At the Center of the village. Two people are standing and waiting for soldiers to arrive.
Both prepared for possible danger those soldiers may give.
These two were none other than Village Chief and 'Capitano'.
Change of POV: Velzard
Here they are.
~Neigh!
~Neiiiigh!
~Nneigh!
Dozens of Horses stopped abruptly in front of them, and countless of them whined at sudden stop. But none of the soldiers fell from their horses, showcasing their training and capability to ride at highest speed. And each of these horses appear to be trained for war.
If you compare Kingdom's soldiers and Baharuth's soldiers, Baharuth's soldiers are better equipped for battles obviously, showcasing their capability of their ruler alone. Baharuth Empire is simply better than Re-Estize Kingdom in all categories.
Slane Theocracy was right in trying to help Baharuth Empire to conquer Re-Estize and add fertile lands to their Emperor's capable hands. Undoubtedly, it would have fared much better that way then being used to plant drugs.
But well, it doesn't matter, the equipment from Slane soldiers pretending to be Baharuth soldiers is stored in one of the houses. I could either transport them with a carriage if I buy one with a horse, but that is bit problematic, on the other hand I can store it in my inventory..
I'll put it into my inventory later and sell it in E-Rantel, it will probably cause me slight amount of trouble if I'm pulling things out of air, but well that's the only way I can work around it for now.
Or there another opportunity might pop up which I can use for my own advantage and gain.
Or..
I may be able to use this chance and ask Gazef to call for Carriage to help me sell this equipment later after I have dealt with Sunlight Scripture, small favor like that shouldn't be problem for someone like him.
Oh well, let's return to reality.
The man leading this band of warriors is none other than Gazef Stronoff. The man in question introduced himself while still sitting on his horse, but his eyes holding sharpness that were not present in previous soldiers pretending to be Baharuth Knights.
Some people say that eyes are key to people's soul, if so, his soul appears to be wall of iron that protects everyone around him, not caring for their title nor status.
And beside Gazef on his right side is his Vice-Captain no doubt. Man in question is wearing plain leather and iron armor. Covering his lower body with leather armor and upper body with iron armor on shoulders and chest. While sword is strapped on his right hip.
He appears to be slightly taller than me with short blonde hair and shaved beard with suspicious eyes as he glanced at me, but not glaring.
"I'm Gazef Stronoff, Warrior Captain of Re-Estize Kingdom! I have received orders by King to hunt down Knights of the Empire that were wreaking havoc in this area by attacking countless Villages." Spoke Gazef as he looked warily at me, but carefully sending glances at Village Chief. No doubt, suspicious of me.
Village Chief gasped on the other side, similar to someone meeting their hero for first time and maybe last time in their life. And his eyes shone with admiration as he gazed upon Head-Warrior.
So Anti-Climatic, I sighed at evolution of current events.
Gazef turned around to look at Village Chief once more, but this time more clearly and to pay proper attention to him.
"You must be Village Chief? Who is this man beside you?" Asked Gazef politely but underneath his tone, you can see guard and readiness for anything. He may appear honorable and good natures person, but before anything he is still a warrior.
But just as Village Chief was about to respond, I stepped up and interrupted him. I need keep appearance for now.
"I'm Capitano, a travelling warrior. I walked upon Knight's carnage of this village and I eliminated all Knights with exception of four of them. They are currently in storehouse, waiting to be apprehended for their actions. " After my swift declaraion, Gazef jumped from his horse in a swift jump before he walked up to me before bowing his head in my direction.
This caused gasps from some of his soldiers to be left out, and even some of them shock their heads at their Captain.
"Thank you for saving this village, Lord Capitano! My words cannot express my full gratitu-" But his sentence also got interrupted by one of his soldiers, who appears to have appeared late if compared to his other comrades, he was scout no doubt.
"Head Warrior! Unknown figures have appeared and seem to have surrounded this Village, as well they seem to be approaching as we speak!" He reported, " I have scouted area nearby but that's all.
20 Minutes later.
Since Scout's reported, all soldiers organized themselves before hiding their horses wherever they could but also occupied houses from Villagers.
"Hmm, wouldn't that be one of the Six Scriptures? Sunlight Scripture, considering the number of Magic Casters managed together and their flags..." I spoke but then I turned to look at Gazef. " Considering this, it can be assumed that soldiers dressed as Baharuth Knights were from Slane Theocracy, and considering that villages here do not pose any strategic value to neither Baharuth Empire, Slane Theocracy nor Re-Estize Kingdom, then the only reason they could be targeting them is.." I trailed off.
