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Chapter 35.1: ?? ??? ???? ?? ??? ???? ???? ???? (?)
Chapter 35.1: ?? ??? ???? ?? ??? ???? ???? ???? (?)
Chapter 35.1: ?? ??? ???? ?? ??? ???? ???? ???? (?)
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Currently, the St. Iena Holy Knights’ Order seemed seriously intent on risking their lives in a decisive battle against the troll. It was natural for them, who regarded monster subjugation as a divine mission.
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However, Johan did not really have such intentions.
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Of course, he had feasted grandly with the elf knights and participated in the subjugation, so he would go to the rescue, but. . .
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He had no intention of risking his life in a life-or-death struggle.
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‘?? ? ??? ?? ?????, ?????? ????, ??? ??????, ???? ? ????; ?? ??’? ??? ????, ?’?? ???? ???????.’
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Since he was faster than the troll, he just needed to turn his horse around and retreat. That was the reason he had asked.
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The elf knights would undoubtedly rush to capture the monster at the sight of it, but Johan did not entertain such thoughts.
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If he could capture it, he would; if not, it couldn’t be helped.
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A flexible knight!
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In this situation, the best course was to rescue the elf knights and then escape without fighting the troll. It was better to move quickly, as there was nothing to gain if the elf knights died.
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“No. That would be too late. I’ll go ahead, and you follow as soon as you’re ready.”
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“Yes, Sir!”
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Johan pretended not to hear and spurred his horse on. Karamaf growled beside him, keeping pace with the horse.
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Meanwhile, the main force was steadily advancing into the forest.
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There were a few minor skirmishes with what seemed to be scouts and rogues, but no major battles.
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Therefore, when the scouts returned with their reports, the Captain of the guard was taken aback.
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“They’re waiting in ambush?”
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“Yes. They’ve gathered and are ready to fight.”
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The captain of the guards was surprised by the report that several hundred mercenaries and rogues had formed ranks (though it was more like just standing in line) and were ready to fight.
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Honestly, he had thought they would just collapse.
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“What did I tell you? I said the rogues would fight at least once. The enemy’s mercenary captain’s neck is on the line.”
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“It’s noisy. Tell the mercenary unit to get ready to fight.”
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After kicking the smug adjutant in the buttocks, the captain of the guards prepared for battle.
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Although hundreds had gathered, they were reduced in number due to several skirmishes. In both numbers and quality, the punitive force held the advantage.
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“Captain, the wizard has arrived.”
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“!”
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The Captain was startled by Suetlg’s sudden arrival and saluted with a disciplined posture.
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“What brings you here?”
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“I heard that a group of rogues is waiting in ambush. Did I hear correctly?”
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“Yes, that’s correct.”
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“Can you spare some reserves and leave them behind?”
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“Yes. . .?”
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“Even without the Crimson Iron Mercenary Company or the St. Galanto Holy Knights’ Order, that’s enough power to win.”
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The Captain was taken aback by the sudden suggestion. Indeed, given the state of the enemies, the dwarves and paladins could remain in reserve.
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They were not holed up in a fortress or castle but openly prepared to fight in a clearing. There was more than enough strength to overwhelm them from the front.
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“That’s true, but. . . may I ask why? Uh, did you foresee the future?”
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“. . .You could say it’s similar. Think of it as an old man’s concern.”
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I couldn’t refuse Suetlg’s proposal. Although he was speaking politely now, if Suetlg used his authority, the captain of the guards had no choice but to comply.
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It’s basic city life etiquette to respond kindly when spoken to nicely. The Captain, well-versed in city ways, obviously knew this.
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“Understood. I’ll place the two in reserve. Those mercenaries hoping for an easy job will surely grumble.”
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“I’m sorry about this.”
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“No, it’s not a difficult request at all.”
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The reserves could be called into battle at any time. It wasn’t an unreasonable request.
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“Crossbowmen to the front! Special rewards for those who distinguish themselves in battle! Forward!”
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“Those who flee will have their heads cut off! Don’t even think about trickery!”
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A fierce shout erupted among the mercenaries. It was the cry of those soon to be led into battle. Not all mercenaries were the same; some were new, some were cowards. It was the role of other mercenaries to grab these types and push them into battle.
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“Excuse me, wizard-nim. Why did you ask to place the two at the back?”
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“It’s just unnecessary worry.”
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Geoffrey asked cautiously. Fortunately, Suetlg didn’t turn him into a frog in anger.
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“I’ve been bothered since your master said something. . . Don’t worry. It’ll be fine.”
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Their loud approach was unmistakable. Drumbeats and battle cries erupted from the other side.
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???? ??? ?????????? ???? ???? ??? ????, ??? ????????!
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????? ??? ????? ??? ???? ??? ??????? ??????? ??? ??? ?????? ???? ??? ??? ?????? ???????????? ??? ?? ????!
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As they came within sight, arrows flew back and forth. Most used crossbows, with only a few mercenaries using bows. Arrows whistled through the air, embedding themselves in each camp.
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????!
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????!
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A few unlucky ones, hit by arrows that flew between shields, fell. But the mercenaries didn’t stop. They continued to advance silently.
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The punitive force’s morale improved, seeing their larger numbers and longer formation. Jokes even emerged among the more relaxed veterans.
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?Anyone want to bet if I hit that guy or not?
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The Captain felt relieved, as it seemed the rogues would be easily defeated. Then, a disheveled knight’s servant arrived.
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“A troll?!”
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“Send reinforcements quickly! Milord is in danger!”
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“It’s impossible now! Look, those retreating are losing. How can we pull out mercenaries in this situation!”
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The captain sharply rebuked him. The servant had no response and hesitated.
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“Didn’t Sir Johan and the St. Iena Holy Knights’ Order paladins go?”
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“Yes, they went to help, but I’m afraid. . .”
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“That force should be enough! Sending mediocre mercenaries against a troll won’t make a difference.”
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“But. . .”
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The servant acted like a noble when his master, the knight, was around, but without him, he was nothing. And now, the Captain couldn’t back down either. It was time to fight, but a troll?what an annoyance.
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‘????? ???????? ?*?????. . .! ???? ???????? ??????? ?? ????????? ?? ??? ????? ?? ? ?????!’
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It was clear they only thought of their own fame and achievements. The thought made him angrily boil over.
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“. . .Understood. I will wait until the fight is over.”
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“A wise decision.”
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Suetlg, who was listening nearby, exclaimed ‘Ah’ in surprise. Geoffrey, puzzled, asked,
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“Why is that, sir?”
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“Indeed, your master seems to be blessed with fortune. It’s clear that the brave are looked after by the gods.”
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“. . .?”
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“Though the troll is known as a ‘Knight Slayer,’ a monster, fortunately, your master has an elixir that’s effective against trolls.”
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Suetlg looked pleased. A gift given without much thought had returned in this manner. Was this also a revelation?