Kuro no Maou

Crusades, move.

In response to the alert, we immediately decided to gather with Lily for a briefing.The location is originally a command room on the fifth floor.

The huge round table in the center has a higher level of compatibility with the vision that can also show holographs.In addition, there is a console lined up with rattlesnakes and small monoliths, and Homunkurus, in charge of information communication and analysis, is following them.

Normally, it serves to monitor the central area and the interior of the Great Labyrinth under Lily's direct control, but it is also the most suitable place to gather all the information and conduct operational meetings.

We're all here.

Behind the round table, Lily, seated in a seat that looked like a commander, gazed at the gathering.Yeah, Lily's the leader now.

First of all, I, Fiona, Sariel, and the Element Master members.

Then the Dark Knights followed by Ain, Zwei, Dry, who served as deputy commanders of each unit.

And the Grand Duke of Karamara, Joseph, and the Commander of the Knights of Chaos, Zenongart, Vice Commander Tina, are all there.

Lily, what's the situation?

"The Crusades are doing the same thing.Departing from Fort Alsace, climbing the snowy mountains to Fort Galahad. "

The scale and situation are similar to the previous one.

That would take about a week to get to Fort Galahad.There's plenty of room for us to get reinforcements to the fortress.

"The Spartans."

"The first battalion of Brave Hearts, led by King Leonhart, is about to launch.Then, through the Adventurer Alliance, I started recruiting for the 4th Battalion of Gladiators. "

This is the same treatment as before.

Previously, we joined Gladiators as adventurer parties, but this time we will officially be reinforcements from our allies.You've changed your position a lot in a year.

"Is there a second Battalion called Tempest?"

"Yeah, it's not moving."

The Fifth Galahad War gathered all Spartan forces.

Besides, it was a pretty close victory.I think the Crusade threat is well understood.....

"Again, Avalon."

"Yes, second platoon is stationed in Dakia territory to alert Avalon."

They're still there after Snow Mountain has been cleared of rats.That Dakia territory is still along the border with Avalon.

It is fortunate that the Tempest is already near the Avalon border.

What's the line of defense against Avalon?If they invade, will they intercept them in the village of Dakia?

"No, they're using the old fort near the border as a defensive base.However, it has been a long time since Avalon and I had a friendly relationship, and the fort has been unused for a long time.I'm in a hurry to restore and build. "

With Garvinal the Dragon King of Daedalus burning in the ambition of continental reunification, Sparta formed a great alliance with the city states, including Avalon, and kept fighting without worrying about his back.

While allied with Avalon, the need to allocate power to its borders is minimal.In fact, little power was deployed, and the deal was booming.

However, it is now clear that Avalon is the enemy.Not even Avalon, to be exact.

"Neo Avalon, huh? This pandemonium, I think, but Nero couldn't help but scratch the country."

"There must have been a lot of traitors.Seven of the twelve nobles seem to have been cross followers. "

Avalon has already announced internally and externally that King Millard has departed and First Prince Nero has succeeded to the throne.It's not just a rank.

A new country with a cross religion as the national religion.As Nero, the king of Neo Avalon.

A month has passed since it was named that way.

In fact, I don't know how much Nero knows about Avalon, but so far, there's no sign of civil unrest.Avalon continues its creepy silence.

"Do you think Avalon will move?

I wonder. I know you want the Crusades to move, but I don't think Nero wants them to move. "

If we attack from the Galahad and Avalon sides, Sparda will be left in limbo.In fact, even if the Avalon army is already immobile, we will have to deploy the second battalion, Tempest, to Dakia.

I wonder if Nero thinks it's enough to support the Crusades.

He became king when it was still a month old.Even if Lily took control of the country using a cheaty technique called brainwashing, it would take time to organize the army.

Nero will need more time to regroup a new Avalon army that works as he wishes.Besides, there will simply be a problem of governance.

After officially recognizing the Cross religion, the oppression of the demons begins.Avalon has a high proportion of humans, but it is also inhabited by many other species.All six houses that were not betrayed by the twelve nobles consisted of races other than humans.

A genuine confrontation with all the other races would make the country rough.

"So, what do we do?

All troops to Galahad Fortress.

Unless Avalon moves, we should concentrate our forces first on the Crusades' fortress of Galahad.

It's just 1500 pandemonium troops from the beginning.Not enough to split.In order to function as a full force, we have to move all forces.

And even the Galahad fortress is clear of the second squadron.If you don't intend to fill that hole, you'll lose the competition when you're in the same battle as before.

Therefore, we have no choice but to go to the Galahad fortress, which the Crusades are attacking.

"--Oh, Chrono, bad news."

"What's wrong?"

"Avalon also moved.Saint Nero left the capital with 30,000 troops, declaring that he would destroy Sparta. "

The 5th of the month of fresh water.Galahad Fortress.

"--Hello, Father. I'm glad we made it."

Um, Ike.

First Prince Eisenhalt came to King Leonhalt in the command room of the fortress.

