I Became the Strongest With The Failure Frame 【Abnormal State Skill】As I Devastated Everything - Chapter 249: [ Superficial. ]
Library

Chapter 249: [ Superficial. ]

The enemys forces began to concentrate on the right flank, where Roa and the others were.

The right flank is made up of centaurs and monsters

On the other hand, reinforcements from inside the door have arrived to the central flank where Gio is.

And Gio, immediately after the reinforcements arrived, sent them to the right flank.

When Niko heard about this

[You bring back the monsters you brought from the central flank back there. Leave the handling of this side to us. You go back and help the rest of the army with that sorcery of yours.]

That is what she said to me.

On the right flank, there were no member of the Four Warlights.

Roa was strong, but she isnt as strong as the Four Warlights.

Compared to the others, they were more worrying.

However, Id also like to check out the central flank where Gio is.

[Alright. You guys should be prepared to focus on defense for the time being. Im sure you know about this already, but avoid engaging the Sixth.]

[You need not say it again.]

With the monsters in tow again, we returned to the central flank.

Once there, I met up with Gio and the others.

It seemed like they had set up a hastily constructed camp a few distance back from the front line.

I could see a few Leopardkin soldiers being treated here and there.

There were also some dead bodies among them.

Some of them even had lost their arms and other parts of their bodies.

Looking at this scene for a moment, I called out to Gio, who was looking over the camp.

Seeing me in my Leopard King outfit, a grin creeps on Gios lips and he jokingly spoke.

[So youve arrived, Leopard King.]

[I heard youve crushed one of the enemys cavalry units.]

[Being called the strongest of the Four Warlights isnt just for show after all.]

Saying this, Gio silently gazed at the wounded Leopardkin soldiers for a moment

[Its just that our victory wasnt possible without sacrifice. Im still a little worried that we dont have a complete picture of the enemys forces. The 6th Cavalry hasnt shown up yet either.]

Even as she said this, Gio himself looked almost unharmed.

Finished observing Gio, I dubiously asked him.

[For someone who fought the enemy captain, you hardly have any scratch on you.]

[Hes a lot easier to deal with than your Deputy.]

[Have you received any updates about Roa and the others?]

[From the reports, it looks like theyre doing well. The reinforcements that Liese sent over there might have been of use. Ahh, also Ive heard that there are signs that a new wave of enemies is heading this way as well. With the situation like this, it honestly helps that the monsters you brought to help Niko were back.]

He has black fur, so its not very noticeable.

The amount of blood that stuck on his body.

Judging by the amount of blood that splashed back towards him, compared to the other soldiers-

Gio most probably killed dozens of times more.

A large scale war.

Normally, one persons strength would be negligible.

However, Gio may have the power to overthrow the disadvantage of being alone.

Gio Shadowblade.

I wonder how many people he has killed alone.

As expected of a member of Four Warlights, his individual fighting ability is clearly outstanding.

Although the person himself says that it was just a few.

He is definitely worthy of being called the strongest of the Four Warlights.

In this battle

As long as this man is alive, the survival rate of our allies would be greatly increased.

Not only does he have excellent combat skills, he also has excellent battlefield instincts and commanding abilities.

Thus I dont want this man to die.

This may be something I personally want but

Thinking with the perspective of limiting the sacrifices that our allies need to take, his presence would be necessary.

[..]

Its reassuring to know that I can trust him with another area of the battlefield.

Keeping his eyes on the Leopardkin soldiers, Gio spoke.

[Ill tell you this now. Im really glad that you came to the Faraway Country. Thank you.]

[As Liese pointed out, Im cooperating with you all because its in my best interest. You dont need to be that grateful.]

[What I think is still the same even if thats the case. Nikos life might have been in danger if you hadnt come running to her. With you on our side I could fight without any hesitation.]

[.]

Gio chuckled a bit.

[That sounds a little suspicious, wasnt it?]

[No- I was just thinking the same thing.]

[ ? ]

Hearing what I said, Gios ears perked up.

[Ahh, speaking of which I had some information I wanted to tell you. A Leopardkin soldier on a reconnaissance mission to the right flank brought back some interesting information.]

Gio started speaking about this information.

Thinking about what I heard, I brought my hand to my chin.

[Theyre thoroughly checking the unit number and identity of the messengers huh.]

[The cavalry thats clashing with Roa and the others by now He had overheard them talking about this matter on the road.]

