Kays Translations

Chapter 188: News from Liliene

“There are still issues to address, but given that you’ve gotten this far in ten days of training, it’s impressive enough.”

“Hohoho, indeed. Even though they had natural talent, they were looking quite capable.”

That night, after the mock battle ended, a debriefing session was held, doubling as a celebration.

If simply moving was enough, some could gain considerable freedom of movement in as little as three days. However, it generally takes almost a month to be capable of real combat.

Factors such as one’s inherent magic power and combat experience played a role, but the biggest factor was the diverse backgrounds of the participants, training together in one place, not just within Avalushi.

Isamu, who had come from Earth like Abel, thought that the group’s growth was due to the multifaceted testing and advice they exchanged with one another.

“Soon, we should receive a regular update from Lady Liliene. It will likely include the timing for the operation.”

Since Liliene was officially cooperating with Zun, her base was in Kapolfi, within the Kingdom of Plazzo.

She periodically conducts reconnaissance near the southern border, and during those times, she sends out regular updates.

There had been one update during her return to Kapolfi after meeting with Isamu and his group, and another upon her return. The last contact was ten days ago, so they expected a new update soon, as Norman explained.

“I’d love to send you off with more training, but we just don’t have the time for that…”

Norman frowned in frustration, revealing his true feelings. Although they were becoming competent, the reality of entering unrestricted combat weighed heavily on everyone.

“There’s nothing we can do. The longer we wait, the more advantageous it becomes for the enemy.” 

Isamu said, acknowledging that the ten-day training period was already cutting it close given the situation.

According to Liliene’s letter, received at the start of training, the magic giants, or golems, that stole the magic stones in Klaufendam had split up and fled through the lands of allied nobles in the Kingdom of Stahlen before gathering in Kapolfi, in the Kingdom of Plazzo.

After the golems that attacked Klaufendam returned, more than half began retreating from Kapolfi the following day, taking the magic stones back to Zun.

Although some golems, disguised as bandits, and the numerous monsters remained to block the roads, orders had been issued to abandon Plazzo and retreat if the situation became too dangerous. Having successfully secured a large quantity of non-attribute magic stones, they judged the mission a success.

Zun had already begun training the first generation of pilots using the newly acquired stones, but there was no word yet on what their next move would be.

“As expected, they’ve withdrawn.” 

Isamu muttered.

“No matter how many magic golems they have, isolating themselves for too long without reinforcements is suicidal.” 

Felix analyzed Isamu’s comment, summarizing the situation.

“After the attack on Klaufendam, a state of alert was declared, but we’ve been a step behind from the start…”

“That’s right. With the noble lords gathering in the capital, it’s impossible to be fully prepared. Besides, with so many routes for the enemy to escape through the lands of collaborating nobles near Klaufendam, it’s hard to expect effective action.”

Felix sighed in response to Mizeroi’s observations. Even though the Kingdom of Stahlen had finally been able to act after the attack on Klaufendam, there was still no solid evidence linking the golems to Avalushi, making it difficult to justify sending an army to Plazzo without provoking Zun into accusing them of an invasion. This made any decisive action risky.

While the noble lords were hurriedly returning to their lands and strengthening border defenses, little progress had been made due to the prior preparations of the enemy.

Meanwhile, a noble named Selfars, who had been falsely accused of collaborating with the enemy, was eventually declared innocent by the king and other nobles, and returned to his lands shortly after Isamu and his group left Klaufendam.

On the other hand, the Kingdom of Plazzo, which had been occupied, only understood the situation through a messenger who managed to break through the blockade some time later. Since Plazzo had minimal military power and was already stretched thin dealing with sporadic monster outbreaks, they couldn’t gather enough forces to mount a counteroffensive. 

Their military was also concentrated at the Zun border, and pulling troops from there would leave them vulnerable, so no bold moves could be made.

Finally, Plazzo’s official request for aid reached the Kingdom of Stahlen, prompting Lubindah to send troops to Kapolfi. However, by the time they arrived, the enemy had already been ordered to retreat, and after a brief resistance, they quickly abandoned Kapolfi.

With the enemy gone, the cause for continuing the conflict evaporated, and Lubindah reported bitterly that they had no choice but to withdraw a few days prior.

“This makes things even more complicated, now that everything seems to be returning to normal on the surface…” 

Felix lamented.

“Yes, Father also wrote in his report that he’s left with no choice but to work behind the scenes.” 

As Felix sighed after sorting out the situation, Laurel, whose father is a close aide to Lubindah, spoke to him.

Just as the group was trying to decide their next move, they received a long-awaited message from Liliene.

“This is… This is serious.”

“Understandably, they’re committing their first-generation golems to the attack without hesitation.”

Although they had been waiting for news, the contents of the message made Felix and Isamu grimace.

According to Liliene’s latest update, Zun’s vanguard army, composed primarily of first-generation magic golems, was soon to march on the Kingdom of Plazzo.

There would be 270 golems, leaving around 50 behind to defend the homeland, and all others were to participate in this operation.

Additionally, the golems would be accompanied by about 700 cavalry.

“They’ve ditched their infantry—looks like they’re prioritizing speed.”

“That’s probably it. Ideally, they’d want to rely on the golems alone, but since they need to occupy and govern the land, they’ve had to make adjustments. Plus, the golems consume magic stones quickly, so they’ll need plenty of carts as well.”

Felix and Mizeroi speculated on the enemy’s strategy, noting that Zun’s forces were typically infantry-heavy.

