by Kasugamaru
And then, suddenly, everything was ruined.
The Dragon Commander and Dragon Warrior had come along, and I was ordered to assist them with living in the human territory. Basically, I was relegated to being a woman’s bodyguard. But I took measures, and succeeded in luring out the vampires. Yet thanks to the machinations of women, victory escaped me.
Even now, interference has allowed my potential accolades to escape. It was, I think, a failure from the start when the woman known as Golden came into the picture. A vampire male would charge out to face me head-on, even bellowing his own name.
Women. Women are the bane of my existence. Always. Everywhere. Even on the battlefield.
That reminds me: the ape suspected of killing elves was a female. I disregarded it as impossible at the time, but a female human is still a woman; perhaps she did the impossible just to hurt me.
No, the real problem goes all the way back to the beginning... the goddesses—dragon and demon. The world fights over these two divine beings. Perhaps this is just my natural place in such a world. Is my purpose simply to die in a corner of the battlefield to suit the whims of a god?
As if I could accept that. Not that life. Not that death. I will continue to struggle, until I can finally teach them a lesson. Those damn women.
28 The Sorcerer Nervously Prays, Steps Into a Fated Battle, and Does His Utmost
Oh God, my enemies are before me.
Oh God, give me the strength to fight.
-Sorcerer Odysson V-
I ain’t scared, ya hear me? It’s just that the wastelands I’m used to have turned into something crazy. The sun is tilting far to the west, so maybe I ain’t seeing things well but... Viewing from the east, the dudes flying a blue and white banner don’t even seem to budge a muscle.
It’s a massive army. Over 2,000 long-ears with an equal number of silver leopards and wind hawks circling above. The mana leaking out of them is turning into a mist. They’re just like a moving forest. Damn long-ears. I know they’re our allies, but they act like the whole world stinks. Damn it all.
But if they weren’t here, we’d be totally screwed. After all, our common enemy is something this very world rejects, and makes monsters look cute in comparison. With the western sun at their backs, they rise from the earth, the army of massive yellow-eyes, flying their yellow and black banners. They number just over 3,000. They ain’t got many familiars, but... they more than make up for it with bloodlust.
She’s there. Somewhere in that army, she’s there. The yellow-eyes Apostle is appraising us. I’m too scared to look away. I don’t wanna search for her, but I can’t help but try to find her. I should stop. Searching like this uses mana, which could lead to her spotting me. If she does, she’ll instantly kill me... Golden, the Thunderstorm, will attack!
“Ohh! Ohh! Cavalry sure are cool!” Oh. That reminds me, we have our own fighter with a second name. She’s the elven Apostle who for some reason is a fan of humans: the small one they call the Ten Thousand Bells.
“It’s like I’m seeing the ancient centaurs! But these horses’ eyes are round and cute, so they win! Although they are a little mean and won’t let me ride them, it’s fine because they’re so cute! Can I feed one?” Why did she come here at the last moment to feed horses? Well, I’m sure she has a lot going on. Stuff like coordination, strategy, and promises to uphold. If we’re going to fight together, it’s important to make arrangements in advance.
If we lose this battle, it’s all over for the Frontier. Which is why we’ve brought every last soldier we can. Our main force consists of 1,200 Bomber Knights. Led by the famous knight brothers, they’re without a doubt an elite force made up of the best that humanity has to offer. They’re so fast and strong; if they’re not enough, we’re done for.
But the most amazing thing is the strategy they’ve worked out to use Inferno magic in a group. Tossing a bunch of fire bombs to create a massive explosion just blows my mind. They said a focus on firepower is their family’s motto so it wasn’t much of a leap in logic, but in my humble opinion the Willows are all crazy. Just one mistake and they’ll wipe out their own allies.
Then again, maybe I’m crazy for getting ideas based on that...
“Oh, Odysson! Don’t try to spoil her, now. She may look small, but she’s still an elf. You don’t know how many centuries she’s lived for.” Damn black-hearted priest. How can you say that when you come holding carrots?
