A few days after the council.
　The vanquishing army was ready for battle and immediately set out from Narvalondo.


　The eastward march of Nadar's army was unstoppable, and it seemed that it might even approach Rastinel territory.
　If they took their time, there was a risk of a clash in an unexpected place.
　Therefore, the defeating forces decided to intercept it at the Mildare Plains as planned.


　--The Mildare Plains.
　This is a vast plain in the eastern part of Nadar territory.
　It is a plain covered with short grass that appears when you go westward through the forest on the road leading from Rastinel territory.
　It is so clear that it could be said that this place was tailor-made for a decisive battle, and there is no slope to speak of. Further ahead, there is a small hill, but it is too small to be a hill, so it is not suitable for building a defensive position, nor is it an important terrain.
　If we wanted to take advantage of our numerical advantage, there was no better place than this.


"--His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, you are in a good mood. The cause of this war was originally a disgraceful accusation made by the royal family against my lord Polk Nadar, and your highness has no solid cause. If that is the case, then I suggest that you withdraw your troops immediately, receive my lord Poluk Nadar with appropriate treatment, and prepare a seat for negotiations.


"A cause?　My word is my cause in this situation. Go back and tell Poluk Nadar. Tell Poluk Nadar I will come for your head myself.


　A messenger was sent by Poluk Nadar before the battle, but Ceylan rejected it.
　On the other hand, the messenger returned with words of bitterness, "...... you will regret it.


　Now, both the vanquishers and the Nahdar have gathered on the Mildur Plains.
　The sky is clear and the wind is blowing from the north.
　The sky is clear, the wind is blowing from the north, and the two armies are facing each other in a flanking formation.


　The dense formation of ...... soldiers in concentrated operation is reminiscent of primitive warfare in ancient and medieval times. However, unlike the modern armies of the man's world, there is still the fear of soldiers escaping, and in the absence of guns and other firearms, this is probably the best the current army can do.
　In addition to the high offensive power of the horizontal formation, it also has the aspect of preventing enemy soldiers from easily getting around the flanks or behind by forming a long formation on both sides.
　If the army is formed into a single mass without thinking, it will soon be surrounded by the enemy army.
　Therefore, to avoid being easily surrounded, the army is formed in this way.


　The ...... defeating army will form a horizontal formation consisting of infantry, with cavalry on both wings to deal with enemy cavalry trying to flank them. The archers and mage troops were placed in the rear to provide support for the front line.
　The Kingsguard, led by Siran, is on the leftmost flank. The main army of Rastinel and the mage troops are placed in the center of the formation, which is much thicker than the rest of the formation.


"My beloved soldiers of Rynor!　And the heroes who stood up in my crisis!　First of all, I would like to thank you for responding to my request and gathering here!　From now on, I am going into battle with you to defeat the treasonous Poluk Nadar!　I will not allow that ugly, fat pig to plunder the happiness of the people of Rynor!


　The one on horseback who made the majestic speech was the Crown Prince of the Kingdom, Ceylan Crosselrode.
　Although he was still a young man, he used his brave speech and skillful gestures to inspire the soldiers, just like an experienced general.


　When Ceylan raised his Chinese-style sword high in the air to conclude his speech, the soldiers responded with a battle cry that almost made me dizzy.
　It was a sound like the rumbling of the earth.
　It was like a rumbling of the earth, so many voices rushing together in one huge mass that you almost thought a localized earthquake had occurred.


　...... On the other hand, the Nahdar army did not seem to crumble in the face of so many battle cries.
　It seems that the aristocracy that has been given territory in the frontier is not a rotten thing.
　Even though most of the army is made up of conscripts, it is something to be reckoned with.
　Anyway, Ceylan's work does not end with his words of encouragement to the soldiers.


(Is he really going to lead the fight? ......)


　Normally, commanders and other high-ranking people are supposed to stay at the back of the line or stay in the main camp to command. ...... This is a man's world. In this country, monarchs and lords are supposed to be one of the generals and lead their troops into battle unless there is a serious problem.
　On the contrary, it is more rare for them to stay in the main camp.
　On top of that, Ceylan's decision to come forward and fight this time was also based on a firm purpose.
　To place a jade ball at the core of his strategy is beyond bold, it is almost reckless, but for the Konoe, it is a battle that they can afford.


