28 The Sorcerer Nervously Prays, Steps Into a Fated Battle, and Does His Utmost

Oh God, my enemies are before me.

Oh God, give me the strength to fight.

-Sorcerer Odysson V-

I ain’t scared, ya hear me? It’s just that the wastelands I’m used to have turned into something crazy. The sun is tilting far to the west, so maybe I ain’t seeing things well but... Viewing from the east, the dudes flying a blue and white banner don’t even seem to budge a muscle.

It’s a massive army. Over 2,000 long-ears with an equal number of silver leopards and wind hawks circling above. The mana leaking out of them is turning into a mist. They’re just like a moving forest. Damn long-ears. I know they’re our allies, but they act like the whole world stinks. Damn it all.

But if they weren’t here, we’d be totally screwed. After all, our common enemy is something this very world rejects, and makes monsters look cute in comparison. With the western sun at their backs, they rise from the earth, the army of massive yellow-eyes, flying their yellow and black banners. They number just over 3,000. They ain’t got many familiars, but... they more than make up for it with bloodlust.

She’s there. Somewhere in that army, she’s there. The yellow-eyes Apostle is appraising us. I’m too scared to look away. I don’t wanna search for her, but I can’t help but try to find her. I should stop. Searching like this uses mana, which could lead to her spotting me. If she does, she’ll instantly kill me... Golden, the Thunderstorm, will attack!

“Ohh! Ohh! Cavalry sure are cool!” Oh. That reminds me, we have our own fighter with a second name. She’s the elven Apostle who for some reason is a fan of humans: the small one they call the Ten Thousand Bells.

“It’s like I’m seeing the ancient centaurs! But these horses’ eyes are round and cute, so they win! Although they are a little mean and won’t let me ride them, it’s fine because they’re so cute! Can I feed one?” Why did she come here at the last moment to feed horses? Well, I’m sure she has a lot going on. Stuff like coordination, strategy, and promises to uphold. If we’re going to fight together, it’s important to make arrangements in advance.

If we lose this battle, it’s all over for the Frontier. Which is why we’ve brought every last soldier we can. Our main force consists of 1,200 Bomber Knights. Led by the famous knight brothers, they’re without a doubt an elite force made up of the best that humanity has to offer. They’re so fast and strong; if they’re not enough, we’re done for.

But the most amazing thing is the strategy they’ve worked out to use Inferno magic in a group. Tossing a bunch of fire bombs to create a massive explosion just blows my mind. They said a focus on firepower is their family’s motto so it wasn’t much of a leap in logic, but in my humble opinion the Willows are all crazy. Just one mistake and they’ll wipe out their own allies.

Then again, maybe I’m crazy for getting ideas based on that...

“Oh, Odysson! Don’t try to spoil her, now. She may look small, but she’s still an elf. You don’t know how many centuries she’s lived for.” Damn black-hearted priest. How can you say that when you come holding carrots?

“You’re wrong. I was just thinking. Things have gotten really crazy.”

“We have survived until today, but perhaps tomorrow we shall die. That’s all it is. That’s how it always is. If you are thirsty, drink; if you are hungry, eat.” What, you’re gonna eat those yourself? You really do have a bad personality. That’s more like spiting the horses instead of teasing the shrimp Apostle. Also, being so thickly clad in armor only accentuates your obesity.

“However, I understand what you’re feeling. This is our first battle, after all.”

“A first battle with Ten Thousand Bells as an ally and Golden as an enemy? I’m gonna cry.”

“Why, you’re such an emotional fellow. Are you overwhelmed at the unveiling of the platoon you personally trained?”

“My allies don’t understand me, either. I’m seriously gonna cry.” My platoon... the first magic platoon in history, and it’s finally real. From all the commoners with abilities, I selected 200 with the greatest talent. Then there’s the 50 sent by the Sorcerers Guild. Plus the 50 adventurers we hired. In total, 300.

They really stand out, no matter how you think about it. Cloaked in bright red mantles emblazoned with the Crimson Flower Company’s logo, they’re each equipped with three of my newest inventions, the charcoal wand, two flame canisters, and one dagger. There was no time to teach them how to ride horses so I told them to just run as fast as they could. That’s why they’re wearing high-quality black leather boots.