“You’re wrong. I was just thinking. Things have gotten really crazy.”
“We have survived until today, but perhaps tomorrow we shall die. That’s all it is. That’s how it always is. If you are thirsty, drink; if you are hungry, eat.” What, you’re gonna eat those yourself? You really do have a bad personality. That’s more like spiting the horses instead of teasing the shrimp Apostle. Also, being so thickly clad in armor only accentuates your obesity.
“However, I understand what you’re feeling. This is our first battle, after all.”
“A first battle with Ten Thousand Bells as an ally and Golden as an enemy? I’m gonna cry.”
“Why, you’re such an emotional fellow. Are you overwhelmed at the unveiling of the platoon you personally trained?”
“My allies don’t understand me, either. I’m seriously gonna cry.” My platoon... the first magic platoon in history, and it’s finally real. From all the commoners with abilities, I selected 200 with the greatest talent. Then there’s the 50 sent by the Sorcerers Guild. Plus the 50 adventurers we hired. In total, 300.
They really stand out, no matter how you think about it. Cloaked in bright red mantles emblazoned with the Crimson Flower Company’s logo, they’re each equipped with three of my newest inventions, the charcoal wand, two flame canisters, and one dagger. There was no time to teach them how to ride horses so I told them to just run as fast as they could. That’s why they’re wearing high-quality black leather boots.
“So, Father. Are you really planning on standing on the front lines?”
“Hee hee hee! You ask this now? I command more soldiers than you, I hope you realize.”
“Well, I guess...” The black-hearted priest’s platoon is in charge of guarding mine. Considering the rarity of a magic platoon I’ll admit it’s necessary, but... the 500 he leads are just a bunch of adventurers, mercenaries, and volunteer soldiers. I doubt they’ve done anything remotely close to military training.
“Just think of us as your great shield and leave it all to us. I will handle defense, and the offense I trust you all to do your utmost.”
“We’ll fight until we die. No need to ask.”
“Indeed. And then for the first time, we can say that humanity did everything it could!” Caught up in his passionate speech, I look over. Right. Her.
Kuroi. An Apostle, and the vessel for the human God. Everyone’s looking at you. Everyone’s mind is on you. But what do you expect? That’s the kind of presence you have. Just having you stand there makes it feel like the space is tilting. It’s impossible not to think of you.
Over there, the 100 cavalry and 300 foot soldiers that came from the Hell Expanse are praying to you. I can understand them all too well. You can tell they took the same path as us. They, too, were once plunged into the abyss of despair.
Over here, the 300 cavalry from the fort are prepared for battle. They’re dead men walking. They will, without hesitation, throw away their lives so that you can take another step, Kuroi. You command everyone’s attention.
It’s not just the humans, either. The long-ears are watching your every move as well. Especially the Dragon Warrior who’s sticking super close to the shrimp. Even now she’s on guard. Scary as hell, that one.
I ain’t hallucinating, either. For I, Odysson, am more sensitive to these differences than your average person thanks to magic making me aware of God’s presence. God, who’s on your back now. He seems... a bit savage. Not ferocious, mind you. He’s got this aura of violence... an impulse for destruction?
“Oh, fire
sorcerer! You’re here too?” Whoa, what does the shrimp want with me?
“Don’t look so sullen. I am an Apostle, but I am also a wind mage. According to legend, elves and humans worked together to defeat the Demon God with the greater magic of Fire Storm. The technique has been lost, but wind and fire are still quite compatible!” That’s just a story. As for compatibility, that sounds like superstition to me. But the shrimp aside, the one behind her is freaking me out. See how sharp her gaze is!
“Why hello, Dragon Commander. First we have the honor of seeing you at the war council, and now you come to review our troops? This will surely put the men in high spirits. I am sure they will live up to your expectations in the upcoming battle.”
“Be at ease. You talk and wave too much.”
