Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 321: Preliminary Skirmish
When the expedition entered Viscount Danton’s territory, it discovered that the situation had changed drastically from the original report.
The allied adventurers and territorial troops fighting the Goblin General’s army had been driven back by the enemy’s momentum.
Black smoke rose from several places in the distance, making it obvious that the battle was going badly.
“I’ve visited Viscount Danton’s territory before,” said a member of the D-rank team sharing Black-Gold Wings’ carriage. “There should be a village at the foot of the mountain beneath that smoke. If it’s burning, the Goblins must have broken through our line.”
He stared from the carriage window as he explained what the smoke meant.
“Oh? The carriage carrying the B-rank team is speeding up,” Ankh said, leaning forward. “It seems they’ve realized how serious this is.”
“I’d prefer to get off this mountain road as soon as possible… Wait. I can sense a large group of Goblins ahead.” Tauro called to the driver. “Please stop the carriage here.”
Their carriage halted, and the one behind it stopped as well.
The lead carriage continued a short distance before its occupants finally noticed the Goblins blocking the road and brought it to a stop.
“It seems their detection abilities are inferior to Tauro’s.”
Aeris couldn’t resist the remark as she climbed down.
“That’s only because Tauro’s detection skills are exceptional,” Ragune said, praising her leader.
“Before I strengthened them, my detection range was nothing special.”
Tauro gave a wry smile. His companions were plainly rooting against Silver Goblin Hunters now.
“The people in front have already charged into battle. Let’s hurry!”
With his agility enhanced by his modified armor, Ankh was the first to race forward.
Ragune immediately followed him.
To everyone’s surprise, Tauro kept pace with both of them.
His armor greatly enhanced his stamina and physical strength, while [Heroic Style] further improved his basic abilities, including agility.
Among dragonfolk heroes, [Heroic Style] was regarded as a basic ability learned early in training. For Tauro, however, even its modest increase to his attributes was highly valuable.
This was the first time he had run at full speed since acquiring it, and even he was surprised that he could keep up with Ankh and Ragune.
“Everyone is fast, but I’ll do what I can from here.”
Aeris didn’t panic at being left behind. She stopped beside the carriages and erected a barrier around them to discourage monsters from approaching.
She then cast agility-enhancement magic, first on Ankh and then on Ragune.
Tauro, Ankh, and Ragune reached Silver Goblin Hunters and assessed the enemy while joining the fight.
The detachment consisted of fifty Goblins, ten Hobgoblins, and one Goblin Mage who was directing the others.
Silver Goblin Hunters had also identified the commander and aimed arrows and magic at it, hoping to destroy the group’s chain of command. However, shield-bearing Hobgoblins stepped in front and blocked their attacks.
“Damn, they’re smarter than ordinary Goblins. Watch for the Mage’s spells and clear out the small fry first!”
Hulk issued orders to his companions.
In the next instant, a streak of light tore past Silver Goblin Hunters and made the air tremble.
An arrow struck the Goblin Mage through the head. Its tremendous force also pierced the shield-bearing Hobgoblins and several Goblins standing along its path, hurling them aside.
Hulk watched wide-eyed as the enemy commander died, then spun toward the direction from which the shot had come.
Tauro, the leader of Black-Gold Wings, stood there with his bow raised.
While everyone else remained stunned, Ankh and Ragune plunged into the enemy formation and cut the Goblins down like grass.
Ankh’s modified greatsword cleaved through a Hobgoblin and its wooden shield in a single stroke. He reversed the blade and cut down the next enemy before it could react.
The members of Silver Goblin Hunters could only stare at the display.
Then Aeris arrived and unleashed an area lightning spell. Most of the remaining Goblins collapsed at once, stunned and unable to move.
Ankh and Ragune swept through the survivors and finished the battle.
Thus, the preliminary skirmish ended in an overwhelming victory for Black-Gold Wings.
“So the rumors were true…” Hulk said grudgingly. “But don’t misunderstand. A Goblin General is a C-rank subjugation target. It won’t be so easily defeated unless Silver Goblin Hunters is there to handle it.”
Although astonished by Tauro’s team, Hulk seemed determined to insist that the true battle belonged to his own group.
“Of course,” Tauro replied honestly. “We aren’t careless enough to underestimate it. We’ll clear away the surrounding enemies and make sure you reach the Goblin General.”
Hulk didn’t interpret the words as sincere.
“Hmph! Next time we’ll show you what specialists can do. We’ll clear the way ourselves, so stay out of our way!”
Apparently hearing irony where none had been intended, Hulk declared that Silver Goblin Hunters would display its true strength in the next battle.
There really are a great many enemies. I only want to preserve the B-rank team until it reaches the Goblin General…
Tauro could do nothing but smile awkwardly as the thought crossed his mind.