Gazef sighed at that before casting one sublte gaze at me, before turning around to look [Archangels of Flames]
"You would be right, Sir Capitano. "
"What are the chances that Nobles are working together to eliminate you, Sir Gazef? " I asked this question plainly but they definitely did work together to eliminate him. Otherwise, King wouldn't have sent his strongest warrior into some non important villages to save them.
"i'm just a Commoner but yet.." He thought so before a realization flashed through his eyes. "They probably did but yet, if possible I would like to hire you to help us. I checked the sculptures you made out of those soldiers. So I assume you are capable user of Magic and Warrior? Warrior and Magic Caster?" He asked me calmly as he looked at me again, this time with slight hope in his eyes.
How should I proceed forward? How should I answer.
"The magic you are talking about is my innate talent." I answered his question, yes I will go with this cover up.
"There is no need for you to step on battlefield. I will personally deal with them." I spoke with confidence not arrogance, Yet. " But In return, I will take Items I find valuable from them, and I will take Baharuth armors."
Many gasped behind us, this storehouse mostly is occupied by civilians and several soldiers.
Obviously, soldiers weren't going to stand for that.
"Sir! I protest, you going alone would be suicide no matter how strong you are!" Protested one such soldier. As expected, no matter how capable they are, they still are Gazef's man.
Truly.
He must be proud of them.
"While I would be buying time for you, you should evacuate villagers. I'm powerful enough and.." I stopped thinking what to say. "I have means to escape if things get too ugly for my sake." I lied, I can't teleport or anything similar, I can transform into Dragon, I hope so. But that would be too risky doing now. I still need to keep my identity a secret.
Maybe if I transform into Dragon, some horny Dragons may come for me and demand me to become their mate. I shivered internally at that! Who knows how Dragons and their scent functions around the world.
I will need to learn as much as I can about Dragons honestly and history about them.
"I understand we just meet and that you don't trust me." I turned to look at Soldiers gathered behind me. " But those are [Archangel Flame's], each one is equal to soldiers. And even Sir Gazef wouldn't be able to take so many of them alone. " I replied. "But I'm their natural enemy due to my talent. My goal is not to sacrifice myself, but to buy much needed time for you to evacuate as many people as you can safely and to protect them."
Some soldiers looked at each other after my words, not knowing what to do at my words, but deep down they understand that it's the only right way. But Gazef jumped on the opportunity to re-assert his authority over them.
"Soldiers what is our duty?!"
Soldiers looked at each other before turning to Gazef once again.
"To protect people of the Kingdom!"
"To protect King!"
"And what is Kingdom without people in it?!" Spoke Gazef once again, his eyes measuring each one of his soldiers.
"Nothing!"
"And why did we become our Kingdom's swords!?"
"To protect the weak and punish the evil!"
"Yes, and we need to protect the weak just now! If anyone has anything against this plan, they are free to challenge Lord Capitano!"
At the end of Gazef's small but successful motivational speech, any soldier that had anything against me going alone against Sunlight Scripture is not saying anything, their eyes hardening, and their holds on their weapons tightened.
Resolution flashing through their eyes. After all every one of his soldiers was commoner, all of them were ready for this.
And each one was prepared to die when they joined military. And now, they shall oblige if it means saving dozens of innocent lives.
"Will you return alive?" Gazef asked me once again as he turned his eyes to look at me.,
I looked at him, now my face is not possible to be seen because of my helmet. But it's pretty intimidating if flinching from nearby soldiers and villagers is anything to go by.
"Yes, I will buy time. But I require one horse first."
He nodded at my words before motioning at his Vice-Captain.
Vice-Captain nodded.
30 minutes later.
~Thud!
~Thud!
~Thud!
I'm approaching Sunlight Scripture's position with Horse I was generously given. I don't have real experience with riding horses, But I did rode several times when I was younger. Thankfully, it came to be useful in future.
Who would have though so.
My plan is to just defeat them, leave several of them alive along with Nigun. But ultimate goal is to take [Dominion Authority] from him. That angel should be 46-49 Level. While I could defeat it to level up, I think it would have better uses for me as another bluffing spell I can pull up if need arises. And while it is certainly a garbage compared to YGGDRASIL's standards, it would suffice as I'm literally broke, I don't have anything beside several dozen Low-Level Healing potions and outfits.
One Tier-7 spell would be better addition than Tier-3s anyway.
