Category: JP WN

The news of the Elder Beast’s subjugation swept not only through the northern frontier but across the entire Kingdom of Rundell. Predictions arose that northern expansion would now accelerate, drawing all manner of individuals toward the region.

“Rumor has it that there are even those calling for the complete extermination of all named monsters that have long obstructed the frontier’s development. Some nobles are even recruiting those who participated in the recent subjugation.”

Such talk spread throughout the royal capital, and even nameless warriors began flocking to the North in pursuit of glory.

While the people were stirred into fervor, the kingdom itself adopted a more cautious stance, deliberating whether they should indeed proceed with subjugating the remaining formidable threats. However, with so many acting ahead of any official decision, the debate spiraled further into discord.

“…It seems that the lack of casualties is what has made matters so complicated.”

Seated in the corner of a tavern, a man remarked to his companion. He was unarmored, bearing only a dagger at his waist. As he idly combed through his long, dark hair with his fingers, he continued,

“Had the subjugation of the Elder Beast resulted in many wounded or slain, the discussion wouldn’t have escalated to this degree. But because there were no casualties at all, people now believe that the other great monsters can be felled just as easily.”

“I understand that, but the real question is—how was it defeated?”

The one who responded was a woman draped in a black robe. She appeared to be in her early twenties, her dark hair framing a face that bore a languid expression. There was something about her—an air that might lead others to call her a witch.

“Saying there were no casualties tells us nothing about the actual method.”

“I’ve looked into that as well. The Elder Beast’s movements were halted by a certain Holy Knight, after which knights and heroes struck it down.”

“A Holy Knight…?”

“Yes. And not just any knight—one who was only recently appointed. A battle-hardened warrior who spent years fighting in the East.”

“Battle-hardened, you say?”

The woman scoffed, unimpressed.

“But that’s the East we’re talking about, isn’t it?”

“We may focus on the North, but there are also forces in the East and South dedicated to fighting monsters. While the North is undoubtedly the most critical front, that doesn’t mean all of the kingdom’s strongest warriors are gathered here.”

“So, you’re saying this so-called ‘battle-hardened’ knight was simply strong?”

“That seems to be the case. The official report was written by another Holy Knight—the one who led the subjugation force—so it’s possible they deliberately downplayed their peer’s contributions.”

“Are you impressed by this Holy Knight?”

“Yes. I spoke with warriors who were present, and they all confirmed that his blade dealt a decisive wound to the Elder Beast.”

At this, the woman pressed a hand to her lips, deep in thought.

“…Have you investigated this individual further?”

In response, the man reached into a bag at his side and produced a bundle of documents.

“You certainly came prepared.”

“That is my profession, after all.”

Taking the documents, the woman skimmed through them. Soon, something caught her attention.

“Hah… I see. So, he set up traps beforehand.”

Her gaze lingered on a particular section—not only detailing the Holy Knight, but also mentioning the hero who had worked alongside him.

Whether he noticed her reaction or not, the man continued,

“Yes, through some form of magical preparation.”

“…This magic intrigues me as well. But for now, I have a grasp on the situation.”

“I appreciate it.”

“The payment will be handled the usual way?”

“Yes, as always… Though, may I ask you one question?”

“You want to know what I intend to do with this information, don’t you?”

The woman met his gaze directly. The man nodded.

“Indeed. Do you plan to head North?”

“That’s right. There is something I must achieve. To reach that goal, I need to be in a place like the North—where battles against monsters are fought.”

“I see.”

“You almost sound disappointed.”

“You’ve been a valuable client for some time. It’s only natural to mourn the departure of a loyal patron.”

“A man of your talents will hardly struggle to find new business. Even without me, you’ll manage just fine.”

“Perhaps… Well, let us end our discussion here. So then, to the North?”

“Yes. I’ve already vacated my lodgings.”

“You’re well-prepared… I wish you good fortune.”

With that, the man departed. Left alone, the woman let out a small breath.

“Yes… I must go north. There is something I must accomplish.”

Her resolve hardened, tension running through her body. What she sought—what her eyes were fixed upon—remained unclear.

“Just you wait… I will claim everything in my way, in my own manner.”

Rising to her feet, she left the tavern and stepped onto the bustling main street.

Her path led north.

Just before exiting the royal capital, she caught sight of a group of warriors gathered at the city gate, preparing for their journey. They too seemed to be heading for the North.

“There will be more like them soon enough,” she thought, blending into the crowd as she passed through the city gates.

Her footsteps were firm, resolute.

Even as strangers turned to glance at her, intrigued by her presence, she paid them no heed.

Quietly, with an unwavering fire in her heart, she continued onward—to seize what was hers.

