Fallen Monarch

Chapter 153

153. Allies (13)

Pygni became nervous as the Holy Kingdoms main army entered the Aylans capital. At the moment, he was on his horse, shaking his feet and biting his nails. 

Damn, it ll be the end if King Paulie dies! What in the world is the Demon Kingdom doing?! Why are they late? 

They shouldve arrived by now if they pressed ahead without caring about anything else.

But theyre later than I thought. What an error in calculation!

They had launched the offensive with the maximum arrival time in mind. However, the Demon Kingdom was later than expected.

I acted too impulsively. I never thought that even Oskal would be tied up like this!

Oskal was fighting around twenty Evilesse Holy Knights, and he was gradually getting exhausted. Also, they couldnt even know how many more the Evilesse Holy Knights, who guarded the Pope, were there.

Should we think of the worst case, that they have abandoned us?

It was a possibility. The Demon Kingdom could abandon its allies and take over the Holy Kingdoms capital. Pygni considered the worst case and shook his head.

No way! Theres no way theyd do it. They will arrive for sure!

We must hold on. By any means!

A scout holding a flag came running in a hurry. 

Your Highness, a report!

Pygnis face lit up. For him, he thought that there was only one thing for the scout to report. 

Right! Has the Demon Kingdom arrived?!

Yes. Looks like they will reach in about two hours! Also, they have sent a letter, saying hang in there as long as you can

Two hours? T-thats a piece of cake. It will be alright! We can hold on for half a day if we defend the castle in the capital

And The scout looked worried. He broke out in a cold sweat and said with a trembling voice, The allies of the Holy Kingdomare heading to the capital.

Pygnis eyes widened.

The Holy Kingdoms subordinate countries and allies had already assembled their troops, and they were coming to the capital. According to their speed, they would get here in three hours, about five hours if late. On top of that, they numbered at least 200,000.

It was already a mystery as to whether the alliance of the Demon Kingdom, the Aylans Kingdom, and the Lome Kingdom could block the Holy Kingdoms current troops. Putting in 200,000 more was adding insult to the injury. It did not help either that they were spread in every direction. So, right now, seven countries were coming at them separately.

Its the worst The worst The worst!

Its crazy.

This was a disaster. Skilled regular armies of powerful kingdoms and empires had joined hands, closing in on them from each part of Aylans Kingdom.

Its a forced march. They were seemingly prepared beforehand. The seven countries gathering around the Aylans capital include Karaita with 30,000 troops, the Venice Kingdom with 15,000 troops, the Rebeto Kingdom with 27,000 troops, the Lanias Empire with 75,000 troops and also the rest

Pygnis mind went blank the more he listened to it. 

Where in the world did their confidence come from? Why are all those countries coming in full force? Besides, theyre rushing straight to the capital while neglecting the other areas in the Aylans Kingdom. Is it only for appearances sake? Or are they really following the Pope and showing their obedience to their God?!

It was something that couldnt be understood by common sense. Pygni shook his head.

No! Theres no way! Theres no such thing as belief and loyalty for those bastards! They only move for benefits! What is in it for them?

As his mind overflowed with all kinds of questions, the scout whispered in Pygnis ear while being conscious of the peoples gazes around them.

Also, theres something in common, according to the spy. The kings and imperial families of the seven countries have said, We need to win this war if we want to gain immortality.

Ahhthese damn bastards! 

Pygni gritted his teeth in rage. He never imagined the Pope would tell the other countries about immortality. Usually, royal and imperial families would ignore such absurd things, but the Popes existence itself was the proof of immortality. He had been living for a really long time with his youthful looks, and many allies and subordinate countries had witnessed it.

They mustve been tempted by the word youth and immortality, and someone might have led them to invade the Aylans Kingdom.

Also, Aylans is advanced in magic. That mustve incited them.

The fact that Aylans was the country of magic and that their Queen, Akareal, was also young, just like the Pope, could become the bait for immortality. The Pope could use this to raise his leadership and control of the continent.

