Chapter 5

Lavia and I "triumphantly" returned to the fortress.

It seemed that the enemy had been completely annihilated, and the tense atmosphere had dissipated.

"We've scattered the Minelians! The enemy's bodies are overflowing at the foot of the fortress!"

As I raised my sword, a rough voice echoed.

It was a loud cheer. Hearing that voice, I finally felt a moment of relief.

However, we couldn't relax for long. I needed to discuss the future with the castle commander, Shivik. Technically, I am the current castle commander, but it's easier to call him that.

The castle commander, who had given a salute, approached me.

"I will immediately inform the Viscount of Naevel Castle of your heroic deeds. All the soldiers in this fortress are witnesses!"

"No, I couldn't have done it alone. It's everyone's victory."

"The enemy was indeed completely annihilated. We are currently disposing of the bodies in the river outside. If left, they would decay."

The back of the fortress is a cliff that leads to a river, which is convenient for this purpose.

"Thank you, Commander. I was just about to discuss the future."

"My name is Arsurod. Please call me Shivik."

"Understood, Shivik. Let's convene a war council."

In the room at the farthest end of the fortress, I, Shivik, and Lavia discussed the matter.

"We managed to defend this time, but honestly, it was just a defense. The fundamental problem hasn't been solved. We need to do more, like taking the enemy's land, or we'll be in a tough spot."

A long river flows between our Naevel territory and the enemy's Minelian territory. The river's flow isn't very fast, but the eastern side where our fortress is located is a large terrace. The opposite hill is not very high and is gentle.

"The enemy has also built a fortress on the opposite bank. It will be difficult to improve the situation without driving the enemy from this fortress..."

Shivik pointed to the map. This man is a seasoned commander. If he says so, it must be true.

Indeed, if the enemy has a considerable number of troops on the opposite bank, the threat will never be completely gone.

Lavia looked troubled, staring at the river on the map. She must be thinking of a strategy. Lavia has always enjoyed devising plans.

"Should we launch a night raid? The sound of the river will mask our marching, so it's unlikely they'll hear us."

Indeed, the river will help to mask the sound. It's a way to return the favor to the enemy. However—

"We don't have enough troops to take their fortified fortress..."

The enemy has also built a fortress to defend. It's not a large fortress, so it doesn't house all their troops, but it does provide a base for sustained attacks. The troops that can't fit in the fortress are additional forces gathered for the offensive.

"We need to deal a blow to the enemy or create an unfavorable situation... I can't think of anything, Lavia..."

Lavia also seemed to be struggling to come up with a good plan.

However, I heard a voice in my head again.

—Don't worry. You have the power to share the experiences of the Overlord.

Intuitively, I came up with a bold plan.

I'm not sure how feasible it is, but with a certain number of sappers, it might be possible.

"Hey, I've got a plan, or rather, a bold strategy."

I glanced at Lavia and Shivik in turn.

"Listen. We'll create something that will be a major nuisance right in front of the enemy's throat."

The reaction was better than I expected. I thought they would say it was impossible or impractical.

"That's the kind of unexpected move we need to turn the tide of the battle. Let's do it!"

●

The operation was carried out two nights later.

We crossed the river at a time when the enemy would likely be asleep.

If we were to launch a surprise attack on the fortress, they would notice immediately, but we didn't do that.

Our target was the hill north of the enemy's fortress.

We arrived safely without being attacked.

Then, we started digging the earth diligently.

We focused on creating a wall-like structure on the south side, the direction from which the enemy would attack.

If they did attack, we planned to counter from the high ground with archers, but there was no sign of movement.

"Good job, everyone! This is a race against time! We need to have something substantial by morning! I'll give all the orders! I need you to trust me completely!"

The soldiers worked with all their might.

Honestly, they were more serious than I expected.

I think it's because I went to the front line alone. The remaining soldiers are willing to die for me.

Until now, the only person I could call a reliable comrade was Lavia, who grew up with me. My brother didn't even give me a proper force.

But since coming to this fortress, I feel a bit different.

Maybe I have a talent for handling soldiers and commanders.

Or is it because of the mysterious profession, Oda Nobunaga? If Oda Nobunaga is the name of a hero, perhaps I have a heroic charisma.

Eventually, the night turned to dawn.

"Thank you, everyone. We managed to finish in time."

On the north side of the enemy's fortress, we had built our own earthen fortress overnight.

This was my plan.

If we have a fortress right next to the enemy, we can station our troops there.

The enemy won't be able to act rashly, and most importantly, we will have a fortress on their land. They won't be able to ignore it.

However, we can't let our guard down yet. The enemy might attack at any moment. Besides, this is a hastily built fortress. We need to continue working even after dawn to make it more defensible against enemy attacks with arrows and spears.

—Well done. This is the strategy of an Overlord. Building a fortress on enemy land in a single day will demoralize and confuse them. Use this power to the fullest.

I heard the voice again.

I decided to ask a question.

Hey, are you the hero Oda Nobunaga?

—Indeed, Oda Nobunaga is the name of an Overlord. But now, it's just a profession. I'm lending you power because you have the potential to inherit the Overlord profession. I have no right or power to control you, so don't worry.

What kind of profession can communicate like this? It's irregular, but I can believe it. There's no way to remove a suitable profession, and if it were a demon, there would be no way to deal with it.

—The Overlord was also mocked as a fool in his youth. Yet, he became a renowned hero. You can do it too.

I'll believe those words.

A soldier rushed to inform me.

"The enemy is attacking!"

That was expected.

"Alright, everyone, we'll hold our ground! The enemy is flustered! We have a chance to win!"

Next time, we'll defend the new fortress and fight!