Chapter 53

When I deflected the attack, Rüger's eyes widened in surprise.

Rüger retreated and readjusted his sword.

I didn’t give him time to recover. I closed the distance and swung my sword at Rüger.

“Guh…!?”

The blow caught Rüger’s shoulder.

I swiftly followed through with the swing.

Fresh blood flew through the air, and Rüger staggered.

Even so, Rüger tried to swing his sword, so I pressed the tip of my sword to his throat.

The battle was over in an instant.

It was like a war.

The one-sided attack was possible because we had gathered information.

The outcome of a war is almost decided before the fighting begins.

The number of people, supplies like food, geography, and informants. Victory is determined by controlling information.

In this case, the key to victory was how effectively we used the enemy’s hostage.

We had an 80% chance of winning. The remaining 20% of uncertainty was due to Rüger’s strength.

Conversely, for Rüger to turn the tide of battle, he had to defeat me with his own strength. I was superior in that regard.

Thanks to the growth of my companions and myself, my status has skyrocketed.

With my current strength, an opponent like Rüger is no match for me.

Rüger just stared at the sword pressed to his throat, unable to even breathe, his eyes fixed on my blade.

Then, in the next moment, Rüger slowly opened his mouth.

“I, I’m sorry. P, please spare my life!”

A full plea.

It was honest, in a way.

In this situation, even if he tried to resist, there was no chance of winning.

...It’s pitiful, but he’s doing his best to survive.

I glanced at the dryads, golems, and vampires. They glared at Rüger with dissatisfaction but said nothing.

I looked at Vanya, Katrina, and Gorga.

“Can I handle him?”

They nodded in response to my question.

I looked at Rüger again.

Should I choose to kill him or spare him?

I looked into Rüger’s terrified eyes and shook my head.

“Rüger, can you swear never to treat anyone like a slave again?”

“...Y, yes! Of course!”

“...Is that so? Then, take your companions and leave this place. If you do, I won’t take your life.”

“R, really?”

“Yes.”

I glared sharply and then brought the sword closer to Rüger’s throat.

“If you do anything foolish, there won’t be a next time. Remember that.”

“...I, I understand! T, thank you! I, I’ll be grateful! I’ll never forget this kindness!”

As I lowered my sword, Rüger bowed his head to the ground.

I sighed and put away the sword I had pointed at Rüger.

Rüger, as he got up, let out a dry laugh, and the corners of his mouth curled up.

“Ha! You’re too kind!! Die!”

Rüger, driven by madness, swung his sword at me.

...I knew it.

I could easily see through that level of anger.

I sighed softly and dodged Rüger’s attack.

“What!?”

Rüger’s movements seemed slow to me.

Whether it was due to my own growth or some other reason, I’m not sure.

But I had enough composure to see Rüger’s opening and react.

Before Rüger could pull back his sword, I swung mine.

With the optimal magic power for my current state, the blade cut through Rüger’s right shoulder and arm as if slicing paper, severing it.

“Aaaah!?”

A large amount of blood flew through the air, and Rüger reached for the wound with his other hand, as if to protest the pain.

I looked down at Rüger, who was rolling on the ground, with a cold eye and delivered the final blow.

Rüger, who had been making a fuss, was silenced by my attack.

If he had truly repented, I would have let him go.

At the very least, Vanya, Katrina, and Gorga had entrusted the decision to me.

But he tried to deceive me.

If he was going to betray me, it was a different story.

I wouldn’t let him go here.

It would undermine my position.

Even if I am feared a little... I already have many followers.

To prevent them from underestimating me, I needed to set a minimum example.

Rüger stopped moving, and silence fell over the battlefield.

When I turned around, I could feel the gazes on me.

“...M, Master Crest. You’ve become even stronger, haven’t you?”

“Y, yes... To overwhelm the ogre leader...”

I could hear a hint of fear in their voices.

Given the battle they just witnessed, it was understandable.

Feeling a slight sadness, I raised my fist high.

“This battle is our victory! Everyone! Let’s return to the base!”

As I declared this, the subhumans’ cheers rose up after a delay.

Livya approached me and spoke softly.

“Thank you for your hard work, Master Crest.”

“...Thank you.”

How I should proceed as a leader from here on out.

With a slight hesitation, I accepted Livya’s words sincerely.