Reported by the Crusades, King Leonhart led the first battalion, "Braveheart," and immediately headed for Fort Galahad.Arrived on the 1st of the month of fresh water.

On the other hand, Prince Eisenhalt leads the fourth squadron, the Gladiators, which will be formed on an ad hoc basis, as before.

Recruitment begins in the Adventurer Alliance after the Crusades are reported to have moved, so it will take a few days to organize in any hurry.However, since the same thing happened last year, the gathering of the adventurers was good.

Three days late for King Leonhart.Having quickly completed the formation of The Gladiator, Eisenhalt arrived at Fort Galahad with about 10,000 troops.

"So, what's it like over there?

"Nothing in particular has changed."

The Crusades have already begun to march right in front of Fort Galahad, just as they did last time.An estimated 100,000 Crusaders are assembled, which alone emits a great sense of intimidation.

But it also seemed strangely quiet.

Last time, the nobles who had led the Crusades had been inspiring the soldiers by delivering speeches on their positions since before the war began.But I don't see anything like that this time.

They camp surprisingly quietly, even though they are on a strict alert in preparation for an attack in front of the enemy stronghold.I didn't look like a soldier today, tomorrow, trying to fight a fateful siege.

"And the Apostle?

"No. But like the Eighth Apostle, it's possible that he's hiding."

The presence of an Apostle wearing an immense magical aura can be sensed from afar by the ability to search for enemies under King Leonhart's protection.From here, King Leonhart certainly felt the signs of the Seventh Apostle Saliel in Fort Alsace.

However, in the last war in Galahad, we did not know that the Eighth Apostle Eye was on the enemy side until he appeared on the battlefield.Leon Hart won't be able to detect it if he takes a highly magical cover.

"Maybe you're not serious?According to Sariel-chan, the Eighth Apostle Eye is the only one who is intentionally hiding the signs. "

"Hmm. I think it's unlikely that the rest of the Apostles are lurking... that's why I can't solve it.What do they see in this battle? "

"It was a waste before, so you can only go next, right?

"Then you don't have to worry.Just smash it from the front. "

But if not, what was the other party's plan?

If you were reflecting on the last time, you would have prepared something.There is a way to break this impenetrable Galahad stronghold.

"Isn't that an ancient weapon?Taurus, huh? If you bring a lot of them, they'll be tough. "

"But I've already seen it.We have a plan. "

So, what about a stronger ancient weapon?Looks like that giant Golem is summoning at a ceremony.That way, we won't be able to see the hidden weapon until it's called. "

Possibly, Eisenhalt's expectations are the highest.

In fact, in the aftermath of the Galahad War, both the Spartans and the Crusades debated what to do next with a more powerful ancient weapon.

"... it's still Avalon, isn't it?"

"It makes sense to think so.It's too much to do just because you've forced a two-frontal operation against Sparta. "

It was not surprising that he took the lead in the army just three weeks after taking office as Saint Nero.If Avalon and the Crusades teamed up, it would be best for Nero to attack Sparta, even if he pushed a little harder.

In fact, most of the Spartan army and the mightiest King Leonhart will not be able to move forward with 100,000 Crusades.

Now, the only defensive forces gathered along the Dakia border are the second Battalion, Tempest.After that, depending on the gathering of the adventurers, I can send an additional "Gladiator", which is all the power I can use as a Spartan.

"When this happens, I'm really counting on you, Krono."

"Sparda's hero, huh?Unfortunately, I should have forced Charlotte to join me. "

"Don't, Dad. People don't like you."

Instead, Eisenhalt argued that an alliance with the Pandemonium should have been successfully forged, as it was before Charlotte began to rush his marriage.

Hmm, don't solve it.

"Because Kurono-kun is a man of two.The fairy queen is the one who's really scared.Well, my dad's dull, so I don't know.A maiden in love is scary. "

Regardless of Chrono's relationship with Lily, Pandemonium actually sent 1500 troops early as reinforcements under the alliance.

And 1500 Pandemonium troops are not in this Galahad fortress.

"I'll leave it to you, Krono."

The 7th of the month of fresh water.

We've come to Sparta with all the preparations we can make now.It's not Galahad Fortress, it's Fort Dakia on the border where 30,000 Neo-Avalon troops invade.

Initially we were going to go to Galahad fortress to fight the Crusades, but because Nero actually moved, we decided to go as reinforcements to the weak Dakia.This was decided after discussions with the Spartans.

In fact, there are no complaints about this arrangement.I also think we should join the Avalon Interceptor in this situation.

What matters is not the number of 30,000, but the certainty that there is an apostle named Nero.

It is unlikely that the Crusades who attacked Galahad will have an apostle this time.Of course, a new Apostle may be sent from the Republic of Sinclair on behalf of Sariel, or the missing Mass and Mariabel may be joining us.

But as before, if the Crusades invade, the temptation does not want to rely on an overwhelming apostle.No matter how hard you try, you can't do martial arts to the Apostle.Because in order to grasp the invaded land honorably, we must take charge of ourselves.

