Chapter 38

We pursued the emperor, who was supposed to be fleeing in this direction, riding on the back of a magic dragon and advancing through the sky – we soon crossed the border.

Now, the "Disaster Magic Dragon" is equipped with a magic device for "Enhanced Concealment," which has been applied by the "Concealed Saint" Mr. Kalu.

So far, we have passed through three or so towns and checkpoints, but no one on the ground seems to have noticed us.

Thanks to this, we have been able to advance through the territory of the Magic Imperial Kingdom without being reprimanded by anyone.

But –

"Considering the direction he would flee, this is the only possible way – how about it? Have you found anything?"

"No, no such person has been detected by the [Detection] spell. How about you, Linneburg-sama?"

"No... I have been searching for a while now, but I can't find anything."

Mr. Kalu and I have been continuously searching the surroundings using skills such as [Detection], [Eagle's Eye], [Far Sight], and [X-ray Vision].

However, the emperor's figure remains nowhere to be found.

Despite having advanced quite a distance since our departure, it seems.

"If there's nothing even with the combined efforts of the 'Concealed Saint' and Leen – it seems he has already gone quite far.

In the worst case – he might have already reached the capital."

The dragon we are riding is approaching a large valley, and a long bridge spanning both shores is visible.

That is the 'Iron Bridge,' which used to be the boundary line between the kingdom and the empire.

Once we cross that bridge, it will become even more difficult to catch up with the emperor.

– Beyond that, several strict fortresses have been built.

The emperor's main base – the 'Imperial Capital' – is located beyond there.

If he escapes to that point, it will be difficult to capture him.

Everyone is aware of this.

First, Mr. Kalu spoke.

"Then, even though we have come this far... we must also consider turning back.

From here on, it is the formal territory of the Magic Imperial Kingdom.

There are countless fortresses, and the military equipment is of a completely different scale.

We can't just rush in – what do you think?"

"Yeah –"

"– Mr. Noll, what do you think... Mr. Noll...?"

I called out to Mr. Noll to ask for his opinion,

but Mr. Noll, without looking at the ground, has been gazing at the sky and remaining silent.

He had his eyes closed, as if deeply engrossed in thought.

He did not react to my questions from earlier.

– What could he be thinking?

While I was wondering and looking at Mr. Noll's back,

I suddenly noticed something shining in the distance.

"There – something is there. It's moving at an incredible speed."

Using [Far Sight], I confirmed that a horse clad in golden armor was galloping at an incredible speed.

"That's it.

We've finally found him; he's the emperor.

But we are already close to the area of the capital's defense network.

Should we pursue him or turn back – we need to make a decision immediately."

"– If we pursue him, we need to deal with those things, right?"

The emperor spurred his horse, which disappeared into a massive steel gate that closed behind him.

In front of us, a huge wall made of stone and iron has been constructed, and on top of it, several 'black tubes' – magical weapons seen on battlefields – are lined up.

And beyond that, several fortresses stand – the area where the Magic Imperial Kingdom's pride, the absolute defense line known as the 'Armor of the Empire,' built of steel, stands.

This is a line of imposing weapons constructed over fifty years by the emperors of the Magic Imperial Kingdom, who were wary of the power of the neighboring kingdom.

If we continue to pursue him, we will have to plunge into that deathtrap with just a few of us.

"Yeah.

But, to be honest, I can't even imagine getting past that and returning safely.

The trip there might be fine.

But on the way back, the effect of [Concealment] will definitely weaken.

It's best to give up on returning completely."

Mr. Kalu also seemed to share the same concern.

"I understand what Kalu is saying.

But if we let him escape here – it will be a significant blow."

As my brother said with a bitter expression – if we let the emperor escape here, he will certainly strengthen his military and launch a counterattack.

This time, the soldiers who invaded the kingdom were mostly poor people, farmers, and refugees from neighboring countries who were conscripted.

The Imperial Kingdom can quickly assemble a powerful army by equipping these inexperienced people with excellent weapons and armor.

The strength of the Magic Imperial Kingdom lies in its ability to 'continuously produce' such powerful magical devices.

Excellent weapons and armor can be mass-produced as long as there are resources.

Moreover, the Imperial Kingdom, which continues to expand its territory, has an abundance of resources.

What is most terrifying is that they view even humans as expendable 'resources.'

Now, that country has a lot of such 'resources' –

by promising 'wealth and honor' to the poor and refugees who have increased due to the war he himself caused, he can easily assemble a large number of soldiers.

The war has already begun.

