“Is this a barrier?”
Rupert asked as he observed the allied forces bustling along the borders of Somerset Territory.
“Yes, the enemies we face are skilled in ambushes, so it’s crucial to always be prepared.”
“To see not only magical barriers but also those of the church and elves, that’s truly impressive,” Rupert said, having been accustomed to the magical barriers surrounding the Imperial Academy, yet being fascinated since it was his first time seeing those of the elves and church.
The sorcerers used magic circles and magic stones to create barriers, whereas elves and the church had a different approach.
The elves drew patterns using dyes they brought on natural materials like trees or giant stones to create barriers.
The holy knights of the church placed a sacred object in the center of the territory, leveraging its power to expand the barrier.
“With these in place, the Night’s Kin won’t even be able to breach the barrier or launch an ambush.”
“I’d like to warn against underestimating them, but Lord Rupert is indeed right.”
Alexander replied after finishing the process of setting up the sacred object and channeling holy power into it.
“Ordinary foes won’t even penetrate one layer of this triple barrier, and no matter how cursed their kin are, it’s impossible for them to break through.”
While Alexander still didn’t like the Crimson Warden or the sorcerers from the Mage Tower, he acknowledged that the current alliance was a remarkably powerful combination.
The Zion Knights, capable of self-recovery, blocked the enemy’s onslaught in close combat.
The support from the sorcerers who could attack from a distance was incredibly helpful.
And the Crimson Warden, who had traditionally fought against dark elves, were experts at tracking and responding to them.
The pinnacle of such a combination of allied forces was indeed this triple barrier.
Having a single robust barrier was reassuring, but with three, it was no wonder the Night’s Kin could enjoy a peaceful rest even during the strongest hour, midnight, except for minimal watch.
“To break this, their leader, Sataniel, would probably have to show up.”
“Just hearing that offers some reassurance.”
Initially, the alliance intended to set up a barrier only around Somerset Mansion, which they had chosen as a forward operating base.
However.
“I think it’s only natural for me, as a noble of the Empire, to accept you. Yet as a lord, I cannot ignore the potential danger to the territory inhabitants,”
Egads, the gathering of the alliance forces was challenging since the night’s kin were bound to target them.
Thus, when the Count made the initial request for the barrier to be set up not just around the mansion but the entire territory, the alliance showed signs of reluctance.
While it was easy to set up barriers for a mansion-sized area, encircling the entire Somerset Territory daily would require a staggering amount of materials.
“Count, they’re in a retreating state due to their recent losses. Additionally, they act secretly for fear of incurring the Empire’s wrath.”
“You, being the experts you are, understand that well, but I have been bestowed the duty of caring for Somerset Territory by His Majesty.”
Despite their attempts to persuade the Count, he, with his kind demeanor, absolutely refused to jeopardize the safety of the territory inhabitants.
Consequently, the alliance decided to set up barriers across the entire territory, and Rupert initially thought Count Bradley was being overly sensitive.
However, watching the barriers being erected now somehow stirred a sense of comfort in him.
Occasionally, albeit often seeming careless with his spending, Count Bradley earned solid support from the territory inhabitants and his vassals for this very reason.
If it came down to balancing his life and the territory’s danger, the Count would unhesitatingly choose the territory.
Rupert didn’t dislike Count Bradley.
Sure, he got a bit furious when he spent money recklessly at times, though.
“By the way, it’s truly impressive that the Goddess granted you a vision for that illustrated book, Lord Rupert.”
“Not at all. I simply believe it’s my luck to convey the Goddess’s intentions.”
“Mother, Gaia said every person has their destined role. You, Lord Rupert, are meant to fulfill that role, so take pride in it.”
Rupert, having heard his elder brother Richard mention keeping an eye on Alexander as a significant figure in the alliance, noticed that he seemed quite rational and polite in their discussions so far.
“I’d like to see the illustrated book that Lord Rupert painted.”
“Oh, there are a few spare copies in the mansion. If you come by later, I’ll have them ready for you.”
“Thank you very much. I’m anticipating how gracious a book infused with the Goddess’s intentions could be, hahahaha.”
Alexander beamed as if genuinely delighted by Rupert’s words, and Rupert couldn’t help but smile back.
Meanwhile, other members of the Zion Knights, watching this interaction, involuntarily felt a jolt of shock.
“What? The commander is going to see those things?!”
These were the very knights who had purposely avoided and turned the subject away every time Alexander searched for Rupert’s comics.
Oh dear, the scent of heresy is wafting.
As a benevolent and kind individual to normal people, Alexander had an unusual disdain for heretics or those tainted by magic. However, those who had suffered their heads beaten in by him could sometimes be perceived by others as,
“Is this really heresy?”
“Man, if the commander sees Iron-Blooded Alchemist or Van Helsing, it might really be the end!”
“Yeah, why on earth would someone who had no interest suddenly want to see those?”
