Red-Eyed Siblings (3)

Rectus, the only knight of the Leze Viscounty, sighed deeply as he observed the approaching horde of magical beasts.

‘This is on a completely different scale from previous attacks.’

The Leze Viscounty was situated in a more dangerous location compared to other domains.

Rather than saying it was established in such a place, it would be more accurate to say they had failed to properly manage the territories where magical beasts roamed.

Other domains would thoroughly control areas where magical beasts appeared, preventing them from escaping.

But the Leze Viscounty fundamentally lacked manpower, so they could only rely on a single wall for protection.

That’s why every year when winter approached and food became scarce in the forest, magical beasts would come knocking at the Leze Viscounty’s door.

They considered those assaults, and until now, they had been manageable.

After all, the magical beasts were merely hungry.

Even if they exerted their strength, only a tiny fraction of them could actually destroy the walls.

Besides, those capable of such destruction could hunt other magical beasts for food instead.

But what about now?

“C-Captain… This, this won’t work. Even with your skills, facing such numbers is…”

Magical beasts are ferocious.

Since winter hadn’t yet arrived and the forest still provided abundant food, they were at peak physical condition.

And most importantly…

“…Even a Giant Bear is among them.”

Even magical beasts that would normally be hibernating during winter had appeared.

Among them were monsters that even Rectus would find burdensome.

He wouldn’t lose in a fight, but if they came in such overwhelming numbers, there was no answer.

Still, he didn’t show his concern.

“As always, I’ll lead from the front. Focus on stopping any beasts capable of damaging the walls.”

He would do what needed to be done. It was simply a matter of meticulously blocking them, even if it took time.

‘It’s obvious that demons have infiltrated the domain… but I don’t have the luxury to worry about that. I just have to trust them.’

This time, he would try to put down some of his burden and focus only on the task at hand.

With that resolution, Rectus quietly drew his sword.

In response, the other soldiers waiting behind him also took up their weapons—bows, spears, and other arms that could be used at a distance.

These were soldiers with at least some skill within the Leze Viscounty.

This would undoubtedly be a harsh battle, but they would manage somehow.

“Well then…”

Just as Rectus and his elite soldiers were about to march out beyond the walls with their weapons drawn…

Whoosh!

Brilliant light surged from behind, rushing forward like a wave until it enveloped the entire wall.

Rectus, who was about to jump down from the wall, stepped back as he saw a barrier rising from beneath his feet.

“This is…”

Even the rumbling vibrations, like an earthquake, disappeared as they were blocked by the barrier.

And replacing that sound, the footsteps of a single person began to echo.

Thud! Thud!

A giant orc, deliberately stomping the ground with each step.

Titan was walking with his hammer slung over his shoulder.

“Captain. The wall…”

“…?!”

Only when a subordinate muttered in disbelief did Rectus turn around.

The wall meant to protect the domain.

And as if to protect that wall, a massive mountain of rocks was rising up.

“No need for lengthy explanations.”

Lost appeared, walking beside Titan with a tobacco pipe in his mouth.

Looking at his eyes, which revealed a hint of boredom and fatigue, Rectus understood.

‘I underestimated him.’

He knew that Lost was an apostle.

The fact that he had turned children into angels was astonishing enough.

But he never expected this level of power.

Who could have imagined that he could cast a sacred domain encompassing the entire domain?

Even the Arcanum required hundreds of mages, including Castian, to complete a protective barrier.

Despite the differences in scale and the fact that the priest specialized in protection, the fact that a single individual accomplished this was astounding.

He couldn’t help but be shocked.

“I’ll handle this area with Titan. So, Sir Rectus…”

“We’ll handle the demons that have infiltrated the domain.”

“I appreciate how quickly you understand.”

“Listen up! From now on, we’ll move to eliminate the wicked demons who have summoned this horde of magical beasts!”

Rectus immediately organized his troops and descended from the wall.

Time was of the essence.

He couldn’t afford to simply stand there in amazement.

The number of lives that could be saved could change with every minute, every second.

“For our home!!”

With that, Rectus and his soldiers quickly dispersed into units and crossed the domain.

*     *     *

I take a puff of my tobacco as I observe the approaching horde of magical beasts from a distance.

First, I estimate which of the magical beasts could breach the rock mountain Titan created and damage the barrier I’ve extended.

Most notably, there’s the Giant Bear.

A monster several times larger than a normal bear, practically a living tank.

While it doesn’t possess any special abilities, its sheer physical power rivals Titan’s.

And there’s one more that could pose a threat with pure physical force.

A massive monster arrives later, causing tremors with each step.

“An Ogre… How lucky has the viscounty been until now?”

With a body larger than the tall walls and possessing some intelligence, this humanoid monster is truly formidable.

Of course, its intelligence isn’t high enough for communication. If it were, it would be considered another race like Titan. The Ogre’s intelligence is closer to that of a tool-using monkey.

But how threatening that is needs no explanation.

After all, these creatures can uproot and wield entire trees as weapons.

That’s why they’re commonly known as “City Destroyers.”

It means the opponent is a monster capable of demolishing an entire city on its own.

In truth, without Sir Rectus, this domain would have suffered near-annihilation from just one of these monsters.

With all these other magical beasts swarming in, even Sir Rectus would likely have been helpless.

This confirms that we were right to take charge of the wall.

But even so…

“I originally planned to just maintain the barrier and leave the rest to Titan.”

I hadn’t anticipated such adverse conditions. The situation is far worse than expected, making me wonder if the Blade of Chaos, with the power to control magical beasts, might have arrived as well.

