Elias extended his senses, carefully observing the movements of the subjugation force. The magic beast Alder had now set foot into human territory, and as planned, the kingdom had severed its escape route using magic. With no way to retreat to its domain, the beast was inexorably drawn toward the awaiting forces of men.
Sticking to their strategy, Elias and his group moved in tandem with the tightening encirclement. Whether Alder had yet realized the trap was uncertain, but the net was closing, and the beast was being cornered.
Soon, battle commenced at the vanguard. The clash of steel and the cries of warriors resounded from afar.
“It has begun,” Misheana remarked.
Elias nodded.
“The kingdom has made every preparation possible. At the very least, they will not suffer a direct defeat.”
“Not with veteran heroes among them,” she agreed.
“If they can truly fell the beast in this confrontation, all the better. Thus far, the strategy appears to be holding, and it shows no sign of fleeing. But should it find itself in dire peril, it will surely make a desperate attempt to escape.”
Misheana cast a glance at Elias.
“We’ve made our own preparations for the battle,” she noted, “but in truth, if it could end here and now, that would be for the best.”
“Indeed. With veteran heroes and knights in the fray, this could be the decisive moment.”
Then, Misheana’s gaze turned contemplative.
“Say, Elias. When you learned of Alder’s abilities, you devised a plan using traps, did you not?”
“Aye.”
“Did it never cross your mind to share that knowledge with the kingdom?”
Elias fell silent for a brief moment before shrugging.
“I chose the traps that I deemed most effective for my own involvement in the hunt. Even if I had proposed them to the kingdom, it is unlikely they would have heeded my advice. I lack the authority to influence such matters.”
“…You, lacking authority? You’re a Holy Knight, are you not?”
“In title alone,” he said dryly. “I fought in the East for over twenty years, yet here in the North, I am but a newcomer. Even with the mantle of a Holy Knight, I am little more than an ordinary knight. The only difference is the way people look at me.”
Misheana tilted her head slightly.
“And you’re content with that?”
“Not entirely,” he admitted. “But back in the East, I spent my days consumed by duty. Whatever intentions the kingdom had in sending me here, I thought I might take the opportunity to rest—serve as a support in the rear. Yet, as you can see, the situation did not permit it.”
“…I see,” Misheana murmured, before shifting the topic once more.
“Elias, what is your ultimate goal?”
“Why ask so suddenly?”
“Simple curiosity. We have time before the battle reaches us, do we not? Consider it idle chatter.”
At her urging, Elias fell silent in thought for a moment before answering.
“My goal is but one—to master the way of the sword.”
“You mean swordsmanship? Or magic as well?”
“Both,” he declared. “That is not to say I seek to learn every technique or master every spell. Rather, I wish to reach a level where no matter what manner of foe stands before me—be it beast or man—I shall have the strength to strike them down.”
“Hmm… But haven’t you already passed your physical prime?”
“Frenn told me the same,” Elias replied with a small chuckle. “Yet, compared to my younger days, I have more tools at my disposal, and the creatures I can vanquish have only increased. Even now, I continue to grow. So long as that remains true, I see no reason to abandon my goal.”
“A goal, huh…” Misheana mused.
“And what of you?” Elias asked in turn. “You chose the path of a hero and journeyed here to the North. Surely, you have a reason of your own?”
“No grand cause,” she admitted. “More than anything, I simply wanted to test my abilities—to see how far my strength could take me. Also… I wished to meet other heroes.”
“And what will you do once you gauge yourself?”
“If I find myself lacking, then I will simply continue to swing my sword,” she answered. “Perhaps not to the extent of mastering the way of the sword as you do, but I do wish to fight strong opponents and grow from it.”
“I see.”
He did not ask her what she sought that strength for. He suspected that, much like himself, she did not have an answer beyond the pursuit itself.
“So, when you say you wish to master the sword,” Misheana continued, “will that pursuit end when you are satisfied?”
“Indeed,” Elias nodded. “Since coming to the North, I have realized that my long years in the East have left me ignorant of many things. Here, where knights and heroes are plentiful, I may yet find the missing pieces I seek. In that sense, coming here may have been a blessing.”
“And yet, you were stationed at a rear-line fortress.”
“I expected as much. As I said, I initially thought to take it slow,” he admitted. “A rear-line post suited that purpose well. I had intended to recuperate before once more dedicating myself to the blade, but—”
Before he could finish his thought, a shift occurred on the battlefield.
Alder, having endured countless attacks, had begun to move.
“Misheana, apologies for interrupting, but Alder has stirred.”
“The battle won’t be decided just yet, will it?”
“No. Though it remains surrounded, the knights will assail it from all sides should it attempt to flee. But it appears we, too, may soon have an opportunity to act. Frenn.”
“Yes.”
At the sound of her name, Frenn answered at once.
“Establish contact with our allies and ensure the preparations for the traps proceed smoothly.”
“Understood.”
“Good. From here on, the battlefield shall be ever-changing depending on Alder’s actions. Frenn, maintain constant communication and confirm the positions of our allies. Misheana, I would have you stand guard over Frenn for now.”
“Got it.”
“As for me… I shall watch Alder’s movements with utmost precision.”
With that, Elias exhaled, gripping his sword tightly.
“The true battle begins now. Stay sharp, both of you—”