Kays Translations

Chapter 53 - The Ogre

The spear infantry, having successfully slowed down the enemy front line, did not close the distance unnecessarily as they spread to the sides. They utilized the reach of their spears to maintain a medium range and provide support.

From the rear, sporadic support from archers was also coming in.

While the infantry couldn't advance as smoothly as they'd hoped, there were occasional creatures that charged alone with bared teeth and eyes. These lone attackers were taken down individually by the sharp and relentless spears.

One of the major advantages of the Ferris series was their endurance in battles like this. Unlike swords, even with a spear, it would eventually wear down. The edges dulled due to blood, grime, and fat, and if the thrust didn't find a good spot in the thick flesh of an orc, it could sometimes snap.

However, the Ferris-2 models, which had enhanced durability, excelled in such conditions. They could deal with the stubborn grime and blood, thanks to having partners who could assist in cleaning.

And so, slowly but surely, the enemy's front line was being whittled away.

"Grooaaaah!"

Just when it seemed like the knights who had circled around to the side were about to launch their assault, suddenly, a roar from the enemy's rear reverberated. It was a sound that seemed to shake the air and then, from behind the enemy, a massive object flew towards the spear infantry.

In the still dim light of the situation, it was challenging to dodge something that came from beyond their field of vision. The projectile landed right at the feet of a pair of spear infantry.

"AAAAAah!"

While they avoided a direct hit, the heavy object, with considerable force, shattered the cobbled stones beneath their feet.

Two spear infantrymen caught in the blast were thrown about a meter away.

What had flown in from the outside of their field of vision was an ogre, and now, in the middle of a scene littered with pieces of flesh, a small, crimson crater marked the spot.

"Are you guys okay?"

"Medic!"

"Uh..."

Most of what had been scattered was flesh, so they survived, but they were not in a condition to continue fighting.

"Darn it, why are orcs... Ah...!"

As he pulled back his injured comrades, Selfers looked toward the enemy group and saw it.

"Grraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

"Groaaaaaaaaaaah!"

From behind, which had been separated by magic, two giants over three meters tall appeared, running noisily.

Each of them held an orc and a goblin in one hand.

"O-Ogres!"

"They've come out!"

"They're holding orcs in their hands! They're going to throw them again!"

The spear infantry was filled with tension.

"Grooooooooooh!"

And then, the ogres, without minding the spear infantry's presence, threw the orcs and goblins they were holding.

Since the distance was closer than before, the meaty projectiles had more speed. They could be seen coming at the moment of release, so it was easier to take evasive action compared to earlier, but the sheer size of the flying objects still posed a challenge.

"Guoooooh!"

Once again, three unlucky individuals were caught in the attack, leading to their withdrawal from the front lines.

"Okay, the spear infantry will split into three groups! First and second squads will surround the ogres in a semicircle! Leave an opening behind them! The rest will continue to engage the ogres while also dealing with the other enemy trash. Don't try to defeat them outright. Hold the line until the knights arrive!"

“”"Oooooh!"””

The instructions from the spear infantry captain came rapidly, and the units split into three groups. The first and second squads, with about 15 members each, formed their formation to surround the ogres in a semicircle while keeping some distance. The remaining group of around 30 individuals separated into smaller squads of about five to maintain a broader defensive stance, preparing to deal with orcs and goblins coming from behind the ogres.

"Groah!"

The ogres swung their nearly two-meter-long clubs.

Since getting hit directly by those would be dangerous, the spear infantry was acting to distract from a distance.

With a spear length of around four meters, even considering the ogres' arm length, there was an advantage in reach. They repeatedly thrust from the side or diagonally from the rear toward the ogres' legs.

Normally, a regular spear would not be able to inflict significant damage with attacks that lack force from a distance like this. Ogres have tough hides, and it would be challenging to cause any notable wounds. However, the Ferris-2 models were gradually causing injuries, which was much more effective than their regular counterparts.

Although the injuries were not fatal, they were enough to frustrate the ogres. Over time, they grew increasingly annoyed.

In the midst of this, a war cry erupted from the enemy's rear.

The knights who had circled around the sides and rear of the enemy formation saw the ogres moving to the front lines and took the opportunity to launch a rapid assault.

"As the first squad goes through, engage the remaining ogres in the rear! Second squad, after creating an opening, focus on eliminating the enemies in the rear! Go!"

Selfers issued instructions, and the knights accelerated, charging forward.

The enemy formation, which had been attacked from the sides and rear, fell into disarray. Whenever a Ferris-1 model on horseback struck, goblins were cut down one by one.

While some robust orcs weren't taken down with a single blow, they were injured somewhere and eventually became combat ineffective.

The first squad now made its way to the ogre that remained at the rear.

To avoid crowding together in large numbers, a group of five seasoned soldiers, excluding Selfers and Diluc, confronted the ogre, coordinating their attacks after dismounting from their horses. The remaining members formed a perimeter around to prevent other enemies from approaching.

