38 – 38. Martial Arts Tournament (4)

“Next, we will begin the collective mock battle!”

Various terrains, such as trees and rocks, appear in the arena.

Court magicians use teleportation magic to bring in pre-prepared terrains.

Since they can only bring nearby objects, it seems that the principle of this magic is different from teleportation and is not too difficult.

“As expected, strategy would be effective if there was terrain to contend with, rather than a level field.”

Tanya expressed her opinion as she gazed at the transformed interior of the arena, now resembling a forest.

I was with Azella as we descended to the waiting room to check on the knights participating in the mock battle.

Azella commanded as she looked at the knights.

“The overall command will be handled by the leader as practiced. Ensure that Tanya is actively positioned at the front.”

“I will follow your orders.”

A total of 140 knights gathered in front of us.

The 2nd Battalion, 1st Company will participate in today’s battle as contracted members of the Moonlight Bow.

I spoke to the company commander.

“Company Commander, do you remember the contents of the contract? It would be troublesome if you show even the slightest hint of being influenced by the fortune tellings of the Tigre Bow.”

“Oh, of course. Don’t let your enthusiasm die down even before the start. We also have something we received from the teacher. Do you think we would do something so despicable?”

The knights of the 1st Company were energetically stretching and warming up.

Thanks to the aspirin I took from them, I had enjoyed a few days of good health.

“Just keep an eye on it. Let’s show them our skills.”

“Alright. Listen to our knights well.”

I encouraged him by patting his shoulder.

There shouldn’t be much to worry about, after all.

“While the 140 knights might be slightly lacking in overall power compared to the other factions.”

The knights of the other factions numbered around 200 each.

With all factions’ total forces fighting in the arena, a chaotic battle is expected.

There aren’t enough healing ampoules to distribute to everyone.

“We’ll need this much.”

In situations like this, it’s best to prioritize efficiency.

I took out a book from my pocket.

“Oh, is that the Bible?”

“No, it’s a novel. I received a recommendation and have been reading it when I’m bored, and it’s quite entertaining.”

It’s the romance novel that Rauka mentioned.

Even without the Bible, I can roughly imitate the appearance of praying, so I took it out.

“Ah, well, whether it’s a goddess or something else, just listen roughly.”

As I recited the prayer, a bright white divine power emanated from my body.

“May their bodies be reinforced, Amen.”

As the spell ended, the ground glimmered and light enveloped the knights’ bodies.

“A blessing!”

“This feeling… it’s overflowing with power!”

The knights jumped around, elated.

They were blessed with strength. Their efforts would surely increase their muscle mass, which was something they would appreciate.

On the other hand, their divine power was non-existent.

Anyway, they didn’t use divine magic that much, so it didn’t matter.

“To use such a big blessing, you really are a genius medical officer of ours!”

The battalion commander said, holding up a sealed bottle that was fully packed.

“I usually charge money for it.”

From Noble mtl dot com

“hahahaha, even if I have to pay any amount in times of war, I most definitely will stick by your side, teacher. Actually, I thought that since you don’t use healing spells, you can’t use them.”

“Why would I not use healing spells?”

There aren’t many healers who are better than me in our clinic.

“I mean, since you have better skills, you don’t need to use it.”

“That’s right. Don’t spread rumors.”

“Oh, I’m sorry did I start it?”

The battalion commander twisted his neck, looking aggrieved.

It was a joke, but it seems like the rumor has been circulating? Who started it?

“Your Majesty, orders to deploy.”

The commander of the Moon Palace bowed formally, putting one arm vertically in front of his chest and lowering his head.

Ashella raised her chin and commanded him authoritatively.

“Be victorious.”

“Yes!”

Knights crowded into the arena.

The sound of clattering armor filled the air.

After watching them leave, I went back to the audience seat with Ashella.

She spoke to me on the way.

“Gongja, you’re good with healing magic and I’ve never actually seen a blessing spell before.”

“Ah, I see.”

“… Are you not using your healing magic because of me?”

No, I’m just tired.

Even Princess spends days and nights rolling in healing spells at the warrior party. Do you want to use it more?

I have only experienced death by using it.

Although the conditions themselves were extreme situations that were unfavorable, the feeling of being on-site comes to mind when casting healing spells.

They are not good memories. I don’t really want to recall them.

But Ashella’s question seemed like a good excuse for an explanation.

“As you said. I am the princess’s doctor. If there is no technology required by the princess, there is no need for me as well. I always lack time to improve my treatment skills for the princess throughout my life.”

“I see.”

Ashella listened to my answer calmly.

Thanks to her, I gained a good excuse to justify myself.

Is the next match a magic tournament? Ashella plans to participate directly.

Come to think of it, Seymour didn’t show up. He hasn’t even sneezed all day, maybe he didn’t come to the combat competition at all.

Would Ashella know about that?

“Princess, I have one question.”

“…….”

Somehow Ashella didn’t answer.

“Your Majesty?”

“Oh, yeah?”