Elias returned to his chamber, and after a brief moment, Frenn arrived. He proceeded to recount his conversation with Noque.

“So, it seems that Lord Noque is willing to be somewhat of an ally.”

“Considering his approach to governance, it is unlikely that he would deceive us. I see no issue here.”

“That means, for now, the best course of action is to focus on strengthening the forces of this fortress.”

“…You intend to train the knights here and bolster the overall combat capability of the garrison.”

“Exactly. The subjugation of the Elder Beast was manageable thanks to our encounter with Michena. However, she has earned her own merits from this battle, and it is unlikely that she will remain here. It would be better to cultivate those within this fortress who can stand and fight alongside me.”

“This will take time.”

“Indeed… It seems those in the East will have to wait a little longer.”

Saying this, Elias scratched his head before continuing.

“Well, we shall proceed methodically… In the meantime, you will continue gathering intelligence. But as I mentioned before, exercise the utmost caution.”

“I understand… However, Elias, even if you are to train the knights of this fortress, many of them have little to no real combat experience. It will require an extensive amount of time.”

“No, I believe it will be much quicker than you anticipate.”

“And why is that?”

“During my time here before the subjugation of the Elder Beast, I conducted training sessions and observed the knights. Many show promise. Even though this is a rear support fortress, those assigned here have still received basic training, and they have been drilled in swordplay. It was only their lack of battlefield experience that held them back. If we address that and refine their strengths, the fighting capability of this fortress will improve considerably.”

“In that case, you will focus primarily on guiding those who show the most potential.”

“That is correct. However, the biggest challenge remains their lack of real combat experience. Even if we send them out under the guise of reconnaissance, there are few monsters beyond the frontlines.”

“Then, why not descend the mountain instead?”

At this unexpected proposal, Elias raised a brow.

“Descend the mountain?”

“Michena mentioned something before—she became recognized as a Hero precisely because she continued to fight monsters. The frontier is not the only place where monsters emerge. Given the Elder Beast’s appearance, it is possible that new monster infestations have begun appearing in the forests surrounding this fortress.”

“I see… According to Lord Noque, there are no knightly outposts beyond this fortress. That means if monsters are appearing in the vicinity, investigating and eliminating them falls under our jurisdiction. Since this is a support fortress, any nearby monster infestations would pose a direct threat to its operations. That alone is sufficient reason to initiate a subjugation effort.”

Elias swiftly began formulating a plan in his mind.

“Alright, then. I will begin by establishing stronger ties with the knights while surveying the surrounding areas. That sets our short-term course.”

“And regarding the long-term objective—namely, acquiring enough influence to inform the court about the situation in the East?”

“The simplest way is further subjugation efforts… or accumulating more achievements here in the North. But that, of course, will take time. We are stationed at a rear support fortress, so opportunities for battle will be fewer than at the frontlines.”

“…And external factors will also play a role in whether another subjugation mission arises.”

“We shall assess that situation when it comes. The remaining concern for now is Lord Noque.”

At this, Frenn tilted her head.

“Lord Noque? Is there another issue?”

“He has agreed not to obstruct me and has asked for my cooperation in managing the fortress. However, if the one who stationed me here—who also commands Lord Noque—were to issue a direct order interfering with my activities, he would have no choice but to comply.”

Frenn nodded in agreement.

“Yes, that is true, but…”

“Ideally, I need a level of trust with him that would allow him to resist such orders.”

“…That would be extremely difficult. For that to happen, you would need to possess more influence than those who hold sway over him, or at the very least, make him believe that supporting you would serve his own interests.”

“Exactly. However, if we invest our efforts in fortifying this fortress and later move toward active monster subjugation, only to be obstructed at a crucial moment, that would be a serious hindrance.”

“This, too, will take time…”

“In the end, nothing can be resolved overnight. We will simply have to be patient.”

Elias spoke with neither frustration nor hesitation. Seeing this, Frenn gave a few small nods before remarking,

“It seems arduous… but you appear to be enjoying yourself.”

“Better than having nothing to do.”

“True enough… Though, I suppose there is no place for me in training the knights?”

“No, I will handle that. However, I do want you to continue interacting with the personnel here.”

“Understood.”

With that, Frenn left the chamber. Left alone, Elias stretched lightly.

“There is an overwhelming amount of work to be done… but I shall handle it one step at a time.”

He gazed out of the window. In the courtyard, several knights were undergoing training.

“…For now, I should focus on refining my swordsmanship.”

With that thought in mind, Elias left his chamber. As he strode toward the courtyard, he once again reviewed the tasks that lay ahead.

After concluding his discussion with Frenn, Elias made his way to Noque’s chamber. Upon requesting a brief audience, Noque gave a nod of acknowledgment.

“You wish to discuss the future, I presume?”