So the Count of Bergundt, who had led the former Crusades, did not ask Sariel for help.Sariel appeared only after the battle was over and the Crusades began to defeat.In the name of suppressing the damage of the defeated Crusades, Sariel would not be able to take the fight.

I think the Commander-in-Chief is in trouble because he has to wipe his ass while being noble.

Regardless, for those reasons, it is highly likely that the Crusades will attack Fort Galahad again without an apostle.We shouldn't go out with the apostle countermeasures, alert the apostles who don't know where they are.

But Neo Avalon's army is bound to have Nero, the thirteenth apostle who arrogates the Holy King.

We are a reinforcement against the 30,000 Avalons and have come here to confront the messenger Nero.

Focusing on the 2nd Battalion "Tempest", the Spartan army that has gathered here today is a force that cannot reach 30,000.Fort Dakia was also quickly restored and built, and its defenses were unreliable to the extent that it was not comparable to Fort Galahad.

It is difficult to say that the situation is very favourable.We came in anticipation of a fierce battle.....

They're not moving today, are they?

I see.

Fiona says in a relaxing posture that falls asleep with Goron and pinches sweets in a sighing dialog.

"It's been a week.In the meantime, there hasn't been a single raid... what are you thinking? "

Neo Avalon's army, led by Saint Nero, arrived in front of the Sparda border on the 1st of the month of fresh water.It's just a week from now.

We arrived at Fort Dakia the day before yesterday and were in a state of emergency.

However, the appearing Avalon army did not cross the border and camped at the point in front of it… nothing has happened since then.

Strongly speaking, Avalon will insist on legitimacy in attacking Sparta.

The Spartans have ambitions, they will invade Daedalus, expand their land, and then attack Avalon.As evidence, Sparta was unilaterally refusing to accept harmony from the Crusades over and over again, demanding the transfer of Daedalus territory - and so on.

But now Avalon, headed by the Seven Nobles of Betrayal, is shouting loudly at Sparta, stirring up anxiety and mistrust among the people, as well as hostility towards Sparta.

Avalon has not actually fought the Crusades, and above all, the fact that the Aria Monasteries have already gathered their support there is a boost to the flow of Sparda hostilities.

However, such propaganda is only available in Avalon, and there is no room for Spartans who are now hostile to them to believe what they say.There's a reason Avalon has something to say, so... none of them say so.

The feeling of Avalon hatred floats all over the Spartan army in the fort, making excuses for starting a war with a rude Ichamon.There is no chance that the Spartans will collapse just by mouth, and I think they know that.

"You still think it's enough to attract a certain amount of Galahad's crusade?

"Sure, that's the most appropriate thing to do."

At least 2nd Battalion "Tempest" and we are being held here.The mobilization of the Avalon army is working simply as a reduction in the combat power of Fort Galahad.

Even Nero doesn't want to have an early fight about the throne.If the Apostle's might is enough to hold back, he will be attacking on the day he arrives.

Beyond waiting for a week without doing anything, it's obviously for some purpose.

I hope that's just to attract the Spartans.

"What are you aiming for... no, what are you waiting for?

"Does buying time benefit you?"

Hmm, I didn't think of anything in particular.

The advantage of attacking is that it can be set at any time.If you attack while the opponent is not ready, you will be able to compete at once.

I believe the Avalon army moved at a time when it was an invasion operation that broke through the border in one stroke without a robust defense.As a matter of fact, it would have been pretty dangerous if they had just attacked us.

But abandoning that precious opportunity to strike, they stopped near the border.I have no intention of making a quick move.

Then what are you waiting for?I don't suppose that's what makes the cage stronger this way.Fort Dakia's supply lines are maintained normally.

The gathering of adventurers to reinforce the Gladiators and soldiers recruited from Dakia territory and its environs has begun to gather, increasing their defensive power every day.Of course. We'll build more forts.

While they camp relaxing for a week, we have precious time to set up a full defense structure.The passage of time leads to increased defense and does not decrease.

What are their advantages over time, even if they abandon their preemptive advantage?

I don't know, I've been on alert for the past week, feeling agonized.It may be successful in targeting mental fatigue.

Master, the Avalons are moving.

And so Sariel came to report.

"Finally -- ready to launch!

No, we're retreating.

What?

The Avalons have begun to retreat.

I didn't think so, and I checked myself -- they really left.

And the armies of Avalon withdrew their army, and returned in ranks with Zorosolo.By the time the sun began to tilt, none of them were left in their camp.

We didn't get permission to hunt down, so we were just watching out and dropping off the Avalon army leaving in silence.

"What the hell was that..."

The Avalons withdrew, but just in case, decided to stay a few more days that night.

What was their aim?I came to know the answer.

"Chrono"

It was Lily who came to me.

Always with a hard look, she just had a bad feeling about the report.

"What's the matter, Lily?What happened? "

The Galahad fortress has fallen.