Within the World Guardian Front, the influence of the non-human races had grown significantly.
They had joined the fight on the condition that their entire race would be granted freedom. Naturally, this meant they were staking everything on this war.
The human nations had also provided a substantial amount of troops and resources, but the non-human races were scraping together everything they could to support the war effort.
Elves, Dwarves, and Beastmen continued to gather their forces from all over the continent,
and while the Merfolk's main force was the last of the four major non-human races to join, they brought with them a merfolk-exclusive airship.
'I'm not sure if it's right to call it an airship...'
It was a giant flying clam...? of sorts.
Originally, it was more akin to a submarine that swam through the sea, but it was also capable of flight. So, I guess it does count as an airship...?
Anyway, the four major non-human races currently hold a significant portion of the front lines, representing even the smaller non-human races.
I planned to honestly warn them about the upcoming defense battle in advance. I'll also inform the other kings by tomorrow...
"This defense battle. It won't be easy."
I looked around at the four kings as I spoke.
"I've also sent a messenger to the Imperial Capital. Since our opponent in this battle is a flying monster, I requested that airship forces, including those of the Everblack Empire, be sent to assist us."
The mention of requesting the Everblack Empire's airship forces caused the four kings to tense up.
"Are you saying that the monsters we'll be facing are worse than any we've encountered before?"
King Kellison, the Dwarf King, was the first to speak up.
"Haven't our forces become quite formidable? We've been managing to hold off the previous defense battles with minimal damage."
"..."
"Why do you predict that the next defense battle will be tougher?"
Everyone's attention was on me.
I took a deep breath before starting to explain slowly.
"It might sound strange when I say this."
I looked around at the kings.
"The monsters are too docile."
"Docile? How is that a problem?"
"...Have you heard that the opponent for the next defense battle is the Fly Legion?"
Queen Skuld, who had been listening quietly, responded.
"Yes, we've heard. Those disgusting insects are our next enemy, right?"
"That's right."
"But Prince Ash, the Fly Monster is a creature that still exists today, breeding in the filthiest places around the world."
Just like the Greenskins, giant flies were a nuisance to modern humanity... in both good and bad ways, a familiar monster.
"Indeed, they're a repulsive enemy, but we all know how to deal with them. I don't see why we need to be so wary."
I slowly interlocked my fingers.
"According to reports from those who went exploring the dungeon during this period of free exploration, all the Fly Monsters fled as soon as they encountered us."
"Is that so strange?"
"It is strange."
I shook my head.
"Monsters do not flee from humans. They try to kill on instinct."
"!"
"If a monster has intelligence, it might run away to lure humans into a trap. But Fly Monsters are not known for their intelligence."
A chill of tension spread across the faces of the four kings. I continued.
"Throughout this period of free exploration, our side has not suffered any casualties while continuing to occupy the dungeon's interior."
Deep inside, the Black Dragon Legion and the Demon Guard are clashing.
We haven't been able to easily enter beyond Zone 8, but we've managed to clean up to Zone 7.
Complete control of Zone 7 is just a matter of time.
...This is the problem.
The monsters are not resisting.
The flies flee whenever they encounter us, and we are taking over an empty dungeon.
"It's strange. Too... peaceful."
Like the calm before a storm.
An eerie peace has settled over the Lake Kingdom. And it's seeping out beyond the lake.
"And most of all. My intuition is telling me."
Among all people in this world, I've fought with monsters the most and know them well.
My intuition, as much as I hesitate to say it... can sometimes be sharper than any prediction.
"This battle will be torturous and difficult."
Silence fell.
Skuld, who had been deep in thought, slowly opened her mouth.
"So, how severe are you expecting it to be, Prince Ash?"
"..."
"How powerful is the enemy, and how much damage do we expect to suffer? What are your predictions?"
After hesitating,
"Everyone."
I finally said it.
"Have you prepared your wills?"
The color drained from the kings' faces.
I took a breath and met each of their gazes.
"I hope all my concerns are just unfounded worries. However, in the upcoming battle... it wouldn't be strange for any of us to die."
The difficulty is exponentially higher.
Until now, we've managed to minimize damage with massively augmented forces, resources, and my buffs.
But it will be different moving forward.
"I plan to inform the other kings tomorrow... but I have a particularly bad feeling about this battle."
"..."
"Let me tell you in advance. In this battle, and from now on, please do not fight on the front lines, Your Majesties."
This was the reason I brought up this topic.
In this damned fantasy world.
A world where kings wearing crowns consider it an honor to fight on the front lines, an anachronistic romanticism still exists.
Not that it's entirely wrong, since in a world where magic and miracles are real, kings wielding such powers can indeed be powerful warriors...
But still, they are the generals of their forces.
While all lives are equal, ranks are not. Their deaths would be more devastating to their forces.
"Step back from the front lines, and gather at the command center. Please assist in leading the forces you belong to."
Then, I smirked.
"...But you probably won't do that, will you?"
These stubborn kings. They were ready to argue the moment I suggested they stay away from the front lines.
And, to be honest.
With enemies so formidable that we cannot afford to keep these kings, the strongest warriors of their forces, away from the front lines...
"That's why I'm telling you. Prepare your wills in case of an emergency, and designate your successors."