“Yes, I wished to confirm how I am to proceed.”

“…As the lord of this fortress, my preference would be for you to continue training the knights and serving here. However, I suspect your intentions lie elsewhere.”

“If that is the directive given to me, I shall comply.”

At Elias’s composed response, Noque let out a quiet sigh.

“…You are already aware, are you not? The reason you were stationed here was by the will of a certain individual.”

“Yes.”

“By assigning you to a rear support role as a Holy Knight, they sought to obstruct your advancement. To be sure, one could still accrue some degree of merit from serving here, yet compared to those who fight on the front lines, such achievements would be insignificant.”

Noque cast a sidelong glance at Elias before continuing.

“Ultimately, the maneuver was designed to keep you from rising further.”

“I had surmised as much upon my arrival.”

“…And so, what do you intend to do now? The subjugation of the Elder Beast has brought you merit. Should you leverage this, you might secure reassignment to a frontline fortress—or perhaps even another opportunity entirely—”

“I have no intention of making such a request.”

At this unexpected declaration, Noque furrowed his brows.

“You mean to remain here?”

“Since my arrival in the North, I have found a purpose worth pursuing. To accomplish it, I shall require a degree of influence as a Holy Knight. Yet, were I to recklessly chase after such authority, I would inevitably draw opposition. The North is a land perpetually at war with monsters; if discord were to take root here, it would hinder our ability to fight. That is an outcome I wish to avoid.”

“I see… In that case, you will be left with little opportunity to accrue further achievements before the next battle. If you truly seek influence, should you not place yourself in a more favorable position?”

“I have yet to grasp the full extent of Northern affairs. Acting prematurely would only serve to multiply my adversaries. Rushing forward would be to my detriment; for now, I believe it best to adhere to my given duties.”

“So your first priority is to avoid making enemies.”

Noque locked eyes with Elias.

“You came here today to ascertain whether I am friend or foe, did you not?”

“I do not believe you would seek to expel me.”

“Indeed. Moreover, those who orchestrated your posting here would be reluctant to act against you now that your name has begun to spread. Still… does it not trouble you to know who had a hand in your assignment?”

“If I were to probe into that matter, it would only bring unnecessary complications. I would rather feign ignorance.”

“Hah! Is that so…?” Noque chuckled before leaning forward, folding his hands atop the desk. “As for me, I wish to improve the capabilities of this fortress.”

“To enhance its functions?”

“After the attack by the Crimson Wolves, the North has been stirred into vigilance… To be frank, I had never considered the possibility of a high-risk monster making its way to this fortress, which serves only as a rear support base.”

“The absence of monsters here is a testament to successful frontier development. It is only natural that you believed as you did.”

“Perhaps. But the undeniable truth is that the impossible has now occurred. Had you not been here when the monster struck on your first day, the situation might have spiraled into disaster.”

Noque paused for a moment before continuing.

“…This fortress was built to provide logistical support. That has always been its role. However, should it be breached, there will be nothing left to hold the monsters back. The villages and towns beyond would be left defenseless.”

“In other words, this fortress is the final defensive line.”

“Precisely. This ordeal has made that clear to me. To treat it merely as a base for support is no longer sufficient. We must be prepared to fight.”

Elias could tell that the recent events had profoundly altered Noque’s outlook.

“I am no frontline warrior,” Noque admitted. “Even if monsters were to attack, I would be of little use in battle. When my men were thrown into disarray at the first sign of an attack, I realized the bitter truth—I had been complacent. We are knights, sworn to stand against the monstrous threats of this land, and yet, we could not even muster the will to raise our blades. This failure must be rectified.”

“And in that effort, I am to…?”

“As the commander of this fortress, I technically take orders from the very people who placed you here. However, they do not interfere in my management of the garrison. Your work within this fortress should remain unchallenged.”

Then, Noque issued his decree.

“I can evaluate your contributions. Furthermore, I shall turn a blind eye to your activities here. Beyond that, however, my influence is limited.”

“That is more than enough. I am grateful.”

Noque, too, sought change in the face of crisis. Elias recognized this and offered his sincere thanks.

Following the successful subjugation, the Holy Knight in command formally reported the operation’s completion to the kingdom. Elias, wishing to confirm the details, had Frenn gather the information. Ten days after the battle, he finally received the report in his quarters.

“First and foremost, your name was properly included in the official records, Elias.”

“Oh? So they couldn’t just erase me after all. Though I imagine they’re none too pleased, considering they were the ones who stationed me at a rear-line fortress, only for me to yield such results.”

“That may very well be the case. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to obtain information regarding their exact sentiments.”

“Well, I doubt anyone would openly criticize me at this point… So, how exactly did they report my role?”

