Chapter 99
It did not take Erich's unit long to mop up the remnants of the Black Wolf tribe.
Of course, they could have simply let them escape, but it was necessary to inflict maximum damage to prevent them from regrouping.
In fact, more time was spent hunting down fleeing barbarians than actual combat.
Erich lowered his head and scooped up some snow from the snowy field, rubbing it on his face to wipe off the bloodstains.
A pinkish liquid dripped down his neck. It was unpleasant, but for now, it felt like enough.
Frederick, who had wrapped up the battlefield and regrouped the unit, approached Erich and spoke.
"Boss, I think we're pretty much done here. Should we get going soon?"
"Hmm, but if we head out now and end up in a full-on battle with the Bear tribe, that would be troublesome."
It was because the Black Wolf tribe had collapsed much more quickly than Erich had expected.
He had thought it would take much longer, and had asked Mikhail to hold out for a longer time.
Of course, since Erich's unit had hardly suffered any losses, even if they had to engage again, it was a good situation.
Still, things hadn't gone according to the initial plan, and Erich was a bit dissatisfied with how things were unfolding.
"Well, wouldn't it be fine? I'm sure that old man's sliced them all up anyway."
"No, sir Mikhail could probably do it, but even a Swordmaster isn't invincible."
"What do you mean by that?"
"The Bear tribe's estimated strength exceeds several thousand. And those are likely the elite warriors, excluding those defending their main camp."
That was why Erich had asked Mikhail only to hold them off. With his power, he could probably manage.
However, even for a Swordmaster, it would mean risking his life to face thousands of elite barbarians alone.
'Still, knowing his capabilities, they won't be able to get close so easily.'
Mikhail's ability was to create slashes in midair. His skill, honed by his senses and Aura, had turned him into a walking killing machine.
Moreover, the invisible slashes would terrify them, so even with a large army, he could hold them for a while.
If it escalated into a full-scale battle, that would be another story. But Mikhail wasn't someone who didn't understand that.
Besides, since he also knew the plan, he would understand that the best way to use the enemy was not to kill them all.
"For now, let the soldiers rest. Even if we head out after they've had enough rest, it won't be too late."
Erich made his decision. Mikhail would be able to hold them off as planned.
Then Erich approached Hrung-ga, who was wiping blood from his weapon. All around him lay the corpses of Black Wolf barbarians.
[So, do you finally feel your own strength now?]
[Are you mocking me? I was reckless to tell you how I felt.]
[Not teasing. If something's bothering you, it's best to resolve it quickly. One moves according to one's heart.]
[Heh, did you make that one up yourself?]
[No, it's something a master swordsman once said.]
Erich grinned. It was Mikhail who had once told him those words.
Indeed, Erich himself had often experienced how one's heart could affect the sword.
That's why a calm, clear mind, like a still lake, is always important for a swordsman. But in Hrung-ga's axe swings...
'There's too much rage in them.'
It might be an advantage for a barbarian who fights with physical strength, but against opponents of equal skill, it was more of a weakness.
Hrung-ga scrubbed blood from his face with his arm, then stood up.
[Don't worry. My inner turmoil won't affect your strategy. I'll show you personally.]
[I didn't mean for you to get that fired up, but anyway, seeing your axe swing, you're better off fighting the Bear tribe's chieftain.]
[... What if I lose?]
Erich just stared wordlessly at Hrung-ga, sensing his intent. Hrung-ga, realizing this, burst out laughing.
[Kuhuhu, that was a foolish question. Then I'll make sure to take that guy's head myself.]
[Right, stop with worries that don't suit you, and just focus on that club of yours.]
Next, Erich went over to Barnes, who was resting with the security team. Barnes sprang up and bowed his head.
"Commander."
"Rest a little more. You followed orders well. Is your injury alright?"
"Yes. It'll heal quickly."
Barnes had a shallow wound on his shoulder. But Erich had noticed that Barnes's body was different from others'.
'The side effects of the drug are actually taking a positive turn.'
Barnes's body had been ruined by the Orca-roid's experiments. But after starting to take the medicine Erich provided, his regenerative ability had increased remarkably.
Apparently, the side effects from the Orca-roid and the medicine that was supposed to counter them had interacted in a different way — something even Erich couldn't quite predict.
After all, he wasn't a pharmacist, just someone who knew the recipe for a drug to prevent the aftereffects of the Orca-roid from his previous life.
Regardless, Barnes's regenerative ability seemed useful in many ways. The realm of a swordsman advances in moments between life and death. That wasn't just a metaphor, but a literal truth.
Like how Erich had awakened his senses after returning to the past, if Barnes continued to train using his regenerative ability, he might show growth beyond expectations.
Anyway, Erich told Barnes,
"We'll depart in thirty minutes. Get everyone ready by then."
"Yes, commander."
Afterward, Erich glanced at his sword — the family heirloom Dragon Fang of House Krupp, which he'd received from the grand duke a while ago.
His impression of swinging an oramite sword for the first time since his return, and after so long, was—
'The best.'
