Volume 9 Chapter 37 Day Two (The Opening of the Death Struggle)
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Ralph Kinvale, once a councilor of McGaref and still an influential figure, had taken on responsibility for logistics since Noshisshi’s assassination and Mafat’s disappearance. Medicines traded through the Merchant Guild, and other vital supplies, were now under his care.
”It was fortunate Shiori happened to be in Lesta,” Ralph said.
His wife Mary replied coolly, “Yes. Even if you were to die, as long as she lives, it will suffice.”
Ralph shrugged with a wry smile. “Harsh. But… you feel the same, don’t you?”
”It’s not untrue. Shiori is exceptional. It would be tragic if her research went up in smoke, but at least this is the central district. If the siege drags on, the flames of war will reach us last.”
McGaref’s city streets were built like a maze, prepared for street-to-street fighting. Stones and heavy objects dropped from the rooftops could become deadly weapons.
”If they burn their way forward,” Ralph mused, “we could still hold out a month.”
”Surprisingly reassuring,” Mary said.
”Councilor Anne is already preparing for the gates to fall. The western gate worries me — that rat Mafat is responsible there.”
Mary’s lips curved. “The church must be in chaos. I hear Father Korn has been running about pale-faced.”
Mafat was the church’s representative. As guardian of resurrection magic, his absence had thrown everything into disorder.
”The loss of Councilor Kanare was painful,” Ralph sighed. “Morale has visibly collapsed. We’ll save as many as we can… but in a drawn-out war, starvation will take hold. The question is — when will Halka return?”
Their talk was interrupted by Nasselle, Ralph’s steward and once Shiori’s attendant, who entered with a troubled look.
”Master. A most unusual guest has arrived.”
”A guest? I expected no one. Someone you couldn’t handle?”
”Yes. The person wears a mask, so I cannot see the face. They insist only on meeting you or Lady Shiori — claiming no one else is worthy of conversation.”
”That’s… strange. And I suppose they refused to give their name?”
”Correct. But they are accompanied by none other than the Adamantine Witch, who vouched for them.”
Ralph’s eyes widened. The Adamantine Witch had been stationed at the Western Front, guarding with her barrier magic. For her to abandon her post was no trivial matter.
”…Very well. I’ll meet them. In the reception hall, yes?”
”They insisted on your laboratory.”
”Then we’ll begin in the hall.”
Leaving Mary behind, Ralph went with Nasselle. “At such a time… what could they possibly want?”
But even his sharp mind could hardly process the scene awaiting him.
”Ah, you must be Ralph Kinvale. I recognize your face. But Shiori isn’t here, is she? I came for her. Not that I don’t acknowledge your talents — the records are impressive. But Shiori is on another level. The drugs she has created… utterly extraordinary. To influence perception, to trick the senses… astonishing. And her paper! To describe how the body is made of cells, such tiny structures — I had intuited it, but to put it into theory! And more — the idea that stimulants could not only halt aging but even reverse it. That is what caught my eye. So! Bring me Shiori Kinvale at once, that she might create for me a drug of rejuvenation!”
”…Sister, your explanation is incomprehensible,” murmured her companion.
Ralph gave a tight smile at the rapid, overwhelming speech. But then came the words that stunned even him.
”Ah, I haven’t introduced myself. I am For-Elda. Once known as the Magic Bullet General. Among the greatest of geniuses, I stand foremost. And I have chosen to recognize Shiori Kinvale’s brilliance. Now — bring her to me!”
And so, the Magic Bullet General For-Elda deserted her post. The 4th Division, which had fought the day before, fell into idleness under her deputy Naje.
With Grano holding back for Berhardt, Raphastia neglecting her duties, and now For-Elda abandoning the field, the stage was set for Almaria — the Witch of the Dead Arm — to erupt in fury by midday.
* * *
”Well, if it isn’t Lord Berhardt — the one I beat,” Chinatsu called out with a sly smile.
”Damn you, that fight was rigged! You did something!” Berhardt snarled.
”No, no. A fair duel, I’d say.”
