Kays Translations

Chapter 75:  The War Begins

　◇ [Karla's perspective]

　——May 6, around 9:00 am, at a small demon tribe settlement near the border.

"...I can't believe... no way... why did this happen..."

　My pulse quickened, and my body felt feverish.

This is bad, it's hard to breathe...

"Karla-sama, please be careful. There might still be enemies lurking."

Gail and I were at the site of a small demon tribe settlement. The houses had been burned down, and there was no one living there anymore.

　There are signs of battle everywhere, and stains that are likely made of blood are scattered on the ground.

"...Gail, were there any survivors? I don't see anyone here..."

"There are none here either... but please, stay close to me."

Saying so, Gail started walking.

He was trying to appear calm, but his nails were digging into his palm.

Following Gail, I came across something like a newly-made, simple grave.

The soil was piled up, and a piece of wood was placed as a marker.

Gail didn't say anything, but I understood what this means.

"Alessandro and the others made this grave, right?"

"Yes. Probably, but I think Alessandro-sama and others came to this village after the village had been attacked. And after mourning the villagers, it seems that they pursued the enemy for revenge."

Saying so, Gail showed me a piece of torn cloth.

"This was found nearby. It bears the emblem of the Melkid Kingdom..."

The blatant provocation was so obvious that my anger, which had been boiling, started to cool down.

"So... the village was attacked to provoke us, and we fell for their trap."

"Alessandro-sama is very considerate of his comrades and gentle. He was chosen as the commander in order to avoid war, and he is beloved by everyone. However, the situation when Alessandro-sama and the others arrived at the village... might have backfired in the selection of the commander."

"Before we pursue Alessandro and the others, it might be better to inform my father first."

With my father, I could easily communicate through the "telepathy device."

We started the conversation. Occassionally, messages like "Kuzuha... stop that! Be careful!" flowed through the telepathic conversation.

I'm having a serious conversation, but what on earth is my father doing?

　

"...and that's the situation."

"...I see. I never thought they'd go this far. After all, there's no benefit for the Elf tribe and the Human tribe to win this war. But they were insistent on this timing. Why did they feel the need to start a war? What are they plotting..."

It's rare for my father to be so troubled.

"Gail, are you listening? How long does it take from there to the border? There's also the possibility that they're planning a surprise attack. So, we won't use the dragons."

"Yes, I heard. It'll take about 3 hours to reach the border from here. We should arrive around 12 o'clock."

"When Takumi and the others return around 4 o'clock, they'll be resting until the last moment, as waking them up now won't be of any use. So, we'll directly teleport them to the location. Karla, contact me once you've reached the destination."

"Wait... does that mean Takumi's group has surpassed level 60!? No way..."

"It's true. I know it's hard to believe, but trust me."

　They really reached level 60 in 2 days.

　If it weren't Takumi and Mia, I'd never believe it, but it's possible with those two.

“They'll probably be engaged in war with the Melkid Kingdom's army when you two arrive at the location. By my prediction, the Elf army won't show up from the beginning. You guys don't need to stop the old geezers if they are only fighting the Melkid Kingdom's army. It'll be pointless. They can't just let their comrades be killed twice without doing anything, or they'll lose face. So, you need to support them and ensure there are no casualties on our side."

"When should we retreat?"

"If a third party other than the Melkid Kingdom's army intervenes or if our comrades are seriously injured. Also, if an unexpected situation arises, retreat immediately. At that time, use Takumi's portable magic circle for evacuation. You'll have to set up a portable magic circle at the location, but it won't be of any use other than that, so don't worry about it."

"Understood. I'll contact you once we reach the destination."

After that, we immediately set off.

◇

May 6th, around 12 o'clock, at the border between the Demon tribe and the Human tribe (Point A).

Gale and I were running through the forest. From afar, a massive explosion resounded, and smoke rose into the sky. The tense air of war was carried by the wind, drifting toward us.

"Karla-sama, are you ready for battle? Until Arthur arrives at their camp, there should be no mercy or hesitation. They are coming here to kill us."

"Yes, yes, I'm fine. It's certainly a complicated feeling, but I won't be soft-hearted. Let's hurry and meet with Alessandro. They won't be charging in with their entire army, right?"

"We, the Demon tribe's army, are 1,000 strong, an elite force with everyone's level above 60. Although we lack experience in war, the strength of each individual is undoubtedly the strongest. As long as we don't act recklessly, I don't think we'll easily lose..."

"Let's go! Contact Father and hurry Takumi and the others up as well."

　The war had already begun. 

I wonder if it's really possible to transfer everyone during a war. I pray that no one has died.

From that point on, we ran earnestly. We'll be out of the woods soon.

　The intense heat of the battlefield, thick and overwhelming, spread through my lungs. Smoke and dust rose and vanished about 200 meters ahead.

There seemed to be no headquarters or anything along the way. They really charged in with their entire army.

Anyway, we need to get organized first. As we approached the frontlines, the sharp sounds of swords clashing and armor clanking echoed, accompanied by thundering explosions.

　……...What's going on here?

To my surprise, the Demon tribe's army was overwhelmingly dominating the battlefield.

"Where's Alessandro! Show me the way quickly!"

I ordered the nearest Demon soldier.

"What ar…..Wait, eeeeeeeeee! Karla-sama? Why are you in a place like this?"

"I'm in a hurry. Lead me to Alessandro!"

The soldier panicked and pointed towards the frontlines.

What's going on in his head? That idiotic old geezer!

"Gale! Bring that idiotic old geezer here!"

"Understood. Hey, you! While I'm away, protect Karla-sama. Don't let her get hurt, no matter what."

Gale rushed towards the frontlines.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter