Surviving a Harsh Fantasy with Cheat Items (WN)

In the quaint harbor town of Grace, the Castilian naval fleet anchored. Thirty transport ships and twenty escort warships comprised their ranks.

Once a formidable force with a hundred and fifty vessels, the Britannian navy now lay nearly decimated, its remnants scattered across small ports far and wide. Hence, this modest escort fleet sufficed.

While vigilance against the Britannian navy alone would warrant twenty ships, recent intelligence hinted at the movement of the Silesien fleet. Thus, preparations were underway, including deploying state-of-the-art galleons for harbor defense.

Such thoroughness was characteristic of General Don Vargo, the Castilian commander in chief.

From the terrace of the ancient castle, once a municipal office, General Don Vargo surveyed the fleet assembled in the harbor and the resolute march of over fifteen thousand troops—an expeditionary force poised to occupy Grace Bay and advance toward the United Kingdom of Britannia Capital, Londo.

「Word has it that the Silesien navy is on the move. What could they hope to achieve with hastily assembled fleets?」

「Those Britannian scoundrels are no match for our Castilian navy, and the makeshift Silesien fleet hardly poses a threat. After all, with Count Don Vargo himself leading this campaign, victory is practically assured.」

Says a loyal officer—one of the seven Castilian generals under Don Vargo’s command.

The Count suppressed a wry smile at the transparent flattery. He wasn’t one to be easily fooled by such cheap sycophancy. Nevertheless, the five thousand-strong Castilian Knights and the mercenary corps of over ten thousand formed the backbone of the Castilian forces.

As he observed the spirited advance of Castilian troops despite the expedition’s odds, a fleeting grin tugged at the corners of his lips. Leading this grand battalion to vanquish the United Kingdom of Britannia would be a knightly honor. Today, perhaps, marked the beginning of his own glory.

Count Don Vargo, an imposing nobleman with a magnificent physique, wore steel-silver armor and wielded one of Castilia’s legendary magic swords—Tizona, the blade of ice and snow.

As the lord of vast lands in the Burgos region, he traced his lineage back to Battlefield Warlord El Cid Gastein, the folk hero of Castilian lore.

Within the Castilia Kingdom, no one surpassed Count Don Vargo in strategy, tactics, and wartime diplomacy. When Mage General Revenant’s Silesien surprise operation failed, it was Don Vargo who devised the invasion plan toward Londo, the United Kingdom of Britannia’s capital, and received military authority from the royal study.

「This military reform or whatever it is—entrusting the army to a mere mage—is unacceptable.」

「Indeed, my lord count. Let us, the proud nobility, demonstrate to King Ferdinand that we are the backbone of the royal forces.」

Don Vargo wasn’t easily fooled by flattery. Despite his aristocratic lineage and alignment with the old guard, he possessed a progressive spirit. Having participated in the First Siren Sea Battle, he had witnessed the enemy’s use of new weaponry.

Among the mercenaries joining the expedition were reptilian soldiers from the Afri continent—the formidable Reptilians—whose strength far surpassed regular troops.

Don Vargo intended to fully harness their power.

The times were ever shifting.

Seizing the opportunity presented by Mage General Revenant’s failure and subsequent dismissal, the noble faction rallied behind Count Don Vargo.

His strategy was straightforward: march overwhelmingly toward Londo, exerting an intimidating presence that would compel the United Kingdom of Britannia to forge an alliance within the city walls.

In his creed, war was but diplomatic dynamics.

Whether at sea or on land, Castilian’s superiority remained unyielding. Yet expeditions drained coffers like water. Military might must be wielded efficiently.

And so, by concentrating military forces in one place and advancing with an overwhelming army, they aimed to crush the enemy’s capital and break their will to resist.

The parade ceremony, currently underway as Count Don Vargo stood satisfied with his arms crossed, wasn’t mere showmanship.

It served to showcase Castilia’s immense power to both Britannians and outsiders.

Britannia, after all, was an unstable confederation. If the renown of ‘King’ Arthur, who unified the nation, were tarnished, they might splinter into disarray.

「Once the streets are filled with this grand army, the Britannians will tremble and raise the white flag.」

「I hope so…」

As he exchanged yet another predictable response, Don Vargo pondered.

Bluffing wouldn’t suffice in politics. The enemy wouldn’t yield unless Londo, the capital, was besieged and captured. While the city’s defenses weren’t impregnable, they had to guard against any rear assaults.

「We’ll likely march both by land and river routes toward Londo.」

His mind was already focused on the siege of Londo after this parade ceremony.

The grand spectacle, which had begun at dawn, would transition from the city parade to General Don Vargo’s speech and then immediately to the first wave of departure.

Although initial preparations were complete, Don Vargo, as the supreme commander, had countless considerations regarding troop placement and securing supply routes for the siege.

Exhausted from the expedition and a bit drowsy due to the early hour, Don Vargo stifled a small yawn.

That’s when the ground and buildings shook violently.

As if a giant were stomping the earth, a thunderous tremor rattled beneath his feet.

「An earthquake?」

Reports of earthquakes on Britannia’s main island hadn’t reached him. The eerie sounds, like air rupturing, grew more intense, and the expeditionary soldiers screamed while horses whinnied in fear.

The troops below were thrown into chaos by an invisible menace drawing near.

「Count Don Vargo!」

「Compose yourself, General. What good does it do to panic? First, calm the troops. Send scouts to assess the situation.」

Even as he issued these orders, an eerie sound drew nearer.

Could it be an enemy attack?

The buildings erupted in massive explosions, and the seven generals who had been observing the parade from the terrace were thrown into the castle courtyard without a moment to spare.

※※※

「Bombs away～!」

The final explosive shell I hurled with all my might pierced through the castle’s ceiling and detonated inside. Are, who was holding the front of the large basket carrying us, gleefully celebrated.

I understood the sentiment—it had been quite the spectacular fireworks display.

Although the fragmentation shell hadn’t yet passed practical testing and could cause cannon barrels to rupture when fired, it was ideal for aerial bombardment.

Loaded into the big basket carried by Are and Kaara, the shells flew all the way to the city of Grace. Louise and I continued to toss them downward.

Our aerial assault targeted the hastily assembled barracks outside the city and the ancient castle that likely served as the enemy commander’s headquarters.

If we could eliminate high-ranking officers and set their supplies ablaze, that would be ideal.

From beyond Grace Bay, the Silesien fleet approached, bombarding the fleet anchored in the harbor. Grace Bay’s shallow inlet and treacherous reefs posed challenges. Admiral Jean, our seasoned guide, ensured safe passage. But Admiral Drake’s strategy involved exploiting the terrain further—sinking enemy ships to render the harbor unusable.

By cutting off the sea route, dividing the landing forces, and delivering another blow, we could demoralize the enemy. As allies, this should suffice. The rest would fall to the United Kingdom of Britannia’s ground forces.

「Ah, there’s their commander.」

「Do you recognize him, Are?」

Are was a guest general in the Castilian army though for a short time only.

Having been at the Castilian palace, it wouldn’t be surprising if he recognized the enemy commander’s face.

「Yes, I’ve seen him at the Castilian palace. That Count Don Vargo is quite the great guy or something. Those guys wearing splendid armor are part of his Seven Generals.」

「Interesting. So that’s their headquarters. He survived the recent aerial bombardment, huh? Well, let me give him a little tap on the head. Lower me down.」

The noble generals, their robust frames adorned in impressive steel armor and cloaks, were rallying the confused soldiers in the castle courtyard after the fiery explosions.

And there we stood, descending calmly from the sky.

The generals stared in dumbfounded helplessness as we appeared out of nowhere.

The nobleman at the center, his imposing physique encased in dull-gleaming steel-silver armor, drew a brilliantly white magic sword and shouted toward us.

「So it’s you lot! You’re responsible for this!」

「Exactly! I am Sawatari Takeru, the hero of Silesie. Anyone who doubts me is welcome to challenge me.」

I manifested both the ‘Sword of Light’ and the ‘Neutral Sword’ standing forward and introducing myself.

The row of seven generals encircled me, raising their voices in protest.

「We are the Seven Castilian Generals!」 「Prepare yourselves!」

Before they could finish their grandiose speeches, the heads of the seven generals were severed.

Are swung her sharp dragon claws, swiftly dispatching the three generals on the left. Louise, wielding the ‘Orichalcum Greatsword’ beheaded the three on the right.

Come on, at least let them finish their speeches.

As I thought my moment wouldn’t come, the knights assigned to protect the general leaped forward.

「We shall defend Count Don Vargo!」 「The Gastein family’s twenty-four knights are here!」

Ah, the knights of this world, always announcing their numbers.

Are and Louise, roaring fiercely, stood ready. Ordinary knights charging in against us was tantamount to suicide. They fell one after another.

Amidst the chaotic melee, a general clad in steel-silver armor stepped forward, brandishing a gleaming white sword. His crimson cloak billowed behind him as he faced me.

His imposing presence left no room for weakness. Clearly, he was no ordinary warlord.

「Hmm, given how you look, you should be the commander.」

「As expected of the Silesie’s hero. I am General Don Vargo Burgos Gastein of the Castilia forces!」

With a battle cry, he lunged at me with his flashing white sword. Instinctively, I stepped back and parried with my Neutral Blade, the clash ringing out.

「Hmm, to think you managed to receive my Imagination Sword. Quite the formidable magical blade.」

「It is the legendary Tizona, the sword of ice and snow. Even if you are a hero, do you truly believe you can withstand my strikes, heralded as the reincarnation of the great El Cid Gastein?」

Don Vargo’s wielded sword seemed to possess an otherworldly quality.

Come to think of it, the Seven Generals we dispatched earlier fell without much effort, but this Don Vargo—the sole remaining commander—had deftly deflected attacks from Are’s claws.

In other words, his magical blade rivaled the hardness of Are’s dragon claws or the Orichalcum Greatsword wielded by Louise. Clearly, Don Vargo himself was no ordinary combatant.

「However, you shouldn’t have left your side vulnerable!」

「What?!」

Facing a commander of his caliber, I couldn’t afford any missteps. I assumed the Tiger Swing stance, a technique from the niten ichiryu school—a posture designed for striking.

As the enemy’s blade descended, I deftly deflected it with a single stroke, then swiftly followed up with another, slashing across his flank. Against the Imagination Sword, armor offered no defense.

Though he suffered a deep gash to his left shoulder, Don Vargo remained standing. Even with just one arm, he clung to the Ice-Snow Magic Sword, launching a fierce barrage. His determination was unwavering.

「Don Vargo, it seems you’ve never faced a dual-wielder before.」

「Of course not. But fear not, for the magic sword Tizona shall not yield. El Cid the Great, grant me strength!」

Amidst the chaotic clash, General Don Vargo, clad in steel-silver armor, pressed forward with deep, razor-sharp strikes. Even wounded, his swordsmanship allowed him to unleash fierce attacks—an artistry that had earned him respect. His gaze, as sharp as a pointed awl, bore down on me, exuding an oppressive weight.

Yet, it remained superficial.

Compared to the battles against Dyson, he was merely a mortal with an ordinary blade. I had witnessed formidable opponents: Freed’s unwavering confidence, Dyson’s absolute intimidation, and Conrad’s graceful swordplay. In every aspect, Don Vargo’s sword fell short.

Despite the intensity of his spirit, his lack of composure rendered his anger-fueled, reckless swordplay less intimidating.

