CH 61

The Annihilator’s Footsteps

For the past two days, I waited for the hero to appear at Glenstadt Castle. I’m worried about Rune Height as well, but I’m the only magician who can use healing magic in the castle.

I plan to change shifts with my master once he recovers, but by that time if the hero comes by I have no choice but to heal my master immediately.

Meanwhile, I received a strange report.

“In the past two days, someone killed a squad of three on patrol.” Aide Shure carried a serious expression.

The x-mark on the map was slowly approaching Glenstadt Castle.

“I can only think that we are going to meet the hero soon.” As I said that, Aide Shure nodded in agreement.

“I was given strict orders to avoid the battle and give top priority to the report, so it appears that those who could not escape have been killed.”

It’s just like a horror movie. If there is an encounter in the fog, the hero has a chance to ambush, which could be a big advantage for him.

“Vaito-dono’s troops who participated each had four horses. Furthermore, having two horses in the front and two in the back, if either one was attacked, the troops were told to have one withdraw and report back. Even so…”

Listening to the sound of the cavalry behind the scenes, I could only think that those troops were not able to escape.

How dreadful.

“Vaito-dono also seems to have seen the dead bodies.”

I saw them. I thought they might still be breathing, but they were definitely dead.

“Each of the cavalries were cut with a knife; it had a unique cut that shouldn’t be mistaken for just any old sword.”

“What do you think?”

There is a possibility that they used a large weapon, but I had no feeling of the “heaviness” like in the drawings of the axes and swords. For that reason, I believe he might have a razor.

Despite my disbelief, I answered in this way. “This is my guess as being the best magician of this time, but it seems to resemble the magical power of the hero.”

“I see…. Then it looks like something that is impossible for us to deal with.”

Withstanding Aide Shure’s frustrated look, I prepare to tell her. “Seeing how badly the last squad was defeated, the hero is most likely already quite close to Glenstadt. Stopping the patrols would be dangerous.”

“I agree. Let’s avoid the battle and stay alert in the castle.” Aide Shure said, and continued her talk.

“All the soldiers of the 2nd division were ordered to fall back an hour ago.”

“Good idea. I know roughly where the hero is, so we won’t have to encounter him and should be able to escape.”

The 2nd division has no chance anymore. Because their chief was defeated, they no longer have the confidence nor courage to continue fighting. Moreover, they must be exhausted from the long fight.

Since the 2nd division dissolved, the only combatants in the castle are the dragonoids. Five hundred Crimson Scaled Knights vs. 3000 soldiers. Plus, there are 12 guards able to aide.

Each of their three aides were commanding 1000 soldiers at a time, but I consulted the Demon Lord, and forced them to retreat.

If my calculations are correct, it shouldn’t matter whether they have 3000 or 30,000 soldiers.

It was the Crimson Scaled Knights who could make it until the end.

“Please let us take refuge momentarily outside the castle.”

“We cannot do that. Do you not serve our Majesty?” Aide Shure asserted in a dignified tone.

How troubling… it’s hard to swallow, but despite how many Crimson Scaled Knights there are, they look like mere bundles of hay compared to the hero and his companions.

Even if I told Aide Shure, she most likely would not take back her words of refusing refuge.

Then came the Demon Lord cladded in armor, accompanied by his black scaled guards.

“Shure, it looks like you have been troubling Vaito.” He talked to her with a soft voice, as if it were his own daughter.

Shure straightened her back, and spoke nervously. “N-no, I have been dutifully carrying out my orders as an a-aide!”

“I am enamored by your loyalty. However, I have been hearing differently, Shure.” The Demon Lord bent down from his tall position, and gazed directly into Shure’s eyes.

“According to Gomoviroa and Vaito, the hero is getting strong enough to match my level. If that is true, I will have to beat him using a carefully planned strategy. No matter how excellent you and your Crimson Scaled Knights are, are you certain you will be able to win?”

Of course. Even if our entire army was challenged, it would most likely be our Demon Lord’s victory.

Destroying humanity in general is easy enough for the Demon Lord. Even though I don’t really have the desire to do that.

Gently persuaded, Shure hung her head in shame. Then in a painful voice, she answered.

“I agree with you…. I….”

“Good, that’s what I expect. I am proud of your loyalty and military prowess.  Therefore, do not lose because of these petty trifles.”

The Demon Lord called the hero’s invasion petty.

I’m sure the Demon Lord knows it is not that easy, but he expects Shure to keep herself safe.

It looks like Shure finally understood.

“I am sorry for my inexcusable behavior. I will follow Vaito-dono’s suggestions.”

“Yes, I have Vaito and other guards as well. Them alone should be equivalent to ten thousand armies. You protect the survivors of the second division. Have them also return to the front again some time.”

“Understood!”

Well, well, it looks like she’s finally on track.

Shure looks happy; it’s almost like she’s a changed person. Is this the effect of the Demon Lord?

“Vaito-dono.” Aide Shure turned towards my direction, and informed me in a serious tone.

“In place of my powerlessness, the power of the Demon Lord will keep you safe.”

I really don’t understand her honesty. Even if I’m a little lucky, there’s still a good chance I could be killed in battle.”

Which is why I answered, “With all my power.”

Suddenly the inside of the castle became quiet, the eeriness of the deep forest creeping up in the night.

Hidden behind the fog, he appeared.