　On the other hand, Nadar's army.
　Although the vanguard is equipped with large shields and spears, they seem to be poorly equipped overall. This is probably because most of the soldiers who make up the Nadar army are conscripts.
　Since they are not regular soldiers, most of them do not have the tools of war.
　They are provided with minimal weapons such as swords and spears, but their armor consists of a simple breastplate, and all that can be seen is their bare head of hair. Compared to the well armed troops, they look inferior.
　This alone would give a significant advantage to the vanquishing army.
　It is obvious how the battle between those with weapons and armor and those without will turn out.
　In this situation, even if they were to defeat a certain number of regular soldiers fighting in the viceroy's army, it is possible that the army would collapse.


　What was unexpected, however, was the number of soldiers in the Nadar army. According to preliminary information, Nadar's army was expected to have fewer troops than the vanquished army, but in fact, they have gathered a number of troops comparable to the vanquished army.
　Misidentification of the number of troops can sometimes be a mistake that leads directly to defeat.
　This time, though, it was better that the number was about the same.


　...... The Nadar army must have finished their speeches to inspire the troops.
　Soon, out of nowhere, the army began to move.
　When the vanguard of the infantry advanced to a certain distance, it seemed to have entered the range of the mage troops.
　The mages who had completed their chanting activated their magic.
　The magic of the [Flamme Rune] flew in unison in the sky above.
　The sight of the spears of flame shooting towards the heavens is reminiscent of a sunset.
　Not only does it turn the sky red, but the difference in light intensity is so great that it gives the illusion that other places are darkened.


　It is a sight of such magnificence that cannot be seen in ordinary life.
　Only a few moments later, Nadar's army also unleashed a spell.
　As expected, they used fire magic as well.
　Unless the environment is one in which fire has a disadvantage, the magic used on the battlefield is almost exclusively fire magic.
　However, compared to the simultaneous firing of the vanquishing forces, the Nadar forces' use of magic was uneven.
　This was probably due to the fact that they had not been trained with a magic meter. Compared to the vanquishing forces, Nadar's spell casting was uneven, and some of them even failed to chant. On the other hand, the defeated army has overcome these concerns because they have not only trained in magic, but also have people with the same amount of magic and power.


　As a bright red curtain draped from the sky, the soldiers on the front line held their engraved shields in unison for protection. In between, archers shoot a rain of engraved arrows, which is the basic scene immediately after a clash.


　Eventually, after a certain amount of magic and archery, it was time for the infantry and cavalry to come into play.
　The infantry fronts would clash, while the cavalry units on either side would try to grind each other down in order to flank the flanks.
　The vanquishing army has more mage troops than Nadar's army, so it has the advantage of constant support, but as expected, Nadar's army does not seem to be collapsing quickly. The Nadar army also seems to be well organized.


　Just as the war was about to begin...


"Ewlid, I leave the detailed command of the Kingsguard to you.

"As you wish.


　In response to Ceylan's order, a young nobleman standing nearby gave his approval.
　It was Euled Raine, the young general leading the Kingsguard.
　He is the current head of the Earl of Raine and one of the captains of the Kingsguard who oversees the Kingsguard with Ceylan. With his unparalleled skill with a spear, his calmness, and his commanding ability to lead an army, he is truly a man worthy of the term "elite.
　He has the visual appearance of a handsome man from a shoujo manga in a man's world.
　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site.


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. ...... If it weren't for the large spear he carries in one hand, that is.
　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site.


You are a mage. You are to lead the mage troops.

"Are you sure, Your Highness?　If I'm gone, our magical protection will be thin.

We can't afford to leave our generals idle now that we know that Nadar's army is well-stocked. And we also have good mages in the Kingsguard.

"So you want me to go on a rampage?

No. You're the mage troop's keeper. Take control of the mage squad and evaluate the results of their training so far.

Yes, sir.

Go ahead if you have to. But don't take too much credit. Go.


　After the exchange, Roheim suddenly turned to me.


"So, Arx, Noah, Kazui. Take care of His Highness.

Yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

The name is .......