Still, it seemed necessary to warn them.
Seriously, from now on.
To ensure we all recognize the fact that we must fight side by side with death looming directly ahead.
"I will brief everyone about the Fly Legion tomorrow, in the presence of all the other kings."
I stood up and awkwardly scratched the back of my head.
"...I'm sorry for bringing up such a heavy topic before dinner."
"There's no need for apologies, Prince Ash."
King Poseidon, the Merking, who had been silently listening, nodded his head.
"Delaying such discussions only makes them more painful."
The Merking, now speaking comfortably as if he had set aside his aquatic concept, said.
I bowed to the three kings, exchanged a glance and a nod with Kuilan, and then left the place.
"..."
As I took one last look back at the room, the four kings were deeply immersed in their thoughts, each with a look of contemplation.
***
I had come to the non-human barracks for my main purpose: to summon Bodyback and Burnout.
"Bodyback, Burnout. It's been a while since we've had a chat just among ourselves."
The two elves, seeing me after a long time, gave me a broad smile. I smiled back.
"For this defense battle, you two will operate as an independent party."
I got straight to the point without beating around the bush.
Both Bodyback and Burnout had achieved awakening and unlocked their ultimate skills.
I planned to craft new equipment for them using the loot from the last defense battle.
Armor made from the Ironclad harvested from the Ironclad Lion.
Bombing equipment from the core extracted from the Dandelion Monster.
I intended to entrust the operation of each piece of equipment to Bodyback and Burnout respectively.
"Both pieces of equipment will be crafted not as standard personal gear or firearms, but as large defensive structures and weaponry. You two will head to the forge tomorrow to start coordinating the creation of the equipment together."
"Yes!"
Bodyback answered loudly on behalf of Burnout, who couldn't speak because he was gagged. I nodded.
"The monsters we're up against in this defense battle are flies. While various magical attributes are effective, nothing beats an explosion for wiping out swarms of them."
Burnout slightly lifted the corners of his mouth, still gagged. I then looked at Bodyback.
"After Burnout wipes them out with his attack, and then, Bodyback, you'll block all their attacks with your awakened ability."
I shook my clenched fist.
"Let's show these monsters what we're made of."
"Rely on us, Your Highness."
Bodyback, placing a hand over his chest, smiled brightly.
"On behalf of Shadow Squad, we won't disappoint you."
"..."
Facing the still youthful faces of these two elves, I suddenly found myself at a loss for words.
Godhand. Oldgirl. Skull. And now, Bodyback. Burnout.
My original sub-party of five, now reduced to three deceased and two remaining, still fought alongside me.
"Thank you, guys."
I gently squeezed the shoulders of the two elves.
"Really, thank you..."
***
The next day.
I gathered the leaders of each nation and organization affiliated with the World Guardian Front and briefed them on the general information and strategies for combating the Fly Legion.
Though they resemble Earth's flies in appearance, these monsters of varying sizes differ significantly from Earth's flies.
While Earth's flies assist in pollination and their larvae can be used in medical treatments, offering some benefits as insects, the Fly Monsters we're facing do not.
These bugs, which consume virtually anything, inherently nest in filth, making them inherently dirty and contaminated.
They attack with limbs rife with various debuffs and sharp mouths.
I can block mental status ailments and debuffs, but their contaminated attacks cause physical debuffs.
If infected, one would need priests' cleanse magic or holy water with purification properties for treatment.
And... they reproduce rapidly.
To be precise, the legion itself carries 'eggs' or 'larvae' as resources rather than reproducing in the traditional sense.
They remain dormant without sufficient 'food,' but given 'food,' they hatch, metamorphose, and evolve into adults rapidly.
That's the basic idea... And the last characteristic.
They're dumb.
Almost devoid of intelligence, they can easily be eliminated with various traps. The Alchemist Guild is preparing various insect traps.
'This wouldn't be so difficult if that was all.'
However, my intuition as a player screams.
Something more will emerge...
"This defense battle won't be easy."
Just as I told the four major non-human kings yesterday, I instructed the assembled kings to withdraw from the front lines.
And even to prepare their wills.
This was the first time I had issued such a warning, and although everyone was visibly taken aback, by now, the other kings gathered here had also grown accustomed to battling monsters.
"Do you think we'll get scared just because you say that, Prince Ash?!"
"If we run away now, how will we face the mockery from other kings later...!"
"We appreciate the concern, but we've grown accustomed to fighting against monsters! If we see a chance to fight, we will!"
The kings shouted and clamored.
Even those who had tried to flee first during the Imperial Capital siege were now rolling up their sleeves, ready to fight.
Perhaps it's because we're all in this together, facing hardships side by side.
Though there's still rivalry and jostling for power, a sense of camaraderie seems to be slowly building in everyone's hearts.
...I hope that's the case.
I smiled bitterly.
"I'll do my best to ensure that no such tragedy occurs."
Saying this, I unconsciously reached into my pocket, where a folded piece of paper rustled.
It was my will.
I, too, had prepared it in advance, just in case.
"..."
Clutching that will tightly, I prayed.
That all of this would turn out to be an overreaction.
After the battle, I hoped to be reprimanded by the other kings for making too much of a fuss.
I sincerely wished for that.
--TL Notes--
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