Everyone. Apply Boosted body strength to the horse. Put all remaining magic into the anti-magic shell!

　The captain of the cavalry unit shouted.

　The cavalrymen are wearing the 'Replica Lord'. It has the ability to reduce the damage of attacking magic.
　But that's not the case with horses. So they must be protected.
　Because whether we fight or run away, we cannot afford to lose our horses now.

"The enemy is a magician. "The enemy is a sorcerer and should not be able to respond to our charge. We will attack them.
"'Yes, sir!

　The soldiers reply to the captain's words.
　They collectively apply 'body strengthening' to the horses and deploy an 'anti-magic barrier' around them.
　With this, the countermeasures against the enemy sorcerers are now in place.
　The problem is...

''It's how to fight that 'Spiritual King (Lord of) Horsemen (Phantom)'...''

　The cavalry captain trembled as he stared at the four-armed 'Spiritual King Horseman'.
　The original 'Lord's Horseman' doesn't understand 'ancient magic'. The defense is also an order of magnitude higher. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. It's nearly impossible to destroy them.

　The only hope is that that the Royal Horseman consumes a lot of magic power.
　What's more, the enemy fired the 'Magic Power Eater's Ray' once.
　That consumes a lot of magic power. Therefore, they shouldn't be able to move for that long. As long as the Spiritual King's Horseman is immobilized, it's easy to defeat the magicians.

　The idea of "retreating" - the cavalry captain chased away the idea that had popped into his head.

　You can't ignore those "spirit king horsemen" and the magicians here.
　If they sent the messenger for communication to them, it would all be over. They would be surrounded by kingdom soldiers on the way back.
　The Empire would not forgive them for running back after such a shambolic failure.

''We must avoid fighting the 'Spiritual King Horsemen' as much as possible and defeat the sorcerers. This is the only way.
''Captain. Can't we call that man (...)?''

　Suddenly, one of the soldiers spoke up.

''I thought he (she) would do something about the situation...''
I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear you. Don't say it again.
Captain!
"f*ck you!　You know, you know that that person never lets you fail!

　The cavalry captain's voice caused the cavalrymen to jolt.

''The Empire is a complete meritocracy. That man is the embodiment of that. If he knew that we had been discovered by the enemy even our lives would be in jeopardy.
"....captain.
''The 'Sanctuary Church' is not the mainstream of the Empire. Our plan is to take that system... or destroy it before the Kingdom's Magical Guild reaches the fifth underground level.
"...because that system is a threat to the Empire, isn't it?
That's right. You'll be ready when you find out.

　At the captain's voice, the cavalrymen readied their spears.
　The purpose of the operation was to wear out the Spiritual King's Horsemen. The goal of the operation was to wear out the Spiritual King's Horsemen and defeat the sorcerers behind them.
　Then you can think about retreating.

We're on our way.
I understand, sir!
"Keeeeeeeee!

　The gryphon screams along with the soldiers' voices.
　Even though its wings were burned and it could no longer fly, its huge body was still moving. With an eagle's beak and claws and a lion's body, the giant beast is a strong ally for the cavalry unit.

Let's go!　Let the men of the 'Kingdom of Liestier' see our power!
"'Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh!'

　With a shout, the cavalry unit began to charge.



　Odette's point of view.



''.......What a surprise. When I was experimenting with the 'Spirit King's Horseman' in the 'Black Forest', I really didn't expect to encounter those mysterious horsemen...''
That was unexpected. Lady Zamel.

　To the trembling old magician Zamel, Odette, who was clad in The Spirit King's Rider, replied.

　Of course, it's no coincidence that Odette and the others are here.

　The kingdom has already obtained information about the intruders and has deployed soldiers on the roads.
　However, only the area around this 'Black Forest' was a void for the soldiers.
　That's why Odette and old Zamel and the others decided to conduct their magic experiments here as a precaution.

　Odette has been in contact with Yuki and the 'Bat Legion' and the others.
　It's easy to miss the enemy's cavalry outside the forest when they arrive.

(Actually, it would have been better if the enemy hadn't come.)