"Halt!" Shouted one of the numerous Priest's gathered around Nigun, while they were ordering their Angels to close on me slowly but not too fast, they are preparing.
Nigun Grid Luin is tall blonde haired man with short blonde hair and with aristocratic features on his face. He seems to be in his mid thirties at best, wearing black robe, symbolizing his status as Magic Caster and Captain status. And floating behind him is [Principality of Observation] an Angel of higher rank than [Archangel Flame], [Principality of Observation] holds a small shield and staff as weapon.
[Principality of Observation] does not look much different from [Archangel Flame], the only difference is the weapon of choice and wings, with another pair of small wings at back, near it's head.
I jumped from my horse, before turning my gaze at Nigun who looked at me with a look of "What the heck are you trying to do alone?"
I didn't mind it at all, time to clear out Tutorial with Cheat codes!
"Who are you?" Spoke Nigun Grid Luin, the leader of Sunlight Scriptures and the first guy who witnessed Ainz true power in original timeline. As he said so, he did a motion with his right hand, stopping Archangels from moving to me.
"I'm Capitano. " Was my reply, I was not planning to reveal much about my personal information anyway, we are getting spied on like in original probably, but the difference is that I cannot stop it like Ainz did. "A man who saved this village."
Well, my body right now may be that of a female Dragon in Human form, but I'm still man at heart! I'm not gonna call myself a woman!
Maybe in decades later when I get adapted to my body. But I don't see that coming soon.
"Did you come to beg for lives of meager villagers?" Nigun asked with damn arrogant smirk of third rate villain. I will punch him into face with that one.
Oh shit... I have concentrate first.
Nigun raised a eyebrow. "Ah, that would explain why none of the decoy unit returned. But do you hope achieving same result with us? If you do, then you are greatest fool that ever walked on this world!" He declared quite arrogantly.
I mean, Sunlight Scripture may even be the weakest out of all scriptures as far as I know. But they are not something a Level: Warrior like Gazef could deal with.
"~Sigh. It does not matter what your opinion is, you are not winning against me, a mere [Archangel Flames] do not stand a chance against me, no matter how many are there." I proclaimed before hitting my horse, causing it to run off, it would be a pity for it to die, wouldn't it?
Nigun, ignoring my statement continued. "You appear to know some things you shouldn't know, despite being warrior. Let's see if your words are true or lie." He grinned, before two [Archangel Flames] attacked me from front.
Their wings fluttering with Mana as they charged at me with incredible speed for normal Humans.
Normal Humans is the key word.
[Archangel Flames] Appear as white-platinum Knights, full-armored. With one pair of wings from their backs, and one halo orbiting around their head. Each one of them is using an energy-looking yellow sword. Giving that Lightsaber vibe if you know what I mean.
And instead of having holes for eyes in their helmet, their helmet possess engraved red visor, giving off that futuristic look. All in all, they look like Robots honestly.
As two [Archangel Flames] charged at me, with their swords positioned to pierced my body, I unsheathed my sword. Which honestly does not have a name, so I will call it [Ice-Sword], yeah my naming sense sucks.
The moment I unsheathed it, two Angels were on me. With one swift move from my sword, both Angels got cut horizontally, leaving a trail of golden liquid spurting from angels before they disintegrated.
Turning into dust.
They might have appeared fast to normal Humans, but to me, they were slow as turtle. Maybe it's due to my Dragon vision or something? Or simply due to my level.
"Impressive."
"Impressive, Impressive! Capitano, maybe your words do have some merit on them. But how much can you withstand continued attack from [Archangel Flames]? Surround him!" Ordered Nigun. Before pointing his index finger at me. "Have all Angels attack him at once!"
"Attack!"
"Attack!"
"Attack!"
Numerous other Priests ordered their Angels to attack.
Angels moved swiftly and decisely.
Two dozens of Angels are approaching my position from all sides. They are circling me and suddenly all of them lunged at me. With their swords aimed at me, from all sides. Leaving not enough space to pass through.
In that moment, I wanted to try some of my [Absolute Control Over Ice-Snow Element].
My [Ice-Sword] is in my right hand, leaving my left hand free. I clenched my left hand and dark-like ace was leaking out of my hand. Before I made a motion of punching air at [Archangel of Flames] who were surrounding me from above.
Result was immense. And catastrophic.
Countless Pillars of Ice emerged from ground, piercing dozens of [Archangel Flames] at same time. It's as if Ace Age descended for a second.
Number of Pillars is large, each Angel was pierced several times by several pillars at a moment.
And every single Angel disintegrated. Leaving nothing to prove they even existed. Nothing.