There was a big possibility for even the revolting kingdoms to be tempted by immortality and side with the Holy Kingdom.

No, no way! This isnt the Popes idea. The Pope cant think of something like this. Who in the world is it? Whose idea is this?! What the hell are they thinking! Who can benefit from this?!

Pygni ran a hand down his face. This wasnt the time to agonize, and it was already too late to retreat. Only one way to win remained: catch the Pope and openly execute him. They must sweep away all the Holy Kingdoms troops in five hours and get rid of the Evilesse Holy Knights, the group of hero-level monsters.

Pygni looked up at the night sky and muttered, Ahh, its a really gambling-like game.

***

The moonlight permeated the dark clouds. Despite the heavy rain, the burnt ash flying up wasnt washed away. Instead, the ground was filled with blood that had increased because of the rain, until it was enough to even submerge peoples ankles. The sound of weapons kept echoing, and the violent fight went on. 

An Evilesse Holy Knight froze and stepped back. Swallowing dryly, he looked down in terror. Dozens of Evilesse Holy Knights lay dead in the mud bath mixed with blood and rain. He lifted his gaze.

Oskal.

The man renowned as the Lome Kingdoms guardian sword!

Yes, he was still standing. However, his body wasnt unscathed either. He had spear cuts all over his body, and one of his eyes was cut. Losing a few fingers did not matter to him, as his grip on the short sword had not loosened. He glared at the last Evilesse Holy Knight.

Oy, its a joke, right? Manyou knocked down twenty hero-grade Holy Knights by yourself? Us, who have been strengthened beyond human limits? Hahaha! What in the world are you, you crazed maniac?!

You bastards are the crazy ones. Calling yourselves Holy Knights, dont you all have honor? I cant believe you pounced on me all at once, just to kill this lonely old man!

Its weird to argue about such things in a war. Besides, we dont have things such as honor! It works as long as its fun!

Truly like Salems minion. Are these your last words?!

The Evilesse Holy Knight stepped back as if he was terrified. Seeing that, Oskal smiled, but his back broke out in a cold sweat.

Rightjust back off. Because its hard to move even a finger now!

Standing was the limit for Oskal. He was barely holding himself back from passing out.

Oy, is it not ovwhat the? Are all these dudes dead?

You guys cant even take down one dying old man?

The muscles in Oskals eyes twitched. Seven more Evilesse Holy Knights were coming.

What? I cant believe the war here isnt over yet. We had to use a lot of slaves as meat shields just to get into the capital. His Holiness is angry now, asking why we cant capture the place.

I cant believe these bastards are the soldiers of the mighty Holy Kingdom. On top of that, youre also the problem. An Evilesse Holy Knight cant even kill a dying old man like me!

The face of the Evilesse Holy Knight, who was left alone, turned red. He had gained some confidence after seeing his colleagues.

N-nice! Help me kill that bastard, and well share the credit. 

The talking Evilesse Holy Knight got his head cut off, and it bounced into the air.

Share what?

You must be kidding me, you who tried to run away a little while ago.

Oskal looked at the Evilesse Holy Knights and gritted his teeth. They had even killed their companion.

It doesntseem like theyll retreat.

Hngh, Ill die here. Damn, why isnt he coming? Ill curse that Thoma bastard if I die! 

Oskal gripped his short sword. 

Pygni looked at his own hands.

Damn Its been a long time since I last held a sword. But its time to reveal my skill! 

Pygni, gripping his sword with gloved hands, looked at the royal knights surrounding him. Donned in heavy armor, they covered Pygni with massive shields.

Let me fight before you unsheath your sword.

If Your Highness fights, it will hamper the battle.

Youre being too much! Shall I execute you for insulting the royal family?!

Pardon us for protecting Your Highness.

These kids, you guys are just like Oskal. As expected from my subordinates.

Pygni shook his head.

Its Pygni!

Its the Lome Kingdoms king!

Kill him! Kill him!

Pygni glanced away. The Holy Kingdoms soldiers panted, as if they were exhausted, while glaring at Pygni. At the same time, a Lome Kingdoms knight was stabbed by a sword and fell down.