　Odette checks the state of the 'Spiritual King Rider'.
　It was significant that the first attack of the 'Magic Power Attenuating Ray (Vanishment)' that annihilates the opponent's magic power was hit.
　That made four of the enemy's horsemen unable to fight.
　There were only eight left. And the gryphon who had lost his wings. There's a good chance of winning.

(But we don't have those platinum knights Yuki was talking about.)

　According to my information, there should be a knight wearing platinum armor all over his body and armor on his horse.
　However, he is not among the cavalry in front of me.
　Is he acting alone or has he escaped?

(It's good to have no strong enemies. Even the "Magic Power Attenuation Ray" from the "Spirit King Rider" can only fire two more times. Moreover, if you use it a second time, your magic power will run out.

　Even if you can use it, Odette's magic power is not infinite.
　Moreover, this "Spiritual King's Horseman" is also a shield to protect the magicians.
　The replica lords, which are difficult to use magic on, are stopped by Odette with her Spiritual Warrior. I'm sure the magicians will be able to defeat the Gryphon and then all of them will be able to attack the replica lords.
　That should help.

「──なんとして、ここで敵を食い止めなくては」

『霊王騎』をまとったまま、オデットが前に出る。

「ザメルさま、申し訳ありませんが、わたくしを援護(えんご)していただけますか？　できれば指示通りに魔術を使っていただきたいのですけれど」
「わかった」

　老ザメルはうなずいた。
　白いヒゲをなでて、純白のローブをひるがえして、宣言する。

「わしが、スレイ家のご令嬢(れいじょう)の援護(えんご)に回る！　他の者はグリフォンにありったけの攻撃魔術を叩き付けよ！　わしらの邪魔をさせるでないぞ！！」
「「「わ、わかりました！！」」」

　ギルドの魔術師たちが一斉に答える。
　彼らは翼をなくしたグリフォンに、ありったけの攻撃魔術をたたき込んでいる。
　火炎魔術がグリフォンの脚を焼き、移動力を奪っていく。あちらは大丈夫──そう思ったのか、老ザメルはヒゲをなでながら、『霊王騎』をまとうオデットに語りかける。

「魔術師の戦い方は、これから変わってゆくかもしれぬな」
「かもしれませんわね。『古代魔術』を防ぐ盾に、『古代魔術』が効きにくい『レプリカ・ロード』などが使われるようになったんですもの」
「今後は『レプリカ・ロード』をまとった前衛が敵を防ぎ、後衛の魔術師が『古代魔術』を使うようというのが一般的になるやもしれぬ。やれやれ……２００年近く止まっていた時間が、ようやく流れだしたようだ」
「わたくしは……これからどうなるか不安ですわ」
「若い者がなにを言うか」
「ザメルさまも一度若くなってみれば、わたくしたちの不安がわかります」
「戯(ざ)れ言(ごと)を。それよりスレイ家のご令嬢よ。勝算はあるかね？」
「ユウキ＝グロッサリアの使い魔によると、あの騎兵たちは動きも速く、飛んだり跳ねたりもするそうですわ」
「その上、魔術が効きにくいときている」
「ええ。ですが、彼は対策を立てていました。それを使わせていただきます。それと、例のものは、ここに持ってきていらっしゃいますか？」
「ああ。実験前に、とある商会(・・・・・)が『魔術ギルド』に献上(けんじょう)したものだな？」

　老ザメルは肩をすくめた。

「『身体強化』した魔術師用の武器、ということで制作したそうだが、結局、誰も使えなかった。お主があれを使ってみたいと申したときにはおどろいたぞ」
「なにが役に立つかわかりませんわね。あの商会(・・・・)には感謝しなければ」

　そんな話のあと、オデットは老ザメルに作戦を伝えたのだった。




　その数分後。
　騎兵たちと、オデットたちは交戦状態に入った。




「『霊王騎』は動きが遅い。間合いも狭い。よって、一撃離脱の攻撃を行う！」
『『『了解しました』』』

　騎兵たちは『霊王騎』に向かって突進していく。
　そのまま突撃槍(ランス)でダメージを与えて、離脱(りだつ)。
『霊王騎』の消耗(しょうもう)を誘い、隙あらば魔術師たちを襲う。それが彼らの作戦だった。

