Volume 9 Chapter 36 Day Two (The Movements of Lesta)
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
[Shiori and Haruka]
Haruka, Shiori, and their companions had heard the urgent news of McGaref’s peril while in the Lesta Kingdom, and rushed to return. But because the kingdom lay deep in the mountains, travel was slow. At last, around the time McGaref was already engaged in battle, they reached the ruins of Bakdu Fortress along the border.
Once, Bakdu Fortress had stood as a grim symbol of hostility between the nations, its gates choking trade and movement. In the last war, tens of thousands had died there, their corpses piled high. Now it was nothing more than a rolling hill, blasted apart by Haruka and Dora Ghorat.
”From here, the road splits into several paths. Haruka, Shiori — you must take the fastest route,” Marina instructed during their rest, dividing the company into two groups.
Haruka frowned. “Ms. Marina, why separate us? Wouldn’t it be best to all take the shortest way?”
Marina shook her head. “No. I will take the alternate route. If the Quvarian Empire tries to interfere, my presence will force them to consider Haruka’s whereabouts. That will draw their attention away from you.”
”But Ms. Marina… that route lies closer to the Quvarian Empire, doesn’t it?”
Shiori, the heiress of the Kinvale Merchant Guild, knew the geography well — and also knew what Marina’s choice implied.
”Shiori,” Marina said quietly. “You know my life is not long. And McGaref still has my daughter, Morina. Ensuring Haruka arrives swiftly — that is for my sake as well.”
”I understand,” Shiori replied reluctantly. “Even if it means…”
”It does not mean certain death,” Marina cut in. “Shiori, remain in Seron with Ranka and prepare for unrest.”
”…I understand. It’s the wisest course.”
Haruka and Shiori exchanged glances. Both knew the truth: getting Haruka — ranked number one — to the battlefield quickly would decide victory or defeat.
”Please… come back alive,” Haruka urged.
”Of course. I wish to see Morina again myself. I’ll do everything I can.”
They could both see through the lie. Among Marina’s company was a silver-haired noble girl, bearing a striking resemblance to Haruka. She had once worked abroad as a noble courtesan, but had been returned home as reparations to Takumi Nasu. Now she smiled bravely, ready for what awaited.
Taking Haruka’s hand, the girl spoke with tears in her eyes. “Lady Haruka, the road you carved through the mountains has already saved countless children from starving. I cannot thank you enough. Please, allow me to repay that debt.”
”But—”
”Did Lady Marina not say? Death is not yet certain. And perhaps my younger sister will no longer need to work as a courtesan. You and Shiori-sama have given our people that hope.”
With a final embrace, the girl departed with Marina’s group. Their purpose was clear: to act as the shield, to draw danger upon themselves. Shiori whispered to Haruka, “Haruka-chan, honor that girl’s resolve.”
”I know. I’ve already killed so many in this war… I understand what I must do.”
”Then let’s hurry. For Marina’s sake as well.”
And so, they pressed on toward McGaref — a forced march full of desperation. As Marina anticipated, the Quvarian ambush forces were successfully lured away by her misdirection.
* * *
[Grano and Berhardt]
”Hey, Commander Grano. I heard something crazy — is it true?”
”What now, Berhardt. So you caught wind of it?”
McGaref was a vast fortress city, its walls stretching nearly eight kilometers each side. Both the Ghost Army and the defenders suffered delays in learning what was happening elsewhere along the battlements.
”They say he’s still alive! Took on the whole Third Army of Keirald and hasn’t died yet. Damn it, that’s the kind of monster I was reborn to fight!”
”…Or he’s already dead,” Grano muttered.
”Even if he is, I wanna see his face, see how he fought! Come on, Commander, I worked hard yesterday, right? Right?”
Grano sighed. He knew Berhardt’s temperament — this was inevitable. Still, there was no need to hurry. Cartera’s devastating strike had already tilted the war heavily in their favor.