“In simple terms, the record states that you collaborated with the hero Misheana in the subjugation of the beast Alder, significantly hampering its movements and creating the decisive opening for its defeat.”

“They didn’t go so far as to say my strike was the finishing blow, then.”

“Visually, the final strike was delivered by the surrounding knights and heroes. Given that, your role was framed as a joint effort with Misheana, and you share the credit with her.”

“I see. That was within my expectations, so I’ve no issue with it.”

For the time being, Misheana was still staying at the fortress. Upon hearing this, she might find it unsatisfactory—after all, she had barely participated in the actual attack. It wouldn’t be surprising if she felt uncomfortable being credited for a victory she had not actively contributed to.

“What about my personal contribution? How much of the total credit do they attribute to me?”

“If the entirety of the operation’s success were rated at a ten, I’d estimate your share falls around a two or a three.”

“That’s more than I expected.”

“Frennkly, I believe you deserved at least half.”

“But I shared the credit with Misheana, didn’t I? Given that, a reduction in my share makes sense… How does the kingdom officially evaluate me, then?”

“They are highly impressed. The fact that a Holy Knight from the Eastern Front achieved such results so soon after his arrival has garnered significant attention. More than the actual battle results, your name may now be circulating within the royal court.”

“I see… Then perhaps I now have the groundwork to formally petition the kingdom.”

“That might still be difficult, at least for the time being.”

“Ideally, if I had single-handedly slain the beast, I could have leveraged it to make rapid progress. But still, if I’ve gained some recognition, I’ll take it as a satisfactory outcome.”

At this point, Elias paused briefly before shifting the conversation.

“…On another note, how are things progressing with the Northern frontier? Now that we’ve slain a long-standing menace, I imagine the kingdom is eager to push forward.”

“As expected, there are those within the kingdom who, emboldened by this victory, are advocating for the elimination of the remaining two great threats in the North.”

“Of course they are. If they ignore the details and focus solely on the results, this battle appears to have been an effortless triumph—no casualties, barely any injuries, and a victory over a foe that had troubled the kingdom for decades. Naturally, they’d think the remaining threats can be handled just as easily.”

“So we ride that momentum to secure further achievements… That’s your plan, isn’t it?”

“Exactly. However, we have no idea where the remaining threats are lurking. Even if another subjugation is planned, it will likely take some time to materialize. Until then, gathering information should be our priority.”

“Information gathering… On what, specifically?”

Elias met her gaze and answered without hesitation.

“First, intelligence on the remaining threats. Then, details about the commanders, knights, and heroes stationed at the front-line fortresses. In addition, we need to understand the broader political landscape of the North and the relationships among the Holy Knights stationed in various fortresses.”

“That doesn’t leave us much time to relax…”

“There’s no need to rush. The only pressing matter is information on the remaining monsters. Everything else can wait.”

“I understand. Given the current climate, another subjugation might be organized sooner rather than later. In that case, prioritizing information on the monsters is our best course of action.”

Elias nodded. “Agreed. That said, investigating the Holy Knights could draw unnecessary attention. I’d rather our inquiries go unnoticed.”

“If questioned, would it not suffice to say that we’re researching the political landscape of the North?”

“There will always be those who read too much into things. If they suspect that I’m specifically investigating the other Holy Knights, they might start viewing me as a potential rival.”

Frenn frowned, clearly considering the challenges of discreet information gathering.

“In that case, we’ll have to gather intel under the guise of casual conversation.”

“Exactly. As I said, there’s no rush. If another subjugation effort is launched, that takes priority.”

“Understood. I’ll start gathering information gradually. What will you do in the meantime, Elias?”

“I’ll be laying the groundwork.”

Frenn tilted her head slightly. “Laying the groundwork?”

“With this subjugation, I’ve secured some level of recognition. I need to determine how Lord Noque views me now. At the same time, I must make it clear that I pose no threat to him.”

“If we act too freely, it could put us in a difficult position.”

“Precisely. While I doubt I’ll be expelled from the fortress outright, they could start saddling me with endless bureaucratic tasks under the guise of keeping me occupied. I’d rather avoid being buried under administrative work and instead ensure I have the freedom to move as needed.”

That said, Elias thought to himself, the fortress’s soldiers and knights had begun to trust him. Even Noque was unlikely to act against him without cause.

“I’ll speak with Lord Noque before the day is over. As for you, Frenn, take your time with the information gathering—no need to rush.”

In time, the subjugation force began its withdrawal. During this process, not a single person approached Elias. Without a doubt, it was he who had delivered the decisive blow. However, because the knights and heroes had finished the beast off collectively, the credit for slaying the monster was not attributed to him alone. Instead, he was merely acknowledged as the one who had immobilized it.

