Kuro no Maou

CHAPTER 417

Divine Protection Contract Theory

Once the simple explanation from the Spada army’s fourth squad, Gladiator’s leader, first prince Aizenhalt, was over, we slowly departed Spada in a crowd.

According to the explanation we received, we just need to solely defend the area indicated—in other words, we only need the strength to defeat the enemy in front of us. It is a simple but perilous mission. Truly like an adventurer.

The on-site command will be taken by the squad leaders. It seems it has been more or less decided how the squads will be formed and who will lead them.

The Spada army chain command is like this, starting from the bottom—leader of a 10 men squad, leader of a 100 men squad, leader of a 1000 men squad, corps commander who leads a 10,000 men squad and finally the general who leads the entire army. And the one who holds power over 3 units and the provisional 4th squad is the king himself.

Although rare, it seems that there are a few occasions when the king himself directly gives the command to the army. But then again, it’s only to order a full-on assault or retreat.

Moving on, the situation differs a bit in the Gladiators, where we belong to.

Although it is literally a ten men squad lead by a squad leader, it’s a squad which has been formed by transposing adventurers. In other words, the squad leader would be in a position to directly lead those 10 men. Well, although in most cases, these parties are then split into 2 or 3 groups.

And with dozen of these parties, a battery is formed with 100 men, and a battery commander is appointed. Speaking of 100 men, that’s about the same number of people we fought within Alsace. It can be said I was a battery commander at the time.

Next up, 10 of these batteries are joined to form a battalion, and a battalion commander leads it. By the way, the reason why these commanders are not just called by the number of people they lead is to distinguish between them and the Spada regular army’s knights. It’s the knights’ meagre pride, so to say.

Either way, the battery commander and battalion commander will be selected from the gathered adventurers. Adventurers have a 5 rank system, and the guild has data on their personality or battle type in detail. They have chosen a battery commander and battalion commander based on that beforehand.

These commanders are announced before departing, and they start leading the army beginning from the road to Galahad fort. Since rumours were going around the adventurers about who will be selected as the commander, there wasn’t much chaos. ‘Ah, as I thought’ ‘Ah, it will be fine if it’s that person’ — when you observe such reactions from the surrounding, you can guess that the selected person is capable.

Red Ogre Gustav, leader of the Iron Ogre squad, who protected the Iskia village, was selected as the battalion commander considering his trust and achievements.

No one from our rank 5 and awarded Element Masters was selected as a commander. It’s not like we refused. Such a proposal didn’t come in the first place.

“To think we would actually be permitted to do as we please, huh?”

Will did say that ‘I will advise my father to let you guys act freely so leave it to me!’ but to think it would actually come true.

We have been given such independent raiding rights. Directly from first prince Aizenhalt in front of everyone. It was like a small medal receiving ceremony.

Although there were two other parties and a few individuals who received this other than us, so I wasn’t the least nervous at the time. Or rather, that aforementioned no. 1 swordsman of Spada, Farkius, also received it and so it was kind of like he was the main character. As expected of a real star, his popularity is entirely different from someone like me, who is just rising up.

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Even still, receiving this right seems to be more honourable for an adventurer than being selected as the battalion commander. It just goes to show that our strength to act separately was acknowledged. I certainly don’t feel bad when I think of it like that.

“Isn’t that great? We don’t have to deal with troublesome stuff. After all, a superior officer is just noisy and won’t be of any use in battle.”

Fiona, who was sick of the Crusaders’ mercenary activity and left, said heartily.

“So, you weren’t blessed with a good leader?”

“Yes, I don’t want to be ordered around by someone who drops dead after just being covered in flames.”

No, anyone would just die from that, usually. A good leader would also die from flames.

“Although they are going to tolerate it a bit, be careful of friendly fire.”

“I believe in you, Kurono-san.”

Can you not look at me purely like that there? Before believing in my stamina and agility, I would like it if you made some efforts to not swallow up allies in your ability.

“Fiona, your firepower right now is no joke...”

“Ah, please don’t say the name of the divine protection out loud please, it’s a secret.”

Fiona gestured ‘shhh’ with her finger without showing any expression—that’s her being entirely serious, no joke.

Black Witch Endymion. I still clearly remember doubting my ears when I first heard the name of Fiona’s divine protection. If possible, I want to think that I heard wrong even now.

“There’s no mistake that it’s strong but... Well, you can’t really do anything about something you’ve already accepted.”

According to Nell, that divine protection of a demon is supposed to be acquired by the villain of the century, but it seems like Fiona is still sane. Today, yesterday and even the day before that, she only thought about food with a vague expression—just like the usual Fiona. It definitely doesn’t seem like she would do something inhumane like sacrificing a child with fire.

For now, as long as there’s nothing strange about Fiona, I will not limit her usage. I will use everything I can, even if it’s a bit dangerous.