Alain Kingdom’s history has witnessed several instances where beasts breached the front lines. Each time, countless soldiers were mobilized, and significant sacrifices were made to hunt down the beasts. However, it was rare for a beast to completely decimate a fortress and infiltrate so swiftly.
‘A formidable foe is approaching.’
Had the forces at the frontier been able to handle the enemy, they would have held out longer or retreated slowly while counterattacking. However, only a few soldiers from Sevnir Fortress survived, and the enemy was devastating the eastern region. Given its massive size, it would be challenging to confront, and without the ability to get close, any attempt would be futile.
‘If we miss this chance, we might lose the capital.’
Alain Kingdom’s military resources are finite. Holding back key forces only to have many troops wasted would be a significant loss. Even if this beast is defeated, other beasts won't disappear, necessitating a strategy that both preserves forces and achieves victory. If the beast captures the capital, the entire kingdom would fall into chaos, so it must be stopped before reaching the capital.
‘I will protect Alain Kingdom, even if it costs me my life.’
A human's lifespan may be limited to around 80 years, but Alain Kingdom's history could span hundreds or thousands of years. As a direct descendant of the royal lineage sitting on the throne, Brandish saw herself as merely a transient ruler within the grand expanse of time. While she might not eradicate all beasts, ensuring the succession of the throne was imperative.
‘I can't send my child alone into battle.’
This was Yuter’s first battle. While fighting ordinary beasts in the frontier was one thing, this particular beast was too dangerous. Thus, as both a parent and a fellow Magic Sword user, Brandish intended to fight alongside her child.
‘It's not that I don't trust Barhen Laird… but they must not die.’
Brandish instinctively considered the worst-case scenario: Yuter or Barhen dying. If either perished, it would be heartbreaking; if both died, she would regret it for the rest of her life. She couldn’t bear to lose her child and son-in-law before her eyes.
‘If necessary, I will sacrifice my life to save them.’
Brandish had already lived a considerable amount of time and experienced the small joys of being human. But Yuter and Barhen were still young and had many unexperienced moments ahead of them. When weighing her future against theirs, Brandish would naturally choose to protect them.
‘However, I won't die in vain.’
Her life wasn’t over yet. She couldn’t neglect her duties as queen or abandon her sword as a knight. Above all, she hadn’t given up on her human dreams and wanted to live a little longer.
‘There are many capable knights.’
Six Setinos Quasar and seven Magic Sword users. If they gathered in one place, they could face any beast. Additionally, three of the current Setinos Quasar possessed Magic Swords. Under these conditions, how could they possibly lose?
‘And there is something hidden...’
Brandish recalled the essence of Guerganvo, remembering that if the seven Magic Swords and their users gathered, they could manifest transcendental power. While the specifics weren’t clear, meeting the conditions would likely trigger a significant change.
“I humbly advise, Your Majesty, that even if you don’t go into battle, the Setinos Quasar and Lychness Knights will be able to annihilate the enemy.”
“Are you suggesting I run away?”
“That’s not what I meant…”
“I am also a member of the Setinos Quasar. If I stay in the palace just because I am queen, who will look up to me?”
Yuter fell silent, head bowed, contemplating the voices heard from the seven Magic Swords. If even one Magic Sword user was missing, the plan wouldn’t come to fruition.
“If we don’t eliminate the beast now, the people and this nation will suffer. Do you know that Sevnir Fortress fell in less than two days?”
“Yes, I am aware.”
“Abyssal King couldn’t breach Arleard Castle, and Ocean King was quickly subdued and annihilated after ambushing the capital. The beast invading now is stronger than them. How can I not go into battle?”
Yuter now understood why Gloné was anxious. As the Royal Knight Commander, he was concerned for the queen’s safety. This battle was expected to be perilous, potentially leading to injuries or death.
“All Setinos Quasar have been summoned, but the Violet Archer and Silver Thief cannot join. Maintaining the front lines is becoming challenging, so we must allocate remaining forces to Sevnir Fortress. The Violet Archer and Silver Thief must guard their positions to prevent further beast incursions.”
