Imperial VI-5

A room within a certain palace.

"Since the outbreak of war, we've suffered consecutive defeats in major battles. However, our main forces remain intact, and although our traditional equipment has been destroyed, our true objective has so far been successfully held."

"Yeah, that's exactly as planned—nothing could be better. Still, the imperial forces are stronger than expected. We've already exhausted our reserve cards for the new magicstone weapons. Indeed, nations with abundant resources are a different level entirely."

"Um, Commander... about that new magicstone weapon... it's just that..."

"What is it?"

At that moment, the subordinate reporting remembered the Commander's expression vividly.

The face of a demon who had made up their mind.

"Nothing, really. Forgive me, I apologize."

The Commander thinks.

That's right.

The fuse of battle has already been lit. And we've already reached for even such a weapon.

There's no turning back now.

Even the empire isn't foolish. They'll eventually notice our strategy. We must achieve our strategic objectives before that happens—otherwise, winning is meaningless. Just avoid losing.

The strategist begins planning the next move.

Yet, the one person I least want to see right now has appeared.

"Ah, my apologies, General—how fares your mood today?"

"You? Still the same as ever. You seem in good spirits yourself."

"It's an absolutely exhilarating feeling—truly soaring to the heavens. With the finest data now fully collected, I shall now dedicate myself to further advancements in weaponry."

"Hopefully, this won't end up undermining humanity once again."

"Humanity? That's a term one shouldn't use lightly—especially from the one who started this war."

"Wait—no, you're right. In truth, you're already using your own weapons, aren't you?"

"You're right. If we don't win, we'll be forced down an even worse path. Defeat means famine, lawlessness, and the sacrifice of women and children, with raids and violence continuing day and night. The nation will be reduced to ruins, just like a century ago."

"Truly, how did we reach this point? Was I wrong all along?"

"You were not wrong. But perhaps you lacked something essential."

"My knowledge?"

No, it's human science and technology. Let me give you an example. Recently, monsters have become increasingly active, causing severe damage centered around farmland. But wouldn't you agree that if food could be produced anywhere in a single day thanks to some kind of power, we wouldn't have to worry much even if a few fields were damaged?

That's just delusional talk. No matter how much you think about something like that, it won't make any sense.

"No, no, it's of great importance. People have lived their lives dreaming of it, striving toward it. It's precisely through such aspirations that we've advanced science and technology."

"Even if it comes at the cost of sacrifice? Like that eerie new weapon?"

Sacrifice is inevitably part of the world's development. Throughout human history, there has never been a single instance where progress occurred without sacrifice. I must disagree with calling it eerie. Isn't it truly remarkable? It is a clear manifestation of the relationship between humanity and magic stones.

The strategist left the room with an air that made it clear the conversation was pointless.

A room within the empire.

Just as word arrived that the renowned mage, the talk of the town, was about to arrive,

recent military performance has been lackluster.

Although victories have been secured in major battles, the area around the notorious mine remains fully occupied.

Moreover, several trade routes have been completely seized.

On the battlefield, military reports indicate that actual combat effectiveness has fallen below expectations. Some nobles are already expressing undue optimism, claiming victory is imminent, but this is likely a trap.

The low combat strength suggests the main forces have not yet been deployed. The military command shares this assessment.

Moreover, unfamiliar weapons have begun appearing.

Apparently, they're using infinite magical stones... But what on earth are we supposed to do about something like that?

If we continue like this, we'll end up back at the previous state—no significant progress, merely a stalemate with minor skirmishes dragging on indefinitely.

It's a victory that feels like a defeat.

Just as we were about to fall back into that pattern, an incident occurred.

It was the birth of a mage.

It had been a topic of conversation in the streets for some time already.

There's a magician who uses tricks. It seems he's left the empire and is traveling through various countries. Apparently, he's even chasing after legends of heroes...

It feels pointless to investigate something like that now, but he's become famous for another reason as well.

He's accomplished remarkable feats by using powerful magic to defeat monsters almost single-handedly. He also conducts extensive research in magic and magical devices, consistently coming up with wildly imaginative inventions.

Who exactly is he?

I recall hearing once that he had a past encounter with someone like this, but honestly, I can't remember any distinguishing features at all. Was it even real?

He claims to be a wanderer, but that's probably a lie. Wanderers are usually found dead. According to past records, they appear somewhere in the world, often near sub-beasts or demon beasts.

That's why they rarely survive.

Those who call themselves wanderers are typically exiled from some country or village.

I'm sure he's one of that kind.

Yet recently, it's been reported that he used magic despite clearly being in a state of depleted magical essence, and even more remarkably, without the characteristic geometric patterns unique to magic, he still managed to perform magic on an unprecedented scale.

Isn't that precisely the kind of legendary mage spoken of in ancient tales—the true mage himself?

But unfortunately, the troubling part is that this individual seems to have fled from the neighboring country of Nihon. That only adds to the growing list of concerns.

I don’t want to harbor such a resilient person and risk having my inner secrets exposed.

I discussed this with the influential ministers. I’ve recently learned to consult them properly.

From the nearby guards who usually sleep beside me, a good suggestion came forward.

It’s to issue a request for a kingdom investigation.

While we’d like to keep a firm grip on them as an empire, we don’t want such matters to unfold within our own country.

There's always the risk of them escaping or defecting, so I don't really want to do it—but I have no choice but to take hostages.

Honestly, they might fly into a rage and attack me. It's frightening.

But I must overcome it.

I picture the faces of those who've always helped me, the faces of my people. It'll be okay. For their sake, I have to move first.

Thankfully, I believe they'll act. Their character, and the new weapon they've deployed on the battlefield.

They'll be fine, surely.

The power he displayed in the reception room was beyond normal.

Until then, he had been quietly listening, but suddenly, the adventurer he'd previously met, who happened to be standing nearby, lunged at him—only to be blown away.

Literally blown away.

No trace of magical patterns could be seen; a sudden gust of wind swept through the room.

His skirt must have flipped up, no doubt.

Then, a young soldier was embedded in the wall. Could something like that even happen!? I gasped.

I maintained composure until I returned to my usual office, but I immediately asked a guard.

"You can beat that mage!?"

"Right off the bat? Hmm... Honestly, I don't think I could win alone. I don't know about the squad leader, though. I mean..."

"It's not a matter of 'I mean' or 'but'—that's not the point."

"Private, you've arrived, haven't you?"

"Yes, I have urgent business. Regarding that mage, we're certain to encounter him again. It might even come to a fight. If that happens, it'll be difficult to protect Lady Veronica while fighting. Prepare to flee at once. You're coming too."

"Wha—?!"

All I could do was watch their exchange, my excitement fading as I silently prayed for there to be no battle.