Chapter 41: The Arduous Retreat
In warfare, the most difficult maneuver is considered to be the so-called retreat.
Most casualties occur during the withdrawal, making the role of the rearguard, known as "toshiro," crucial in determining the success or failure.
"I apologize, Sakura. It's an unfavorable role, but you are the most suitable for it," Celestina apologized to Sakura as they rode alongside each other.
"No need to apologize, Celestina-sama. I had intended to do it from the beginning, even without your instructions," Sakura replied, running her horse.
The duty of the knights in the rearguard was to buy time for the retreat. Sakura's arboreal magic was perfect for this purpose. While her offensive power was low, there were few abilities more suitable for buying time.
Once everyone had evacuated the fortress, they would make sure it appeared unmanned by having the Wood Golems guard it and deploying multiple layers of giant trees to delay the fall of the fortress.
"Sakura, let's try to put as much distance as possible before the fortress falls."
"Yes, Celestina-sama."
From Esperanza to Primera, there were no towns or villages left, only a grassy plain. Sakura, while retreating, indiscriminately turned the grass into giant trees to slow down the advance of monsters. Suddenly, a forest of gigantic trees emerged where there had been nothing but a plain. Sakura's abilities were truly exceptional.
The two of them and their two steeds continued running, with the forest appearing behind them.
"At this pace, we should catch up to the main force soon... Hm? What's that over there?"
"...Something is lying by the roadside... could it be stones?"
As they approached, they noticed that those objects had human-like shapes. Countless stone statues were lined up.
"Sakura, do you have any items to prevent abnormal status?"
"Of course. This... seems to be petrification. It's a dire situation."
The knights who had retreated earlier were turned into motionless stone statues. No matter how seasoned warriors they were, there was no defense against a surprise petrification attack. Moreover, the monsters capable of petrification shouldn't be present on flat ground.
"Ah, it seems the culprit is a cockatrice."
Cockatrices were creatures with the body and wings of a dragon and the head of a rooster. They possessed an evil eye that could petrify with a single gaze, and their breath carried a potent poison. They were extremely troublesome and dangerous creatures.
The problem was that cockatrices were known to inhabit dungeons and were not supposed to appear on flat ground...
"There it is... It's indeed a cockatrice."
Seeing the figure of the Knights battling the cockatrice ahead, Celestina drew her sword.
――[Flying Sword: Autoclave]――
An invisible slash cut through the air, severing the head of the Cockatrice a hundred meters away. With its crested head spewing poison, it fell to the ground, causing the surrounding plants to wither and the soil to be contaminated with purple.
――[Braveheart of Courageous Lion]――
As the petrification wore off, those affected by the poison began to recover.
"Is everyone okay?"
Sakura rushed towards the members of the knight order.
"Watch out, Sakura! Autoclave!"
A strike aimed at Sakura's neck was deflected by Autoclave.
"Oh... I completely masked my presence, but you noticed me. Oops, that was dangerous."
The man whose attack was blocked widened his eyes in surprise, but Celestina skillfully evaded the successive slashes she had unleashed.
"Sakura, take everyone and run. This opponent... is strong. It's not someone you can fight while protecting others."
With Sakura and the others behind her, Celestina confronted the man.
"Understood! Evacuate, everyone. Don't slow down the captain!"
Sakura and the knight order members quickly left the scene. They understood well that a momentary hesitation on the battlefield could determine life or death.
"...Now, who are you? Was it you who caused the Cockatrice earlier?"
While confirming Sakura and the others' retreat, Celestina asked the man.
"Oh my, you're such a beautiful human. If you obediently become mine, I might tell you," he said, wearing a lewd and vulgar smile as he examined Celestina's whole body with his eyes.
"Heh, I'd rather be an orc than belong to scum like you, you pig."
"I dislike strong-willed women. Regret as you die, knowing that you've wasted my mercy. Well, I won't kill you easily, though. That's right, I am Baron Valonos of the Demon Empire, who commanded the Cockatrice... or rather, this attack."
The man glared at Celestina with a furious expression like that of a demon, veins popping on his forehead.
"The Demon Empire? I've never heard of such a country..."
"Soon, all the countries in the continent will know the name of our Demon Empire. Of course, by then, you inferior humans will either be slaves or livestock, if you're useful, that is. The rest of you scum will become food for the demons."
"I see. There are still many things I don't understand, but I know one thing for sure: you're the enemy we must defeat. Don't think you can escape. Don't look away, because it'll be over in an instant."
"Hmph... It would be unwise for mere human beings like you to underestimate us, the demon race, especially the noble lineage. With your feeble weapons, not a single scratch... Gyaahhh!"
The magical sword Ilusion, possessed by Celestina, was one of the four swords passed down in Astraea. By channeling magic power, the concept of weight disappeared, making it lighter than a bird's feather. When wielded by Celestina, known as the Swift White Princess, its characteristics were maximized.
Therefore, when the sword was sheathed, Baron Valonos' body was already cleaved in half.
"You need not worry; there is no one who can dodge this on their first encounter..."
In other words, Celestina had attacked with full intent from the beginning. It was necessary to defeat him in a single strike. That was simply because she sensed the danger emanating from Valonos.
***
"We must quickly regroup with everyone..."
*Shing!*
"Ugh?!"
Celestina's left arm, from the elbow down, was cut off as she started walking. Thanks to the effects of Rescate's armor, the wound closed up and the bleeding stopped.
"...What incredible reflexes you have there. To dodge that... I aimed to cut off your head with perfect timing... Moreover, the wound has already closed up."
"Why... are you still alive?"
"Why? Please don't lump us demons together with inferior humans. We possess multiple lives!"
"...Is that so? Are you fine with revealing such an important secret, even to the enemy?"
"I don't mind at all. After all... you will die here! I will never forgive a lowly human like you, who dared to threaten my precious life..."
Valonos glared at her as if trying to kill her with his gaze.
"If you don't die in one attempt, I will continue to strike you down until you do. Judging by the current situation, it seems the lost life won't come back, right?"
The wound was closed, but the lost blood and left hand would not return. It would be disadvantageous to prolong the fight.
(I'm sorry, my husband. With these hands, I can no longer fight by your side or even cook for you...)
But this one... I have to defeat this one here, even if it costs me my life.