Brandish had already formed a rough strategy. The Violet Archer and Silver Thief would hold the front lines, while the remaining forces would confront the beast. Although this would reduce the number of combatants against the beast, the Blue Sage and mages from the academy could help fill the gaps.
“Are you going into battle to fulfill your royal duty, Your Majesty?”
“How can I defy my own royal command? As queen and a member of the Setinos Quasar, I will go to the battlefield, eliminate the enemy, and restore order.”
Yuter couldn’t argue against this. Brandish’s authoritative and determined stance was backed by clear justification. Having witnessed Brandish’s prowess, Yuter could only acquiesce.
“…Barhen Laird.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Do not forget the reason you are going into battle. Remember your qualifications and status.”
“…I will, Your Majesty.”
Barhen bowed deeply, reflecting on his mission. While victory in battle was paramount, he had a duty to protect Yuter, a task Brandish acknowledged when allowing Yuter to join the Lychness Knights.
‘I must protect Yuter.’
Although Yuter was strong enough to handle himself, Barhen was his bodyguard and fiancé. Choosing the royal family meant forsaking his own, prioritizing the royal family above all else. Fortunately, the Marquis Laird family still had a more talented and stronger knight, providing some reassurance.
‘He will excel no matter what.’
Zion, the Black Knight, was recognized by both the queen and the Setinos Quasar. Having eliminated the Three Demon Kings and now facing the endgame, the Black Knight could surely protect both the kingdom and the Marquis Laird family.
‘He asked me to protect Hanette.’
If possible, Barhen would assist the two of them. However, the Black Knight had made a difficult request. Despite their exceptional abilities, what could they be worried about?
‘They are stronger than me, so why make such a request…’
Eastern Region of Alain Kingdom, Eldran Supply Base.
Eldran Supply Base was one of the closest waystations to the front lines. It managed and inspected supplies transported from the capital and cities, and it served as a rest area for soldiers before their deployment. Conversely, it was also a passage for injured soldiers returning from the front lines, sometimes resulting in fatalities.
Currently, it was being rapidly transformed into a fortress to counter the beast invasion.
‘They’ve done well, but…’
Zion inspected the supply base, realizing the futility. It wasn’t built for defense, with low and thin walls and minimal magical reinforcement, unable to withstand the enemy’s attacks.
‘A fortress won’t help.’
Sevnir Fortress fell in less than two days. If the front-line fortress could be easily demolished, the rear fortresses would be swiftly swept away. Fighting outside might minimize allied casualties.
‘As soon as we arrive, they will attack.’
Reports indicated the beast attacked whenever it saw humans or buildings, relentlessly releasing mana. It stopped only after completely destroying its target, continuously advancing. The next predicted attack was at Eldran Supply Base, prompting the rapid assembly of key forces.
‘We need to move outside…’
“Wouldn’t it be better to fight outside?” Brandish finally spoke after deep contemplation.
The surrounding Royal Knights were momentarily startled, but Enrite responded without hesitation.
“Your Majesty is correct. This enemy cannot be fought defensively. It would be best to dodge or block their attacks while advancing.”
“They attack from a distance, so we must respond in kind, correct?”
“Your sword energy could reach the enemy. What about the others?”
Enrite proposed a strategy, gauging the other Setinos Quasar and Magic Sword users. If they could exceed Slime Dragon’s range, they would attack; if not, they would support. Ultimately, all forces would converge on Slime Dragon.
“I may not extend my range, but I can counter the attacks, can’t I? Though, we must see first.”
Walter, with a determined look, circulated his mana. Though it had been a while since his last battle, he felt both nervous and eager. With the queen summoning all Setinos Quasar, they had to fight with all their might.
“I need to see it firsthand to get a sense.”
Hanette cautiously responded, aware of the high-caliber fighters present. The queen, Setinos Quasar, and Magic Sword users were all focused on one beast, making her feel the need to choose her words carefully.
“Why not just charge in and kill it first?”
“……?”
Enrite frowned and quickly turned his head. Brandish showed curiosity, Walter smiled oddly, and Seran and Oz struggled to hide their bewilderment in the silence.
“Lesia, this isn’t your place to speak.”
“Don’t you trust me?”
“Sacrificing yourself won’t win this battle.”
“Just help me a little. I’ll kill it and come back.”