NOVEL NEXT Chapter 546
Chapter
546. Unbearable Grudge
Today is the release date of volume 5! I have received so many comments like, “It was enjoyable!” regarding the book version, which is quite different from the web version, and this brings me immense joy as an author! Thank you!
So, here’s the character design introduction!
The character designs for Orderju and Helena who appear in the Evaroti defense battle arc!
[Orderju](https://kakuyomu.jp/users/AmagiTomoaki/news/16818093085582300135)
[Helena](https://kakuyomu.jp/users/AmagiTomoaki/news/16818093085582354220)
Please take a look…!!
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The forces of Lord Opsgardia suffered tremendous losses when they were unable to withstand the avalanche of the Demon Lord Army.
Thanks to the Knights of the Sword Council sacrificing themselves to cover the retreat, a large portion of the remaining forces successfully retreated in an orderly manner; however, there were not enough heroes or priests from the Holy Church, leading to some units being scattered and destroyed due to disrupted command structures.
There were also those left behind on the front lines, still desperately trying to escape.
“Run, run! Don’t stop moving!”
“We’re almost at the Berklets Gorge!”
“Don’t leave the injured behind!”
While encouraging each other, the infantry managed to maintain a thin line as they dashed eastward. They had been reorganized by competent squad leaders who brought together isolated soldiers from other units, somehow functioning as one force.
Everyone bore injuries to varying degrees, their military uniforms stained with blood and sweat. Their desperate attempts to flee depicted them as nothing but remnants of a defeated force. However, the hope that reaching the second defensive line meant survival propelled them fiercely forward.
“Alright, once we get through that copse, we’ll be back on the main road!”
The squad leader, adorned with a feathered helmet, encouraged the surrounding soldiers in a bright voice. The battered faces of the soldiers found a glimmer of revitalization as they responded, “Oh!” “Thank goodness!”
“Captain… but what does it matter if we get back?”
Yet, not everyone could maintain an optimistic outlook. A soldier, still young but with a haggard face, asked with a hoarse voice. He had seen far too savage attacks from the Demon Lord Army on the front, causing his spirit to break.
“Of course it matters! The royal guard artisans led by His Majesty McKen will be coming to aid us! If the skilled artisans collide with the Demon Lord Army, the enemy won’t stand a chance! After all, we’re fully armored with national treasures!”
The squad leader spoke confidently, and the men attempted to suppress their unease with remarks like, “Is that so?” “Maybe so…”
The humans within the Dwarf Union Kingdom were familiar with Dwarven weapons and tools compared to other nations. Their experience with the performance of such artifacts heightened their faith and trust in the national treasures.
(But, whether reinforcements will make it in time, and whether the artisan warriors will truly clash head-on with the Demon Lord Army is another matter…)
The squad leader, who was presenting a facade of confidence, was also internally subdued by his own doubts.
Dwarven artisans are strong. They are no less formidable than the demon warriors.
However, compared to demon warriors, they are notably slower. Tactically and strategically. Even with their immense, heavy armor, their stamina for prolonged combat is really commendable, but their running speed is at best that of a human child.
Dwarves are aware of their slow pace, hence they try to devise means such as shedding their armor and being carried by strong beastmen or using carriages. However, that leaves them entirely vulnerable while moving forward, making it a safer strategy only when used in the rear.
(The initial assault on Holrack Fortress is painful because it led to some artisans being pulled away for homeland defense…)
The squad leader had to suppress the bitter thoughts before they showed on his face. “Homeland defense,” in this case, refers to the stronghold of the Dwarf race nestled in the mountains.
The dwarves’ feelings can also be understood. If the Demon Lord Army had continued invading Dwarven territory, they would be lacking enough defensive forces. However, now that human and beastman territories are being attacked, them hastily recalling their forces seems utterly pointless—
(No, that’s merely hindsight.)
Wishing for the war to be different is futile. Rather than pondering hypotheticals, I must address the present reality… even if it’s just as a squad leader, there are still things I can do.
(For now, I’ll lead my men back. Then we’ll hold out at the gorge’s walls. That’s all I can do.)