「Hmph, is the brave of Castilia only amount to this? I can already hear your famous sword weeping.」

「You dare laugh, peasant-born scum!」

The Ice and Snow Magic Sword was probably a legendary brave sword. Yet, its true potential remained untapped due to Don Vargo’s inadequacy.

His dignified sword form sounded impressive, but his movements were predictable. No matter how much training he had, it resembled the well-behaved blade of a nobleman’s son. Easily anticipated.

「Let’s end it, Don Vargo.」

「Ugh!」

Using a feint, I disrupted Don Vargo’s stance.

Seizing the opportunity, I unleashed a dual-blade assault.

With my Neutral Sword, I deflected the Ice-Snow Magic Sword, leaving Don Vargo vulnerable. Swiftly, I cleaved his defenseless body in two with the Sword of Light. He collapsed, cut in two from his shoulder. An anticlimactic end.

Should I boast about defeating the enemy commander? Perhaps not—it didn’t quite fit the mood. The battlefield had fallen silent, enemies vanquished.

I retrieved the Tizona Ice and Snow Magic Sword, carefully sheathing it. Both hilt and scabbard were ornately crafted in golden splendor.

His armor lay shattered, but this magic sword is quite a work of art. I’ll take it as a trophy.

Surveying the surroundings, I noticed enemy corpses strewn about. While I had engaged Don Vargo, both Are and Louise had beheaded all twenty-four knights.

Are and Louise now engaged in a macabre competition, tallying the severed heads. Both of you are undeniably formidable, but cease this gruesome contest. Waging war as a game leads to no good.

「Nation’s father, enemy soldiers are pouring into the courtyard.」

Kaara, who had been observing enemy movements from the sky, warned.

We stood in the heart of the city, now under enemy occupation. Facing a force exceeding fifteen thousand, the four of us couldn’t hold out.

Louise and Are could easily hold the ancient castle if they chose to, but even the mighty dragon maiden had her weaknesses. Are’s human form housed the immense power of a dragon god, yet maintaining that form consumed an extraordinary amount of calories. In prolonged combat, hunger would ground her.

Since this operation wasn’t about annihilation and we had successfully taken down the enemy commander, it was time to retreat.

「Ah, right. That’s it. Let’s withdraw.」

Louise and I boarded the aerial basket, carried by Are and Kaara. We soared gracefully back into the sky.

From below, archers attempted to shoot us down, but their arrows fell far short of our elevated position.

「Invincible in aerial combat.」

After all, the enemy hadn’t even considered anti-air weapons. Perhaps seasoned archers might have a chance, but they lacked training in hitting airborne targets.

Arrows launched from below, slower and less accurate, were easily evaded with a slight increase in altitude. No matter how many archers they deployed, they couldn’t bring us down.

In strategic thinking, victory lay precisely here.

「My lord, isn’t that the Britannian army?」

「Indeed. Arthur must have stationed troops in the outskirts.」

In the distance, a multitude of flags—white with a crimson batten—fluttered on the city’s outskirts. A contingent of knights charged toward the disoriented enemy soldiers.

Although we hadn’t explicitly informed the Britannian forces of our assault plan, their coordinated attack was impressive.

「It seems our objective has been achieved.」

「Yes, a gratifying outcome.」

‘King’ Arthur had trusted my promise of reinforcements, even without detailed communication. He had wisely concealed troops near the city of Grace, awaiting the opportune moment to strike.

Truly befitting a ‘King’. The castle in Londo, though not impregnable, necessitated this risky tactical move.

Yet Arthur possessed the capacity to strategize, believing in promises of aid even when their arrival was uncertain. Such qualities were the mark of a brave.

Arthur was that kind of man—willing to risk everything for honor and loyalty.

It was truly moving.

「My lord, you have an admirable ally.」

「Indeed. We’ll continue supporting Arthur from the sea until our ammunition runs out.」

Returning to the Black Cedar warship, I felt victory was already assured.

Yet there, awaiting us, was a new adversary.