They already found out what I was doing huh?

However, Im sure I killed every last one of the defeated 10th Cavalry around.

I havent felt the presence of any humans at that time

Its hard to imagine that there were any eye-witnesses left.

Theres someone among the enemy who predicted that our side might disguise as their messengers?

However, that would mean

If we have a handful of humans, that would certainly be something that the enemy would conjecture

[According to the Leopardkin soldier who was listening to their conversation, they were thinking that that Mad Emperor fellow is on our side.]

[So thats how it is.]

The enemy judged that Mira was working with the Faraway Country.

Which means They still havent come to the conclusion that the Fly King Squadron is related to this situation huh.

Its just, well

[Im afraid that disguising myself as a messenger and taking them by surprise has been blocked.]

Well, though I say that

Even if they suspect me, its still a useful move as long as I can get within range.

The existence of the Fly King Squadron and my Abnormal State Skills havent yet been discovered.

However, what they did indeed increased the risks for me.

Thinking about this, I snorted.

[Hmph Well, this also has its merits too. Now, everytime a messenger arrives, the other side will have to be suspicious. Itll have the effect of slowing them down a bit.]

Well, that would be as long as they dont have the power to judge lies like Seras.

At that moment, our sides messenger has arrived.

[Theyre coming ! The enemy cavalry is heading this way!]

[How many?]

[About 200 in sight!]

Hearing his words, Gio turned towards his subordinates and immediately gave his orders.

[The injured would stay back! Those who can fight, come with me!]

[Im coming with you.]

Saying this, I then drew up the map of the area in my mind.

The terrain near here

There should be a localized wooded area, right?

[Gio, let me see the map.]

The cavalry appeared in front of the woods.

There was a sheer cliff on their left and right sides.

[Stop.]

The man in the lead brought his troops to a halt.

That must be the captain of this cavalry unit.

The captain looks over the cliff.

From the top of the cliff, he received some kind of signal.

Upon seeing it, the horse-riding captain stroked his beard in satisfaction.

[The cliff tops are fortified by my soldiers Now then, as for the woods over there]

The captain turns his gaze at the deep forest stretched out in front of him.

In this rocky terrain, the woods are like an oasis within a desert

However, it wasnt fresh and lush.

The dense bushes darkened the appearance of the woods though.

The trunk of the trees are thick and they have large leaves.

Thus, its a place where the sun doesnt reach even during the day.

[In short]

Coming to a conclusion, the captain spoke.

[Its a great place to hide I see, it seems that those fake humans have thought well. But even though I couldnt feel their presence, its obvious that they had laid down surprise troops in the woods. Being the beasts they are, their hunting instincts might be able to mask their presence However, we humans possess intelligence surpassing animal nature. Thereby, we humans surpass the wild instincts of beasts. Beasts You have always been-]

As the captain raised his arm, the mounted soldiers readied their bows.

[Superficial.]

Fire arrows.

Theyre going to shoot fire arrows into the forest huh.

Moreover, another line of soldiers readied magic tools-

[Fiiiiireeeeee!]

[ ! ? ]

Noticing something amiss, the captain raised his head.

The cliff tops were in quite a ruckus.

It was then that the captain realized the situation.

[Tsk! The enemys ambush isnt in the woods but on the cliff tops huh! For this me to have misjudged the situation! Ahh!? The enemy also has archers!? Cunning beasts, Uwooohhh!?]

Arrows began raining down from the cliff top.

And there, Gio Shadowblades voice rang out.

[Looking at the terrain here, thinking that theres ambush in the forest is just obvious Thats why you lot neglected to devote your forces above the cliffs. Im sorry but this will be a one-sided fight!]

From the top of the cliffs, Gio hurled a spear.

Fwoooooohh!

One of the cavalrymen was skewered, Gios spear piercing through his shield.

Seeing what happened, the soldier beside him became very shaken.

[Hi Hyiiiiiiihhhh!? It went through the shield!? I- Its a monster.!]

And when the captain himself saw that

[A- AaaaaAAaahhhHHHHHHH D*mn it, d*mn it, D*MN IT ALLLLLLLLLL!]

He bellowed.

And immediately after the captain raged out

RIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPP!

He tore off dozens of hairs from his beard.

[Fuuuu. Alright, Ive become calmer. Now then]

It seemed like what he did just now was some kind of ritual to calm himself down.