(Still, after this battle, my words should carry more weight… or so I would hope. If I had gone completely unrecognized, I might’ve actually complained.)

“Frenn.”

Elias turned to the woman beside him.

“What do you think they’ll make of my contributions?”

“…Though your role was unexpected, there’s no way they can omit your name from the report. While it was the knights and heroes who struck the final blows, all of them witnessed your performance firsthand. Ignoring it outright would be impossible. Besides, battle records aren’t solely determined by the commanding officer’s report—evaluations will be made from multiple perspectives.”

“Multiple perspectives?”

“There were knights monitoring the performance of all participants. The kingdom will assess who contributed most to the operation. That much, at least, is certain.”

Elias mulled over her words.

“So, do you think I’ll be able to submit a formal petition to the kingdom over this?”

“That may be difficult.”

“Yeah… I figured. Well, in any case, we won without suffering any losses. That alone is something to be grateful for.”

At his words, Frenn nodded. Ultimately, the battle had ended in victory. And with no casualties, one could call it a perfect success.

“There’s nothing left for us here. Let’s head back.”

“…Agreed.”

“Oh, I’m coming with you.”

Misheana, who had been lingering nearby, spoke up.

“The hired help we brought along has already left. The payment will be handled by Marie, so you two don’t need to worry about that.”

“That’s a relief… Well, I suppose this was a decent achievement. But I still seem far from my ultimate goal.”

“If you’re aiming to gain recognition, wouldn’t heading to the frontmost fortresses be your best bet?”

“That would make sense… but there are already several Holy Knights stationed there. I doubt they’d go out of their way to call me over.”

Elias sighed.

“If I really want to achieve my goal, do I need enough authority to reassign personnel at will? What do you think, Frenn?”

“That might be overthinking it… However, simply slaying monsters won’t be enough. Unless they are of the caliber of this one.”

“High-profile targets, huh… Come to think of it, including Alder, there are three major threats in the North, aren’t there?”

“What if you were to take down the remaining two?” Frenn asked.

Elias merely shrugged.

“If they don’t appear, there’s nothing I can do… But it’s certainly an option.”

“Knowing you, I wouldn’t be surprised if you pulled it off,” Misheana added with a grin. “Honestly, if you’d put your full strength into it, wouldn’t Alder have gone down in a single strike?”

“…There’s no way a Rank Three threat could be taken out in one blow.”

“Really? From what I saw of your swordplay, it looked like you were holding back.”

(Sharp one, isn’t she?)

Before Elias could respond, she continued.

“You were reserving strength in case the beast did something unexpected… If you had used all of it, could you have killed it outright?”

“…That, I do not know. Regardless, under those circumstances, I never would have risked using my full strength all at once.”

“I see… Are there others as strong as you in the East?”

“If there were, wouldn’t more Holy Knights have come from there? That alone should be your answer. It’s not as though we were training under ideal conditions—our lives revolved around ceaselessly hunting monsters. This strength is merely a byproduct of that.”

At his words, Misheana narrowed her eyes in thought.

“…Alright. I’ll leave it at that for now.”

“That’s a rather pointed way of phrasing it.”

“It just… feels like you’re keeping secrets from me.”

Elias did not outright confirm or deny it. In truth, it was not secrecy but discretion—if he carelessly divulged too much about the East’s circumstances, it could lead to complications. For that reason, he had chosen to remain silent.

“…The truth is that I’m still new to the North. I don’t fully grasp the political landscape here yet. So for now, I prefer to move cautiously.”

“Alright, fine. I’ll accept that—for now.”

“…You really don’t let things go easily.”

“Well, whatever,” he said with a dismissive wave. “Misheana, how do you think Marie will react to today’s battle?”

“That depends on how the reports are written, but at the very least, she’ll acknowledge your contributions. I imagine she’ll be glad to have formed a connection with you.”

“I see.”

“Thinking of leveraging her influence for something?”

“I wouldn’t go that far… If anything, I was considering whether she might have another task for me after this.”

“Hmm… Given that we’ve now established ties, she may not expect further compensation. But if I end up getting a Northern-related request, I might ask for your help.”

“…As long as it doesn’t interfere with my own duties, I don’t mind lending a hand.”

“Wait, you have regular duties?” she asked, somewhat surprised.

“I’m not completely idle, you know.”

With that, their conversation shifted to lighter topics as they left the battlefield behind.

Had any besides Elias managed to track Alder’s movements? That question was swiftly answered—none of the knights reacted as the monstrous beast drew near.

Or rather, they could not react. The sheer speed of Alder’s movements made it nearly impossible for ordinary warriors to follow with their eyes. Thus, the first to move—was Elias.

