Side: Jessica

The day of our confrontation with the Jilva Imperial Army had finally arrived.

Thanks to Princess-sama's fabricated report, the Empire's primary legions on the other active fronts didn't return. However, fortune had refused to smile upon us completely; the magic sword wielding sisters had set their sights on us.

Under standard circumstances, a demi-human detachment wouldn't stand a snowball's chance in hell of achieving victory... and yet...

"Steve, go ahead and offer them a chance to surrender."

"Eeh? Isn't that a complete waste of time, Boss?"

"It's important to give them a choice first. We need to make it look like we're showing mercy and make them think that if they obey after losing, they might survive."

"Ah... I get it-ssu. If they transform into a cornered suicide squad, clearing them out becomes a massive pain in the ass."

"Well, if that happens, we'll wipe them out anyway. In that case, authorize the goblin units to use firearms. After the battle, just treat whoever's still alive."

"Even the Magic Sword sisters?"

"Deal with them as you see fit, Steve. You'll manage somehow."

"Yeah, yeah. Of course the miserable manual labor gets dumped on me."

At the main camp, Yuki—the supreme military authority of Weed—and Steve, the commander of this operation, were leisurely discussing how to capture the enemy.

They weren't even considering the possibility of losing.

A force ratio of roughly 5,000 vs 1,000 would normally be considered a guaranteed defeat by the common sense of war. On top of that, the enemy had two magic sword users. A single magic sword user is said to be worth 10,000 troops — an overwhelming fighting force. With two of them, the enemy army could be considered equivalent to 25,000.

By comparison, our side barely qualified as an army at all. Its main force consisted of about 800 demi-human volunteers. It's true that many of them have higher physical abilities and can use magic compared to humans. However, it's rare for one to be able to take down ten or twenty enemies alone.

Their equipment consisted of whatever they had brought themselves or weapons confiscated from our Imperial troops—almost no uniformity at all... Against the highly coordinated, locked ranks of a professional regular army, a vanguard of this caliber would typically be scattered like dust within a matter of minutes.

However, the truth is that this ragtag group is not the main force.

The remaining 200—the mixed human-demi-human unit—were the real main force, possessing combat power that could easily deal with magic sword users.

In fact, these were the very people who had analyzed an unprecedented magic sword, neutralized Princess-sama's magic sword, and crushed our army of 2,500 with only 150 troops. Not a single imperial soldier among those 2,500 had managed to escape the field. For a force of 150 to systematically capture an entire legion alive was a feat that should have been logistically impossible within the boundaries of common sense.

"Well, it's basically the same as the battle against Princess-san. It'd be nice if something dramatic happened."

"Not on my watch. If they pull off some clever move, we'll be the ones getting confused-ssu."

"It's just confusion at most... though more demi-humans might die. Then again, they're practically operating separately from us anyway."

"Yeah. They're being deliberately sent forward, and even though it's practically a suicide charge, they're all fired up for some reason-ssu."

"Probably because they see a lot of allies around them and think they can win."

"It's a huge pain-ssu. At this rate they might even ignore the plan to intercept them here."

"That'd be a problem. The whole point is to fight in this 4-kilometer square plain."

"Yeah, because this place is completely packed with traps so they can't escape."

Indeed.

This seemingly empty, barren plain resided entirely within the structural domain of Yuki's authority as a Dungeon Master.

Utilizing his core skills, he possessed the ability to reshape the localized terrain completely at will.

To put it bluntly, the exact moment the Jilva Imperial Army stepped into this four-kilometer grid, their total defeat became an absolute certainty.

"Still, are you sure this is okay, Boss? Buying up all the land around here like this... won't it trigger some kind of unpredictable backlash in this continent's ecosystem?"

"We're intercepting an army. I don't want anyone escaping. I tried it during the battle with Princess-san, and so far there haven't been any changes. I've stopped mana circulation from the dungeon. Terrain modification and trap construction consume mana, but I'm spending my own mana to operate everything. Compared to simply having me on this continent, it's probably insignificant."

"Then wouldn't it be easier to just buy up everything all at once?"

"That's one opinion, but it only works because this is a plain. Does that make sense?"

"Ah... I get it-ssu. Because it's an open plain, our lines of sight are completely unobstructed, making it incredibly easy to spot any sudden structural anomalies."

"Exactly. Imagine I take control of a forest or mountain range and suddenly a bunch of dragons start spawning. 'Oops.' That wouldn't be good, would it?"

"That'd be a disaster."

"So I keep things within sight. If future research lets me expand controlled territory safely, it'd be useful in all sorts of ways. But for now, I can't move recklessly."

Mana depletion.

The invisible disaster afflicting this continent.

In reality, it's already noticeable through declining demi-human birth rates and fewer human mages, but no one has realized there's a specific cause behind it.

