第３９６堀：理解及ばぬ世界 (Part2)
"Indeed. Therefore, I suggest you do not disappoint me. While I understand the need for a nation to be prudent with its resources, if this is all you have to offer, I can no longer call you the God of War, Noble."
"……If you are going to go that far, I shall show you my true power. I will face you with the maximum number of troops I can mobilize."
"No, there is no need to push yourself to such lengths."
"Nonsense. Replenishments can be made if one takes the time. Besides, I shall take command personally. With me at the helm, defeat is impossible."
"……Very well. I shall see with my own eyes whether the God of War’s blade has dulled. Don't blame me if you die."
"Big words. Very well. If you can strike down this God of War, then by all means, try! However, since I am taking the field, the total annihilation of Hifi’s army is inevitable."
"I look forward to it, God of War."
"Hmph, then wait with anticipation. In exchange, I will return Binzo to your side. And I ask that you provide the signal to begin."
"Understood."
However, what exactly is the situation that Hifi fears so much?
Moreover, as we parted, she seemed to be smiling—a rare sight indeed.
……I feel something ominous, but whether I win or lose, I intend to get the truth out of her.
If so, I shall simply crush them with dignity, put her mind at ease, and demand the truth.
Yes, that is all.
"Binzo. How is the preparation?"
"Your Majesty? Why are you here?"
Binzo seemed to be in the middle of checking the magic-dampening accessories.
"To show Hifi that I have not lost my touch, I have decided to take command of this exercise myself."
"Th-that is surely too dangerous!"
"Admittedly, there is risk. But after the previous blunder, I have lost their trust. I must dispel that at all costs."
"I-I am terribly sorry! It is all because of my incompetence!"
Binzo’s face turned pale as he bowed his head.
Ah, I suppose I implied that it was his fault.
"Raise your head. While it is true that there was a blunder on your part, it was my instruction to introduce those tools into this exercise. You have pushed yourself to lend me your power until now. I do not intend to hold you accountable for a mistake of this magnitude. Well, there will be a formal reprimand, of course."
"A formal one, you say?"
"Yes. Once this exercise is over, there will be a long discussion, no doubt. Take a vacation during that time to rest your body and mind. You are an existence I cannot do without."
"Hah! I am unworthy of such words!"
"Do not be modest. But, that is enough. How is it? Is it ready for use?"
"Ah, yes. For the time being, I have confirmed it with search magic, and there were no particular issues. I suspect all the defective items were eliminated in that last battle."
"Hmm. I see. You couldn't find any defects with search magic? Then, as you say, I should assume they are gone. But why did those defects occur in the first place..."
"It is likely at the production line. It is manual labor, after all; perhaps they were slightly scratched or damaged."
"……I see. I shall have to review the production line system later. Very well, Binzo, return to Hifi. I will lead from the front and secure a certain victory."
"Hah!! May fortune favor you."
Now, though my troops are undead, they are several times stronger than any common soldier.
It stands to reason that if I lose with this, I will lose all credibility.
I see no reason why I should lose while commanding this army.
Even if I have strayed from the path of humanity, I shall show Hifi the power of a God of War who has decided to press forward.
Whatever the circumstances, they are but trifles!
"Reinforcements, move to the vanguard!! Raise your shields, approach in a phalanx, and trample them!"
Without a sound, the undead moved with precision at my command.
My spirits are not exactly soaring, but they are the best hands and feet I could ask for.
There is no reason to lose.
I see the flag fall.
"Advance!! Crush the enemy before you!!"
And then, a flash of light rained down upon my army.
"What!? Another malfunction!? N-no, this is..."
It was no malfunction.
This was an enemy attack.
It was clearly flying in from the enemy's direction.
Why? How could they launch an attack like this?
It was not a sword, nor a bow, nor magic, nor a magic sword!?
This is... what...
*Thud.*
A sound resonated from my abdomen.
I carelessly placed my hand there to confirm the wound.
"Guh..."
Something had penetrated my body.
"……I see. To deflect this..."
I could not finish my sentence.
Was I, in the end, nothing more than a fool...?
The lesson here is to look at reality properly.
There is always someone better. That is the nature of the story, but well, there is always someone even better than that.
Now, I think you already understand, but with this, the serious part is completely over.
From here on, it is a non-stop descent.
Listen, do not laugh until the very end. Absolutely not.
Finally, *he* begins to move!!