”Fine. Today’s quiet anyway. Go on then — kill to your heart’s content.”
”Yes! I owe you one, Commander.”
”Call me ‘General’ at least once in a while… Anyway, what about that red-haired girl you caught last night?”
Berhardt scratched his head awkwardly. Kito Ginga’s true gender was still misunderstood.
”I know, I know. You want her alive until she recovers her magic so you can fight fair. His Majesty won’t object to keeping her breathing a while longer. A little indulgence, for the sake of fighting a ranked foe.”
”Thanks! In that case, I’m off to Keirald’s front.”
He hefted his massive greatsword onto his back — then grimaced. “But… I gotta walk, huh?”
”Of course. Horses fear you. And no, you’re not borrowing a cart. Be back by evening.”
”…Two hours on foot… If I kill him fast, I’ll be back by noon. As for that red-haired kid — I’ll save her for tomorrow’s battle, a nice warm-up.”
”Fine. Leave her alive.”
And so Berhardt set out eagerly for the Northern Front, while Grano deliberately held back his forces for the second day’s fighting. He would not give his all until Berhardt returned.
Thus, through the lone efforts of Asakura Chinatsu, McGaref was granted a rare moment’s respite on both the northern and eastern fronts.
—
[Situation at the Opening of Day Two]
Northern Front:
The 3rd Division (Keirald and the *Clay Witch* Rakw) engaged Asakura Chinatsu and the *Witch of Plenty* Clarice in the countryside, away from the walls. This prevented large-scale assaults. With Kanare and his fellow commanders Yoshizuka Gatsuka and Suenaga Tatsuhiro slain at the Eastern Front, the defense here fell to acting captains.
Eastern Front:
The fiercest battle. The 1st Division (Grano) pressed hard, but Weed had reinforced the defenses, aware of their approach. Rira and Hikari also stood here. Deputy commander Kito Ginga had been captured by Berhardt. Shion roved with a supply cart, supporting all sides with her *Magic Power Transfer* skill. The Margrave of the Valkyries had been killed, and the shattered Gonan army fled east — numerous, but increasingly disordered.
Southern Front:
The 2nd Division (Raphastia and *Witch of the Dead Arm* Almaria) remained mostly still. The First Emperor and *Eternal Witch* Cartera were present, along with the captured Sheryl and Stella. The southern commander Tron was assassinated by Almaria’s agents, leaving another captain acting in his stead. *Witch of Inferno* Scaya held this sector to oppose Cartera.
Western Front:
The 4th Division (For-Elda and Naje) continued their bombardment, hurling wraiths like cannon-shot. But the defenses held, strengthened by the *Adamantine Witch*. Councillor Gandolf commanded here, watching for betrayal from Mafat, who alone held authority to open the gates.
Notes:
• Haruka – Witch of Destruction — Silver-haired, F-cup. Former class vice-president, now a powerful witch. Wields the Agilaus Staff, capable of devastating ritual magic. Became the world’s strongest after acquiring the ‘Dark Emperor of the Abyss’ as a familiar. Exhibits exhibitionist tendencies, often seeking public intimacy with Takumi. Deeply devoted to him, balancing her role as a leader with her desires. First appears in v1c1 Prologue.
• Bakdu Fortress – A key fortress of the Seron Dukedom; its unexpected fall prompts concern in McGaref.
• Lesta Kingdom – A kingdom neighboring the Quvarian Empire; currently at war with the Seron Dukedom and potentially the Empire.
• McGaref – Fortress city, adventurer hub.
• Marina – Ranka’s older sister. The formal owner of Merchant Guild Katarina.
• Quvarian Empire – Ruling kingdom. Harsh world, restricted freedom.
• Ranka – She’s a guild shop assistant with a friendly demeanor and a practical mindset. Ranka’s recommendations are based on logical, merchant-minded suggestions, catering to the buyer’s needs.