Strictly speaking, Yuki had no obligation to be this careful. However, he has a personality that makes him extremely cautious about even the smallest details. Steve had used the phrase "a catastrophic Dragon disaster," yet within the context of the military assets commanded by Weed, a single elite soldier possessed more than enough raw power to successfully hunt a Dragon in single combat.

Yuki himself said he didn't want to disturb the current environment, because he didn't know which actions might lead to what results, like the old saying about how even a small event can lead to a great consequence.

"Well then, the enemy has arrived too-ssu. Time to cut the small talk, boss.

"Alright, I'm counting on you."

"Uissu.

Before us stood the enemy army, arrayed proudly in formation.

At the front, the generals and magic sword wielders, Olive and Mist, are advancing towards us on horseback.

It appeared they intended to formally deliver a standard pre-battle proclamation.

"Steve, let's hear what they have to say first. It might turn out to be an incredibly amusing speech."

"What could they possibly say that qualifies as amusing?"

"I don't know... maybe a dramatic public confession that they left their bell peppers behind on their dinner plates yesterday."

"Are you serious, boss? They aren't toddlers-ssu. Do you seriously harbor a personal hatred for bell peppers?"

"When I was a kid, yeah."

"...Would you two please be quiet? The enemy is preparing to address us."

I was stunned that they could casually talk about food preferences in a situation like this.

Yet, looking around, Mobu's group, Tori's group, and even Aslin's group didn't offer a single word of reprimand toward Yuki and Steve's idle banter. Instead, they were casually yawning, dozing off, or engaging in giggly conversations among themselves

Why was I—the prisoner—the only one taking this seriously?

Ah, as a quick point of clarification, to ensure my identity wasn't prematurely exposed to my former imperial comrades, Yuki had utilized one of his specialized tools to grant me a flawless physical disguise.

"HEAR ME!! Demi-humans and mercenaries who oppose the Jilva Empire!!"

The Flame Magic Sword User, Olive, raised her beautiful voice, and everyone listened.

"I am different from Marley, whom you defeated! Know that this time, you will not return alive!!"

Behind her, the army let out a war cry.

The voices of 5,000 soldiers merged into one thunderous roar.

The demi-humans began to feel the difference in numbers, and their earlier heated excitement started to cool.

A clever move—she intended to break our morale before the battle even began.

"We swear victory upon these Magic Swords! We carry the future of the 4 million citizens of the Jilva Empire upon our shoulders! There is not a single reason you can possibly win!"

Then her sister Mist stepped forward to continue.

"If you surrender now, we will show mercy. There is no longer any path that avoids battle entirely! Mercenaries, prepare yourselves! Surrender will only be accepted after you've experienced our attack firsthand!"

The demi-humans' morale sank even further.

So that was their plan... demonstrate overwhelming superiority in a brief clash, then make it easier to absorb us later.

"What's wrong!! If you want to surrender, say it quickly!! Once the battle starts, we won't be holding back!!"

As if declaring this was their final offer, Olive raised her voice.

Now then... what will Yuki and the others do...?

"Steve, change of plans. I'm going out there."

"Got it boss... wait, WHAT!?"

"Authorize the use of all armaments. Give the signal right before engagement. Surround them from all sides at once. We'll crush that army with just us."

"Hold on, Boss, what the hell brought this on!?"

"I just felt like cutting loose a little. I'm going to talk to them too. Ria, Jessica, come with me."

"Understood."

"Eh!?"

"Mobu's group follows the original plan with the demi-humans. Tori's group starts rampaging the moment battle begins. Aslin's group blocks the only escape route."

"Leave it to us."

"Understood."

"We'll do our best, Onii-chan!"

I couldn't hide my surprise at Yuki's actions.

His usual stance was to stay behind the scenes.

But this was the complete opposite... What was he thinking?

"Are you the leader of the mercenaries?"

Olive spoke to Yuki as he approached, unaware of my confusion.

"Yeah. I've got something to say."

"A formal declaration of surrender, perhaps?"

"We are going to completely dismantle your Jilva Imperial Army right where you stand."

"Oh?"

"Why?" Mist asked. "You don't have even the slightest chance of victory."

"No, from every angle, our victory is the only possible outcome. Don't think a mere country of 4 million can stop us."

Yuki spoke calmly.

...What was he saying?

Even Weed only had around 10,000 people, and even the strongest nations on Weed's continent were about the same size as the Jilva Empire.

Four million was definitely not "mere."

"Hmph. It seems there's no point talking to you. We'll thoroughly crush you. Mist, we're going back."

"...Yes. What a shame."

The sisters began to return to their lines — or at least they tried.

"M-My body!?"

"Eh, why!?"

They remained frozen in place, still facing us.

"My conversation isn't over. Don't walk away whenever you feel like it. For now, I've immobilized your bodies."

"Guh, y-you coward!!"

"Huh? I don't want to hear that from people who brought 5,000 troops to crush 1,000."

"We are merely following proper military doctrine!"

"Ambushes and targeting the enemy commander are military doctrine too."