“So, Father. Are you really planning on standing on the front lines?”

“Hee hee hee! You ask this now? I command more soldiers than you, I hope you realize.”

“Well, I guess...” The black-hearted priest’s platoon is in charge of guarding mine. Considering the rarity of a magic platoon I’ll admit it’s necessary, but... the 500 he leads are just a bunch of adventurers, mercenaries, and volunteer soldiers. I doubt they’ve done anything remotely close to military training.

“Just think of us as your great shield and leave it all to us. I will handle defense, and the offense I trust you all to do your utmost.”

“We’ll fight until we die. No need to ask.”

“Indeed. And then for the first time, we can say that humanity did everything it could!” Caught up in his passionate speech, I look over. Right. Her.

Kuroi. An Apostle, and the vessel for the human God. Everyone’s looking at you. Everyone’s mind is on you. But what do you expect? That’s the kind of presence you have. Just having you stand there makes it feel like the space is tilting. It’s impossible not to think of you.

Over there, the 100 cavalry and 300 foot soldiers that came from the Hell Expanse are praying to you. I can understand them all too well. You can tell they took the same path as us. They, too, were once plunged into the abyss of despair.

Over here, the 300 cavalry from the fort are prepared for battle. They’re dead men walking. They will, without hesitation, throw away their lives so that you can take another step, Kuroi. You command everyone’s attention.

It’s not just the humans, either. The long-ears are watching your every move as well. Especially the Dragon Warrior who’s sticking super close to the shrimp. Even now she’s on guard. Scary as hell, that one.

I ain’t hallucinating, either. For I, Odysson, am more sensitive to these differences than your average person thanks to magic making me aware of God’s presence. God, who’s on your back now. He seems... a bit savage. Not ferocious, mind you. He’s got this aura of violence... an impulse for destruction?

“Oh, fire sorcerer! You’re here too?” Whoa, what does the shrimp want with me?

“Don’t look so sullen. I am an Apostle, but I am also a wind mage. According to legend, elves and humans worked together to defeat the Demon God with the greater magic of Fire Storm. The technique has been lost, but wind and fire are still quite compatible!” That’s just a story. As for compatibility, that sounds like superstition to me. But the shrimp aside, the one behind her is freaking me out. See how sharp her gaze is!

“Why hello, Dragon Commander. First we have the honor of seeing you at the war council, and now you come to review our troops? This will surely put the men in high spirits. I am sure they will live up to your expectations in the upcoming battle.”

“Be at ease. You talk and wave too much.”

“Why, how can you say...”

“And your overly polite yet patronizing attitude doesn’t fool me. Don’t try to deny it. The old witch that was my etiquette instructor talked just like you.”

“Oh... to think that I would be so misunderstood...”

“You know that elves have excellent hearing and purposefully mentioned my age, didn’t you? Mmh? And you make no attempt to hide the carrots you hold.”

“...Would you like to feed the horses?”

“Good, good! I forgive you! Gwa-haha!” Wow, she’s really feeding the horses. What are their nerves made of?

“Try to smile, even if you must force it, Odysson. The soldiers are watching.”

“What... Oh, I see. So that’s how it is.”

“Yes. The soldiers on both sides have put a lid on their hostilities, but distrust still boils below the surface. We must show them that we are getting along.”

“...Do all that we can, even here?”

“Indeed. You are too right, my man... I must say, you are terrible at smiling.”

“Shaddup. Not everyone’s a great actor like you and your commander friend.”

“What are you saying? Diplomacy is the basis for everything, and acting is the basis for diplomacy.” Such black-hearted, convincing words. I’m glad I’m a sorcerer. Objects don’t require smiles or acting abilities.

Hey, Kuroi. What about you? You don’t smile, don’t even show a single expression. You’re so pure, I doubt you even think about acting... you’re always so serious. Maybe that’s why you can continue to face God.

Is that why you only fight? Are you so strong because you only fight? A raging girl and a savage god... two beings burning like an inferno... I wonder how long you two can keep fighting so determinedly. Can you keep it up? Maybe it’s not my place to say, but I’m a little worried.

If I die, at least use me as a bit of kindling. I’m sure I’ll burn real well. That way, you can allow me to keep fighting. Thanks in advance.