“Why, how can you say...”
“And your overly polite yet patronizing attitude doesn’t fool me. Don’t try to deny it. The old witch that was my etiquette instructor talked just like you.”
“Oh... to think that I would be so misunderstood...”
“You know that elves have excellent hearing and purposefully mentioned my age, didn’t you? Mmh? And you make no attempt to hide the carrots you hold.”
“...Would you like to feed the horses?”
“Good, good! I forgive you! Gwa-haha!” Wow, she’s really feeding the horses. What are their nerves made of?
“Try to smile, even if you must force it, Odysson. The soldiers are watching.”
“What... Oh, I see. So that’s how it is.”
“Yes. The soldiers on both sides have put a lid on their hostilities, but distrust still boils below the surface. We must show them that we are getting along.”
“...Do all that we can, even here?”
“Indeed. You are too right, my man... I must say, you are terrible at smiling.”
“Shaddup. Not everyone’s a great actor like you and your commander friend.”
“What are you saying? Diplomacy is the basis for everything, and acting is the basis for diplomacy.” Such black-hearted, convincing words. I’m glad I’m a sorcerer. Objects don’t require smiles or acting abilities.
Hey, Kuroi. What about you? You don’t smile, don’t even show a single expression. You’re so pure, I doubt you even think about acting... you’re always so serious. Maybe that’s why you can continue to face God.
Is that why you only fight? Are you so strong because you only fight? A raging girl and a savage god... two beings burning like an inferno... I wonder how long you two can keep fighting so determinedly. Can you keep it up? Maybe it’s not my place to say, but I’m a little worried.
If I die, at least use me as a bit of kindling. I’m sure I’ll burn real well. That way, you can allow me to keep fighting. Thanks in advance.
29 The Art of War According to DDR: Accepted Wisdom, Survival Rates, Standard Tactics, and Special Effects
Omniscient eyes scan the battlefield, seeing, understanding.
God commands. Move like the wind. Strike with audacity.
-DDR Stream VOD Part 4-
Monitor brightness—as is. FOV—maxed. Contrast—minimized. Positioning adjustment—done.
Music—muted. Ambient noise—maxed. Sound quality—Live. Headset—on.
Finger warm-ups, sweat removal, placement—complete.
Heeere comes the war event! Ah! The refreshing flavor of hops and grain!
What an interesting little situation we’ve got here.
For TuberStarch, a battle between vampires and the elf-human alliance is a first. What a move up for humanity! ‘Course, I’m used to survival type events where I’m dragged into a supernatural war.
FWIW, survival rates in such events should be treated like a baseball batting average. 30% is good. It’s all about avoiding massive spells slung without regard for collateral damage and not winding up as some familiar’s snack.
Thinking back, I’ve sure died a lot. This character, that character; the end came on them suddenly.
Humans, after all, are basically background flotsam. No matter how carefully built or specialized, the devs couldn’t give two shits about the player’s intentions. They’re there to get squashed, vaporized, and otherwise disposed of by the battlefield’s protagonists. Sometimes they’re picked up, but then they pretend they never existed... Just generally mistreated.
Yep DDR’s definitely a game for masochists. Escapism? Not here.
I mean, sure, PotatoStarch is a mere lackey. The company can do just fine without him. And even for livestreaming I got that bizarroBAN. My stat increases, certs, and health are nothing to write home about. In a word, I’m your average Joe, devoid of any special talents... Ah, the sweet bitterness... Bring me more of the sweet bitterness!
Ah, dammit! Drinking and whining, really? I’m cutting this out when editing! I mean hell, it’s just a recording! Not like I can even be sure I can upload it! Aw, fuck it.
Sigh... Cough cough... Ahm.
Right, PotatoStarch here with a message: Don’t drink and game!
Anyway, this time we’ve got a war event. I’ll be taking on the vampires as a member of the human army. I don’t know what feat of diplomacy brought this on, but the elves are our allies, so we might be able to put up a fight today. Guess this is also thanks to the Apostle Sakiel.