He took a single step forward. In the same instant, Alder lunged. Its eyes locked onto Elias with the same murderous intent it had shown before. Once more, it had chosen its target and launched its attack.

(If all it sought was escape, there would be no reason to come for me again… Could it have some other objective while attempting to flee?)

The thought crossed his mind, yet there was no time to dwell on it. Alder was upon him. The knights and heroes nearby barely managed to raise their voices in alarm—there was no time for anything more.

And then—Alder stepped into the trap.

In the blink of an eye, the magic activated, unleashing a surge of lightning that coursed through the beast’s body.

This was no ordinary offensive spell. Lightning-based magic came in different forms—some struck through their target, rending flesh and ending lives in an instant. A high-level mage could send a single bolt through a creature’s body, reducing it to charred remains.

However, this particular trap had been designed differently. It was imbued with an effect that numbed and paralyzed. Having carefully analyzed Alder’s characteristics, Elias had fine-tuned the spell to ensure that it would take hold.

And it worked.

Alder’s body seized. The lightning crackled across its hide, locking its muscles in place. The effect was akin to a human’s muscles stiffening from an electric shock, preventing movement entirely.

The reason the trap was so effective was simple—Alder’s own nature. The beast constantly channeled magic into its legs to facilitate its lightning-fast movements. Elias had modified the trap to exploit this very trait, using the gathered energy as a conduit to send the paralyzing effect surging through its entire form.

Still, the effect would last only moments. At most, it would be immobilized for mere seconds before breaking free.

But for Elias, that was more than enough.

The instant the trap activated, he poured every ounce of power into his body, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat.

His blade came crashing down toward Alder’s head.

It was a blow far swifter than the beast could react to. For fifty long years, it had evaded its pursuers—but now, for the first time, it failed to escape the blade that sought its life.

As his strike connected, a piercing, almost pained roar echoed through the forest. The impact reverberated through Elias’s arms, his grip tightening around the hilt.

Yet Alder did not move.

Whether it was the lingering effects of the trap, the confusion from the sudden blow, or the sheer shock of being wounded—it remained rooted in place.

“Attack!”

A knight’s voice rang out.

Recognizing the moment for what it was—a fleeting but decisive opportunity—the knights and heroes surged forward.

Still, Alder did not move. Some among them may have thought Elias’s strike had already killed it. Yet even with that uncertainty, none hesitated.

Before Elias could deliver a second blow, countless blades plunged into the beast’s massive form.

Alder let out a faint, pitiful sound—not the kind of roar one would expect from a legendary predator, but a weak, feeble cry. The last breath of a creature that had terrorized the northern lands for decades.

One after another, swords were withdrawn.

With a final shudder, Alder’s enormous body crumpled, crashing lifelessly to the earth.

And then—cheers erupted.

The battlefield shook with cries of triumph, the warriors’ voices rising to the sky in sheer exultation.

“—Well, that’s that.”

As the knights at the frontline handled the aftermath, Elias stood observing their work when Misheana approached him.

“That was utterly absurd,” she remarked. “I never thought it would go down in a single strike.”

“It didn’t,” Elias corrected. “The beast was immobilized, yes, but it was still alive after my blow.”

He recalled the sensation of his blade striking Alder’s hide, then continued.

“The finishing blows came from the knights. I probably could have ended it with a second strike, but they were quicker.”

“I see… So, does this count as your victory?” she asked with a raised brow.

“The trap was mine. And I certainly dealt it a fatal wound,” Elias admitted. “But the final blow was delivered by the knights and heroes. The official battle report will be written by the commanding officer of the subjugation force. They might downplay my role.”

He gave a small shrug.

“If I really wanted sole credit, I would have needed to take its head in a single stroke. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.”

“…Even with a full-power strike?” Misheana probed.

“Well… no.”

(In truth—I hadn’t swung at full strength.)

Elias had held back—not for lack of confidence, but as a precaution. He had no way of knowing how Alder would react after taking damage. If it somehow managed to escape despite the trap, he needed to be ready to chase it down and finish the job.

Had he poured everything into that single strike, he might have severed its head—but he had chosen to reserve some strength in case of the worst.

(That beast lived far longer than it should have… Over the years, it must have absorbed immense amounts of magic from the air, reinforcing its hide. I should have accounted for that when estimating my power.)

Still, he felt no regret.

(The battle was won without unnecessary sacrifice. That alone is enough.)

Yet, deep in his heart, one thought remained.

(I still have a long way to go. I must hone my skills even further.)

And with that vow, Elias once more steeled himself for the path ahead.