　だが──


　ずずず……。


　重い音がして、『霊王騎』が、背後からなにかを持ち上げるのが見えた。
　長い棒だった。人の身長よりも長い。
　先端は、金属で補強されている。


　それは『王騎』のために作られた──打撃棒(メイス)だった。


「失礼いたしますわ！！」

　ごすっ！

『霊王騎』の腕が、伸びたように見えた。
　間合いの外にいたはずの馬が、打撃棒(メイス)の一撃を受けて吹き飛ぶ。
　馬は兵士を巻き添えにして転がっていく。
　一瞬遅れて、『霊王騎』の側面から別の騎兵が突進する。
『霊王騎』の胴体に向かって突撃槍(ランス)を突き出す。間合い、勢いともに完璧だった。

「──強い騎兵なのでしょうね。あなたたちは」

『霊王騎』の中で、オデットがつぶやいた。

　この『王騎』は魔力で動く鎧(よろい)だ。だから、考えただけで動かすことができる。


　鎧(よろい)の背中についた３本目と４本目の腕が動き、盾を構える。
　そして──騎兵の突撃槍(ランス)を、あっさりと受け止めた。

「アームド・オーガが使っていた、『古代魔術』も防ぐ盾ですわ。そう簡単には壊れません！！」
「ば、化け物め──！」
「失礼な！　これは元々あなたたちの仲間が使っていた鎧でしょう！？」

　オデットは打撃棒(メイス)で騎兵の馬の、足を折る。
　兵士は倒れた馬の下敷きになる。生きてはいるようだが、動けない。

「まずは２人。残りは、６人ですわね」

　敵の騎兵たちはオデット──『霊王騎』を遠巻きにしている。
　本来なら、彼らは『霊王騎』を迂回して、ギルドの魔術師たちを攻撃したいのだろう。
　けれど、それは難しい。
『霊王騎』が手にした巨大な打撃棒(メイス)の攻撃範囲はかなり広い。
　下手に迂回したら、無防備な側面をさらすことになる。

　さらに、魔術師たちは森を背にして戦っている。
　木が生い茂る森の中では、騎兵は速度を出せない。その上、トラップが仕掛けられている可能性もある。騎兵が森に入るのは危険すぎる。
　その上、魔術師が戦っている巨大グリフォンが邪魔をしている。
　あの巨体のせいで、騎兵たちは魔術師たちのところへ向かえない。『霊王騎』を避けて、グリフォンを避けて──かなり迂回(うかい)しなければ、魔術師を攻撃することはできないのだ。

「王国の魔術師たちめ、陰険(いんけん)な手を！」
It wasn't my idea!

　Odette's Spirit King Horseman awaits the cavalrymen with his four arms.
The strength of the Reigning King's Horseman is its magic dampening ray and its armored defense. It's strength lies in its unexpectedly quick movements and the incredible power its massive body produces. Although it consumes magic power, it can produce more than ten times its normal power. This is also the reason why they were able to beat a horse to death.

You're the daughter of the Srei family. How is your magic still working?
I wish I could tell you not to worry, but it's not easy.
"I am sorry to leave you to fight alone. But soon there will be other sorcerers...


"Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
"'Oooooohhhh!


　Behind me, the demons screamed and the sorcerers cheered.
　I looked back for a moment and saw the flame-clad gryphon crumble down.
　The sorcerers of the guild had won.

''I hope that with this, the enemy cavalry will also escape...''

　We've got the prisoners. We have information on the enemy. There is no advantage to fighting them anymore.
　But...

I'm going to have to take a shot at him, or I won't be able to meet him. Let's go!
""Yes!"

　The rest of the cavalry came straight at Odette.

'After all, will you not run away?
I'm sure you've noticed. "If we can hold on to the operating hours of the Spiritual King, we've won.

　Old Zamel gnashed his teeth.

