‘I will leave the rest to you. Be careful that you do not have the same attack unit charge repeatedly, or the enemy might read our movements.’
“Yes.”
‘I’ve anticipated that the magic beasts lying in wait in the forest will make a move to break the encirclement. If that happens, don’t overextend yourself. Disengage and follow my instructions.’
His instructions were concise and easy to understand. Perhaps it could be called divine revelation. It was said that their army was undefeated against the continent’s magic beasts, and after seeing this, it was easy enough to believe.
“Those serving as the wall, hold formation and maintain your speed! We’ve been warned that magic beasts may attack from the forest. Do not let your guard down!”
Of course, he did not want to rely on the Hero alone. After all, he had heard that it was an evil god who had sent the monsters out to burn the village storage houses.
It was the gods who were fighting, and they supported it at the bottom. But such cooperation was important. That was what the strategist had said.
“Attack unit! Follow the orders of your tags and advance!”
Razab’s fingers danced across his tag, and then the knights from the wall unit rushed forward to strike at the lizardmen.
While watching the scaly hides being slashed apart with cool detachment, Razab eventually broke into a satisfied smile.
—
‘That is the situation on both sides. Is there anything else you wish to ask?’
While the goddess spoke in an urgent tone, Berganda felt his resolve settle firmly in place.
He had known from the start that they were at a disadvantage, and the plan he had heard from Sheto had been reckless to say the least.
Still, he proudly faced everything head-on.
“I heard that Zebine’s unit has started to move. What about Parokt on the left wing?”
‘They’re holding back the magic beasts and waiting for your orders. But will you let it pass? Those who charged without a signal…’
“In spite of appearances, Zebine is hot-blooded. He may play it cool, but he will not stand back silently when his comrades are in danger.”
That was why he had sent them to support the Tusk Riders. Even if he was hot-blooded, he had good judgement and would be able to give Fagou and the others the opening they needed to regain their footing.
As for Kuna Nakra, there was no need to even mention them. They were being pushed hard, but he had absolute confidence that they would be able to manage regardless.
“Lord Berganda! The enemy!”
The enemy they had been trading spear thrusts with had suddenly stepped forward heavily.
“Gaah!”
“AAAHHH!”
Those who failed to evade the attack crumbled under the thrusts. The bodies fell to the ground, covered in blood. And then the enemy trampled over the corpses as they pushed forward.
“General! They’re getting closer!”
“Don’t panic! No matter what happens, hold your ground until I give the order!”
Even as he shouted, Berganda’s grip tightened around his axe. He wanted nothing more than to leap straight into their spearpoints and scatter them all.
But as the commander who led the entire force, he could not act as a mere warrior.
All he could do was trust the others and wait for the right moment.
The question was… When would that moment come?
“Advance! Crush the monsters and offer their blood to our god!”
With a thunderous roar, the ground shook as countless spears thrust forward.
Terrible screams rose, and the monsters standing in the front line began to fall down.
“Damn it! Push! Push back no matter what!”
The ogres led by Udik let out anguished cries. The toppas in their hands had already been shattered. Still, they continued to hammer at the enemy’s shields and barriers with blood-drenched arms.
Not yet…?
The minotaur’s face twisted in pain as his muscles bulged, eager to leap out before the enemy.
At that moment…
“Boss!”
The shout rang almost simultaneously with two arrows whistling through the blue sky.
A long roar followed, and then the cry announcing the discovery of prey.
It was from the far edge of the right wing. The demon general read the meaning of the sound and gave the order.
“Alright! Now is the time! All troops, fall back!”