Within the Dwarf Kingdom, their expansive underground tunnels stretch like an anthill. While the demon forces are assaulting the castle walls, the artisans could, unbeknownst to the humans, emerge from secret underground passages for a surprise attack, catching the enemy off guard (even at the speed of a child).
Even if it’s merely the speed of a child, if warriors emerge from below, it’s a different story. The problem is that the enemy seems highly skilled in earth attribute magic. Can we indeed catch them off guard?
Besides, I’ve heard there are vampires appearing in the underground tunnels, which complicates matters—
(Enough! Stop this line of thinking!)
Though there are many uncertainties, the squad leader shook his head vigorously to cast them aside.
“Anyway, this is our crucial moment! We must find a way before night fully falls—”
The sun was setting, darkness approaching. They had to escape before it fully engulfed them—
Just then, trying to cheer up the surroundings, the squad leader noticed—
“—Huh?”
A black spot in his field of vision.
“What the…!” A shocking impact felt like a punch to the face, and then everything went dark.
“Guuh!”
The squad leader let out a strange sound as he fell limply.
—A stick was protruding from his right eye.
An arrow.
—He was dead.
In the next moment, the sound of arrows slicing through the air rushed in, striking the surrounding soldiers one after another.
“Ugh!”
“Gaah!”
“Enemy attack! In the woods to the left!”
The keen-eyed soldiers screamed in alarm.
“Raise shields!”
“Form ranks! Side by side!”
“Hurry! Move the injured to the back!”
Veteran soldiers shouted as stunned recruits, jolted into action, awkwardly reassembled into formation as they had been drilled to do.
“Wait, flanking is a bad idea—”
But sharp-eyed soldiers realized the truth—there were trees behind them as well!
Sure enough, as the infantry turned left, raising their shields, more arrows flew in from behind, embedding into their backs.
“Damn it, there are enemies behind us! Phalanx!”
“Middle phalanx! Two squads, turn around—ugh!”
“How could they have enemies here!”
“You’re an idiot! That can’t be true!”
The impeccable ambush and pincer maneuver left the soldiers flustered. The veteran soldiers tried desperately to calm the recruits, but—
“Night Elves, huh…! Damn it!”
The seasoned sergeant, glaring at the black-feathered arrows lodged in his shoulder, cursed.
“Hey, you! Take command!”
“Me!? Why me, Sergeant!?”
The young soldier yelled in wide-eyed shock, but the sergeant was beyond capable of responding.
“Ugh… Bugh!!!”
He writhed and fell, frothing at the mouth.
“…It’s a poison arrow! Damn it!! Form up those shields tightly!”
They hastily clustered together, forming a shield wall to defend against the arrows. But not everyone could find cover—many had discarded their shields while retreating.
“We’re done for!”
“It’s the end!”
“I don’t want to die, I don’t want to die!!”
Soldiers panicked, breaking formation and fleeing—
“Stop, you fools!”
—Even those trying to escape were relentlessly pursued by arrows, falling one by one. Those who survived their fatal injuries writhed in pain, foaming at the mouth, shattering the remaining wills of the soldiers.
They should have been able to reach the friendly territory with just a little more effort.
Yet, as darkness loomed, it swiftly turned into an execution ground—
“Hey, don’t shoot the ones running away,” the commanding night elf ranger interjected from beneath the trees.
“Our mission is reconnaissance, not extermination… for now,” he added, a purposely casual remark that elicited laughter from his subordinates.
“Sorry, I mistook them for lively doe in heat,” one subordinate replied with a serious face.
“But that’s their fault! They’re practically waving their rears, inviting us!”
The rangers laughed crudely. In front of the demons, they were stone-faced, but here they felt relaxed as they were with family.
“Still, what a sight. It’s like a shooting gallery. Look, I hit the right shoulder…!”
The carefree archers were feeling just like they were in a target practice.
“Hmph, true. If there was a proper commander, we’d have launched assaults disregarding any minor damages, whether on the right or left side,” the commander assessed.