He said, "Except for the daughter of House Slai, there is no one else who can move the Spiritual King's Rider. And if the Spiritual King's Horsemen can't move, it will be difficult to stop those horsemen.
You're a disgusting fighter.

　Odette gritted her teeth.
　But we can't let them go to King's Landing.

　The defense of King's Landing would at least prevent the cavalry from attacking.
　But there could be damage. Someone might get injured.
　It could be someone from the 'Magic Guild' - or perhaps it could be you and Yuki's family - a gentle maid or a fox girl who has been transformed into a human being.

''──How can you forgive such a thing?''

　Once again, Odette held up her Grail Chamber of Commerce blow stick (mace).
　At the same time, the cavalrymen also began to move.

''Destroy the 'Spirit King Rider'!　It's the 'King's Horseman' that was stolen by an evil messenger. It's unavoidable!
""Yes!"
Who is evil?　You're the ones who attacked us to this point, aren't you!

　Odette - The "Spirit King Horseman" intercepts the enemy.
　There are four cavalrymen who are coming here. They move faster than the previous cavalry. They are elite.
　The enemy has two vanguards and two rear guards in two lines. They are running at full speed on horses that have been "body strengthened".
They are in the line of fire of the "magic power attenuation ray" - but that is suspicious. The other side should also know about our abilities. What should I do──thinking for a moment, Odette prepares to fire the ray of light. I'm aware of the risk. I'll neutralize the enemy here.

''Magic Attenuation Ray (Vanishment)!''
Go!

The "Spirit King Horseman" fires a gray ray of light. Two horsemen are consumed by the ray of light that takes away their magical power. The man and the horse lose their power and fall down - right before the two horsemen behind them jumped.

"Wha...?

　The cavalryman's body falls straight down.
　A discarded attack using the falling speed. Aiming to strike each other──Thinking that, Odette reflexively dodges to dodge. The enemy cavalry descends to the ground as it is and starts running.

Jumping over the "Spiritual King Horseman", towards the sorcerers.

''Now!　He came around behind the 'Spirit King Rider'!
I want all the sorcerers dead!

The cavalrymen who jumped over the 'Spirit King's Horseman' started to run, shouting.
　The sorcerers who had just defeated the Gryphon were out of breath. The battle had consumed their strength and magic power. They don't have the strength to fight. Thinking that, the horsemen speed up their horses──.

I know what you're doing. Eat this. "freezing the cold air.
"...the...?

　I slipped on the thick ice that covered the ground - and fell.

""Babeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

　The horses scream.
Even if they are 'physically strengthened', there is a limit. They fell while the shock of the fall was still present.
　The damage must be considerable. He broke his legs and was unable to get up.

''Ridiculous!　Hey, such simple hands.
You're relying on the replica lords too much.

　Odette's Spirit King Horseman, with his four arms, restrains the fallen soldiers.
The chains that Odette had prepared in case the Spirit King's Horseman went out of control came in handy. Odette used her four arms to easily tie up the soldiers.

If the 'Replica Lord' itself isn't affected by the 'Ancient Magic', then we'll go for the horses. If the horse has magical defenses in place, then I will set a trap on the ground the horse treads on. It's not natural.
.....
Well, it's not really my idea of a trap, sir.

　This was another of Yuki's operations.
　He was fighting a swiftly jumping cavalryman in the border area.
　He was also thinking of countermeasures for ordinary sorcerers to fight against that enemy.

　Odette's 'Spirit King Rider' was a literal shield.
　It was not only to protect the sorcerer, but also to hide the weapon's striking rod (mace) and to hide the ground that old Zamel had frozen from the enemy's view.

Even 'Replica Lords' and 'Royal Horsemen' cannot help but be affected by the surrounding environment. I see........perhaps this is the reason why the 'Ancient Magical Civilization' was destroyed.
You'll have to wait until after the fact, Mr. Zamel. Mr. Zamel. You still have enemies.

　Odette looks ahead.
　There are two more cavalrymen left. The person who seems to be the leader and his second in command.