　After replying to each of the calls, Roheim rode his horse towards the mage troops.
　So now the only people standing by Ceylan's side are his bodyguards, himself, Noah and Kazi.
　As he sat nervously on his horse, Ewlad called out to him.
　He had a neat smile and a cool voice.


"Arx Raytheft. It's your first battle, isn't it?

"Yes.

His Highness has already informed me of the situation. You should be at his side, using your magic. Just be careful not to make any rash moves.

"Yes, I understand. ......


　He must have seen through my restless mind.
　When I responded to the gentle voice, Ceylan opened his mouth.


"Arx. Don't die in a place like this.

"......!

"Hmm. Good answer.


　Despite his nervousness, he replied clearly to Ceylan's call.
　On the other hand, Seiran, who is riding a black horse, still wears his usual black mascara and looks quiet.
　Although I was not at ease in front of the enemy army, Ceylan did not even show any sign of being so. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.


　...... He sensed that it was time to start moving and checked the condition of his horse.
　I was given a warhorse by the Konoe to accompany me on this trip.
　They are well trained and are not startled by loud noises. Of course, horses generally dislike sharp objects, so you will have to be careful with them, but it is unlikely that you will run into a spear bedding.


Arcus Raytheft. Are you trained to cast spells on horseback?

Yes. My uncle pestered me about that too.

You're a mage of molten iron. Then there should be no problem.


　Euled's concern was about chanting spells while riding.
　If you are not used to using magic while riding a horse, you may bite your tongue.
　However, he had already learned how to chant so as not to bite his tongue, since he had taken this into consideration when he had received training in riding from Cleve.
　While we were talking about this, the right flank cavalry of the Nahdar army started to move.


"Then all the Kingsguard!　We're moving too!　As planned, after striking a blow to the cavalry in front, they moved south. We'll fish out Poluk Nadar!　Your Highness must not be harmed in the pursuit of the Nadar soldiers!


　The Kingsguard responded to Eulide's command. and move their horses.
　Eventually, the enemy cavalry began to move towards us.
　Only the cavalry.


(......?)


　Nadar's army seems to have mage troops on their right flank as well, but for some reason they don't seem to be firing any magic.
　It is also strange that they are conserving their magic power in front of Ceylan's troops. Normally, they would use their magic to control the cavalry before or as they move.


　It's puzzling that there's been no movement on your side, but seeing that, Ceylan took the lead.


"All Praetorians!　Follow me!


　As soon as Ceylan started to move, the Kingsguard followed.
　Soon, when the distance between them and the enemy cavalry unit had been closed to some extent.
　Seiran, riding his black horse, began to chant a spell.


"A falling spear. A flash of murderous intent. Dazzling gold. Fools crawl on the ground, covered in coals, and golden spears offer themselves before you. Rule! Be destroyed! Scream down from the heavens!


　As the golden [Arts Glyphs] were born, they clashed violently with each other with golden lightning, gathering in Ceylan's right hand. The luminescence produced by the lightning is so great that it can pierce the retina with a blinding flicker.
　The intensity of the phenomenon was so intense that it might even cause serious neurological symptoms in those who were sensitive to stimuli.
　Seeing this, a man who looked like the commander of the enemy cavalry raised a cry that resembled a scream.


"Watch out!　Crosselord's magic is flying at us!　Prepare for anti-magic defense!


　It was right after the commander gave the order.
　The mounted mage hastily cast a simple spell and deployed a defensive barrier.
　Meanwhile, Ceylan raised his golden right arm.
　A flash of light swept down from the sky.
　A roar struck him hard in the ear.
　The wind pressure created by the shockwave rushes through.
　The area was enveloped in white light.


　...... Soon, the white light that had dazzled the surroundings subsided.
　I'm not sure if Ceylan's magic was something that could be prevented by a makeshift barrier.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing and how you're going to do it.


This is ......

This is the magic of the Crosselords, as they say. ......


　Noah and Kazi grunted in horror at the sheer power of the magic that Ceylan had used. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and what you need to do to get it.
　This phenomenon, accompanied by violent flashes of lightning and roaring sounds, is really...


"...... lightning?


