I was analyzing the information I had gathered in preparation for the final obstacle before the unification of the north of the county - the attack on Zhuzhou City.

　According to the information I gathered...

　Over 100,000 human beings live in the city of Zhuzhou.
　This information indicated the need to bring more than 100,000 human beings to their knees or kill them.

　The size of Zhuzhou City is 247 km2.
　This information indicated that it would take nine "reigns" to unify the north of the prefecture.

　There was no governing territory in Zhuzhou City.
　This information indicated that there was a human being in Zhuzhou City that had the ability to liberate the controlled territory.

　Also, from the information I picked up from the internet, it was said that there was an expert swordsman called the 'Sword Saint' in Suzu City. It was said that the 'Sword Saint' had defeated the Demon King of the Demon Species that was prevalent in Suzu City - a rank B Demon King who was estimated to be over level 10 and had a [body] rank of B.

　The key to capturing Suzu City was probably the 'Sword Saint'.

　According to the news on the internet and the stories of the territorial residents who ruled over Wajima City, the 'Swordsman' was the hero and spiritual mainstay of Suzu City. If they can subdue the Sword Saint, the hearts of the humans in Pearl City will be broken and the success rate of the Ruling will increase significantly.



Is the [Sword Saint] a level 50 or higher human being like Lina...?

　When that happens, it's dangerous to play one-on-one. The best thing to do is to push through with numbers........

　Currently, the number of subordinates under my control is 186. The maximum number of subordinates that can be taken outside of my control area is 2,500. In contrast, the number of humans existing in Suzu City is 100,000. I don't think all of the humans can fight... but it's hard to imagine that the number of humans who can fight is less than 2,500.

　In other words, the advantage in numbers lies with the enemy.

　I can't imagine how many monsters like the "Sword Sage" are out there, but I'd at least like to know the enemy's strength.

　Let's start with the investigation of the enemy's situation.

　I've identified ten of my subordinates and ordered them to investigate the situation of the enemy.


　◆


　I use my smart phone to observe the ten subordinates and the 100 subordinates that went out to inspect the enemy's situation.

"You sent more than 100 agents on a reconnaissance mission?

　Kanon calls out to me as I stare at the screen of my smartphone.

''If over 100 demons invade, humanity will do so well there, right?''

　Even if ten or so demons attacked, the main force of Zhuzhou City would come out to defend, and it would end immediately. Then we wouldn't be able to know the enemy's strength - their numbers and quality.

''I see. Investing ten of our precious family members in a military unit........
I've ordered my men to come back alive.
I hope you make it back in one piece.
Yeah.

　I continue to observe the scouting squad on my smartphone screen while exchanging an idle conversation with canon.

　This time, the scouting squad consisted of 10 subordinates - 5 Dhampir, 3 Living Mail, 1 Lilim, and 1 Giant Bat. The deployment consists of 30 Living Mail, 40 ghouls, 20 werewolves, and 10 giant bats.

　All living mails, except for the Military, are given D-ranked items to wear so that they can be taken by humans.

　In terms of the sense of defense, any humanity other than the 'brave' or 'heroes', the 'stiffs' called 'heroes', are a fighting force that can be repelled. However, unlike defense, this time there is no limit to the number of enemies. It's just the right amount of force to probe the enemy's strength.

　It has been three hours since the reconnaissance unit left the controlled territory.

　The reconnaissance unit had arrived at the fortified Suzu City Hall.


　◆

　The building projected on the smartphone through the Military's eyes was far too dull and distorted to be called a city hall.

　Was it under construction at a rapid pace?　The Zhuzhou City Hall was surrounded by a ruggedly tall wall that was over 3 meters high. Beyond the walls were several 10-meter high structures that could be called 'watchtowers', or perhaps 'turrets'.

　The only way to break into the city hall is to get over the high wall...or to break through the solid metal gate in front of it.

　For now, let's just slap some magic into the gate.

　As I was about to give orders to the Dhampir and Lilim's household, at that time--

　Pow!　

　The first dry sound is really the sound of a single arrow colliding with the Living Mail shield. After that, the sound that rang out like a hailstorm was the sound of arrows shot out of the city hall like rain.

　Living Mail and his men held their shields at the ready to protect their men behind them, but several ghouls roaming freely fell to the ground as they fell victim to the falling arrows.

　The Dhampir and Lilim's attendants try to reciprocate with magic, but they can't reach the distance.

　--Living Mail and the others lead the way and push forward to the gate!

　My men obeyed my orders and, with the living mail at the ready with their shields at the ready, advanced slowly at a pace like a bull's pace to the gate leading into the city hall.

　We have about 20 meters left to go to the gate, and then...

Follow me!　Let's destroy the evil spirits of rivers and mountains!

　As soon as the rain of arrows stopped, countless humans, led by an old man with a sword at the ready, rushed out of the open gate. My men also held their weapons at the ready and faced the rushing humans.

Foolish humans!　My name is the Eye of Theon!　May you depart to the underworld!
"My name is Kaki Theon!　For the crime of killing the Creator's men, you will pay for it with your deaths!

　The dependents begin to dutifully present themselves to the hostile human race.

'My name is Sashi-Shion!　You people--
Shut up!

　--!

　The dhampir that was about to come forward - Sashi-Shion was the first to jump out and scatter the fragile life with a swing of the old man's sword.

　He buried the dhampir with a single blow...?

　The subordinate who had just become a member of the family had one vice. That vice was - name calling. He would speak unnecessary things, and when he did, a huge gap would be created.

　Even though the gap was exploited--it would be extremely difficult to defeat with a single blow.

　--Names are forbidden!　Each of you focus on the enemy in front of you!

　I hurriedly ordered my subordinates, but it was later.

　One by one my men were swallowed up by the swarm of humanity bursting out of the gates, one by one....

　Impossible to retreat........

　I want my soldiers to retreat, at least. However, their families, along with those under their command, are being swallowed up by countless waves of humanity.

　If that is the case, at least....

　--Hahi!　Pull back!

　Hahi - giving orders to the Giant Bat's subordinates.

　Hahi turns on his heel and tries to retreat but....

I won't! --Blade!

　The invisible shockwave generated from the sword wielded by the old man slashes my wings.

　Despite losing one wing, the second invisible shockwave struck Hahi as he tried to carry out my orders, and he was slaughtered by humanity as he crashed.

　The remaining subordinates did their best to resist, but there was no way to beat an enemy that was superior in numbers and quality, and the screen of the smart phone projected through the eyes of the subordinates was blacked out.