"...Tch. Even if you kill us, five thousand troops will still crush you."

"Are you stupid? The moment you two couldn't move, you should've realized how overwhelming the difference in power really is."

"Onee-sama! Order the attack! He's not doing anything! He must be using everything he has just to restrain us!"

"I understand! ALL FORCES, CHARGE!"

Upon Olive's frantic command, the mass formation of 5,000 imperial troops surged forward in a single, massive wave.

Because an exchange of words between opposing commanders can devolve into active combat at any given second, regular armies are systematically trained to maintain absolute readiness; thus, the legions commanded by the sisters unleashed a synchronized battle cry, closing the distance toward our position without a single trace of hesitation.

"Is that all? Steve, begin."

『Roger-ssu.』

Rumble... Rumble... Rumble...

A series of pristine white, monolith-like structures violently erupted from beneath the subterranean layers, rapidly ascending to completely enclose the entire perimeter of the battlefield, trapping our own units and the advancing imperial host within a single, massive perimeter.

"W-What is this!?"

"We're surrounded!?"

Olive looked like she was struggling to grasp the situation, but her sister Mist seemed to understand how bad things had become.

"If you two are stepping onto this field bearing the weight of 4 million futures, then I stand here representing a mere fraction of 6 billion. Steve, open fire."

『Understood-ssu. All units commence firing. Target: enemy main force. Weapons free! Weapons free!』

At that signal, the army—already shaken by the trembling earth and surrounded by walls—was struck by weapons.

Weapons that did not exist on our continent...

...No, weapons that should not exist anywhere in this world.

A series of deafening explosions tore through the open air.

It was a catastrophic, concussive cacophony that completely obliterated every other audible frequency on the battlefield.

I honestly couldn't tell you how long the explosive bombardment continued to echo across the plains. My perception of time had been rendered entirely non-functional...

"Cease firing operations."

『Understood, ceasing all firing operations-ssu. I repeat, all units, CEASE FIRE!!』

The exact moment the command left Yuki's lips, the deafening thunder of the artillery instantly ground to a halt, leaving an absolute, ringing silence to reclaim the scorched plain.

"W-What have you done!?"

"T-This is impossible... What happened...?"

The sisters had already regained control of their bodies, yet neither attempted to attack.

They merely stared toward where their army had stood.

Olive stood dumbfounded.

Mist collapsed to her knees.

It was only natural—

—The army of 5,000 no longer existed.

"—Ughh..."

"—My arm..."

"—It hurts... it hurts..."

Only wounded survivors remained.

Very few soldiers were still standing.

"Stop clinging to fantasies like fairness, honor, and equality."

"I won't forgive you!!"

"O-Onee-sama, don't—"

Olive, barely recognizing that Yuki before her caused this situation, swings her demon sword, but...

CRACK.

A sickening, structural snap echoed through the quiet air.

"Aaargh...! My arm... my arm is...!!"

"Onee-sama!? How dare you!!"

Mist instinctively attacked Yuki in response to what happened to her sister, but—

"N-No way!? I can't use the power of my magic sword!?"

Her sword tip was gripped by Yuki and wouldn't move.

"I told you from the beginning. Our victory is the only possible outcome."

"You coward..."

"You're the ones who brought a huge army from the start. It's no different from your own methods."

"If we fought fair and square..."

"You haven't managed to inflict a single scratch on me."

Every time Olive spoke, she found herself with no answer.

Everything Yuki said was true.

He had simply fought according to the principles she herself had proclaimed.

"Ria, capture those two. Steve, secure the surviving enemy with the demi-humans. Medical treatment comes later. If they die, they die."

"Understood."

『Roger-ssu. You guys have a big job ahead!』

Yuki's army began to move.

Meanwhile, Ria tied up Olive and Mist.

Mist somehow managed to raise her head and ask.

"What did you mean by 6 billion...?"

"It's the number of people living in my homeland."

"I-Impossible!! There's no way that many people exist...!!"

Olive shouted in denial, but Yuki continued calmly.

"They do. And I am one of those 6 billion. Through accumulation from the past to the present, that number was reached. I haven't inherited all their power and knowledge, but still—there's no way I'd lose to a mere 4 million."

"...Was the reason I couldn't use my magic sword also due to that 6 billion's knowledge?"

"Of course. I'm just an ordinary person in my homeland. You sisters simply lost to the accumulated history of my homeland."

"So this defeat... was not by chance, but inevitable..."

Mist hung her head in despair.

"The reality of the situation is that you two simply wanted to secure a flashy military achievement to fast-track your personal career advancement and fortify your private units. Claiming that your actions were driven by a noble desire to safeguard the future of four million citizens is an absolute joke." Yuki said. "People who says things like that doesn't deserve mercy."

Dropping his final assessment, Yuki turned on his heel to make his way back toward our primary command center, leaving Ria to systematically drag the bound sisters along behind him.

"...Honestly, to go against Weed... just the act of doing so is ruin itself."