"Felix, step on the mana footholds I’m creating in front of you."
I activated [Reflective Wall], positioning it parallel to the ground, and called out to Felix as he ran beside me.
Receiving a quick "Got it" in response, Felix and I stepped onto the shimmering surface of the [Reflective Wall] and leapt into the air.
Once we reached the apex of our jump, I used [Gravity Manipulation] to shift the direction of the force acting upon us. In this way, we moved toward Rugau as if we were falling horizontally through the sky.
"Are you not going to use teleportation like before?" Felix asked from beside me as we plummeted toward our destination.
"I don't have enough mana left for a long-distance jump like that. Besides, using [Space Leap] without knowing the situation at the destination is far too risky. We’ll reach Rugau soon enough like this."
"...Understood."
As we continued our horizontal fall, the outer walls of Rugau eventually came into view. In front of the walls, attack spells were flying back and forth, and plumes of smoke rose from several locations. It was a scene that truly deserved the name "battlefield."
As we drew closer, the details of the engagement became clearer. I halted our momentum with [Gravity Manipulation] and looked down at the fighting while standing on a mana foothold high in the sky, well out of reach of stray spells.
From what I could see, the Regrif forces held the advantage. Since there were supposedly only a few Imperials on the field, the Regrif Territorial Army should have claimed victory already. However, the battle was still unfolding.
The person closing the gap in their forces was Volk Heyer, the Defender of the party that had conquered the Great Labyrinth of the West. His special ability was [Earth Clod Manipulation]. Under his command, several golems of various sizes had manifested across the battlefield, and the Regrif Territorial Army was currently occupied with fending them off.
"The situation is just as we speculated. Felix, we’re sticking to the plan we discussed, right?"
"No problem. It’s a fact that I lost to you, after all."
"Understood. Then I’ll go make contact with the greatsword-wielding Imperial as planned. I’ll leave persuading the golem caster to you. I can’t allow any more casualties."
"I know."
Ending the conversation, Felix descended in a straight line toward a dense thicket of trees. Volk Heyer was likely positioned somewhere in that area.
I turned my attention back to the battlefield.
(Now, where are the members of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky...)
Searching for my comrades, I spotted Lucre first. She was stationed at the very rear, protected by a barrier magic tool. She was busy using recovery magic to heal the wounded as they were carried in.
Furthermore, every time an attack spell was fired from the Imperial side, she provided the minimum necessary interception and signaled the enemy caster's location to the Territorial Army using [Flash].
Lucre’s latter tactic was one she frequently employed during our explorations with the First Unit. Whenever we were targeted by a magic beast’s spell, she would immediately use [Mana Tracking] to pin down the source. Notifying her comrades of the enemy’s location so Selma-san or Rain-san could follow up with a magical strike was one of the First Unit’s signature strategies.
The Imperial mages were certainly skilled, but as individuals, their standard tactic was to remain hidden while launching spells. However, against Lucre, their positions were exposed the moment they cast a spell. Subjected to concentrated fire from the Territorial Army’s magic weapons, they were forced to spend most of their time focusing on evasion.
Lucre’s presence was undoubtedly a major factor in the Territorial Army’s advantage. While she was a reliable comrade during labyrinth exploration, her abilities seemed even more potent on a battlefield like this. She was definitely one of the last people I’d ever want to face as an enemy in a war.
Next, I found the five members of the Second Unit engaged with the largest golem on the field—a massive construct nearly four meters tall. This party had reached the 83rd Floor of the Great Labyrinth of the South and consisted of some of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky’s elite. Since the golem moved much like a magic beast, the unit was unlikely to be pushed back.
True to my expectations, they were repelling it without difficulty through expert coordination. However, the golem seemed to possess the troublesome ability to reform itself immediately after being destroyed. As long as the caster was human, they couldn't keep it up forever, but it was obvious that we would lose the advantage if the fight dragged on.
I needed to end this quickly, but I had to leave that side of things to Felix. If he took too long, I might have to consider using special-grade magic to wipe out the area where he had landed. That said, doing so would probably cause me to collapse on the spot, so I really hoped Felix would handle it.
Finally, I spotted Wil a short distance away from the main battlefield. He was confronting the Imperial who wielded the greatsword.
(Is that the one Felix mentioned?)
Kicking off from the foothold, I flew toward them. As I approached, Wil and the Imperial closed the distance. Both radiated bloodlust, poised to swing their weapons with lethal intent.
"[Alteration]! [Second Form: Mont Zwei]!"