Always diverting and looking for openings while multiple people engaged, they fought in a close combat situation. Unlike with spears, the attacks would not land unless they got up close, so it was quite the melee.

The enemy was skilled too, cleverly retaliating while avoiding fatal blows. The battle of give and take continued.

Then, a roar from the front rang out.

"Groooaahhhhhhhhh! So much!!!!!"

The frustrated ogre on one side, unable to resist its irritation, suddenly lunged forward, swinging its club and ignoring the spear’s restraints.

"Watch out...!"

The three spearmen, who were unable to maintain a safe distance from the ogre's sudden charge, were unable to avoid the ogre's sweeping blow.

Although they managed to avoid a direct hit to their bodies, the shock of the impact sent all three flying, along with their spears.

With three members gone in a single stroke, the balance of power shifted, and the spear infantry side was now on the defensive.

"This is bad! Diluc, I'm going after that one! Miseroi, can you take care of that one?"

"Yes, leave it to me!"

Selfers quickly realized the situation and issued instructions. Diluc and Mizeloi immediately agreed while the situation was unfolding.

Miseroi is a seasoned veteran who ranks second only to Diluc and Felix, and is highly trusted both above and below.

It should be noted that he was also the most enthusiastic believer in Orihime among the knights and had even had Orihime’s handprint pressed into the back of his armor. He was delighted and planned to make it a family heirloom.

Meanwhile, Selfers and Diluc, along with the other knights, spurred their horses and quickly headed for the ogre that had just thrown three soldiers.

The ogre that had been facing off against the spear infantry seemed to have noticed the approaching threat from the rear, marked by the sound of hooves, and quickly turned around.

As he swiftly passed through its side, Selfers delivered a blow to its flank.

"Graaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

The ogre, now struck with a solid blow, let out a roar.

"Well, how does the taste of the magic sword made by our genius magic artisan feel?"

After passing through, Selfers dismounted and handed his sword to a soldier, his lips curling upward.

"Selfers-sama, I'll assist with the other ogre over there!"

Having observed the situation, Diluc turned his horse toward the other ogre.

"I’ll leave it to you!"

"Ha!"

"For those of you equipped with the Type-2 models, continue to engage in distraction! The rest, don't let the goblins and orcs get any closer! Let's go!"

With this rallying cry, Selfers drew another magic sword from his sheath at his waist and advanced toward the ogre.

"Graaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

The ogre, possibly sensing the man who had injured it, launched a thrust of distraction toward Selfers.

A roughly 10-centimeter diameter club was hurtling toward him at an astonishing speed. Just as it appeared that Selfers' right eye emitted a brief green light, he quickly stepped forward, dodging the strike.

"Ooaaaah!"

Then, as if slipping past the thrust, Selfers deftly avoided the club and, from a lower position, slashed upward to sever the arm that had been extended with the club.

"Gyaaaaah!"

With another scream, accompanied by the sound of the arm hitting the ground, the ogre's right arm, along with the club, fell to the ground.

After slipping through the ogre's side, Selfers dropped his stance slightly and swung the magic sword in a diagonal upward strike.

"Graaaah!"

Once again, there was a scream. This time, the ogre's left leg was slashed from behind the knee, causing it to lose its balance.

With a resonant thud, the ogre's massive body fell to the ground.

"Spear infantry, finish it!"

“”"Ha!"””

The spear infantry, who had been acting as distractions, mercilessly thrust their spears into the incapacitated ogre.

"Guuuuuuuuuuuuuh...!"

Selfers, who had been observing, held his right eye and frowned momentarily.

"...Ugh, it's been a while since I used that, but the recoil is still quite strong."

Muttering to himself, he turned his attention toward Diluc, who was engaging the other ogre.

Diluc, along with the spear infantry wielding the Ferris-2 models and two knights who had arrived to provide support from the rear, had made significant progress in their battle.

"Charge!"

"Goboaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Finally, the ogre that had been distracted and leaning forward been caught by the deadly triple thrust in its throat.

As they quickly drew their sword and distanced themselves, the ogre began to rampage, fresh blood spraying from its neck.

However, it gradually lost its power and stopped moving completely after a minute.

The ogre in the rear had also been dispatched, and the knights and soldiers began to hunt down the remaining goblins and orcs, who could be considered stragglers, in small groups.

And when they confirmed that there were no more monsters moving within their visible range, Selfers declared victory.

"Well done! This is an unequivocal victory for us!"

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooo!"

"After a brief rest, the knights will move to strike the enemy's squads! The infantry will handle the cleanup here. Half will remain on standby, while the other half will hold the front line at the border with the neighboring territory. Just a little more. Please bear with us until we eliminate the threat to our territory!"

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Looking back, they had faced a horde of over 200 monsters, including three ogres, but they had managed to eliminate them without a single casualty, though there were some seriously wounded. It could certainly be described as a miraculous and overwhelming victory.

This victory instilled a newfound sense of confidence in the soldiers of the Klaufeldt territory.

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