Volume 5 Chapter 60 Tenfinger Frenzy
When I readied my sword again, there was a new movement from the army.
The ash swelled up like an explosion, covering everything in sight as it rushed towards me.
It was a terrifying magic, but I didn't think it could kill me. Still, I listened carefully and sorted through the information I could hear.
Amidst the sound of the flowing ash, I heard something kicking the ground.
It must be the dragon cavalry unit. They came to launch a surprise attack on the flow of ash. There were about two thousand of them. They must have moved the left and right wings that were on the front line.
Based on this information, I called out to Sharla behind me.
"'Sharla, I'll hold them off from here. Make sure no one attacks from behind.'"
"Okay, got it."
"'Oh, one more thing.'"
There was something I forgot to say. It might be selfish and naive, but I had to make it clear.
The vow I made in the belly of the beast still remained in my heart.
"'I won't kill anyone in this battle. That's why——'"
"I understand. I won't kill anyone either."
Sharla said this without even listening to the end.
Finn had said it too, but this was war. No matter what the reason was, even if he and I of the same kind, this was a battle where lives were at stake.
They would come to take my lives without question.
Despite that, Sharla said it casually.
"If that's what Yuusuke decided, then I'll follow. Because I'm your wife——"
Well, she's not really my wife.
"Besides——"
Sharla said this while looking at the approaching sea of ash or whatever was behind it.
"You're not a god, so it's arrogant to think you have to bear the burden of life. But if you still say so, then you should choose."
Her words were harsh, but there was kindness in them.
"'...I see.'"
"If worst comes to worst, you can be sealed in the hell. The god of the hell will take care of you."
No, that's not going to work. I don't want to be scolded by the god.
Anyway, I'm glad Sharla said that. I can fight with peace of mind now.
To keep a distance from Sharla and the others, I ran towards the tsunami.
In Asteris, where individual quality counts, the reason why humans were able to survive was that they improved their quality as an army.
The development of magic tools and the invention of complex formulae were also byproducts of this.
The army led by "Sign" is sometimes even able to bring down a "Lord". In fact, the third knight order of the Centralis Kingdom has defeated the "Creation Lord (Eve Lord)".
Now, it's the first time I'm fighting a military force of this level alone.
It's standard to strike the general. Soldiers are absolute to orders from their superiors, and conversely, if their superiors are gone, they stop moving.
While I was thinking about it, the sea of ash swallowed me up. Everything in my vision was dyed white, and even with enhanced eyesight, I couldn't see properly ahead.
"'...'"
But I've decided on my plan.
For some reason, Finn is extremely obsessed with me.
I understand that Hero (Yuusha) is an obstacle to winning this war, but I am now a cut-off existence from Asteris. Frankly, there's no need to take a risk and clash with me head-on.
This is nothing but experience, but there are individuals who become fanatical about heroes, sometimes to an extent that can be called zealous devotion. From Finn's gaze and words, I sensed something similar.
But it's not just that. Among them, I feel an overwhelming sense of incongruity.
I don't have time to investigate its true nature now.
What's important is to shatter Finn's delusion here, to ruthlessly defeat him and ensure he never rises again.
I stop and prepare my sword.
"Hahaha! I've found you, Hero-sama!"
Immediately, a burly soldier riding a dragonhorse burst through the front.
He raised his double-edged sword and slashed from above without slowing down the dragon's speed, aiming to cleave my head in two.
I deflected it with my sword.
"Whoa!"
Sparks and shock blew the sword away with the ash, and the soldier leaped backward.
This one is strong. At least not your average foot soldier, more like a general.
With the sword on my shoulder, I looked up at the soldier.
"My name is Forwen, entrusted with this unit. And at the same time, Calisto is here."
"'Can you afford to come forward?'"
"Whatever the circumstances, I can't afford not to introducing myself when dealing with the Hero-sama!"
"'But there won't be any honor in this battle.'"
"That harsh."
Forwen laughed. Behind him, his soldiers hid in the ash.
I don't know what thoughts they have as they stand here, but there must be someone waiting for them in their country, their families, their loved ones.
I'm sorry, but I'm going to crush you now. I will crush your pride, your power, and everything.
"'If you have the pride to pay even a small courtesy, show your strength."
"...Fine.'"
With that, Forwen and the others disappeared into the ash again.
No matter what kind of battle it is, soldiers have no right to refuse it.
Since Finn has decided to fight me, there is only one path for them.
As if to prove that, the cavalry attacked, turning into the claws of the Dragats.
A military charge is not a single attack.
Multiple soldiers rush through and continue to attack me consecutively. They aim for one point and mix ambushes on legs and arms in between, running with the cavalry.
They are probably managing the troops in units of hundreds.
If they are facing an individual, it is easier to move. The risk of being crushed by a big move is also reduced.
Now, a wave attack by multiple units leaves no room for any gaps and slowly drains my stamina.
The armor and weapons they wear are all high-quality magic tools. The soldiers are well-trained too.
Moreover, this white ash that surrounds me. It not only obstructs vision but clings to me, hindering my movement, and strangely strengthens the soldiers of the Dragarts.
Their techniques for killing individuals are so refined that I can't believe they haven't participated in the God-Demon War.
As I deflect all the incoming attacks, I repeatedly grip my sword.
"'...'"
Right, left, next is from behind?
I knew it like taking it in my hand without even looking at the opponent's movement. And I receive the attack.
To be honest, there is no need to fight in this ash. Using Mikatia (Storm Sword), I could temporarily blow away the ash. But there was a reason I was fighting in this ash.
There is a discrepancy between my thought and movement.
It's a strange sensation even for me. I should be lightly stepping on the gas, but I'm going faster than I expected.
After defeating Larkan, 'My True Name' was evolving. It's different from when I fought as a hero, and it's moving to a stage I don't know yet.
But finally, I'm getting used to it.
My magic power and nerves are connected, and there is a feeling that my body moves ahead of my thoughts.
Great, shall I start moving?
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