[Shieeeeeeeelds up! Dont let yourselves be sitting ducks! Being that the enemy are on the top of the cliffs, were at a disadvantageous position Thus, hide in the woods! Make sure to watch out for the arrows overhead! Ready! Follow me!]

Giving his orders, the captain kicked the horses belly.

Under the hail of arrows, the cavalry avalanches into the woods.

However, not all cavalrymen were able to block the arrows with their shields, and unable to make it to the woods, they fell one after another.

[Alright, were clear! Theyre not shooting at us anymore!]

Once in the woods, the captain allowed his cavalry to slow down.

Looking back to the soldiers who managed to survive the hail of arrows, the cavalryman riding next to the captain spoke.

[Weve been had. That black Leopardkin Captain, what do you think of him?]

[Hes pretty good. On the other hand though, it would be a huge deal if we could bring him down here.]

Not yet.

[Now then I wonder what we should do from here?]

[As long as they dont set this forest on fire, we can only wait and see Perhaps, if another cavalry unit arrives, we can catch them in a pincer attack.]

Hold still.

[It would be great if we have some means to tell them our current circumstances but]

[The Ninth or the Sixth might be able to sense our situation and adjust their movements. However, our cavalry cant show our full potential in this situation. If that black Leopardkin and his lot come after us Well have to dismount and engage them in a good, old-fashioned jungle battle.]

[Captain, there are signs of monsters in the distance. It was faint, but their cries could also be heard.]

[Yeah, I sensed them too They aint moving, but kill them when they get closer. After the scouts return Well advance a bit more.]

-, ..Just a bit more.

[Even so Even though hes just a mere Demi-Human, he has successfully outwitted us huh.]

[If that Leopardkin has a wife, Ill fuck her right in front of his eyes Only then could I have peace of mind.]

Not yet.

Hold yourselves back, up to the very last moment.

A very faint breath reaches my ears.

I could feel their tension hitting the skin all over my body, transmitted from my surroundings.

Its just a few distance more

[You sure like taking other peoples stuff, Captain]

[Its a hobby Ive had since I was a bandit after all. Im not sure why, but even if its something I dont have any interest in, if its owned by someone else, I would want it for some reason. Well, I guess its just in my nature.]

[I mean Gray committed suicide because Captain forcibly slept with his wife! He was getting thinner and thinner by the day]

[Fuhahaha, that would be Grays fault then! But well Even when he was a bandit, he also did some pretty nasty things in the villages we raided]

[Now.]

Rustle, rustle!

The Leopardkin all over the area, holding bows and arrows in hand, stood up.

[Ahh? ., !? E- Even here They have soldiers prepared!? Moreover, for them to be this close!?]

Without pause, the Leopardkin shot their arrows.

[Kuhh!? Could it be that they had been aiming for this right from the very-]

And along with the arrow-wielding Leopardkin I have already fired off my < Paralyze >.

After releasing their arrows, the Leopardkin soldiers raised a war cry and rushed out one after another, weapons in their hands.

[No, wait! Looking closely, they dont have that much, .Gahh!? Aahhh!? My body cant move!?]

The monsters that had been waiting a few distance in the rear.

I had told those monsters to purposely make their presence be sensed by others.

And with this, their attention was firmly distracted by the monsters presence.

Thats why, the presence of me and the Leopardkin soldiers, who were lurking closer to them, had been diminished.

As I got into position to launch my next skill I looked at the enemy captain and spoke.

[Superficial.]

After the victory over the 3rd Cavalry, I headed back to the rear with Gio and the others.

This time, we were able to win with almost no casualties.

We didnt even have to use the monster troops we had in reserve.

However, in terms of attracting the enemys attention, they splendidly did their jobs.

[.How should I say this. When Im fighting with you, I feel like we wont lose.]

Gio said.

[Im a genius after all.]

[With the results like this, it would be hard for me to deny that]

[Hmph Well, it actually just depends on whether youre lucky enough that the enemy would fall for that trick. If they were smarter or had better instincts, it wouldnt have worked out this easily.]

Yes, for example

Erika or that princess from Neia.

Other than them, theres the older Takao and Ikusaba Asagi.

If its enemies of their level, I feel like this plan wouldnt work as well.

[Thanks to the Leopardkins eyes and ears, I was able to keep track of the enemys movements at a distance. I dont mean to disparage the other units, but your Leopard Light Army is especially easy to mobilise.]

