Chapter 60: The Counterattack Operation (4)

Chapter 60: The Counterattack Operation (4)

As demons, we had higher physical abilities than the average human, even in human form. And when we transformed into our demon form, our physical abilities increased significantly compared to ordinary humans. In addition, all of us were capable of enhancing our physical abilities using our fighting spirit. So what was the outcome of that? The answer is simple: We could run as fast as cavalrymen.

“Kill them! Chase them! Cut them down! So we can go back quickly!”

“Let the cavalry on our side take the lead. We will steadily eliminate the enemy soldiers running at the tail end of the line.”

Tigar led the charge valiantly, while Zald commanded calmly, directing his companions to kill the enemy soldiers. Occasionally, some enemy soldiers would turn back and shoot metal fragments, but I was leading the demon squad in pursuit, and they couldn’t hurt me with their weapons. Instead, those who stopped running to retaliate were the first to be cut down.

Perhaps they realized this, as the enemy soldiers from then on ran relentlessly without looking back. I still couldn’t understand what they were saying, but their voices from the front were filled with intense fear. The fear of death was the same for all living creatures, and I could painfully understand that feeling.

However, it was they who invaded us. They were the ones who started this war. That’s why I didn’t hesitate. Since it was their own actions that led them to this situation.

As we attacked the retreating enemy soldiers from behind, we could hear screams and shouts from the front. The cavalry unit, which had taken a wide detour to get ahead, seemed to have launched a surprise attack from the front. As expected of an elite unit, their formidable fighting spirit and spiritual power could be felt all the way from our position.

The invading army, already demoralized, must have been thrown into chaos by this pincer attack. The enemy soldiers initially stopped and attempted to retaliate, but soon gave up and dispersed in a disorderly retreat. The cavalry unit gathered together to pursue them.

Should we join in the pursuit as well? I had just pondered this when I received another telepathic message from Orvo. He began by saying, “Return now.”

“This is the cavalry unit’s job from here on out. If we take too much credit, we’ll be resented. We’ve done enough,” he added.

“...Alright. Let’s go back.”

“Let’s retreat. But don’t let your guard down.”

It seemed that was enough. Tigar and the others began to retreat as ordered. They sheathed their weapons and wrapped cloth around the blade, changing their bodies from demon form to human form.

I did the same, wiping the blood off my sword before sheathing it and softening the exoskeleton covering my entire body, reverting to my human skin. Then, together with the members of the demon squad, we began our journey back.

“I’m sorry. We misunderstood you,”

“I won’t forget that you risked your life to help us. Thank you,”

As we journeyed back, Tigar and Zald halted and bowed their heads in gratitude towards me, with the other members of the demon squad following suit. I shook my head in response. While I appreciated their gratitude, I had only did this with the intention of keeping my promise to Leo.

Furthermore, their survival was not a result of my individual strength but of their own strength. Thus, I shook my head, though they didn’t seem to understand what I was trying to convey. Nonetheless, I couldn’t help but be impressed by their humble and modest nature.

Should I speak up? But my voice is so hoarse that I can barely hear it myself. I don’t want to disappoint my new allies, with whom I’m building a relationship. Hmm, what should I do...?

People of this type would only try to escape more the more they were forcibly restrained. They were excellent but difficult to control, making them very difficult for rulers to handle and incorporate.

“Now, what should we do? His Majesty is probably already aware of his accomplishments. He would surely want to increase the number of demons. However, even the Empire’s spiritualists have no idea how that spiritualist is doing it. When I indirectly asked him if he could produce more, he said that without thorough preparation, the performance would decrease and unforeseen circumstances could occur... Oh dear, His Majesty’s mood will worsen again.”

The Prime Minister let out a sigh and proceeded to carry out his usual duties in his office. As the Emperor’s assistant, the Prime Minister held the highest position in the civil service, and his workload was extensive. It was only because he could manage his demanding duties every day that he was able to continue as the Prime Minister of the Empire.

As the day drew to a close and he thought about returning to his mansion from the court, someone visited him while he was leaning heavily against his chair, feeling exhausted from a full day’s hard work. He hadn’t planned to meet anyone at this time, but the civil servant who greeted him said that the visitor was the head of a venerable noble family who accompanied by a single retainer.

The prime minister was not someone who did not understand the significance of a nobleman visiting him at such an hour without an appointment. Despite his fatigue, he pushed through and welcomed the nobleman and his apparent spiritualist retainer into his office.

“Long time no see, Lord Carnelios. Has it been since the Emperor’s birthday celebration?”

“Yes, that’s right. Please forgive my rudeness in visiting you at this hour without making an appointment beforehand.”

“Please raise your head, Lord Carnelios. If you came despite knowing that it was rude, then it must be a matter of great importance, am I right?”

When the nobleman was welcomed into the office, the Prime Minister appeared amiable, but as he received the nobleman, his gaze became sharp while maintaining the same expression. The nobleman known as Lord Carnelios also responded with a serious expression.

“That’s correct. Before we proceed, I would like to confirm something. Your Excellency, are you aware of the story about the demon unit that performed remarkably on the front lines?”

“Yes, of course. As the Prime Minister, it is only natural that I would know.”

“Then, are you also aware that the spiritualist who accomplished this is said to be a thief who stole that technique from others?”

“.....What do you mean?”

At first, the Prime Minister did not understand what Lord Carnelios was trying to convey. A spiritualist who possessed the ability to create synthetic beasts using human beings, a feat that had been deemed impossible until now. He had even brought examples of his success, having synthesized over forty such beings in the empire. His achievements were beyond doubt.

However, it was difficult to believe that it was all stolen. At least the Prime Minister found it hard to believe.

“Is that true?”

“It would be best to hear it from the person claiming to have had their work stolen himself.”

With those words, Lord Carnelios turned his gaze to the retainer who stood behind him. The latter took a step forward and performed the imperial salute before speaking.

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Excellency. I am Karelvo, Orvo’s older brother. I’m the one who has had his technique for creating demons stolen.”

As Karelvo stood with his head lowered, a smug smile crept onto his face, hidden from the two men by his hood. This was a moment in the distant capital city, far from the battlefield, when a sinister plan began to take shape.