There would be casualties, but overall, the outcome would be minimal. They wouldn’t lose to such remnants in a straightforward battle, but it’d be troublesome to deliberately engage in close combat, hence leading to the night elves usually retreating.
At least attempting to strengthen defenses in such a situation was a poor strategy. They might be waiting for their arrows to run out, but they wouldn’t underestimate the archery skills of the night elves.
The night elf ranger squad, numbering roughly a hundred, carried more arrows than enough to annihilate the remaining soldiers.
“It seems the humans have run out of decent talent,” one ranger remarked.
“And here’s the kicker, our captain’s the first one who shot down the enemy commander,” another chimed in.
“Well, yeah,” the captain amusedly retorted, amused.
Understanding dawned on the captain; the noble with a plume on his helmet had perished first. If he’d survived, the response would have been somewhat better. Though wearing the commander’s feathered hat was a blunder; it was likely inevitable to maintain morale—
“Well then, let’s wrap up this easy shooting. Each of you get two shots left,” the commander declared.
The sun had just set enough for them to move freely without the need for cloaks.
“Just remember not to kill them all, alright? Our goal isn’t annihilation. Above all, a tragedy needs a storyteller,” the serious commander said, causing the night elf rangers to laugh in response.
(“When it comes to poison, our night elf techniques are top notch. We can’t let these gluttons have their way!”)
After the last battle, the dwarves started using complex ores-based toxins. The night elves found this quite annoying for various reasons. Poison was supposed to be their exclusive trademark—
The remaining human soldiers needed to fully grasp the terror of elf poisons, but they’d have to let a few survive to spread dread amongst the allied forces.
(That’s why this toxin…)
An arrow struck, causing instant convulsions, leading its victim to foam and writhe in pain. Though it appeared flashy, the process of dying took considerable time, which often proved more effective in battle.
It unsettled the surrounding soldiers, pushed the priests and forest elf healers to act against the poison, and deaths without timely treatments drastically lower morale.
It truly exemplified the night elves’ aesthetic towards toxins—
“Get ready—”
The night elf commander ordered, calling for a shower of poisoned arrows. The rangers, feeling relaxed as the feast drew to a close, took their positions.
“Vigilance!!”
Someone yelled, and the night elves’ expressions changed.
There, from the road stretching east—
A figure with tanned skin and long ears enveloped in light was running straight towards them.
“Haha—everyone! A wonderful prize has arrived!!”
The night elf commander grinned wickedly, shouting.
“Don’t kill her! Let’s make it a party!”
“This is getting exciting!!”
“I can’t believe a really fine doe is (coming)!”
One boisterous ranger shouted, swept away in the cheer of laughter.
“What about the humans?”
“Just shoot at them, let them serve as bait.”
“Understood! Can I use poison first?”
As they jeered while tormenting the remaining soldiers—
“—Your Highness! It’s a trap!!”
Orderju warned with a tense expression as Liliana, unfazed, rushed on.
“I know! But I came here for this!!”
Liliana pressed on, fully aware of the trap, determined to stomp it out!!
In her vision, soldiers were getting shot down one after another. So far away. Frustrating. In just a few dozen seconds, they’d be in range.
However, Orderju’s wind magic wouldn’t disrupt the arrows of the night elves from this distance. The barrier of [Mythical Reenactment] that Liliana could use couldn’t be deployed where she wasn’t present.
Just a bit closer, and precious lives were being lost—
As if to laugh in Liliana’s face!!
That was unforgivable!!
“—Odigos!!”
“What?!”
“Can you guide those night elf arrows?!”
“Of course! I certainly can!!”
Odigos responded confidently from within Liliana’s hand.
“I can feel remarkable guidance! You’re clearly the descendant of elves! I will shoot exactly at their eyes, throat, and heart! It’s truly splendid; I shall guide every inch with perfect precision!”
Liliana almost stumbled, running, at Odigos’s oddly delusional response.
“Not that! Can you make sure they don’t hit?!”
“…….”
Odigos fell silent.
“……even if they’re tools without lives or will…”
His tone grew gravely serious.