“What if he comes out wanting to break Rupert’s head? Can we stop him?”
They enjoyed reading Rupert’s comics enough to notice some heretical elements occasionally featured in them.
Especially the fairy in the flask from Iron-Blooded Alchemist, and the gatekeeper of the heavenly gate had quite a few elements that could look heretical.
And in the current series, Van Helsing, one of the characters, “Father Eriksen,” particularly resembled Alexander, adding to their concern.
“Well, now that night is deepening, let’s head back to the mansion.”
“Yes, thank you for your hard work setting up the barriers.”
Unbeknownst to their worries, the two who intended to return to the mansion amicably were met by stern knights.
Clomp, clomp!
The sound of a galloping horse approached from somewhere.
“Is anyone there? Please, someone take me to Count Somerset!!!”
Accompanied by an urgent voice from a man.
*
Thud!
“AAAGH!!! Help me!!!”
On a late night illuminated only by moonlight.
The southern part of the Empire, particularly the Sleepy Territory governed by Baron Sleepy, was thick with the scent of blood as screams echoed.
“Lord! You must take cover right now!”
“What in the world are those things?!”
Baron Sleepy, who had been sleeping as per usual, couldn’t believe the commotion that had awakened him.
Creatures with black skin, pointed ears, and beastly fangs and claws were invading the territory.
Territory guards and knights tried to hold them back, but they were vastly outnumbered, and individual fighting power was incomparably disparate.
“Guh!”
Even when a territory guard thrust a spear into an enemy, leveraging the sacrifice of his comrade, it was useless.
The enemies yanked out the spear from their own abdomen and charged again as if they were immortal.
Their sharp claws shattered the guards’ spears and swords, while their teeth tore into their necks.
“Foolish humans!!! Realize that the great Sataniel has returned!!!”
In an instant, they seized the outer walls of the territory and arrived at the mansion of Baron Sleepy, serving as the stronghold.
“You must evacuate quickly, my lord!”
“Where am I supposed to flee to?!”
“…For now, Count Somerset’s territory is the closest, so I would suggest heading there…”
At the words of the escort knight, Baron Sleepy frowned.
The Count, whom he had often ridiculed internally as a poor person.
Yet, realizing their terrifying recent growth and increase in knights and territory guards, they indeed seemed a suitable option for refuge.
“I will entrust half of the remaining guards to you. Lead my family and the evacuated territory inhabitants straight to Somerset Territory.”
“Lord, what will you do?”
“I must stay.”
“My lord!!”
“Quiet!”
The face of Baron Sleepy trembled with fear.
However, his visage was resolute.
“Even if I try to escape, I still need someone to buy time.”
“If that’s the case, our knights can stay instead!”
“Nonsense! Who do you think you are to assert control over the territory?”
At Baron Sleepy’s commanding voice, the escort knight reflexively bowed his head.
“This territory is sacred, entrusted to our House Sleepy by His Majesty.”
He too, genuinely wished to flee. He longed to gather his family and escape without a glance back but his pride wouldn’t allow it.
The Sleepy Territory belonged to him.
Thus, he collected taxes from the territory inhabitants and took on the disputes occurring in the territory.
It just wasn’t right for him to abandon the soldiers and knights and escape himself.
This was a responsibility he had to bear.
“Fine, since it’s merely about buying time, half a force isn’t necessary. Just leave behind the bare minimum and escape the territory quickly!”
“Understood! I will surely return with reinforcements, my Lord!”
Thus the survivors of the Sleepy Territory executed a desperate retreat through the castle’s back gate, accompanied by the knights and soldiers.
All that remained were a few territory guards and two knights still defending this territory they had long safeguarded.
“Why haven’t you left?”
“I must fulfill my role, my lord.”
They were preparing for a final stand in the mansion, centered around the Baron.
The outer walls had been breached for a while, and the remaining soldiers were fighting a desperate battle within the territory, but it couldn’t last much longer.
The enemies were already approaching, beginning to be visible by the light of the burning village nearby.
“It was an honor to serve you, my lord.”
“You too are irreplaceable to me, a noble knight of the Empire.”
Clang!
Baron Sleepy drew his decorative sword, which hadn’t been pulled out since his youth.
At that sound, those remaining in the mansion grasped their weapons once more.
“We must buy as much time as possible so that those who evacuated can arrive safely.”
– As the lord of the territory, I will issue my final command. I hope you all die with me.
The Baron said as he looked upon his remaining knights.
“Charge!”
A single word echoed back as a response.
The Baron glanced at the sword in his hand.
That sword awkwardly held in his grip felt surprisingly heavy as nostalgia filled him.
He wanted to take at least one more of those wicked invaders down to the grave with him.
“Come at me, you filthy beasts!!! This land belongs to Baron Sleepy! I won’t give you a single inch!!!”
With Baron Sleepy’s shout, the mansion’s front gate was shattered, and the battle with the Night’s Kin commenced.
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