Berhardt had arrived at the Northern Front in the late morning, where the 3rd Division was deployed.
”She’s unbelievable, that little lady,” Berhardt said, nodding toward the battlefield. “Keirald, how many did she cut down?”
”More than two thousand,” Keirald admitted grimly. “I’ve kept throwing troops at her, even through the night. Still she fights.”
Their gaze fell upon Asakura Chinatsu, scythe in hand, cutting through wraiths ceaselessly. She bore no bloodstains — yet the aura of someone who had devoured life and magic alike clung to her. Her face radiated a terrifying presence.
”If you’re right,” Berhardt muttered, “then she’s fighting with Weapon Enhancement.”
”Aye. Otherwise it’s impossible she’d still be standing.”
”And you, Keirald? Have you tried her strength?”
”Of course not. I’ll fight only at the very last.”
”Keirald-sama is cunning,” Rakw muttered. “He never dirties his own hands.”
”Silence, Rakw,” Keirald snapped.
Even as they spoke, more wraiths fell, their bodies dissolving into magic stones. Berhardt squinted.
”…Wait. That weapon — it looks like it’s eating the stones.”
”Indeed. Because of that, Clarice has been pouring all available recovery potions into her.”
”Ha! That weapon… and that face. So cute, and yet so deadly.”
”She resembles, uncannily, one of Seron’s royal consorts from our time,” Keirald murmured.
Berhardt grinned, bloodlust shining. “I’m going in. First come, first served.”
”Fine. Shall I pull the soldiers back?” Keirald asked.
”Of course. Don’t insult me.”
Adjusting the massive black greatsword on his back, Berhardt strode down the hill, armor clattering. At Keirald’s command, the wraiths withdrew.
For the first time in twenty-four hours, Chinatsu could rest. She wiped sweat, drank water — only to face a new enemy.
”Hey there, cutie. Name’s Berhardt, the Black Sword King. I came to kill you.”
”Oh? I am Asakura Chinatsu, ranked thirteenth — the White Wall. I was getting bored cutting weeds. At last, some real firewood to chop.”
Berhardt roared with laughter. “Rank thirteen without even being a witch? You’re strong indeed. And bold. Listen, witchling,” he called past her, “don’t you dare put up a barrier.”
Clarice bowed her head slightly. “As you wish. We’ll eat to recover while you fight.” She calmly drew sweets from her magic bag and began nibbling.
Berhardt blinked — then burst into laughter. “Bwahaha! Nerves of steel, that one. Well then — enjoy your meal, witch girl. Once I’ve killed this beauty, I’ll split you open and spill it back out. A last meal, before death. I’ll even wait while she recovers her strength!”
Keirald shouted from above. “You fool! Kill her now!”
But Chinatsu merely smirked, stroking her scythe’s sheath.
”No need. Clarice-chan must reach McGaref as soon as possible. Let’s begin.”
”Good. First, I’ll slice off those pretty arms and watch you scream. Surrender then, and I’ll spare your companions an easy death.”
Chinatsu chuckled. “That won’t happen. Because the one dying here… is you, Ber-chan.”
They smiled — killers’ smiles. Then they raised their weapons.
And even Keirald, hardened general, found himself struck dumb by the clash of monsters about to unfold.
Notes:
• Ralph Kinvale – One of McGaref’s councilors; Shiori-chan’s adoptive father; a researcher at heart; seeks to retire and has proposed that the protagonist replace him.
• McGaref – Fortress city, adventurer hub.
• Ralph – Shiori-chan’s foster father; eccentric; treated the mc to the brothel.
• Anne – Grandmother of the councilor representing the Market in McGaref.
• Kanare – The stern battalion commander, who once led Chinatsu, shares a solemn mission, his eyes reflecting battlefield memories.
• Nasselle – Shopkeeper, offers Takumi discount.
• Naje – First princess of the Lesta Kingdom and deputy commander. The tragic princess of the Lesta Kingdom who was executed for her country.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Clarice – The ‘Witch of Abundance’ from Lesta Kingdom.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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