While touching the tablet in his hand, Yasuharu analyzed the information on the screen.
A map of the area surrounding Zaneji was on the display. Around the icon that represented his army, various units were marching towards other cities.
“Yasuharu, the messenger has arrived.”
He turned to look at the armored knight who waited by the entrance. And then a man in filthy traveling clothes entered while following a robed sorcerer.
“Reporting in. Some of the reconnaissance units sent to the southern continent have suffered casualties due to a sudden assault by the Demon King’s forces.”
“…Report the damage by unit number.”
“M-my apologies. Units One and Two have been completely wiped out. Unit Three was reduced to a single survivor, and Unit Four managed to escape with only injuries, but…”
“Prepare Units Five through Eight for deployment. And verify the name of this survivor from Unit Three immediately. As for Unit Four, once treatment is complete, have them submit a report on the information they obtained.”
“…Um, Sir Hero…”
The man looked uncomfortable.
“I am the survivor from Unit Three. Silto Lack.”
“Well done, Mr. Silto. Now, you may pass on the message to the others.”
The man bowed and quickly left the room.
“The scouts are taking more and more damage recently… The enemy used to just hole up in their forts and hideouts, but now they’re unusually aggressive.”
“That is not all. We’ve received reports of increased attacks on inns and settlements along the roads… It is likely that…”
While listening to the others talk, he moved the two scouts into the trash icon. And then he pulled one person out of Unit Three, discarding the others, and then tapped on the rest icon for Unit Four.
“Mr. Ekbert, as soon as the currently advancing unit returns, we will commence a full-scale offensive. Notify all generals that this will be a clean-up operation, and ensure coordination is not neglected.”
“Yes, yes. How’s the situation with the fortress looking?”
“…Just now. It is completed.”
He tapped the pop-up battlefield status window, and an image appeared of a fortress reduced to rubble, with soldiers and sorceress cheering in victory. On the side, various data, including the number of casualties, was displayed.
“Twelve injured, no fatalities. Considering the pace of the advance, I’ll have them camp for a day before returning.”
“As always, your efficiency is disturbingly impressive.”
“Mr. Venglas, you will lead a unit to the southern region.”
Ignoring the knight’s jab, Yasuharu switched the screen to a full map of Morania and displayed the necessary routes.
“From here, proceed along the border between Temeria and Kaiter to the southern Kingdom of Lymiris. And conduct conscriptions along the way.”
A red line was traced through the mountain range that formed the border between the two nations, which shared the northern half of Morania.
“So, we are free when it comes to fighting?”
“You should decide based on the strength of the enemy. There has been some information suggesting that the demon army is moving. And reckless fighting should be avoided. Also, there are two things to be wary of.”
Yasuharu said, and the two turned to each other. He usually said only the bare minimum, so any emphasis like this got a reaction out of them.
“The first, on the border of the three countries, is this Lindle village. There is one Hero there.”
“Hmmm? But I thought there were no Heroes on this continent?”
“This was from information provided by the Seer. Apparently, this one was not part of the army of one hundred. As for the other thing.”
“The kobold.”
Yasuharu nodded to the sorcerer and brought up an image.
“It lives in the Elephas mountains, south of Lindle village. I heard that it intends to move up north.”
The knight saw the image of the kobold striking down the mithril golem, and he shuddered.
“Still, it is quite unbelievable… That this really happened…”
“Well, it must be believed. As long as you receive a blessing from a god, anyone can acquire immense power. We know that more than anyone.”
“Negotiations with the Hero in Lindle village are already finalized. Supplies and soldiers must be sent, if possible.”
“And what about the kobold?”
The knight asked. Yasuharu hesitated for a moment and then nodded.
“The beast is already inside of the trap. That is the divine message from the Seer.”