Elias kept his senses sharp, tracking the movement of the monstrous Alder, while issuing directives to Frenn, who in turn relayed them to their allies to set the traps. At the same time, Alder itself was growing more active. Having already clashed once with the knights, the beast now sought to break free from the encirclement. The surrounding knights, receiving urgent orders, scrambled to ensure that the creature did not escape.

With the traps set, Elias took a final survey of their placements.

“We’ve managed to set the traps in the locations where Alder is most likely to pass.”

“Still, with the knights constantly moving around to prevent its escape, there’s no guarantee it’ll come exactly where we want it to,” Misheana noted.

Elias nodded in agreement.

“True, but the likelihood of our plan succeeding has increased. Now then, we should move. The knights are on the move as well, meaning the risk of anyone noticing us slipping away is low.”

At that moment, Frenn spoke up.

“Elias, I have confirmation of the battle details from the frontline. The knights attempted to overwhelm Alder with concentrated magical attacks, but its thick hide withstood the assault. They managed to slow it down, but ultimately, it escaped.”

“…They were likely trying to immobilize it with magic first, then finish it off in close combat,” Elias surmised.

“That would seem to be the case.”

“The kingdom’s strategy was clearly centered on how best to stop its movement long enough to land a killing blow. It’s a sound approach. My own traps are also designed to bind its movement, so in the end, our thought process wasn’t so different.”

“Do you think the trap will work?” Misheana murmured.

Elias gave a faint smirk.

“It better work… If not, we might have to cut our losses and flee.”

“Understood.”

Without further delay, Elias and his companions set off, making their way toward the designated trap zone where Alder was most likely to pass.

“We’ll have to remain adaptable. If Alder changes course, we’ll need to reposition the traps.”

“Got it.”

“Frenn, stay ready in case that happens.”

“Yes.”

With their responses secured, Elias arrived at the prepared location—a clearing where the trees had been burned down, perhaps by a past lightning strike. Fallen trunks lined the perimeter, providing a natural boundary.

Elias took a quick look around. That was when he sensed a malevolent presence emerging from the depths of the forest.

“…Right on target.”

“Alder,” Misheana muttered under her breath.

Not long after, voices of knights and warriors could be heard in the distance.

The other knights and heroes were converging on their location—an encouraging sign. However, it seemed Alder had no intention of changing its course.

“The knights from the frontlines haven’t caught up yet… It must believe it can break through before reinforcements arrive.”

“Elias, do we engage it here?”

“Aye. Misheana, how do you plan to fight?”

“I’ll hang back at first. I haven’t seen Alder’s true strength firsthand yet, so I’d like to observe.”

“Understood… In that case, I should warn you of one thing.”

“What is it?”

Elias gave a confident grin as he spoke.

“If I kill it before you get your chance to analyze it, don’t complain.”

“I won’t. Let’s see if you can manage it.”

With that exchange, they steeled themselves for battle.

Knights and warriors rushed forth from the surrounding forest, readying their weapons as they sensed the growing malice in the air.

(The traps will activate the moment Alder’s magic touches them. They are attuned specifically to creatures with magical properties—no matter how much the battlefield is disturbed, so long as Alder steps into one, it will trigger.)

Elias reaffirmed this in his mind as he honed in on Alder’s approach.

(The real question is—how long will the trap hold it? A few seconds would be enough… but if it fails entirely—)

Even as these thoughts ran through his mind, Alder came into view.

The moment its form became visible, the knights and warriors around them stopped in their tracks, weapons raised.

Despite the obvious ambush, Alder did not alter its course. It was pressing forward with unwavering determination.

(It must have determined that this path is the weakest in terms of defenses. Reinforcements are coming, but perhaps not quickly enough. In that case… my presence here is an unexpected obstacle for it.)

“Prepare for battle!” a knight bellowed.

At once, a surge of magic filled the battlefield as combatants readied themselves for the decisive clash.

Elias silently observed, refining his strategy.

(Will Alder attempt a brute-force breakthrough? If so, the trap should stop it. But if the trap fails, I’ll need to step in to defend the others.)

Weighing his options, Elias saw a sudden shift—Alder was accelerating.

In that instant, he spotted the surge of magic accumulating in its legs.

(It’s coming—!)

Without hesitation, Elias gathered magic into his blade, preparing himself.

He understood exactly where Alder was heading.

Right into the trap they had prepared.

With his final thought, he steadied his stance.

(Victory rests upon but a fleeting moment!)

And in that instant, Alder entered their battlefield.

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—”

At long last, the day of the subjugation arrived. At the break of dawn, Elias and his company set forth for the fortress that served as their rendezvous point. There, they regrouped with their allies and reviewed their strategy once more.

“First, we must ascertain the whereabouts of the magic beast Alder. The knights and heroes stationed at the vanguard shall likely engage it first, but we shall monitor its movements while preparing to lay our traps.”