[Well, the Leopard Light Army isnt the strongest among the four army corps just because of my presence in it. All the fellas in my group train alongside me for a long time. Thats why, well I cant thank them enough for following me Hmm? That is a messenger huh?]

[Reporting! On the left flank, held by Niko-sama The Divine Beast has been spotted!]

Hearing his report, Gio reflexively stepped forward.

[The Divine Beast!?]

[The Sixth might finally be on the move.]

According to Mikhails information, the Divine Beast belongs to the Sixth.

[What should we do, Doris?]

[]

[Whats the matter?]

[Any signs of the 6th Cavalry?]

I asked the messenger.

[N- No! Apparently, he isnt with the Sixth, but with the Eleventh]

Gio raised his eyebrow at that.

[So youre saying that the Sixth lent the Divine Beast to another unit? For what reason would they do that?]

[Or perhaps, theyre just pretending to be the Eleventh]

[R- Reporting!]

Thereupon, another messenger breathlessly jumped in.

This time, it was a message from the central front.

[Weve received information that the Divine Beast has been sighted near the battlefield where we just defeated the 3rd Cavalry! Weve avoided pursuing them too deeply as ordered b- but what should we do?]

[Ah?]

Raising an eyebrow again, Gio looked towards me.

[What does this mean? The enemy has two Divine Beasts]

[I- Ive brought a report!]

Now, a messenger from the right flank

[Thanks to the efforts of Roa-sama and the centaurs, the right flank had pushed back the 5th Cavalry! The casualties on our side were also minimal! Moreover]

Dont tell me

[After we pushed them back, we were conducting reconnaissance when we received a report that the Divine Beast had been sighted!]

[Ahhh?]

Exclaiming, Gio frowned.

[Theres also a Divine Beast in the right flank!? What the heck is that!?]

[]

Do they actually have multiple Divine Beasts?

No I dont think thats the case.

This is most probably a bait to lure people in

Weve got it backwards.

Theyre making use of our sides top priority as a fishing bait.

However, this baiting plan of theirs

In fact, this is one of the possibilities I thought of while Im heading towards Nikos side as reinforcements.

Thats why, I had told Niko about it.

That even if such Divine Beast appears, you shouldnt chase them too far.

Thats why, I think our side wouldnt be baited for the moment but

Just in case, I should give out instructions to them again

[Notify all flanks now. If you see anything that looks like the Divine Beast, dont go after it until I give the order. Just keep on holding unto the line. The possibility that this Divine Beast is a trap is extremely high.]

I immediately sent out the messengers to all battle fronts.

Soon after, the nearby central front started retreating.

All thats left now are the two remaining flanks

Soon after, the messenger from the left flank returned.

[G Gio-sama Fly King-sama! Fly King-sama!]

Hearing what he called me, Gio rebuked him.

[Oi, when this guy is dressed as Leopard King, you should call him]

However, now is not the time for that, so thrusting my arms in front of Gio I stopped him.

The messenger was clearly so shaken that he wasnt even aware of how he should call me.

He also looked completely pale.

I urged him to continue again.

[Your report.]

[N- Niko-sama and the others]

[Reporting!]

Thats when it happened.

This time, a messenger from the right flank arrived.

The flank where Roa and the others are

They apparently stopped chasing and started to retreat.

They didnt follow them reflexively.

Thats good.

Roa is able to make a calm decision.

However]

[So What happened with Niko?]

Gio asked again.

This messenger that arrived from the left flank.

He is clearly shaking.

He looked like hes about to collapse.

[Im going to ask you again What happened?]

Gio urged him with great intensity.

However, the messenger still wasnt able to speak it out.

I guess it must have been so horrible to talk about.

In the meantime, I recruited a few Leopardkin soldiers, including some of those who could give first aid.

[Lead the way.]

When I said that, Gio brought his hand on his katana.

[Im coming with you.]

[No, you stay here and take command of the central flank.]

[..]

Gritting his teeth at my response, Gio questioned the messenger again.

[Then, you should at least tell me. What the heck happened to Niko!?]

[th xth there-., -th]

The messenger looked frightened and was speaking inarticulately.

Even so- The messenger has somehow managed to convey it.

[The 6th Cavalry.]

<Afterword>

The will be updated on 7/23 (Friday), around 9:00 pm.