“What is…that…”
The goblin below said in a stunned voice.
Right before their eyes, the Hero’s army began to change formation rapidly. The shield wall was drawing back in a precise and orderly manner, creating unnatural gaps in its wake.
“Hey, Sheto. What is that?”
The air of ease he’d had until then vanished, and Berganda showed a faint hint of impatience. It was no wonder, as the Dragon God’s strategy did not involve a way of dealing with a formation like this.
“I…I don’t, understand…”
“What are they saying? What happened?”
“The Hero, can undo, defeat.”
They would likely not believe him. But all he could do was tell them the truth.
“Divine rule, able to return everything to beginning, before defeat in battle. All our strategy, they saw it.”
“That’s ridiculous… But then again…”
Berganda was quick to understand. After all, he had known how abnormal this divine rule could be already.
“Then what should we do? Retreat?”
‘You must not retreat.’
The Dragon God said bluntly. Sheto couldn’t help but look up and glare at the sky.
‘If you withdraw here, you will never have a chance of victory again. The Demon General’s subordinates are already all here. In this situation, there is no option but to win.’
“Win…is such a thing…possible?”
‘Just look at their formation and you can tell what they are trying to do. From here on, I will give the orders. You are to resist with all your strength, wear the enemy down, and protect your allies. After that, it all comes down to resolve.’
Berganda seemed to have heard the last words as well. He looked cautious as the god continued.
‘We do not have time, so I shall make this brief. Attach every spellcaster to the ogres in the center and have them push ahead of the main force. However, there’s no need to order a withdrawal this time. Have them charge straight through with everything they’ve got.’
“I suppose there’s no time to even ask who you are? Well, you must be the god who granted us that plan. Well, what else do you have?”
‘Slay as many of their magic troops as possible. However, try to leave the throwing units and the lizardmen as unharmed as possible.’
“Don’t be ridiculous. That’s like throwing cold water on subordinates who thought they were riding a sure victory. Komos!”
Berganda called over his adjutant with surprising calm. And after a brief exchange, the hobgoblin let out a quiet sigh.
“Just as I thought, the gods cannot be relied on. Please don’t allow this to happen again.”
“I’m sorry. Now, I’m counting on you.”
Komos disappeared along with several other subordinates. And then Berganda smiled at those around him who had been watching them anxiously.
“Now then…let us go!”
The ogres, after receiving orders from the messengers, charged at the enemy with ferocious speed. But even as they were moving, the Hero’s army was forming a structure completely unlike a tercio.
‘Don’t fall behind the ogre unit. Because what you have to do is no different from the previous plan.’
“You don’t have to tell me that. If we don’t hold back that ‘box,’ the one who went ahead will die for nothing.”
Countless small square formations, each made up of roughly a hundred men were taking shape. Between each unit, there was enough space left to fit another formation, and behind them there were even more small squares waiting in reserve.
And in the direction the ogres were charging, not a single soldier holding the rear was carrying a spear.
A unit composed solely of magic troops was standing ready, waiting to block the enemy’s advance.