Not only them, but the surviving slaves and black priests were also glaring at Pygni with reddened eyes.

Im popular, huh. I wish I were popular among pretty young girls instead of panting perverts, though.

Your Highness, were surrounded!

Pygni struck the back of the head of the royal knight with his feet. 

I know it too. Its a joke. A joke.

Its not the right time to be joking

Aah, when will it be if not now? Its the perfect time.

Dont give up. The other knights will come if we survive just a little bit longer.

Give up? What kind of bullshit is that?! The corner of Pygnis lips curled up. Im a man who doesnt give up. The reason Im joking now ishe looked behind himselfbecause Im relaxed.

The royal knights also followed his action. 

A waving black flag. 

A goat skull.

It was a sea of blood-red armor, sparkling enraged eyes, and monstrous roars; Gnoll scouts with their muskets and crossbows; Goblins pushing siege weapons; Treos; armored Ogres and the Minotaur storm troops, both of which had large builds and terrifying charging power; the Orc heavy-armed infantry unit wearing thick metal armor and carrying huge weapons; Centaurs holding lances; and a silver-haired woman in red armor, leading them while holding a long sword above her head.

The Demon Lord Lily Golt.

Aah, thisyou came exactly in two hours. Its the worlds most powerful monsters!

Lily Golt, with her 7000 soldiers, had joined the war.

***

This is horrible.

Lily couldnt help but frown at the disaster happening before her. The smell of gunpowder was so thick that it could burn noses and throats, even though rough rain and wind were blowing. The blood of hundreds of thousands of dying people soaked the ground and permeated the mud, painting a hellish landscape. The center of Aylans capital, supposed to be beautiful, was burning, and the screams didnt stop. It was like a sight of hell in the Bible. 

A crow flew to the Aylans capital. It observed the current battlefield, the capitals downtown area, while flying. King Paulies palace was surrounded by the Golden Cross Army. They were doing everything they could to breach the citadel. 

The person leading the Holy Kingdoms armies, the Mad Pope, the man laughing on the throne atop the palanquin the slaves carried with great difficultyPope Salem Gottshuranche! Toms lips curled up upon seeing him.

We finally meet, Salem!

When Lily heard a crackling sound, as if somebody broke their teeth, she looked at Tom.

Tom?

Ill leave the military command to you.

Just as Tom took a step forward, Lily asked with an anxious voice, What about you?

To end this disgusting warTom pulled out his Holy SwordI have to catch a corrupted priest.

***

Eueuaaack!

Its a monster!

Demon troops?!

Its the Demon Army!

The Holy Kingdoms soldiers retreated. They were already exhausted from the battle against the Lome Kingdom. Just as a ray of hope of ending the battle burned, it was dashed once more. They felt the taste of despair upon seeing the Demon Kingdoms army.

Everyone, get ready for the battle!

Karakuls shout spurred the Orcs. They fell into ranks without an error, even while moving swiftly. Their sharp eyes gleamed as their shields hit the ground and their swords and spears aimed at the Holy Kingdom.

Cavalry! Were the vanguard! Everybody shout!

Woo-!

The Centaurs clenched their lances, shouting and walking through the Orcs. They warmed up their bodies while rolling their horse hooves.

Hihi We hate head-to-head matches, so well attack you from behind and run!

The Gnoll scouts stood at the back and played with their muskets and crossbows. The Holy Kingdoms soldiers immediately stepped back and regrouped.

Ooh! Theyre retreating. Theyre retreating. Haha! Did you see that? Did you see? Pygni said with a strain on his neck, as if he was the one to do it. The royal knights shook their heads.

Oythis seems dangerous.

Dont we have to retreat too? 

The Evilesse Holy Knights retreated upon sensing the danger. Oskal sighed in relief.

As the Holy Kingdoms soldiers gradually withdrew, the Lome Kingdoms army also started to back off. They gathered around Pygni and regrouped.

How many of you survived?