(──The "Magic Power Attenuation Ray (Vanishment)" was fired. The operating time of the "Spiritual King's Horseman" is also limited. I hope you won't be coming here as much as possible, but...

　Behind Odette, there was a sound like a bird flapping.
　It's the sound of old Zamel and his friends sending the messenger flying.
　This would convey information about the intruders to the king's capital. Even if they escaped here, it would be impossible for the cavalrymen to enter the royal capital.

".........we're retreating!

　The two cavalrymen turned their backs to Odette and the others.
　At the same time, the sorcerers cheered. Odette's body also relaxed.
　The mission was a success.
　Odette and her magicians succeeded in capturing the enemy and preventing them from entering the capital.

''Mr. Zamel. ''Mr. Zamel, please send the messenger to the border.
I know. I know, but we have to get those two.

　When old Zamel nodded and was about to summon the messenger...



"'Peeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!



　The messengers released by the sorcerers fell, shot through with silver light.

''──E.''

　Odette and the others looked on.
　The light was coming from where the cavalrymen were headed.
　And then...

Why do you think they are fighting the enemy?　Why didn't you call me?　Why are you running away?
... haha.

　As the cavalryman was about to leave, a platinum colored spear pierced his shoulder.
　The horseman who was hit by the spear falls off his horse and falls to the ground. The cavalryman next to him held up his assault lance (lance).


　In front of him, a cavalryman in platinum armor appeared (........).


And what do you mean by not calling me in for something that seems so fun? Hmm?

　In a gentle voice, the platinum cavalryman said.
　At the same time, the cavalryman, who received an invisible shock, was blown away.

''........So, Your Highness......how did you......come here?''
'I can see it from afar when we're having such a fun festival. And yet, for you to exclude me from the group, you guys are really useless. I'm not going to be able to get away with it.
...the mission has failed and we must retreat.
I'm sorry. I hate the word 'failure'. And failures, of course.

　The platinum cavalryman picked up his spear and poked the cavalry captain in the throat with his stone thrust.
'Gulp,' came a scream, and the armour-clad cavalryman fainted.

　Odette was at a loss for words.
　The platinum cavalrymen quickly neutralized the 'Replica Lord' clad cavalrymen in a matter of seconds.
　In other words, the platinum cavalrymen would have more capabilities than the 'Replica Road'.

''I got rid of the hapless replicas. Let's start a battle between the original 'Royal Horsemen (Lords)'.''

　'Hey!' said the platinum cavalryman.

''Hey, don't be shy. Even though there are still some seals left, this 'Holy King (Paladin) Rider (Paladin) A (Alpha)' is a mid-term type 'King's Rider'. It's more powerful than the early 'Spiritual King's Rider'. Let's kill each other without hesitation.

　In front of Odette, old Zamel, and the sorcerers of the 'Sorcerers Guild' watching, the platinum horseman...

　It is a very good thing that you are able to get the best out of it.
　And then the armored horse on which the platinum horseman rode - kicked the ground.


''────!
You know...

　Only a few seconds between them.
　The enemy's 'Holy King Rider' had appeared in front of Odette's eyes.

''Wha, how fast is that!
I'm not in the same world as you guys!


　Bang!


The shield of the Spirit King's Horseman shattered.
　It was just in the nick of time.
I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this as well.
　But the shield shattered, leaving a large hole.
　Moreover, the spear that penetrated the shield had destroyed one of the arms extending from the 'Spirit King Rider's' back.

''........After all, if they were 'royal horsemen' together, their shields could shatter as well.''
Well, you're keeping a cool head. You're pretty cool for a guy from the Kingdom!

The 'Holy King's Horseman' jumped back and spun his spear around.

''Moreover, the 'Spiritual King Rider' reacts very quickly. I'm not sure if the seal is completely broken?　Or have you been officially certified as a messenger?
Shut up. Intruder.
What a shame about intruders. Isn't reconnaissance a common military practice?
...Is this what you call reconnaissance?

　Surrounding them is a burnt-out griffon.
　Eight fallen cavalrymen. Two of them have been pierced by the 'Holy King's Horseman' spear and are bleeding.
　No matter how you look at it, this is just a battle.