　The magic that had been said to be a mystery until now was revealed to him quietly.
　The violent flash of lightning, the roar created by shockwaves exceeding the speed of sound, and the ozone smell that suddenly drifted into the air, it was definitely lightning.
　A person should not be scorched by lightning, but since it is magic, the results are often excessive.
　On the one hand, it is unique and easy to identify, but on the other hand, it is no wonder that it has been called a mystery.
　In this world, it would not be possible to observe lightning in detail, and in the first place, the existence of electricity is not yet known in this world.
　Even in the world of ...... man, lightning was not recognized as electricity until the 1700s, so it seems that it is still an unknown energy.


　The cavalry is confused by Ceylan's magic, but quickly regains its footing.
　The horses were startled by the loud noise and went wild, and the cavalry should have lost control of the reins, but they didn't. Apparently, the enemy horsemen were wearing earplugs for their horses, just like the Kingsguard horsemen.
　I guess they are taking proper measures to fight Ceylan.
　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them in the marketplace.


　...... Yes, you don't have to force yourself to do anything. I don't have the talent to play a major role on the battlefield like Ceylan and the others. In this situation, if I move too fast, I will be isolated, and if I overreact, my magic power will be gone soon.
　Besides, it is not in Ceylan's intention to be unnecessarily s*xy.
　If that is the case, as Euled said, we should stick to supporting her.
　You can use magic to kill soldiers who try to approach you, and use defensive magic to protect yourself from magic or arrowballs that fly at you.
　That alone should be enough to do the job.


Dear Arx.

...... Noah is free to move. It's easier for Noah to fight that way.

A ranger. Isn't that a little too easy for you?

You don't look like you want to be comfortable, do you?

All right, sir. Then I'll go and do my best.


　Noah, who had followed his uncle Clive into battle, would be able to handle himself well even if he was left to his own devices. I'm not used to this kind of thing, and I'm afraid that giving him poor instructions will be a burden on him.


"Mr. Kazui. Please take care of Master Arx.

"I can't take care of him, though. That's okay. Oh well.


　After such an exchange, Noah left the reins of the horse in Kazui's hands and headed for his own battlefield.
　And then.


"So, what about me?

Kazui, you cover me and the Kingsguard. Kazui's better suited for that than working alone.

Yeah. I'll leave you to it then.


　Kazi tends to use aid and defense spells more often than offensive spells. It's better to have him with you to cover the guards than to have him act alone like Noah.
　After informing the two of their movements, he ran alongside them, as Ceylan had instructed. Once you're some distance away from the enemy cavalry, stop, and then Ceylan will give you the order to hit the enemy cavalry with your close guard.
　Eventually, the spearheads clashed with each other, resulting in a spear fight. Although it was not a mixed battle, there was a mixture of friend and foe.


　Then we can't use magic to get there.
　Then.


Just don't shoot at it.


　So you come to that conclusion and you start moving. I'm going to cover. You can help Ceylan and the Kingsguard attack.
　I stealthily move my horse and slip away from the guards and the enemy cavalry, and a few of the enemy cavalry see me and come at me.
　Leave that to Kazi.
　I'm not sure what to do.


"Your jet-black wings shine in the night. Your honey is black iron. Your enemy is black iron. Your wings flap noiselessly, scattering iron sand as they soar into the sky. I'm tired of rape leaves. No more cherry blossoms. Give me metal. Give me iron. You are a metal-eating butterfly.


　As you chant, the [Arts Glyphs] are being created. As you chant, the [Artsglyphs] are created one by one, turning black and eventually behaving as if they are spiraling. Their movements are like magnetic lines of force that have become visible in iron sand. A number of small black coils are created around the palm of your hand, floating softly in the air.


It's magic!

"Hey, get back!


　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.



　--"Magnetic Force!


　I'm not sure what to do.
　As soon as I finished saying the spell, a flock of black butterflies began to flap their wings in unison towards where I pointed my palm.
　They were headed for the rear of the enemy cavalry unit. As the black butterflies coiled together there, a black spherical force field was created, as if a black hole had been drilled in the lush sky.
　The movement of the magnetic field lines, which appear to be the center of a vortex, is as if a giant black swallowtail butterfly is flapping its wings.


"This isn't offensive magic?　Helpful magic?

Kuro butterfly?　No, a vortex?　What is that?