“What if the beast doesn’t show itself?” Misheana murmured, voicing her concern.

Frenn took it upon herself to answer.

“The kingdom has, through past subjugations and reconnaissance, devised methods to lure magic beasts. The moment Alder steps into human territory, they intend to sever its retreat by means of magic, cutting it off from its domain.”

“…Didn’t they try to trap it in the second subjugation? They set their snare but failed to contain it, right? Do they truly believe it will work this time?”

“There seems to be some new strategy in place, so they are confident in their success. However, I could not ascertain the finer details.”

(They likely plan to use magic to repel Alder from retreating rather than physically restraining it…)

Elias mused inwardly as he listened to Frenn’s explanation.

(If Alder is being controlled by some unknown force, or if it is following direct commands, this method will be ineffective. Still, the kingdom has judged—based on previous encounters—that this tactic will suffice.)

“In essence, the plan hinges upon ensnaring Alder within human territory and striking it down,” Frenn continued. “At present, the kingdom is actively tracking the beast’s movements and making its final preparations.”

“And in the meantime, we remain in reserve,” Misheana remarked.

“If the encirclement is successfully executed, we will serve as a barrier to sever Alder’s escape route. That said, capturing it within our net does not guarantee its defeat.”

“—There will always be unforeseen circumstances, no matter how well-conceived the strategy.”

Elias followed up on Frenn’s explanation.

“Every man here—indeed, every soldier in this battle—understands the peril of Alder. Its fearsome speed… a single hit from its high-velocity charge could prove fatal. Merely tracking its movements is a challenge in itself. I expect that the kingdom will employ both human barricades and magic barriers to restrict its mobility. However, this is a foe that has eluded capture for fifty years. In truth, the most dangerous moment may very well be when we begin closing the encirclement.”

“…The kingdom seems to be moving forward with the assumption that their strategy will succeed,” Misheana murmured, nodding to herself.

“Alder is cunning. Should the kingdom prematurely believe in their victory, it may seize the moment and slip through our grasp.”

“Indeed. Given its past escapes, we must assume that Alder possesses an acute sense of its surroundings. Even if it cannot comprehend our precise strategy, it may still sense that something is amiss. Perhaps it can even discern human intent… There is no telling how it will act. But precisely because we are positioned in the rear, we may yet find an opening to strike.”

Elias exhaled lightly, shrugging his shoulders.

“That said, it would be far better if the kingdom’s strategy unfolds without issue. The fewer casualties, the better. Even with all our preparations, there remains a chance that we will never have the opportunity to spring our trap, and the battle may end without our involvement.”

“That is fine by me,” Misheana said plainly.

To her, a decisive victory without needless bloodshed was far preferable to reckless engagement.

“We must pray that no lives are lost and do what we can within our means.”

“Aye… Let us take our positions.”

Elias and his company set out. The knights stationed at the fortress likewise advanced toward the mountain.

The allied heroes proceeded toward their designated positions. Meanwhile, Elias, Misheana, and Frenn moved together as a unit.

Elias extended his senses, seeking the presence of others. There, beyond the regions where the frontlines had expanded, he detected a multitude of human presences—knights, warriors, and auxiliary forces, all converging upon the battlefield.

(To the kingdom, Alder is an adversary steeped in bitter history. It is only natural that they have committed every available resource to ensure victory. Under normal circumstances, I would trust in their measures—but…)

“Elias.”

As they moved, Frenn addressed him from behind.

“I will handle communication with those setting the traps. You and Misheana should focus solely on the battle against Alder.”

“Understood.”

“Yeah, I’m counting on you.”

As soon as Elias and Misheana voiced their assent, a surge of magical energy rippled from the vanguard.

The battle had begun.

“Hey, Elias.”

As the sensation of power filled the air, Misheana turned toward him.

“I know that, ideally, the kingdom’s plan will work. But judging from the way you carry yourself, you don’t seem entirely convinced.”

“…I am not assuming outright failure. That said, if I were to estimate the chances of success… I would say perhaps seventy percent, if I were to be generous.”

“So that’s how dangerous Alder is?”

“It is my own conclusion, based on all that I have considered. Of course, it is also possible that the strategy will succeed and that we will be given the opportunity to strike the killing blow. With that in mind, I would prefer to set our traps.”

“But if Alder moves first, will we have time to lay them?”

“That will depend on how the beast acts. However, our odds are not poor. Given its abilities, devising a flawless countermeasure would have required more time, more manpower, and more resources than we possessed. We have done all we can to prepare. Now, all that remains is to see whether the kingdom’s strategy will hold… or whether our own preparations will bear fruit. In either case—”

Elias tightened his grip on his sword.

“—Victory shall be ours to claim.”