"Hmm?"
As Kingu stood back on the dragon's back (though it's unclear why she jumped down earlier), she observed the north wall with interest.
At this point, it would still take several minutes for the first wave of monsters to reach the north wall, but Uruk had already begun its preparations.
About two hundred armored cavalrymen had swiftly emerged from the gate and formed a battle formation with their backs to the city wall. The most striking feature was a carriage that seemed even more out of place than the heavy cavalry itself.
Simultaneously, the defenders on the north wall began to gather outside the wall for some unknown reason.
"I see…" Kingu said with a faint smile. "That kind of horse... is a bit troublesome. I can't control the monsters too precisely... I can't gather them together to stop the charge…"
Kingu dismounted from the flying dragon's back again and muttered to herself. "In that case, I'll handle it myself."
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As the monsters drew closer, Ritsuka swallowed nervously, recalling the discussion with Ophis.
"Oh, me?"
Lily was startled by Jeanne's designation.
"Yes, given the need to handle various emergencies, it's better to split them into two teams. Each team of a hundred warriors has its own leader, but they have only received basic training and simulations with no real combat experience. It would be wiser to have someone skilled in cavalry warfare guide them," Jeanne explained.
The troop was being put into action for the first time, and the timing was rushed. However, there was no alternative. Once the battle began, the enemy would quickly create magical beasts to counter the cavalry. Ophis had chosen to use the cavalry at the most critical moment for maximum effect.
Lily, though initially stunned by the sudden responsibility, understood why Joan of Arc had named her.
The name King Arthur was renowned worldwide, but King Arthur Altria was better known in this world as the Knight King. This title, while not due to her skill in leading cavalry, made it clear that if she couldn't lead knights into battle, her title would be meaningless.
Lily lowered her head in embarrassment.
"I'm sorry... I do have knowledge of cavalry tactics, but I lack real experience. Right now, I'm just a novice knight with book knowledge."
Lily had been summoned as a child version of King Arthur. While she remembered events from later in life, these were just like watching a movie. Real experience was necessary to turn knowledge into practical skill.
Lily's inherent skills did not include leadership abilities, but she quickly firmed her resolve and raised her head.
"If Jeanne believes in me, I will do my best!"
Joan of Arc smiled warmly. "Of course!"
Joan of Arc, despite her initial lack of experience and knowledge, had led troops successfully. This proved that sometimes, even in medieval Europe, sheer determination could win battles.
At this point, Altera and Arjuna arrived, and Arjuna began his report.
"The monster army will arrive in about ten minutes. From my observations in the forest, the monsters are still gathering for the next wave, which will be more than three times the size of the current wave!"
"Thirty thousand?" Ophis asked, nodding.
With this, about 60,000 monsters would remain in the cedar forest, increasing the chance of successfully reaching the Monster Goddess.
"But... if we charge in openly, won't the monsters just surround us?" Ritsuka asked, voicing a concern.
Even if the monsters were not very intelligent, the fake Enkidu wouldn't let them easily approach the Monster Goddess.
"Don't worry," Ophis said calmly. "If I'm not mistaken, once you break through the north wall and enter the cedar forest, there shouldn't be any monster armies waiting to confront you, unless you cause trouble."
"And if you're wrong?"
"I'll help you get revenge," Ophis replied seriously.
Ritsuka sighed. "Well, thank you?"
Seeing that Ophis was serious, Ritsuka accepted the situation.
There was a reason behind Ophis's guess. Dragging out the battle wasn't a solution. Kingu would also want a breakthrough. Due to various conflicts, she couldn't act directly, but by creating a situation to restrain the monsters, Kingu wouldn't prevent the breakthrough.
The group moved back to the city wall, and Ophis addressed Merlin.
"Is the fusion complete? Let him go out and hold Enkidu back."
If Kingu didn't restrain the monsters due to her contradictory mindset, she might not be able to hold Enkidu back herself. If Enkidu was the target, Ophis had to consider carefully about seeking revenge.
"I'll handle it," Merlin said, clearly serious now.
"Arjuna will take cover on the city wall. Jeanne's cavalry will create the gap, and Lily's cavalry will escort Chaldea into the forest," Ophis quickly outlined the plan.
"Uruk's troops will hold back the monsters after the assault, preventing them from returning for reinforcements. If successful, they might lure out more monsters. Altera will hold back the monster troops until Uruk's formation stabilizes and then assist with Enkidu."
"I'll borrow money from Ishtaru, who is extorting soldiers," Quetzal said, tilting her head. "As for me, I was originally scheduled to stay on the north wall and wait for Merlin's signal to cast the Axe of Marduk. It should be fine for me to help with King at the same time, right?"
"No," Ophis said, shaking her head.
"Ishtar is with me. Chaldea's fighting power might be insufficient, so it's safer if you accompany me. Although I can't act due to the covenant, I can still protect them if necessary. As for the Axe of Marduk…"
Ophis's figure suddenly vanished, only to reappear with the giant axe originally on Quetzal's pterosaur. She placed it on Dingier's turret, much to everyone's surprise.
"This will work. Merlin can use this to signal. Merlin's staff can locate the target, so aiming doesn't need to be precise."
"Perfect, I'm happy to stay with the Master!" Quetzal said cheerfully, hugging Ritsuka.
Ignoring the scene, Ophis spoke softly.
"I wish you success in battle."