Of course, if he were here, they wouldn’t be charging so mindlessly.

I’m just emphasizing how grim the situation is.

It seems Titan will have to focus on the Ogre exclusively.

Which means I inevitably need to stand atop this wall and rain down holy magic…

“Titan. Let’s divide our roles from now on. You…”

“I’ll need to prevent that thing from getting close at all. I’ll go down first.”

Boom!

Before I could finish speaking, Titan threw himself down from the wall.

Ah, well. His judgment is good.

Being an orc who lived by hunting, he has good instincts. Or perhaps he’s fought Ogres before?

Whatever the case, now that he’s moved, my role is also determined.

“…Damn, I should have learned some magic.”

I need to maintain the barrier while hunting the incoming magical beasts from atop the wall.

My only ranged attack options are my gun and holy magic. Both rely on holy power, which is difficult now that I’m simultaneously maintaining a barrier and sacred domain.

I could use the gun without holy power by simply loading bullets, but I’m not sure how effective it would be against magical beasts rather than humans.

“To make matters worse, I’m short on bullets.”

Considering the number of approaching magical beasts, I’m severely lacking.

Still, I can’t just stand here idly, so I load bullets into the cylinder.

Bang!

A gunshot, and a monkey-like magical beast goes limp.

Luckily, I hit it in the head.

Actually, I was aiming for the leopard-shaped beast behind it, but I’ll take any hit I can get.

Honestly, how accurate can one be firing a revolver from atop a wall?

Right now, I’m only hitting targets because the magical beasts are swarming in such numbers.

Crack!

After reloading about three times, I gradually draw out holy power to form Jupiter’s lightning.

It took about 50 seconds to get that far.

I need to amplify it more. Even with Titan’s rock mountain and my barrier, these creatures will reach the wall unless I use holy magic to drive them back while maintaining the barrier.

Baaang!

Flames are rising from behind as well. The demons must have realized I’ve taken charge of the wall.

They must be growing impatient, so it’s not surprising they’re taking action now.

I’ll leave that area to Sir Rectus and the elite soldiers of the Leze Viscounty, though “elite” is a relative term.

With my sacred domain in place, demons and half-demons will be weakened.

I just need to focus on my side.

And anyway…

Bang!

I develop holy magic while maintaining the barrier and firing my revolver.

It feels like my head might explode just from that, but the tribulations aimed at me won’t end with just this.

I block the blackened claws that slash right past my head with my sword.

Yes, of course.

What a tempting target I must be.

It was obvious that with just Titan and me manning the wall, demons would come after us.

They wouldn’t miss such a golden opportunity.

And I deliberately created this opening.

To reduce damage to the Leze Viscounty, I exposed myself.

“Are you alright! Lost!”

“I’ll handle this! Just deal with that monster quickly!”

Realizing something was happening at the wall, Titan, who was struggling against the Ogre, looks back.

He must be feeling anxious too.

The Ogre is formidable not just for its strength, but for the extraordinary durability of its skin, muscles, and bones that support its massive frame.

It’s difficult to fight even using aura.

Even Titan’s spear and hammer would struggle to inflict meaningful damage.

This means he must fight a clearly superior monster.

The only advantage Titan can gain is through his honed techniques.

That battle will inevitably be prolonged.

“Well, I always thought a day like this would come.”

“Release your sacred domain, Vicarious Saint.”

The number of demons who came for me is two. No, one of them is a half-demon.

Either they’re underestimating me, or perhaps someone nearby rushed in impulsively to capture me during this unexpected situation.

What’s certain is that the situation is much better than I expected.

“Didn’t I just say? That I thought a day like this would come.”

Don’t they understand what that means?

It means I foresaw this situation.

Which implies I’ve also prepared countermeasures in advance.

“One should always keep an ace up one’s sleeve.”

Woong!

A blue energy overlays my white sword. A power far more destructive than what would be called mana.

“Using aura means…!”

“Yes, you probably didn’t hear about it.”

Slash!

I strike down the half-demon who turns as if trying to flee in surprise.

Already weakened by the power of my sacred domain, that single blow is enough to end its life.

How amusing.

Did I appear defenseless because I was maintaining the barrier while developing holy magic?

Their mistake was failing to anticipate that I deliberately presented such an appearance.

“Now it’s one-on-one. If you offer your neck willingly, I’ll give you a painless death.”

“…While this is surprising, your attention is still divided. Besides, isn’t it difficult for you to use holy magic in this situation?”

“Unlike your dead companion, you must have been watching for a while.”

He must have seen me pulling the trigger and using holy magic from atop the wall. He’s more cautious than I thought.

“I have a message from Lord Teska. Vicarious Saint, if you want to save Claire Ryan, seek him out immediately.”

“Trying to shake me, I see.”

It was obvious he would target Claire Ryan. He must know that I’m aware of his target.

Yet he speaks like this as a tactic to disturb me.

I mustn’t fall for it.

“But isn’t it funny?”

“…What do you mean?”

“The command to ‘seek him out.'”

I rush directly to him and swing my sword.

The cutting power of my master’s sword was already extraordinary, but with aura added, its might is on another level.

Though I couldn’t bring him down in one strike, it was enough to cut his sword in half.

This is the mana I accumulated by raiding the Pantheon Temple’s storage. Of course it has such power.

So he must understand now.

Even if I can’t use holy magic, I’m not an easy opponent.

“Aren’t you assuming you’ll die here?”

“…”

If he thought to shake me with words, he was sorely mistaken. That’s my specialty.

“It means you were a disposable card.”

So let me show these naive fools what real manipulation looks like.