The total number of Zun’s infantry was said to be around 50,000, with only about 5,000 cavalry. In contrast, Stahlen’s kingdom had about 16,000 cavalry and 60,000 infantry.

In Ethersia, cavalry equaled knights, making Zun’s shortage of knights apparent.

Military horses were expensive and difficult to raise, especially since Zun lacked the resources to raise them domestically.

These numbers reflected only the standing army—the professional soldiers. Zun could impose emergency conscription during a crisis, while Stahlen had reserves, so the total force would be even larger.

“They’re splitting the army after advancing into Plazzo…”

As Felix continued reading Liline’s report, he noted that after marching into central Palazzo, the army would divide into three groups:

– The main force, consisting of 200 golems and 300 cavalry, would advance toward the capital.

– The first guerrilla force, with 50 golems and 200 cavalry, would intercept reinforcements from the south.

– The second guerrilla force, with 20 golems, 200 cavalry, and additional golems from Avalushi, would intercept reinforcements from the east.

Liliene had been assigned to the second guerrilla force.

Additionally, 3,000 cavalry and 20,000 infantry from the main army were scheduled to deploy from Zun around the same time.

“The strategy is simple enough.”

“Yes. The main force will use its speed to quickly take control near the capital, putting pressure on it while waiting for the main army to arrive.”

“The guerrilla forces will quickly occupy Kapolfi in the south and Meraja in the east to delay reinforcements.”

“Considering how quickly 30 golems from Avalushi took Kapolfi, the force seems sufficient.”

As they reviewed the details, they drew a map on paper to familiarize themselves with the enemy’s movements.

“And our mission is to ambush the golems from Avalushi before they take Meraja and reclaim at least 10 of them…”

Felix summarized after reading the last part of the letter.

“Since the letter was sent eight days ago, that means we have six days. The operation will start three days after that, so we have nine days in total…”

Isamu calculated the remaining time.

“Anne, where exactly is this city of Meraja?”

“It’s about a two- to three-day carriage ride west of the northern part of Marquis Felker’s territory. So, around here.”

When Isamu, who is unfamiliar with the area, asks questions, Annemarie writes down the rough location on the map..

“Thanks. Hmm, it looks like there’s no way to reach it without going through Marquis Felker’s lands.”

“Indeed.”

“Do you think they’ll let us pass without trouble?”

“Given how Duke Yaderud acted during the emergency assembly, I think we should be fine…”

Felix recalled the previous events as he answered Isamu’s question.

Since Anne-Marie had pointed out the location, the main concern now was whether there would be any obstacles along the way. The greatest threat was the possible interference from collaborating nobles.

“At that time, Lord Felker seemed quite angry, so I doubt he would try to interfere.” 

Felix said.

Indeed, Samuel, who had essentially been abandoned after the emergency call, looked displeased. Isamu also remembered that Samuel had even advised them to avoid passing through the territories of opposing factions.

“That’s true… But, if Lord Felker had also been part of the traitors’ group, we’d be completely stuck here…”

“That’s a frightening thought.” 

Felix agreed.

If Samuel had been complicit, they certainly wouldn’t have made it in time. Though it’s unclear whether Duke Yaderud misread the situation by chance or otherwise, they had no choice but to be grateful he pulled the ladder out from under them.

“Well, assuming that part is no longer an issue, shall we head out right away?”

“Understood. Should we go with the minimal load again this time?”

“Yes, let’s prioritize speed.”

“Got it! I’ll begin preparations right away!”

Over the past few months, everyone had gotten quite accustomed to traveling by magic vehicle, so preparations progressed swiftly.

“Isamu-dono, that magic vehicle is for transporting magic giant golems, correct? If so, please take a spare unit with you.” 

Norman suggested unexpectedly as they continued preparations. Greg, who was listening nearby, also nodded, indicating it was likely a consensus from the village.

“What!? I appreciate it, but this unit…”

They had brought along a cargo-type magic vehicle from Balsham at the start of training, so even if they loaded the magic golem on the carrier, it wouldn’t hinder the transport of personnel or supplies. However, taking a machine that had been carefully hidden for over a thousand years couldn’t be done lightly.

“Hiding it until a crisis, that was the Big Boss’s last wish. If not for times like these, when would we use it? Granted, I can’t lend you the Big Boss’s machine, but the spare unit should be fine. Please make use of it.”

“Norman… All right, thank you. I’ll carry out the mission and return it in pristine condition.”

Unable to refuse Norman’s earnest request, Isamu gratefully accepted the offer and promptly loaded the amber-colored magic giant golem onto the carrier along with spare parts.

While loading supplies, arrangements were made to relay Liliene’s information not only to the Klaufeldt family but also to allied noble houses and the royal family. They would need reinforcements from the south, as well as from the northeast.

They requested that troops be deployed to the extent that it wouldn’t compromise their own territory’s security. Isamu was confident that even without the request, simply sharing the situation would prompt them to make the best decision.

“I’m sorry to burden you with our family’s troubles… Please take care of Lady Liliene.” 

Norman said, bowing his head as Isamu and his group finished their preparations and boarded the magic vehicle.

“Not at all. We also have internal nobles who are informants, so we’re in this together. Rest assured, we’ll protect Liliene.” 

Isamu replied, shaking Norman’s hand firmly.

“Well then, we’re off.”

With that, Isamu and his team set off northward to stop the impending threat of the magic giant golems.

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