　The enemy cavalrymen directly under the magnetic wings were puzzled.
　Perhaps because the effect of the magic is not a direct attack.
　They can't move to avoid it because it doesn't harm them, and the mages can't deal with it because they don't know if it's a problem.
　As a stopgap measure, some of them begin to use anti-seizure magic.


　In the meantime, the weapons and armor they were wearing began to behave restlessly, flapping in time with the butterfly's wings.


"What is ......?


　The enemy cavalryman lowered his gaze in confusion.
　It was not long before the enemy cavalryman was puzzled by the trembling of his armor.
　It was not long before a dramatic reaction occurred.


"Oh, my body's being pulled...... ah, ah, ah!

"My weapon!　My weapon!

d*mn it!　What the hell is this?


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.
　Immediately after the iron sand began to drift around the magnetic wings like butterfly scales.
　Iron weapons and armor are sucked into the powerful magnetic force field with great force.
　Swords and spears flew parallel to the direction of the magnetic field.
　A small hand slips out of your hand.
　Those directly under the force field are lifted into the air, armor and all.
　The enemy cavalryman not only loses his weapon, but also loses his balance and falls from his horse.
　Not only did the soldiers lose their weapons, but they also lost their balance and fell from their horses.
　The only thing to do immediately after ending the magic was to...


"The greedy scavengers do not care how low things go. What lies in wait is their treasure. Take your right arm, which you have stored without preference. ......【Scrap Arm】!


　What I used was a spell to create a right arm that could be used as a weapon.
　The effect of this magic is to consolidate the trash and junk that people have created.
　So what if it's a sword, helmet, or hand that an enemy soldier has lost?
　If what people give away is trash, are they worthy of being gathered in the right arm, or not?


　But as if to show the answer, weapons and armor came flying at a frightening pace.
　Of course, the cavalrymen in their path will take a direct hit, and even if they don't get hit, we will still have weapons.
　While the cavalrymen who were hit by the iron masses fell sparsely, not only the enemy cavalrymen but also the guards gasped at the huge right arm that was created by the iron weapons and armor.


"Cazi!

"Whoa!　What's that, scary!


　When I called out for Kazi's attention, he immediately turned his head and left the scene as if in a hurry.
　He then swung his right arm, more viciously than ever, at the cavalryman he was trying to slow down.


The cavalryman's weapon gave way, and the giant's head fell to the ground.


　The cavalryman's weapon was no match for the massive right arm.
　He blasted one of the horses with a side-swipe and crushed the other with a downward swing of his fist.
　Needless to say, the cavalryman who took the blow of the iron lump mixed with the blade was in a terrible state. ...... You will find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.
　Cazi, who was watching, scowled.


You're not going to blast the enemy, are you?

If you do, you might hit Mikata. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.



I see.


　As soon as he returned to his original position, he was greeted with praise by the Kingsguard who had been escorting Ceylan.
　Likewise, Ewlid.


"Arx Raytheft. Good backup.

Thank you, sir.

"Arx.

Ha!


　As I returned Ewlid's praise, Ceylan called out to me.
　I thought he was going to praise me too, but...
　Suddenly, he pointed his finger above the enemy cavalry.
　Then, what did he say?


"Arx Arx, what was that magic you were talking about?　Why were the enemy soldiers and weapons drawn into that black vortex?

What?

The only things drawn in were weapons, armor, and their wearers. Why are horses and other things limited like that?

"That's the magic I was talking about. It's .......

No, wait. Don't say it. Everything that's attracted is made of metal. ...... So it's got something to do with magnets. Isn't that right?　Isn't it?


　When Ceylan was puzzled by the excitement of waiting for an answer, Ewlad, who had not seen it coming, intervened.


Your Highness, now is not the time to be talking about such things. ......

"Yes, it is. --All right, the enemy soldiers are out of position!　Overrun the vanguard at once!


　When Ceylan raised his sword to the sky, all the guards started to move at once.
　The enemy cavalry broke formation, fell from their horses, lost their weapons, and were still in the midst of confusion.
　There was no way that a well-equipped Kingsguard could defeat such a dying force.
　As I stood beside Ceylan, watching the Kingsguard effortlessly overrun the city, I thought.
　It is important not to overreach. The best thing to do here would be to fight soberly, moderately, and cunningly, and let Ceylan and the others play an active role.
　Just like that.