They can strengthen their forces with even a little time.

Given the heavy defeat we suffered this time, they will surely come back with even more powerful equipment.

We must not give them any time.

If that happens –

"Rain-sama, Linneburg-sama – then, may I have permission to attack?"

Suddenly, Ines stepped forward in front of us.

And she said she wanted permission to attack.

'Attack'?

What –?

No. That's right –

I had forgotten until now.

Why she – the one who wears a title above the [Saint] of the [Six Saints] – has that ability, which is rated as 'legendary.'

[Divine Shield] Ines –

Her true strength is not in protection.

Despite being called both [Divine Shield] and [Divine Sword], she deliberately calls herself a 'shield' because it is superior.

Rather, it is the opposite – the 'sword' is so powerful that it can hardly be used.

"If we need to proceed from here –

this will also be our return path.

Therefore, it would be wise to eliminate these threats now."

– To annihilate those fortresses.

She says this as if it's nothing.

Indeed, she is right.

If this will be our return path, it is better to eliminate the threats.

If it is possible.

– And she can do it.

She can do it.

That's right – I had completely forgotten.

Because I had been with her for so long.

Because she had been so obedient and helpful.

I had overlooked it.

That there is another extraordinary person here besides Mr. Noll.

Another extraordinary person, right in front of my eyes.

"Brother, about Ines's proposal... is it okay?"

"Yeah. Go ahead, Ines – do your best."

"I understand."

Ines, who would not normally say such things,

asking to 'attack' someone.

She does not like to hurt people unnecessarily.

I was a little surprised.

– But.

Upon reflection, it is natural.

Now, not only this dragon is frustrated.

I am, and my brother is.

And she, too, was angry –

about the way her hometown and the country she vowed to protect with her life were trampled.

– She had been quietly angry all along.

Ines quietly started walking on the back of the dragon.

"...Lolo.

I'm sorry, but can you tell this dragon to fly as low as possible?

And for a moment, I will ride on its head – please don't take it the wrong way."

"– O, okay – I'll tell him –!"

She continued to walk calmly along the dragon's long neck and stopped on its head.

"Then – I'll leave it to you."

Suddenly, the dragon began a steep descent.

I clung to the dragon's back to avoid being thrown off.

The ground approached –

before I knew it, the towering steel fortress was right in front of us.

At the same time, Ines's slender arms were swung widely –

"[Divine Shield]"

Ines created a massive 'light shield' large enough to cover the body of the "Disaster Magic Dragon."

Then, she extended the 'shield' horizontally –

and swept it horizontally in one swift motion.

Instantly, a beam of light ran horizontally, and all the black cannons on the fortress exploded.

At the same time, the imposing steel fortress split horizontally and split into two parts.

Ines continued to swing the massive 'light shield' twice, three times, and each time, the massive structures in front of us split into two, three parts –

as the dragon flew just above the ground, she cut everything in her path.

We quickly broke through one defense network.

Then, the next fortress came into view.

But –

– Again, countless dazzling flashes of light ran across the area.

The sturdy fortress was quickly carved up like dice – and the debris flowed past us, collapsing –.

– One after another, the imposing structures that seemed to intimidate everyone were reduced to mere chunks of metal – and collapsed onto the ground with a rumble.

This scene was repeated endlessly before my eyes.

"...Amazing..."

This is [Divine Sword] Ines.

The strongest 'shield' and 'sword' of the Crayse Kingdom, who made all the [Six Saints] say, "I never want to be on the enemy's side."

"With this – I think our return path is secured."

After shattering the 'Armor of the Empire,' she turned around and said this as if it was nothing, without even breaking a sweat.

My heart, which had been pounding just by watching, was racing.

But my brother and Mr. Kalu were completely unfazed by the scene, pushing away the debris to keep it from hitting Lolo.

They were calm –

Mr. Noll, in particular, had been standing still with his eyes closed, looking up at the sky, as if he knew everything would happen this way.

– What amazing people they are.

The emperor must have noticed our presence from the recent explosion.

He increased the speed of his horse, galloping across the ground like it was flying.

The [Concealment] had already worn off.

The horse, enhanced by magic devices, was much faster than our dragon.

If we continue like this, he will reach the capital first.

He might prepare and meet us there.

We are heading to the enemy's main base.

We don't know what awaits us.

But –

"Leen. Be prepared. Our actions here will determine the outcome of the war. We are going in."

"– Yes, of course.

Let them know who they are dealing with."

Despite heading into the enemy's main base, the 'Imperial Capital' –