''There is no such thing as this kind of reconnaissance (tai-satsu)!
That's why the kingdom is so weak. You're not prepared for this. It's been nearly 200 years since the founding of the Kingdom.

　It's coming. With that intuition, Odette holds up the shield of the 'Spirit King Rider'.
　At the same time, the sorcerers behind him let their attacking magic fly. You can at least block their vision even if it doesn't work. That's what you're thinking about, but...

What?

The 'Holy King's Horseman' was not in front.
　Left and right, behind. Not on either side. The attacking magic just cut through the sky. There was no sound of footsteps.

"No way... Up...?
You're late.

The 'Holy King's Horseman' was right above Odette.
　It was different from the knights from earlier. They don't even have wings, but they are flying normally.
　As it is, the 'Holy King's Horseman' readies his spear and falls straight down. Acceleration, falling speed. If it ate the attack that was added to it, perhaps the 'Spiritual King's Horseman' wouldn't be able to keep it either.
　That's what Odette thought──.

　I called his name into the open communication line.

'I'm sorry to have worried you. I just wanted to get this over with before you arrived.
I'm aware of the situation. Glad you made it in time.


　Gurgling!


　



''──Don't touch my people.''



　The jet-black claws bite into the body of the Paladin. It bites into the body of the Paladin. The armor is cracked.
　The armoured horse flails in the air. Its hind legs kick at the black armor. Still, the black armor doesn't let go of the "Holy King's Horseman".
　The black armor, with its jet-black wings spread out, lowers in altitude and slams the Holy King's Horseman into the ground!


'Gggaaaaaaaaaaaah!　What the hell!　What are you...?
Shut up.

Immediately after slamming the Holy King's Horseman into the ground, the black armor rose intact.
　The black armor rose directly after it was struck on the ground. However, the weapon is not a spear, but a clawed leg.
　It was a kick from a high altitude dive.

The "Holy King's Horseman" immediately raised his body and jumped back.
　But the claws gnawed at the horse's torso. The armor flew off and the armored horse screamed. The black armor's kick directly hit the ground, sending dirt and rocks flying. The 'Holy King's Horseman' rolls on the ground and manages to regain his position. He readies his spear and turns his gaze to the Black King's Horseman.

"─ ─ Damage to the exterior. Damage to the internal mechanism. Huh........huh.

The woman in the 'Holy King's Rider' was breathing heavily and looking at the black armor with its wings spread out.
　Inside her head was a simple fear.
　Until a moment ago, she had won. She had dealt a fatal wound to the 'Spirit King Rider' and all she had to do was run away.
　That had fallen apart in just a few seconds.

''Jet black wings. Giant claws. A huge claw, and the ability to overwhelm this 'Holy King's Rider A (Alpha)' in battle. No way, you're the Lord of Nosfe, which is said to have been stolen by a treacherous sage...

　Thud!

　Just as he was about to say those words, the Black King Rider's arm flew out of the air.
　Immediately afterwards, he kicked the ground to avoid it. He regains his stance.

''- Really, really, shut up.''
You're Lord of no...
You were going to hurt my friends.

The black-armored master interrupted the Holy King's Rider and said, ''If you hadn't come, my people, my daughter and my son in King's Landing would be able to sleep without worrying about anything.

If you hadn't come, my friends, my daughter, my son in King's Landing would have been able to sleep without any worries. And I didn't have to carry all this stuff out in public. You will be held accountable for that.
"I'm not proud of the fact that they only struck us with a single blow. This "Lord of Fighters A-type Alpha" is the strongest...
I don't care about that.

　The one in the black armor replied, "I want my people and my children to live their lives in peace and without worry.

All I want is for my companions and my children to live a peaceful, worry-free life, and to live out their natural lives in comfort. That's the highest priority for me. Don't get in my way.

　Like an old man who has lived a long time, mumbling in a withered - and calm - tone of voice...

　The black armor spread its huge wings in the air, as if to threaten everyone.