Chapter 59

"I think we can see the town soon."

Nodding at Al's words, I urged Kokuyou forward with anticipation. We reached the summit. The view from the hill was of soldiers swarming like a colony of ants heading towards the town.

"?! Everyone! The town is under attack!"

At my words, the three were shocked and stuck their heads out of the small window. There might be thousands, no, nearly ten thousand of them. Although there was still some distance to the gate, it was uncertain how long it would hold. In Lian's town, people lined up on top of the gate, ready for defense. However, the difference in numbers was too great. If we clashed head-on, the gate would be breached in less than half a day.

"Master Toya!! Lian's town!?"

"Yeah, I know."

Shal shouted, but what should we do?

Can we break through with just four of us...? If we go all out, it might be possible, but there's a risk of casualties on our side. I don't have enough magic to handle this many people.

As I pondered, I looked down at the soldiers rushing towards Lian. A little behind, about a hundred were gathered, observing the battle from a vantage point.

...That. If it's just there.

"The target is—there."

I pointed to the rear group.

"But then, the gate will—"

"We can't handle that many with just the four of us. Instead, we should take out the commander visible there."

"Cut off the head, huh?"

"Yeah, that's right."

Al seemed a bit unsure, but Natalie immediately understood. We prepared our equipment. I took out the best equipment from the dimensional storage and told the three to equip themselves. There was no need to be stingy. Natalie seemed to understand the value, her eyes widening.

"This equipment... Toya... who are you really...?"

"There's no time for that now. Get ready and we'll move in immediately."

We lowered Kokuyou to a place where the soldiers couldn't see us and prepared in about five minutes.

"Natalie, take the left side of the driver's seat, Shal, the right side. Al, hold Kokuyou's reins. No, Kokuyou will be fine. If arrows are shot at the two of you, cover them."

"Toya, what about you!?"

"I'll... cast magic from here."

I pointed to the ceiling of the carriage. The others might be thrown off by Kokuyou's speed.

I said to Kokuyou, "I'm counting on you. It's all up to you," and stroked his neck. Kokuyou seemed excited, as if eager to trample the soldiers below.

"If you get hurt, say so immediately! I'll handle the healing."

"Yes!"

"Understood. It's been a while since a war. My arms are tingling. I'll show you why I'm called the 'Sage of Twilight.'"

Everyone was in position.

"Kokuyou, I'm counting on you!"

At the signal, Kokuyou took off. The speed gradually increased, and we headed straight for our target. We descended the hill in one go. Since we appeared behind the soldiers heading towards Lian, they hadn't noticed us yet.

...Just a little more.

I gathered magic in both hands, planning to cast a large spell to create confusion and then charge in with Kokuyou.

The rear commanders seemed to have noticed our carriage, and the soldiers started moving busily. They were arming themselves and preparing for us.

We gradually approached the soldiers.

"I'll cast the first spell! Take advantage of the confusion!"

"Yes!"

"Leave it to me!"

The soldiers saw the carriage coming but couldn't tell if it was friend or foe. They prepared their weapons but didn't move towards us.

When the distance closed to less than 100 meters, I cast my spell.

'Flame Tornado'

A flame tornado about 20 meters high attacked the soldiers. The sudden spell threw them into chaos, and they were engulfed by the flames.

"Toya, you can use advanced spells now! Impressive, Sage. I can't fall behind!"

'Gather, flames, under my name. Burn the enemies before me to ashes. Flame Tornado'

"I'm going too!"

'Spirits of fire, lend me your power. Drive away the enemies before me!'

Flame spells were cast from both of them. The soldiers, already in chaos, had no chance against two more advanced spells. They were engulfed in flames and fell one after another.

"Kokuyou! Keep charging!"

Kokuyou understood and continued forward, stepping over the fallen soldiers. Then, we saw it.

A commander in particularly luxurious armor, shouting. There were only a few people left around him.

I floated about twenty fireballs and cast them at the surrounding soldiers.

"Leave the rest to me. I'll capture the commander!"

I jumped out of the carriage, drew my Buster Sword, and ran through the fallen soldiers. A few used shields to block, but I cut them down with their shields.

Then, only the commander was left.

"What are you! I am—"

I didn't wait for the commander to finish and kicked him. As he tried to stand up, I stepped on him and placed my sword at his throat.

"You're the commander, right? If you cooperate, I won't take your life... If you resist—"

I lightly slashed his cheek with the tip of my sword. The commander, trembling in fear from the pain, nodded rapidly.

"Then, let's start by withdrawing the soldiers, shall we?"

As I smiled, the commander's expression darkened.

Thank you as always.

Chapter 3 has begun. I look forward to your continued support.