A knight looked around and shook his head. 

Unknown. But more than half are wiped out.

Urgh The damage is too large. And were exhausted, on top of that. But that doesnt mean we can retreat

The Holy Kingdoms soldiers gazed at the Lome Kingdoms army and the Demon Lords army on top of the hill. The ferocious-looking army of monsters in red armors displayed a majesty that could cause goosebumps just by looking at them.

Ive gone crazy. I cant believe Im fighting against those bastards.

Everybody regroup!

Get in line!

Oy, slaves! Step forward!

The bastards are in a charge formation! Its obvious theyll clash head-on! Block from the front!

The black priests sent the slaves to the front while swinging their whips. The slaves did not have any shields. They only had spears made of a wooden rod with a kitchen knife tied to the end. The slaves looked fearfully at the heavy cavalry Centaurs, heavy infantry Orcs, and Gnolls, who had long-range weapons.

Are they telling us to be their meat shield?!

Im sure they must be thinking of making the enemy waste their energy and ammunition on us!

The slaves wanted to deny the order, but they didnt have the power to. 

Another formation was right behind them. The Holy Kingdoms soldiers were forming a barrier with their shields and aiming their spears, as if they were going to cut the slaves backs. The slaves would lose their life the moment they tried to run away. 

The Holy Kingdoms soldiers must be planning to block the charge by slowing the Demon Lord army as they made their way through the slaves.

There are less than 10,000 Demons at most! Dont be scared of the demons that worship the devil!

We have the God of Creation Artarrks grace and Pope Salem Gottshuranches blessing!

Thats ridiculous.

As Oskals brows turned into a frown, somebody approached him.

Instead of thinking it seems like hes still alive, I never thought the man who injured me would be here.

Oskals eyes widened while looking at Tom, the person approaching him.

Youre here? Previous Hero?

Yes, I am. Previous Heros party member.

Oskal burst out into laughter. He felt good that Tom didnt deny it now.

Haha! It reminds me of the past! I remember fighting to the death to fucking kill the Demon Lord. We fought until we were about to draw our last breath!

Back then, there was only us sneaking in without an army.

And you killed the Demon Lord by yourself. You saved the human race. No, was it under the name of saving? And this time around, not a Demon Lord but

Tom smiled and took Oskals words out of his mouth. 

I have to kill the priest who used to be a member of the Heros party. Now, its really going to be saving the human race.

Can you do it?

Do I seem like Id hesitate?

Under Toms gaze, Oskal shook his head.

No. Instead, I know that youd make Salem miserable to the point he would be sorry.

Youre right.

So, youre saying that today is the day for revenge?

Revenge? Tom shook his head. I wouldnt have bought time like this if I was thinking of revenge.

Tom stepped forward. Wherever his foot landed, the dead bodies would gradually get up. There were no exceptionsthe dead Lome Kingdoms army and the Holy Kingdoms soldiers and slaves. They were all revived and became Undead.

Seeing that, Oskal frowned.

Oy, dont turn my subordinates into Undead too!

Ill let them go in peace later. Dont worry.

I mean, dont turn the knights of honor into Undeads!

What if they want to protect their comrades, even if it means turning into Undeads? Its obvious you Lome Kingdom people would not shirk off. Lets give them a chance to fight one last time for their honor.

I have nothing to say if you put it like that.

The demonic power spreading out from Toms feet gradually made the Undead around him stand up. Hundreds upon thousands of Undeadsimple skeletons and zombies with low levels of offensive and defensive power. Tom closed his mouth upon seeing the Undead. His face turned pale, and the corner of his mouth faintly stank of blood.

The quick-witted Oskal saw Toms condition and asked, Are you okay?

Aah, of course, I am.

You, you also said that in the past. And

Disappeared.

Oskal couldnt utter the last word. It seemed it would turn into reality if he said it.

Had he noticed Oskals oddness? Tom looked at him and smiled. 

After this war ends Lets have a drink. Like we did the last time.

Id like us to do so, please.

Oskal forced his body, which didnt listen to him, to move.