[Level UP! x5!
Nice!
Only shocked silence was left, and gasps from all Priests lead by Nigun.
Some of them looked at each other with bewildered looks, confusion seeping from their eyes.
Several seconds of complete silence ruled before all Chaos broke out. The shocking silence pierced by first sounds of denial of reality.
"Impossible!"
"It cannot be!"
"Monster!"
"Bastard!"
"Mommy!"
After insults, all Priests started firing their meager Magic at me. But due to my armor, it was useless, any Magical attacks below 6th tier will not have effect on it, and these guys are shooting only 2nd Tier Magic and 3rd Tier Magic for now.
It was as if countless lights of different colors descended on my body. But due to my armor, all of those magic were useless.
"[Confusion]!"
"[Magic Arrow]!"
"[Fire Rain]!"
"[Open Wounds]!"
At that moment, dozens of horses galloping can be heard. You don't need second guess to guess who it was.
Everyone turned around to look at direction where horses are galloping from, only to see dozens of soldiers riding horses at their direction. And leading this band of warriors is one and only Warrior Captain, Gazef Stronoff with sword raised above his head as he screamed war cry. Boosting Soldier's morale even more.
"Those idiots... Honor bound bastards." I couldn't help chuckling a bit at that. Some things, no matter in what timeline you are, will always happen because they are connected with personality of people. That's just what was meant to happen.
"[Principality of Observation] Kill him!" Ordered Nigun, now obviously he is panicking and not thinking straight. "And summon another set of Angels!"
Or maybe he is still thinking straight. Maybe I underestimated him after all? He was supposed to be 4th Tier Magic Caster right? I mean hew as leader of Sunlight Scripture after all.
Chaos stopped, as other Magic Casters began summoning Angels. But [Principality of Observation] rushed at me with it's staff raised to hit me vertically. At every flap of it's wings, it's holiness penetrated air around it, as if giving hope to Priests.
But they will be brought to reality once again.
I don't have time for this! I need to eliminate them as fast as I can, or many of those soldiers will die!
At the corner of my vision I noticed Nigun taking out a crystal from his pocket. No doubt, Crystal containing [Dominion Authority] with 7th tier Spell [Holy Smite]
Oh hell no! He is going to summon it only for Gazef and me together while not even seeing my true strength?! Bastard!
With a bit of annoyance coursing through my veins, I immediately slashed at approaching [Principality of Observation] Eliminating it in one hit clean like others. It was undoubtedly a powerful opponent for Gazef, but I can't see it winning against Gazef.
[Level UP! x1]
Another silence coursed through battlefield, but this time I stopped wasting time and rushed directly at Nigun,. My sprint cracking ground beneath me as I surged forward iwith clear intent.
In less than 2 seconds I was at his side, cutting off his right arm holding [Dominion Authority] crystal effortlessly and with my left hand grabbing the so called crystal and throwing it in my invincible inventory. It all happened under a second of me approaching him, and only now did his brain register my actions.
The look on his face was at least horrified.
"Monster! Monster! Monster! Monster!" He screamed as he fell on the cold and hard dirt , with one limb less, and huge pain keeping him from giving accurate orders. "There is no way a High-Level Angel can be defeated with a sword! From unknown warrior like you! Who are you!"
And at that moment I clenched my left arm once more, summoning once again numerous pillars of Ice from the ground, who at my orders began piercing Priests and their Angels, cleanly on head not allowing them even a chance to utter another effortless spell.
While those spells would not have any effect on me, they would be too dangerous at approaching Soldiers.
[Level UP! x2!]
I need them to surrender, so losses for Gazef side will be lesser.
"Anyone who surrenders will be treated as prisoner, and anyone who tries to run away will be eliminated by me!" I declared to all Magic Casters in area, just in case if any of them had such ideas.
But alas it was useless.
Some of them tried running away, but they were pierced by multiple Icicles before they took more than 5 steps.
While remaining just gave up.
Some of them dropped to ground crying, some even urinated it seems, if yellow puddles at their feet is anything to suggest it.
And Nigun just continued screaming in pain, ignoring reality.
I tapped his shoulder slightly, causing him to stop screaming and pay attention to me for once in his life time, but the look he gave me after he paused was...
Did he get PTSD?
"I will warn you once, speak of [Dominion Authority] to anyone from Re-Estize Kingdom and I will personally eliminate you.."
Shouldn't he cast low tier healing spell on himself or even drink a potion?
Chapter Word Count: 3607