“Misheana, where is the leader of the subjugation force?”
As Elias posed the question, Misheana swung her sword, felling another foe.
“Did you come up with a plan?”
“I’ve been considering what I can do now that I’m here. But before I execute it, I need to get approval.”
“…He’s over there.”
Misheana pointed toward a middle-aged man surrounded by knights. Elias immediately sprinted in his direction.
“…Hmm? And you are—”
Among the group was a knight around Elias’s own age. A pendant around his neck identified him as a Holy Knight, and the knights at his side were heavily armed, making it obvious he was the commander.
“Pleasure to meet you. I came to observe the subjugation as part of my investigation. My name is Elias Dilia.”
“Ah, the commoner-turned-Holy Knight. Have you come here like a ravenous beast, desperate for military achievements?”
The commander’s words were laced with sarcasm, and Elias briefly pondered how best to handle the situation.
(Normally, I’d tread lightly and negotiate, but we don’t have the luxury of time—)
Just then, Elias spotted movement in the bushes behind the commander—several red wolves were creeping closer.
“Commander! Behind you!”
At his shout, the surrounding knights immediately reacted. The commander, his expression tightening with alarm, turned just as the wolves lunged at him.
His guards responded swiftly, their practiced coordination intercepting the threat before it could reach their leader.
“…It seems we don’t have the time for drawn-out conversations.”
Elias remarked while casting a glance at the enemy leader, the Alpha. The monster continued spawning its minions, and the knights and heroes combating them were visibly slowing down.
“Given the circumstances, I’m going to join the fight. Do I have your permission?”
“…Do you have a plan?”
“Not one that will decisively end the battle, but with Misheana’s help, we might just turn the tide.”
The commander scrutinized Elias, clearly debating whether to trust him or if he was merely a threat to his own military glory.
(What a hassle… Seriously.)
Elias sighed internally before adding another point.
“I came here as part of an investigation. My name isn’t officially listed in this subjugation force, correct? So there’s no need to mention me in any report. Frankly, I’d rather my name not come up at all—it would be inconvenient.”
“…Fine.”
Though the commander’s expression remained stern, he accepted Elias’s reasoning. With that secured, Elias hurried back to Misheana.
“Sorry for the wait. Ready for the plan?”
“…And I’m the one you’re teaming up with?”
“A Holy Knight suddenly dropping in isn’t exactly someone the other knights would trust in the middle of battle. You, on the other hand, already fought beside me once.”
“Fair enough.”
“Besides, I know your skill firsthand.”
“That’s true… So, what’s the plan?”
“First, a question—can you take down that monster?”
Elias pointed at the Alpha. Misheana’s gaze sharpened.
“I think I can. It’s bigger than the others, though, so I’m not sure if I can do it in one hit.”
“Got it. I’ll draw the other monsters’ attention. You and your allies circle around and take it down.”
“Draw their attention…? Can you pull that off?”
“More or less. But it’s dangerous, so try to end it within a few minutes.”
Misheana eyed him doubtfully—yet with the battle escalating, hesitation was a luxury. She took a quick breath and nodded.
“Alright, I’m in. Just don’t haunt me if you die.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Misheana quickly gave orders to her allies. As they began moving, several wolves started targeting her—but before they could lunge—
“Hah!”
With a sharp exhale, Elias cut down the beasts attempting to intercept her.
“Alright… Time to get serious. Frenn.”
He called out to Frenn, who stood at a safe distance.
“I assume you already know, but get away from me.”
“Understood… I expect you to emerge unscathed, but don’t get careless.”
“Of course.”
With that, Frenn retreated. Confirming her safety, Elias clenched his sword tightly.
“Alright, monsters… You’ve got one hell of an annoying ability. But your little rampage ends here. Let’s turn this into a slog.”
And then—he struck.
Not at a monster, but at the ground beneath his feet.
A thunderous roar echoed through the battlefield. The force of his slash tore into the earth, sending debris flying in all directions. The scattered stones pelted the surrounding monsters, striking some with enough force to render them motionless.
At the same time—
Every single monster on the battlefield turned its gaze toward Elias.
“Operation successful. I hadn’t used that technique in years, so I wasn’t sure if it’d work…”
He murmured as, all at once, the monsters charged.
The knights and heroes gasped at the sight, astonished at the way the entire horde had fixated on Elias. Yet someone quickly realized the opportunity, and a spell was cast—piercing through the mob.
A single monster collapsed. Seeing this, the knights and heroes followed suit, striking down more of the creatures as they rushed toward Elias.
Meanwhile, Elias himself dodged attacks and methodically cut down those closest to him.
“Alright… Misheana, it’s all on you now.”
A deafening roar tore through the battlefield.
The Alpha, recognizing the situation, howled in fury. It conjured another wave of minions—but every single one of them joined the charge toward Elias.
The knights and heroes could do nothing but stare in disbelief at the sheer spectacle before them. Yet despite their shock, they continued their assault, slashing and blasting the creatures to cull their numbers.
And then—amidst the chaos—someone reached the Alpha.
With a powerful swing, Misheana struck, her sword cleaving into the beast’s body.
The Alpha unleashed a bone-rattling roar—one that sounded eerily like a scream.