from arrows and magic. To use the cannons against us seems rather pointless, inefficient even."

"It must be their Champions' idea. They might have a trick up their sleeves."

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"You sound like you know them."

"They were the first Champions I've fought when the [Demons] tried to invade through the eastern mountain range. Back then, I didn't realize they were Dragonbroods, didn't know enough to differentiate them. Not that it mattered, I still won, barely. Hopefully, she doesn't hold a grudge for that avalanche. And speaking off, there she is."

Off into the distance, riding atop the shoulder of one of the larger Dragonbrood [Demons], I see a familiar figure, a Sorcerer with a wooden staff in hand, wearing a long black robe and a pointy hat. Even from this distance, I can feel her eyes on me. I'm sure we're both reliving it in our heads, the battle at the eastern fort.

"Sir Aurelius, they'll soon be in the range of our Sorcerers."

One of the general the princess left with me, one of the many to serve as my advisors came up to the three of us. He has a pair of sharp eyes, scaled limbs with claws, and a head of emerald feathers in place of hair. I don't see ears on him, but I don't think I want to go looking. He is a Beastkin with an inherent elegance in him, yet, perhaps due to seeing many battles, there is a ruggedness in his elegance. If I recall correctly, his name should...

"Gulford, was it?"

"Indeed, I am honored you remembered."

"No need for formalities, you and I both know my current station is for show."

"In that case, let me tell you this: Your plan, it is insane."

"Yeah, I get that a lot nowadays. If it doesn't pan out, we'll go with your plan."

"Just make sure you don't die. You may be mad but your power is still needed."

"Don't worry. Dying isn't part of the plan. Anyways, I believe I asked someone to pick up that little thing I ordered. Is it coming any time soon? I kind of need it soon, very soon."

"Worry not, I have it right here."

General Gulford gestures towards one of his soldiers and have him bring over an object that appears to be a long pole with cloth wrapped on the top. He receives it from the soldier, and with a practiced formality, hands it over to me.

"Here it is, Sir Aurelius. Will the enemy really understand us if we show them this? This lackluster banner?"

"If the Champion is from the same world as us, then she will."

I draw the shortsword hanging on my waist and cut apart the bindings on the cloth warped around the pole. With the cloth free, I raise the pole high up into the air. Today is a good day, sunny with great visibility. As I raise the pole, the cloth atop it catches a fine breeze and begins to flutter, revealing a banner devoid of designs, a completely blank banner of pure white. A white flag.

***

End of Chapter 48