It cut through massive swords as easily as slicing pudding. Truly, no word fit it better than 'the best.'
Oramite was not only extremely hard, but as its name implied, it had excellent affinity with aura.
Compared to an ordinary steel sword, it felt like the aura clung to it more readily.
The only downside was that unlike the longsword he was used to, it was a southern-style cavalry sword — a bit shorter.
Still, since it was crafted during the Great War long ago, it was longer than ordinary southern cavalry swords.
If it had been any shorter, more like the length of a knight's sword, Erich wouldn't have used it in real combat.
Finally, Erich turned his gaze toward the direction Mikhail was fighting.
He wasn't worried.
If anything, he was concerned Mikhail might cut down every last one of them on his own. That was the only issue.
*
[Save me!]
[Kyaaaaagh!]
Barbarian screams echoed from everywhere. By now, corpses of the barbarians who had charged at Mikhail were piled up like a mound around him.
The barbarians no longer even dared to approach. Their initial bravado gone, the warriors of the Bear tribe only hesitated.
Mikhail gave a cold smile.
"Is this all? What a disappointment."
Of course the barbarians couldn't understand his words, but they caught the nuance — that he was mocking them.
Roanok realized with dread that he was in a critical situation. Even with all his strength, he could not defeat that man.
He knew just by sensing the man's aura that he would lose without even fighting.
Maybe if his warriors tired Mikhail out some more. But would the swordsman really be weak just because he ran out of aura? Roanok doubted it.
'... Even if I went at him with my sword, there's no hope.'
For Roanok, chieftain of the Bear tribe, this was the greatest crisis he had ever faced — his first time truly experiencing fear.
He had believed there was nothing in this world that could make him tremble.
His warriors cast furtive glances at him. But if he stepped forward and was killed in a single blow, they would all flee.
Not only his life, but everything Roanok had planned would turn to dust. He wanted to avoid such an outcome at all costs.
Roanok shouted, trying to regain control.
[Don't be afraid! He's just one man!]
A few pseudo head-hunters who had received power from Ungrim mustered up some courage and charged. But even they became exhausted and their newfound courage useless.
Mikhail appeared calm, but he had actually spent much of his aura. He had overused his ability to look more threatening.
Still, he did not think he would lose if it came down to swords. Mikhail recalled the young commander's instructions.
—I just need you to hold them off as long as possible. And then retreat at the right moment.
Mikhail grinned and muttered softly.
"You cheeky brat."
He didn't dislike the disciple he'd taken in after so long. The boy was of a different type than himself, but that made him especially valuable to the Watch.
Even now, watching his strategic and tactical moves reminded Mikhail of August in the past. Perhaps, someday, Erich might surpass August as a commander.
The barbarians hesitated in front of Mikhail. Would they keep throwing more men at him, or turn back because a single man blocked them?
Mikhail could not know their intentions. But just as he was thinking it might be time to retreat—
But then—
[Everyone fall back! Prepare to regroup!]
Roanok's voice rang out. Mikhail stepped forward to stop them, but they withdrew even further, as if they'd seen a demon.
Mikhail let out a wry smile. It seemed he had failed to follow the young commander's orders.
*
After regrouping, Erich's unit once more set out. If Mikhail retreated and simply followed them, it seemed they could catch the Bear tribe in the rear as they were attacking Grossnak.
But soon, Erich narrowed his eyes. Ahead, there was a tremendous cloud of snow and dust.
'... No way?'
Erich felt an unpleasant hunch. Things were not following his plan.
'Could it be, the enemy got scared of Mikhail's strength and is retreating?'
Not having expected to encounter them in this state, Erich quickly halted the unit and set up a formation, waiting for them to approach.
[... T-there are enemies behind us too!]
[Damn it, then where do we run?!]
Upon seeing Erich's unit, the barbarians stopped. They looked back and forth between front and rear, weighing which side offered a better chance of survival.
At that moment, Erich spotted someone.
'... Looks like that one is the Bear tribe's chieftain.'
He was noticeably larger and more massive than the others. Erich saw a surge of aura circulating explosively inside — not a lot, but enough that he was likely a head hunter or close to that level.
Erich considered his options. Should he force his way through, even at the cost of casualties?
Was it possible to let them go?
Calculations were running through his mind.
Then—
[... I am Hrung-ga, son of Batanga, and I speak now!]
Everyone's eyes turned to Hrung-ga, who had stepped out from Erich's ranks.
Aware of their gazes, Hrung-ga slammed his club into the ground.
― Thunk!-
The ground shook with the impact. Hrung-ga spoke again.
[Roanok, son of Kaphtok! I challenge you to a duel to the death!]
Erich quietly let out a small laugh. There was no need to honor a one-on-one fight here, but...
'It might be just what Hrung-ga needs.'
Remembering Hrung-ga's lost confidence, Erich nodded at him.
Now, it was time for Hrung-ga to finally cast off the weight on his heart — along with the enemy's life.
-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】