13 – Force Reconnaissance
In the top room of the residence, Berganda closed his eyes and waited.
The windows on all four sides were opened, offering a view of the vast forest that surrounded the fortress.
However, he was not interested in the outside view. A map of the Morania continent was spread out on his desk, with the edges trembling from the wind.
“Lord Berganda.”
Komos came up from the stairs below. He had an unusual smile on his face.
“He has arrived.”
“Finally. I will meet him at once.”
He rolled up the map and held it under his arm. And then he descended the staircase with his adjutant. They entered the same room where they had held a meeting with Sheto previously, and there was a blue man standing there.
“Welcome, Kuna Nakura.”
“You’ve managed to drag me out here, Demon General.”
The long face was covered in scales, and there was more joy in his voice than his words would have suggested. He wore robes made from seaweed, which was common for lizardmen.
“My people were scattered in the last sea battle. It took time to gather my men and select those who would meet your standards.”
He had a sleek, muscular frame and a long tail. And there was a curved sword hanging from his belt.
“Five hundred of the Kuna clan will be at your service. We had lived in shame for a while, unable to protect our master. But I think that you will provide us with a good place to die.”
“I would not want that. I have a debt to the late Sea Demon General. And so even after avenging her, I hope we can continue to count on your power. And we shall ride together, side by side, and cut down as many enemies as we can.”
They nodded to each other and shook hands firmly.
The lizardmen valued loyalty and courage, and had to be treated differently from ogres, who merely enjoyed violence.
They did not act if it went against their sense of pride, and when they go to a place to die, they would not stop fighting until satisfied.
Thankfully, Sea General Zernante had been a friend, and he had trained with adjutant, Kuna Nakura, a few times before.
“So, how is the situation?”
“Not very good. However, there will be no end to it if I start complaining. Besides, we’ve already started to move in order to settle this once and for all.”
Berganda laid out the map on the desk.
Originally, it had only included the general landscape, but many detailed auditions had been drawn in. The positions of human settlements, various fortresses and castles. Their size, the condition of roads and bridges,
“You have investigated this pretty thoroughly. Are all of these people under your command?”
“But we haven’t reached the coast yet. Once this battle is over, we will fill in that portion of the map.”
“…So the Seer’s road is nearly complete.”
With shocking speed and precision, the Hero’s army was paving the roads throughout Morania. While stone and wood was easy to acquire, the surprising part was gathering people with enough skill.
“It is the power of his divine rule. And now, every soldier in their army is similar to a Hero. They can level up to acquire skills with the sword and craftsmanship in an instant.”
“The damned gods… They use their power in such cowardly ways.”
The demon side was not able to do something like the divine rule, due to restrictions put in place during the start of the games.
“That being said, these roads give us an advantage as well. They will generally advance along the, and it will be easier to intercept supply trains.”
“But…we cannot underestimate their soldiers. They move as if synchronized perfectly. It is like going up against a giant wall.”
“And they have sorcerers too. I tried hitting them once, and they avoided the attack easily.”
He had already been told about the defeat, but Kuna Nakura’s face darkened as he heard how impenetrable the enemy had been.
“I’m sorry. I suppose a mere five hundred would be like trying to scoop up the sea with a spoon.”
“There is no harm in having more men. And I am still grateful for your help. The bravery of the Kuna clan is worth a hundred soldiers. It is the same as if you had brought fifty thousand with you.”
To that, the lizardman closed his eyes and was silent.
They were trained to not be affected by praise, and that glory should be swallowed up and kept within. It was rare to see monsters who prioritized simplicity.
“Besides, it is not as if we are just sitting back and sucking our thumbs. We are already gathering our fighting forces.”
“Oh? You have many brilliant subordinates. Is it time to use your secret ace?”
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