As for the scheduling—it’s according to DDR’s accepted wisdom; starting in the evening, around sunset.
Basically, elves are strong during the day, vampires during the night. So why don’t the elves just attack in the morning? Funny you should ask; the enemy hides using earth magic, but when they emerge at night to attack, the elves hole up inside the magic barriers erected during the day. Earth and water magic share a feature, you see—they’re incredibly hard to breach if you put enough time into them. Once the enemy holes up behind them, there’s no good way to break through them. Stalemate forever and ever. God forbid a war actually did last an age—you’d start seeing player profiles on milk cartons. Which means that if we’re going to have a proper war, it needs to happen around this time of day.
In terms of stat boosts, it starts with elves in front and slowly tips to the vampires. Elves want to end it quickly. Vampires want to tough it out while making sure the elves don’t run before the time is ripe.
Anyway, let loose the dogs of war!
Things are starting pretty normally. Vampires start with a proper charge. About 60-70% of their army, a grand total of about two thousand of them, dash ahead. How very vampire-like of them. They’re accompanied by black wolves.
The elves, meanwhile, set up a water barrier, daring the vampires to come after them. It looks like a shallow moat of sorts. However, this is actually a defensive barrier shaped with Flowing World, a spell that’s got special effects against vampires. It might be shallow, but they can’t step over it, and the magic stops them in mid-air if they try to jump over.
Then the exchange of stone and arrow fire. This is pretty scary. The sound just drags you right into the chaos. The rocks fly straight as though they’re spinning like rifle bullets, and the arrows seek out and home in on their targets. No end to lethality.
Each side’s got their own way of defending, too. Vampires swat down projectiles with their weapons, block them with earth walls and stones shields, and there’s even some that just grab them out of mid-air. Elves avoid attacks with flight or hovering magic, or swat them down with gusts of wind or water whips.
Now, of course the only reason they bother with this ranged exchange is because neither side’s capable of blocking everything thrown at them. The effects of impacts are pretty gruesome. The rocks are imbued with magic so they’re harder than usual. Broken bones are the least of your concerns. As for arrows, they’re also imbued with magic and are poisoned to boot—one hit and the war’s done for you, you’re going home in a box.
It’s a slow, methodical grind.
If you try to escape the rocks by getting some altitude, you end up a glorified lightning rod for lightning magic, and if you try to
protect yourself from arrows with armor, well, someone’s gonna fill that up with water and then you’re drowning in your own personal water chamber. So instead, it’s a test of wills.
I suppose if you had to pick strengths, elves have the advantage at long range, while it’s more even at mid-range. Mostly because the rocks lose velocity with range.
Things look about even for now. They’re stalemated at mid-range.
And then... Ah. Both sides are holding their Apostles in reserve. It’s still a test of wills.
In this case, the vampires have the balanced Golden, good in both attack and defense, while the elves have the Ten Thousand Bells, Sakiel. In terms of match-ups, Ten Thousand Bells has a bit of an advantage. The biggest reason is the difference of maximum MP. Sakiel has enough MP to be sitting pretty even after blocking all of Golden’s attacks. Of course, Golden’s got plenty of opportunities to win. In fact, the vampires have a better chance of pulling off an upset.
The key is in the gap in their summoning spells. The Bell’s only got up to rank 2 Call spells, while Golden’s got up to rank 3 Summon type spells. As you know, spell power goes up dramatically with each rank. From Sakiel’s point of view, no doubt she’d like to get Golden to move first and back them into a corner. Golden, on the other hand, wants to find the right moment to unleash a massive spell.
Wonder when they’ll move... Hm? What’s this?
Oh, vampires are coming this way.
Looks like they’ve lost patience and want to try to spread out the fighting. There’s about a hundred of them, so it seems like a company’s gone to the effort of trying to flank the elves.
Pity for them that Kuroi’s here!