Activating my Ki, I transformed Schwarzhase into two magic swords. I threw myself between the two of them just as they were about to clash, catching the twin-bladed sword and the greatsword with a magic sword in each hand.
"...Orun!? What are you doing? That’s dangerous!"
"Sorry. But I’d be in trouble if either of you got seriously injured here, so I took the liberty of intervening a bit forcefully."
Wil shouted in a mix of surprise and anger when he realized it was me. He was entirely right to be angry, but I judged this the best way to prevent the situation from worsening.
"That emblem on your chest... are you also an explorer from the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky?" the Imperial asked from the other side.
"I am. I’ve already defeated your leader. This is your loss. Withdraw your blade!"
At my words, both the Imperial and Wil gasped.
"What?! His Highness... That’s impossible! For him to lose..."
At my words, the Imperial's resolve faltered, and the tip of his blade wavered.
"Whether you believe it or not, the golems will stop moving soon. Either way, you have no chance of winning."
As if on cue, the golems began to cease their movements. As their numbers dwindled, voices of confusion rose from the Territorial Army. It meant Felix had successfully stopped Volk Heyer. With this, the large-scale combat was over for the time being.
"The 'Great Hero' is with Volk Heyer. You should probably head back there as well."
I advised the shaken Imperial to return to his leader's side. If he stayed here, he would only draw the resentment of the Territorial Army, which might trigger a fresh conflict.
"H-His Highness...?! I thank you for the information."
Taking my words at face value, the Imperial turned and sprinted toward the location where Felix was. Just in case, I placed a [Marking] on him. This would allow me to know Felix's location at all times. I doubted they would try anything funny now, but it paid to be cautious.
"Wil, do you know where the Territorial Army’s headquarters is?" I asked.
"...Yeah, I know it."
"Good. Could you guide me? I need to talk to them right away."
"...Understood. This way."
After giving a blunt response, Wil turned on his heel and began walking toward Rugau. I followed silently behind him.
◇
As we stepped into the city, I noticed that the streets remained relatively intact. I could see a few collapsed buildings, but they appeared to be military-related facilities. I could hear people sobbing from within the houses, but the air wasn't thick with the scent of blood like it had been in my hometown the day it was razed by bandits.
It seemed Felix had been remarkably thorough about not harming civilians. Even so, the residents' anger, sadness, and hatred wouldn't just vanish. I only hoped this stress wouldn't manifest in a dangerous way later.
While occupied with these thoughts, we reached a building where Old Man Eddington was personally spearheading the command.
"Ah, Orun-kun. The enemy golems suddenly stopped, and you, who were supposed to be facing the 'Great Hero,' show up right at that moment. Can I assume you are involved in this?"
"Yes. That’s correct. I’d like to report on the situation, but first, I request that we speak in private."
"...Hmm. I see. Everyone, leave the room."
At the old man’s command, the people in the room filed out. Wil, who had accompanied me, looked like he wanted to say something, but he left without a word.
"Now then, let's hear it."
"Understood—"
I gave a brief report: the "Great Hero" had changed his mind during the battle, the area near the Cryo Mountains had been devastated by the aftereffects of our fight, and there was a high probability that the Empire and the Cyclamen Cult were in league.
"...I made the right choice calling you here. Orun-kun, thank you for keeping the damage to a minimum." After hearing my report, the old man bowed his head.
"I’m honored. I look forward to your continued patronage."
"Yes, of course. Although I've stepped down as the head, I still hold influence within my faction. I intend to offer whatever assistance I can provide."
This incident had been incredibly dangerous, but I had successfully put the House of Count Eddington in my debt. I never wanted to do something like this again, but looking at the results, it was a major win for both me and the clan.
"In that case, we will return to Tsutrail as originally planned. Regarding the remaining labyrinth investigation, please contact us again once things have settled down here."
"I understand. To be honest, I wanted you to stay as a guard for the negotiations with the Empire, but I suppose it can't be helped."
"I’m sorry. I intervened this time because our clan members were in danger, but explorers have no business meddling in politics. I cannot provide any further cooperation."
I made it clear I wouldn't help any further and left the room.
The matter wasn't entirely resolved, but for now, our part was done. I had fulfilled my obligations and received the old man's permission to leave. My [Marking] showed no suspicious movement from the Imperial, either.
Before I got caught up in any more trouble, I decided to head back to Tsutrail as fast as possible.
Thank you for reading. I would be happy if you read the next episode as well. The "Like" function was implemented in a recent maintenance. I've set it up so this work can accept likes as a trial. Please feel free to press it! Also, I'm waiting for your impressions and reviews!