Chapter 500: The Invasion Begins

――――The 85th day of training.

The week-long war with Elderado finally comes to an end today. For the most part, we left Elderado alone, but it’s a very emotional moment when it comes to an end. I wonder if the day of trial will become a national holiday later. I’ll propose it to King Dias and Prime Minister Weerel next time. I was thinking such stupid things as I looked up at the cloudless sky from the rooftop of the castle.

「Deris, are you thinking of something stupid?」

「What are you talking about? I’m always seriously thinking about my disciples. Look, even the costumes have been fixed perfectly.」

「I fixed it! Fufu, what do you think?」

「Oh, the stupid one was Lily. I’m sorry, Derris. I misunderstood you.」

「Isn’t that terrible!?」

「Gobubu.」

That said, we are acting as usual even though it’s a memorial day. And the same goes for our disciples, Haru and the others.

「How do you feel?」

「Perfect! I was so excited, but I could sleep soundly last night!」

「I’m not sure if it’s because I ate Haruna’s porridge yesterday, but my body has been so light since then. Also, I am relieved that the skirt length has become normal. Now I can move normally.」

「I’m also wearing the leggings that Danna thoughtfully prepared for me. I’m in a good shape and my Pulverizer is ready!」

Haru and the others already finished equipping Carmine’s armor and their partners. While doing warm-up exercises, they are now impatiently waiting for the start of the trial.

「Deris, it’s about time. Are you ready?」

「Vakala, you should ask our disciples about it. Also, do they look like they aren’t ready?」

「Hohoho! I see, it was a stupid question. Very well, let’s go!」

Vakala flipped his cloak and pointed in the direction of the border.

「Hey, are you going with them?」

「Of course. After all, I have to watch the trial. Also, you guys are going too, Deris.」

「I didn’t hear anything about it…. We can just watch them through a magic item, right?」

「You don’t understand anything, Deris. There is a huge difference between watching it directly and watching it through something! Have you never seen Maria’s live performance!?」

「Never.」

Don’t tell me, did he attend Maria’s live performance in secret? Well, I understand what he’s talking about. Like, it’s better to watch sports directly than on TV, right? And I guess the same goes for a live performance, huh?

「Don’t worry. Deris and I will work together to make a barrier so that we can watch directly without being seen by them. We are not going to fight, so it doesn’t violate the rules.」

「You’re really going to enjoy it thoroughly, huh….」

「Of course! For me, it’s a big festival!」

「You’re an old man who loves festivals, huh.」

The old man couldn’t be stopped. I had no intention of doing anything about it, so I gave up trying to persuade him.

「Um, by the way, how are we going to the border? I don’t mind running there!」

「Umu, Haruna-chan sure is very motivated. That can be a good warming-up, but I think the beginning is important. Even Maria always says that it’s important to start something with excessive brilliant. That’s why we’re going to ride this.」

The sunlight was suddenly blocked. However, as I confirmed earlier, there was not a single cloud in the sky.

「…… Hey, are we really going to ride that thing?」

When I looked up at the sky, there was something big floating.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the fortress on the border between Elderado and Carmine, the Great Eight Generals Galesse is glaring at the direction of the corpse country today as well. He lost his composure before, but ever since he was scolded by Acerola for that matter, his mind is no longer disturbed. There are no other borders. Those words that Acerola said angrily have cleared his doubt. Therefore, he is now staring confidently at the border.

「Hey, don’t you think Galesse-sama is smiling a little these days? He doesn’t have that bloodcurdling expression on his face like before. Do you know what happened?」

「Isn’t that obvious? Galesse-sama is convinced that we will win this war…!」

As usual, the soldiers under his command interpret Galesse’s behavior in a positive way. However, the last day of this war didn’t end without incident like before.

(Hm?)

The first to notice the change in the air surrounding the fortress was none other than Galesse.

「Something from the east, is that a cloud…? No, that’s the enemy! Hey, you guys! Carmine’s army finally came! Prepare to intercept, hurry!」

Galesse’s ground-shaking shout echoed throughout the fortress. The soldiers here must have been well trained. They are doing their best to do their jobs without panicking at Galesse’s sudden instructions. Although the quality is not as good as Made in Zex, a huge number of cannons are lined up on the fortress. In the hands of the soldiers are mechanical bows imbued with magic, and it’s clear that their quality is high. However, even with all the weapons, equipment, and personnel, Carmine is still an overwhelmingly powerful enemy. With the preparedness to die, the soldiers are waiting for the enemy to come within range.

「…… What the hell is that?」

Someone muttered so, and it reverberated through the silent fortress.

「KAAAARRRRRRRUUUOOOOOOO…!」

A high-pitched incomprehensible voice roared near the border. On the border of the Carmine side, which is considered to be the starting point of the war, the 『Giant Snake』 Gashad, the 17th rank of the Sixty Six Demon Generals of the Corpse Country, was shouting. Just like its nickname, Gahsad looks like a gigantic snake that could reach the clouds if it stretches out. However, its body is all bone, and the eyes are suspiciously glowing.

That’s why the eeriness that can be felt from the sight, and the pressure that he receives has increased.

This is why the eeriness of the sight and the pressure we feel from it are heightened.

『People of Elderado, can you hear me? I’m Carmine’s ruler, Vakala Zwinziga.』

「「「「「!? 」」」」」

An unfamiliar voice came into the ears of the soldiers in the fortress, including Galesse. Strangely enough, the voice seemed to be heard by all of them.

『I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. However, there’s still time before the end of the deadline. From now on, we, Carmine, will begin our invasion of your country to seek the head of Titos Elderado. Prepare yourselves.』

Hearing the majestic voice, the soldiers unconsciously gulped down their saliva. Their hands tremble with nervousness, and their hearts tighten before the overwhelming presence.

『Ah, that’s right. Before that, let me introduce the four people that I have chosen. In the style of Elderado, let’s use nicknames here.』

After Vakala finished saying that, the soldiers saw some people coming down from Gashad’s head. It’s like falling from a tall tower, but they are landing on the ground as if it is natural for them.

『Let me introduce them. They are the 『Great Battle Staff』, 『Sword Demon』, 『Black Hand』, and 『Headless』. These four will now begin the trampling. Now, go.』