“And then the fifth unit. Three thousand ogres have joined this battle. Alongside the trolls, they are the main source of striking power within this army.”
“Many of them are capable of enchantments too. Do not think of us as only muscle.”
“We-we are, prepared. Can go, any time.”
The bald, blue-skinned troll said as if to compete with the ogres. He had iron guards on his arms and legs.
“Your kind, not like to wear things, no?”
“Order of general. When wear hard things, we become, stronger.”
“I ordered it. Trolls have the ability to regenerate. And armor makes them even more difficult to deal with. And with enchantments on top of that. What do you think will happen?”
Sheto nodded as if impressed. And then Berganda turned to the goblin who was relaxing by the troll’s legs.
“Ramib. I’ll leave the protection of Borunzo to you.”
“Leave it to us! As long as we stay sharp, even those big lugs will manage to pull their weight!”
“Shut up, Ramib. Otherwise, I eat you.”
The gathering was getting rowdy. Berganda then addressed the hooded figure in the corner.
“Paroct is joining the campaign for the first time. He’s both a bug handler and a tamer of beasts.”
“…Aye.”
Came the raspy voice, and the robed figure nodded. Just then, the faint smell of decay drifted in the air.
“Ever since a traitorous subordinate poisoned him, he’s been suffering from a disease that rots the body. I told him to remain in the rear, but…”
“This is…an unprecedented…opprotunity…for my beasts and bugs…to be of use…to you.”
The goblin magician had lived an abnormally long life. And he likely saw this battle as being the perfect way to end it. Berganda did not say any more, other than that he should rest.
“And that just leaves the orc unit that is led by Fago.”
“The Fang Riders are apparently busy keeping their mounts under control. They said that they’ll rush over once the fighting starts.”
The tribe of Fang Riders were known for riding wild great boars. They were unusual, even among the orc tribes. They had distinct cries that they used to control the wild beasts with precision.
“Every last one of them is a handful in their own way, but they’re proud and believe themselves to be a match for the Hero’s soldiers. All that remains is to craft the strategy that will lead them to victory.”
While still smiling, Berganda moved close to the kobold’s face.
As if to challenge the gods who must be looking on the other side.
“That is all from Demon General Berganda. Now, let’s hear your plan that involves using forty-two thousand monsters that can break through that iron wall!”
—
Taking the full force of the minotaur’s intimidation, Sheto could do nothing but desperately hold himself together.
Before he knew it, the other commanders were also staring at him, their eyes filled with expectation.
‘Damn it. He makes it sound so easy. Eh? Sheto?’
The Dragon God said with amusement. Sheto wanted to curse him, but this was no time to become flustered.
‘Even so…what a motley bunch they are. They are certainly formidable, but nothing you wouldn’t expect. But against someone who knows all the military tactics in history and has been reinforced with the divine rule and magic… A cheat among cheats… They may as well be powerless.’
The crafty god said the words that Sheto could in no way repeat to Berganda and the others.
“What’s wrong? Don’t tell me that you think we should charge in without a plan?”
“N-no! Just wait!”
The expectation of the others was turning into annoyance. Even Berganda seemed to have anger in his eyes now.
‘Well, I suppose I’ll stop teasing them now. Sheto, repeat to them what I explain to you. Exactly as I say.’
After thoroughly enjoying the squabbling of the monsters, the Dragon God’s rumbling laughter stopped, and he began to rain down his wisdom.