• Grano – The Black Flame General, a legendary figure from Quvar’s past, now resurrected as part of the First Emperor’s ghostly host. Known for his ruthless tactics and unwavering loyalty to the Emperor, Grano commands a significant portion of the undead army. He is disdainful of the living, particularly those who oppose the Emperor’s plans, and shows no mercy in battle. His presence, alongside other legendary generals like Belhart, underscores the immense threat posed by the Emperor’s forces. First mentioned in v9c7.
• Keirald – Once a commander in the northern wars, now a spectral soldier bound by a magic stone. Massive build, armored in living muscle. His voice thunders like iron against shield. Relationship – Loyal general to the First Emperor. Reminder: -His existence is sustained by the magic stone embedded in his armor. First appearance in v9c8.
• Cartera – Eternal Witch — The First Emperor’s mistress and a resurrected sorceress of immense power. Cruel and seductive, she takes pleasure in destruction and defilement. Her loyalty to the Emperor is absolute, and she shares his desire to end the world. First appears in v9c3.
• Kito Ginga – 1st Division leader. Modest, respected.
• Chinatsu – White Wall — Black hair, B-cup. Adventurous, masochistic, Takumi’s first slave & lover. Master of Asakura-ryu Iaijutsu, wields cursed sword Chisame (blood-powered). 12th-ranked fighter, close to Hikari. First appears in v1c1 Prologue.
• Tatsuhiro – Classmate, Kahoru’s customer.
• Suenaga – Classmate, Kahoru’s customer.
• Clarice – The ‘Witch of Abundance’ from Lesta Kingdom.
• Kanare – The stern battalion commander, who once led Chinatsu, shares a solemn mission, his eyes reflecting battlefield memories.
• Hikari – 4th Division leader. Stressed, relies on Takumi.
• Shion – Ginga’s GF. Archery, healing.
• Weed – He is a retired knight and martial arts master, appeared as a sword seller, known for his bloodthirsty grin and elite ‘Sword Master’ skill.
• Rira – A classmate and one of Takumi-kun’s harem members. She has J-cup breasts and short black hair, which she plans to dye blue. Rira enjoys playful and creative expressions of intimacy, including cosplay and affectionate physical affection. Rira is also known for her ‘Intuition’ skill, which has been evolving into something more advanced. She is a key figure in Takumi-kun’s life, offering both emotional and physical support. First appearance in v1c15.
• Raphastia – A once-renowned general who now serves the First Emperor in the underworld army. He is referred to as a ‘Holy Corpse,’ indicating his undead state. Raphastia retains his self-awareness and will, which is unusual for the undead, and his loyalty to the Emperor remains unwavering. He is described as having a raspy voice and is one of the key figures in the Emperor’s command post. First appearance in v9c8.
• Sheryl – Second Princess of the Quvarian Empire, a striking beauty with red hair. Initially appears as a diplomatic envoy, but she is a reformer within the empire, seeking to atone for Quvar’s past betrayals, particularly the destruction of the Northern Kingdom. Sheryl is highly intelligent and politically savvy, using her position to gather secrets and undermine the empire’s plans to destroy McGaref. She is also a slave to Takumi, bound by enslavement magic, and tasked with sowing chaos within Quvar. Despite her circumstances, she maintains a sense of duty and hopes to bring about change. First appears in v6c26.
• Stella – A royal guard and Sheryl’s companion, who was also enslaved by Takumi. She harbors hatred towards Takumi for violating her, but enslavement magic forces her obedience. Stella is a viscount’s daughter and understands the political implications of her situation. She accompanies Sheryl in lewd acts as a form of penance and to cope with their shared shame. Her defiance is internal, but she follows Sheryl’s lead in their intimate moments. First appearance in v6c29.
• Scaya – The ‘Flame Witch,’ employed by the Dark Elves; captured after the battle where the Celon Dukedom army was defeated.
• Naje – First princess of the Lesta Kingdom and deputy commander. The tragic princess of the Lesta Kingdom who was executed for her country.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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