It wasn’t until I called her a second time that she turned her head, surprised.

“Weren’t the sages coming today?”

“Yeah, they aren’t coming… Ahh.”

Wait, did Ashella just make a mistake in using honorifics?

After taking a deep breath, Ashella, who returned to her usual expression, glared at me fiercely.

“How dare you ask me such a trivial matter when I’m thinking about important things?”

“I deserve to die.”

Feeling crestfallen again, I immediately bowed my head in apology.

… But there was no answer coming back.

It seemed like they had crossed a dangerous river, and I was tense when Ashella’s calm voice seeped into my ears.

“Look up.”

“Will you forgive me? Will I not be executed?”

“No. If you die.”

After muttering to herself as if lost in thought again, I couldn’t hear the rest.

“…There will be no one to fix you for a lifetime.”

***

“Now, look closely. The majestic splendor of the Torjin Palace Knights! Each armor is made of thorium material crafted by dwarf artisans. There are a total of two hundred! It’s only natural that we’ll survive until the end.”

Geork, sitting arrogantly in the stands, shouted confidently.

Indeed, his knights, including the 2nd battalion of the Southern Camp, were in high spirits.

“Brother, will you hurt your big nose again? Our Gold Archery Knights are strong too, you know?”

“The epidemic hasn’t gotten any better, already entering the dilapidated stadium. On the other hand, our knights have been specially managed by the Imperial Doctors.”

“What a pity.”

“hahahaha, fighting ability matters from the preparation stage itself. His Majesty values the internal influence of the palace.”

Geork spoke the truth.

The condition of the knights, including the armor they wore, also included the abilities of their faction’s owner.

“Falkenhein! This time, it will undoubtedly work!”

As Geork exclaimed, Falkenhein stepped forward to answer.

“Yes, Your Majesty. The knights have been thoroughly managed and are in perfect condition.”

“Good.”

With a loud drumbeat, the battle began.

The knights’ shouts soared high into the sky, piercing through the clouds.

Over a thousand knights stood in the arena.

Depending on the faction, they had to overcome rough terrain and strike the enemy.

“There’s no doubt that Geork’s knights have no chance in a head-on battle.”

The difference created by wealth and background is difficult to narrow down with skill alone.

Although the weapons are standardized for non-lethal use, they can cause injuries when hit.

The level of armor is closely related to their combat endurance.

Even with our hastily assembled 1st Battalion, it’s not easy to gain an advantage tactically.

No matter how strong Tanya is, she’s just one person in the end.

“So I need Lauga.”

Bang!

A cloud of dust rises in the distance. The sound of shields colliding simultaneously echoes like drum beats, enhancing the excitement.

The real competition has started.

Formations have already been broken and knights are falling in battle.

“What’s going on? That division…!”

Georg, peering through binoculars to confirm his flag, grits his teeth.

It was because his own flag was already rolling on the ground from the first clash.

“Lauga, it’s your division! Why are you preemptively attacking my knighthood?”

Lauga covers her mouth and stifles a chuckle at Georg’s agitation.

“It’s still the time for reconnaissance. We can’t rush recklessly if we want to win!”

“I don’t need to win! Festivals are only fun, that’s all. Just sit down and enjoy, bro.”

Georg sighs in disbelief at Lauga’s shameless plea.

“It’s clearly a malicious attack!”

“Well, I’m using my own strategy too, you know.”

“Where on earth is that a strategy?”

Even Georg could understand the frustration.

Lauga’s knights didn’t even lift their weapons; they just mindlessly charged with large orc barrels.

The barrels are filled with sticky slime.

They have no special effect. It just feels unpleasant when turned upside down.

Georg’s knights panic as their formation crumbles.

“What are these guys? They’re just rushing in blindly!”

“Get away! Clear this sticky mess!”

Lauga’s knights stick to them like zombies, smearing them with slime.

“You fools, cough, you’re the only ones getting infected… you miserable bastards!”

“We were brought here even though we’re burning with fever! Let us share the infection with you!”

Honorable combat is nowhere to be found, only the chaotic scenes of revelers remain.

The emperor, laughing heartily as he watches them, was not expressing admiration.

“No, my knighthood!! Why do you do this to me, Lauga? What grudge do you have?”

“Didn’t you remember when my brother stole the precious cake from me last month?”

“A cake? You ruined this important competition over just a cake?”

“Just a cake? It’s a rare cake made by a famous pastry chef in the kingdom, limited to only twenty per day!”

“And they even imported it from the enemy country! Goodness.”

Georg wrapped his head with pain, sitting down on the chair.

He looked around the stadium.

The Moonlight Palace Knights firmly occupied the high ground, minimizing their losses and avoiding other factions.

Tanya was knocking down enemy soldiers like autumn leaves.

With this pace, we can expect a pretty good performance.

I approached Asella and spoke to her.

“Your Highness, it seems that the Second Prince is suffering from a headache.”

“Yes, so I heard.”

“How about borrowing him some aspirin or something?”

Asella chuckled at my joke.

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like