Since the previous hero is stepping forward, of course, the previous Heros party cant stay still. Lets fight properly! As a Heros party lets destroy that damned priest and save the world!

Kkaaaaak!

The Undeads opened their mouths and let out a strange sound. The dead bodies formed of demonic power walked with a stagger. On the other side, the slaves weapons trembled as the Undeads bodies shook. The slaves broke out in a cold sweat. Mustering up their courage in a final spurt of outburst, they screamed and swung their weapons at the incoming Undeads.

Euaaaak! Die!

And their weapons pierced through the Undeads bodies.

?!

The slaves were startled, and they released their grip on their weapons. The Undead didnt attack the slaves. They ignored them as if they were obstacles on their paths and went through them. They didnt show any hint of attack or resistance. Seeing that, the slaves threw them puzzled looks and made way for them.

The black priests frowned and shouted. 

What are you guys doing? Theyre Undead! They are evil spirits summoned using black magic! Dont be scared of these evil spirits that dont even attack

The eyes of the shouting black priest widened.

Kkiaaaaaaak!

The harmless Undead opened their mouths and attacked black priests.

Eu, euaaaaaak! W-why why only me!

One of them struggled with his eyes rolled back, but dozens of Undead crowded around him and sunk their teeth into him. He died a miserable death, his arms and legs ripped apart and his head torn off. Seeing the dying black priest, the slaves screamed in fear.

Ill pardon those who drop their weapons and surrender! But those who resist will die!

The slaves turned to look at Tom.

Throw away your weapons and surrender. Well protect you.

The slaves turned to look at the black priests.

W-what are you guys doing? Youll die if you throw away your weapons and surrender! You want to die that mhiiiik?!

The Undeads crowded around another black priest. The slaves could only stay still.

Oy! What are you guys not attacking?

Kkiaaaaaaaak!

Unable to stand it any longer, a Holy Knight from the Holy Kingdoms side shouted. However, his voice was drowned out by the Undeads shriek.

The slaves swallowed dryly and looked at Tom.

Throw away your weapons and come forward! We wont harm you!

Kill them! Damn Are you thinking of disobeying my order?! Spearmen, stab these slaves!

The Holy Kingdoms side aimed their spears and pulled their bowstrings, ready to attack the slaves. 

The Demon Lord, Lily Golt, muttered, Block them.

An explosion happened on the Holy Kingdom side.

!

The Holy Knights were dumbfounded. They looked at the enormous spear blade stuck next to them.

Spear? No, this isa catapult?

Their eyes widened in shock, and they turned to look at the Demon Lord army.

The ground echoed. Dozens of giant Ogres were lifting a siege weapon, ballistas, as if it were a portable crossbow. They aimed them at the Holy Kingdoms ranks.

Oh, my God.

The Holy Knight still had his mouth wide open when another shot was launched.

A huge bolt cut through the wind and the rain, reached the Holy Kingdoms side, and exploded. Raindrops mixed with sticky blood and mud water splashed on the nearby soldiers. The Holy Kingdoms soldiers standing in the bolts path had their shields destroyed into pieces and their bodies torn off. Their flesh was spattered on the other soldiers faces and bodies.

Euaaaaak?!

Undefendable power!

The Holy Knights turned pale. Getting hit by that bolt would result in instant death, and theyd get fatal wounds even if it just grazed them.

Kuooooo-!

The next things flying in were lumps of rock! The Treos lifted huge stones and threw them in an arc. At the same time, a deafening boom also resounded. The Goblins had fired their magic cannons. The Gnolls were not to be outdone either. They let loose their crossbows and muskets, showering their enemies with a hail of doom. 

Seeing their comrades die along with the ear-splitting explosions, the Holy Knights spirits plummeted to rock bottom.

Re, retreat!

Get into the capital! Close the gate and block the monsters!

Run away-!

The Holy Kingdoms formation crumbled in an instant. They hurriedly ran away for their lives, exposing their backs.

Karakul, the commander of the Orcs, snorted.