“They strive to achieve assigned targets. To deliberately twist their path and lead them astray is [against my beliefs].”
His words resonated like rocks.
“[Hence, I shall not. I cannot in that sense.]”
Ironically, with a firm will, Odigos made the statement.
“…I get it,” Liliana conceded. This demon was more stubborn than Orderju, and Liliana knew she couldn’t sway his convictions.
“But—”
She turned the wand to her left hand, asking, “This means you can lead my arrows, perfectly?”
“Absolutely.”
Odigos positively affirmed in a gentle tone.
“Then—”
A luminous arrow formed in Liliana’s right hand.
“Lead my arrow—towards those night elf arrows!!”
Odigos burst into laughter.
“—That’s a piece of cake! Oh?!”
He exclaimed in surprise as glowing vines entwined around the wand that Liliana was holding in her left hand.
“You bend quite well, so you should be fine with this!”
“Haha! Truly, reality is filled with wonders!!”
Odigos delightedly exclaimed.
“—Who would’ve thought I’d become a bow one day!!”
Liliana strung the luminous arrow onto the bow, humming a bold melody.
“[Mythical reenactment—]”
Countless poisoned arrows reflected within Liliana’s clear azure eyes.
“[—Dawnlight Sky Weep]”
With a loud clang, she released the luminous arrow.
In mid-air, the luminous arrow split into two. Those two split into four. The four into eight. The eight into sixteen—continuously splitting.
In the blink of an eye, a torrent of light arrows flooded the dark sky, descending like a school of fish as they clashed with the rain of poisoned arrows.
The black-feathered arrows, wooden shafts, and tips were incinerated by the purifying light.
“——”
The battlefield fell silent. As if holding one’s breath. The sounds of burnt arrows plummeting helplessly to the ground echoed.
“Odigos.”
In that moment, while stringing the next arrow, Liliana spoke coldly.
“Guide it. To those night elves hiding among the trees.”
It definitely is a simple task.
Indeed, countless ‘paths’ emerged in Liliana’s eyes—
“—Retreat!! Run!!”
The night elf commander, snapping back to reality, shouted in a tightening voice.
He understood.
Those were not lively doe but, above all, terrifying magical beasts.
That judgment was sound—yet, far too late.
“[Dawnlight Sky Weep]”
The fierce torrent of light rained down—
Some dropped in a panic. Others shamefully turned their backs to flee. Some rolled into the foliage to hide.
All was in vain.
Dancing through the leaves, dodging branches, and circumventing trunks, the arrows mercilessly pursued.
With unmatched precision.
The hundred branches of luminous arrows pierced the night elves, bursting forth.
Bright as midday, the light illuminated the trees, one after the other.
“—Gaaahhhhhh!!!”
“—Giiiieeeeeh!!!”
“—Guahhhh!!”
Terrifying screams, their bodies contorted, as if their souls were ripped from their bodies during death throes.
The skin of the night elf rangers burned; neither sunscreens nor cloaks of shadow held any effect. The light arrows scorched from within!!
Countless gleams flickered within the engulfing darkness of trees.
An awe inspiring, beautiful, and grand spectacle, like a meteor shower. It was all a blazing fire of life—
As the night elves were engulfed and burned away.
“…….”
The battlefield lay silent as a dream.
Only the sizzles of burning flesh and the stench remained.
“[Mythical Reenactment: Drought and Rain of Mercy]”
A soft rain fell upon the stunned human soldiers.
A warm glow washed over. The faces of people who’d been suffering from poison relaxed. The flesh around wounds swelled, and arrows dropped to the ground. Healing took place. Both injuries and poison—
“Oh….”
Everyone gazed dreamily, naturally staring at one individual.
A beautiful woman approaching, bearing a radiant bow.
“Oh… ohhhhhh…!!”
The soldiers cried out. Unable to express their joy and gratitude in words, they simply felt a singular conviction—
They had been saved.
This woman was the goddess of salvation—!!
†††
Saint Liliana El Del Milfluer.
Embodiment of Light.
Hope of the Alliance.
—Sun of the Night Elves.
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