Inheriting the Novel

Chapter 20 : Go With the Flow (1)

Go With the Flow (1)

Philip Polsen looked at the man walking ahead with a gaze of utter incomprehension.

'Clay Vanhart... wasn't he supposed to be a sword user?'

He could still clearly recall his own sword being deflected in a single stroke.

It was almost impossible for him, a Sword Expert, to accept the fact that he had lost to a mere sword user in just one exchange.

'What on earth is Duke Gale thinking?'

The special detachment was composed solely of knights personally selected by Duke Gale.

Being chosen for it was proof enough of the duke's recognition.

Philip had felt ready to fly from joy at that fact—at least, until he learned that the detachment's commander was Clay Vanhart.

'And then there's Zelbin Ribina—why is he taking orders from that guy, anyway?'

He really was an incomprehensible man.

And why, of all places, had they come to this valley?

It would be nice if there was at least some explanation, but under pretense of secrecy, Clay wouldn't say a word.

"You're probably wondering why we suddenly came to the valley."

Almost as if he had read Philip's mind, Clay spoke up.

"From now on, we'll be waiting in this valley."

"Pardon?"

Philip reflexively questioned, then hurriedly covered his mouth as Zelbin shot him a sharp glare from the side.

But Clay continued as if it was of no real consequence.

"A secret passageway was discovered below these cliffs not long ago. And it's almost certain the enemy breached it themselves."

"Is... is that true?"

Clay nodded lightly at one knight's question.

"Soon, our main force will launch an all-out assault on the enemy's base. At that time, I'm convinced the enemy will launch a surprise attack on our own base through that passageway."

"So our role is to stop that ambush?"

"Exactly."

Having heard the outline of the operation, philip felt secretly relieved.

He had expected that, being in such a special detachment, they would be sent on a hazardous mission. But this task seemed simpler than he'd feared.

'If we already know about the enemy's ambush, it won't be that hard to block it.'

The passage was located below sheer cliffs. The enemy would have to climb up them to infiltration.

Even if the enemy numbered many, with the advantage of terrain it would not be difficult to repel them.

'To think I could earn merit from such a straightforward operation.'

As Philip and several other knights were inwardly rejoicing, Clay continued speaking.

"But the important part comes after we block the enemy's ambush."

After the ambush?

As everyone stared at Clay with puzzled faces, he spoke in a completely casual tone.

"They've gone to all this trouble to open a path for us—it'd be rude not to make use of it ourselves, wouldn't it?"

Only then did Philip realize what he meant.

He intended to use the enemy's own passage in reverse and infiltrate their main base.

'Insane! Did Duke Gale really authorize this?!'

Philip felt he might faint at once, faced with such a perilously reckless plan.

* * *

The camp of the Kainzel Kingdom army.

Prince Wolfran looked leisurely at his vassals before asking,

"How is the Talua army moving?"

"As expected, they are advancing straight to the center of Rachmes Ridge."

"Hehehe. Good—continue luring them as they are. The moment they think they've won is when the enemy grows most complacent."

"As expected from you, Your Highness, so wise in strategy!"

Wolfran smiled in contentment at his retainer's flattery, eyes shifting over to the map marking the state of battle.

Just as predicted, thinking victory was in hand, Talua's kingdom army had committed all troops to launch an all-out attack.

The moment the enemy moved as predicted, Wolfran would sweep the enemy main camp via the secret passage.

That was the strategy Wolfran had put forward.

'Kukuku. They'd never even imagine a secret passage exists in the valley.'

It was hard for Wolfran to keep from smirking aloud.

Who would ever think to build a passage that cuts directly between the two armies' camps?

When Veil had first proposed opening the passage, even Wolfran had let out a hollow laugh at the absurdity.

But once Veil had realized that proposal, Wolfran could only acknowledge it—a demonkin was simply beyond human standards.

'There's no way we'll lose.'

Despite the battle situation still being somewhat unfavorable, Wolfran was certain of victory.

It was true that the knights of Talua Kingdom were strong and their soldiers more numerous. Even if their main camp fell through the secret passage, their main force would remain.

But Wolfran was unconcerned. A terrifying strength was stationed at their own main camp—an intermediate-rank demonkin, Veil.

'That low-rank demonkin dying actually played to our favor.'

Until now, Veil had simply delegated everything to low-rank demonkin without acting directly.

But after the low-rank demonkin Kalio was killed in the Artuha Mountains, Veil had finally decided to act himself.

With such direct intervention, the war's outcome was essentially decided.

'But just what are those beings really after?'

One day, demonkin had suddenly appeared before the Kainzel Kingdom and offered a deal.

Lend us your strength, in return cooperate so that we may access the ancient ruins readmitted to the kingdom's royalty.

As far as Wolfran knew, the ancient ruins held only historical value—nothing truly significant. Then why did they insist on access?

'First, let's focus solely on winning the war.'

With a short shake of his head, Wolfran brushed away the thought.

Victory came first, for now.

And the moment he returned victorious, the crown prince's seat would be his.

* * *

[Michelle is well hidden, right?]

"I told you, there's nothing to worry about—he's moving with Duke Gale."

I repeated what I'd already said several times, trying to reassure Grancesia.

But Grancesia still seemed anxious and uneasy.

"So, you do care about your descendant after all?"

[Of course, since she's my elder sister's descendant. My elder sister wasn't as healthy as me... so her descendants are all rather weak, too.]

"... Your elder sister was weak?"

From what I knew, her elder sister had lived over 100 years without so much as a minor illness...

'Well, by her standards, I guess almost anything seems weak.'

I slowly unclenched the fists I'd been unconsciously making, letting out a long breath.

Only then did the magic power flowing through my body begin to dissipate through my hands.

"Hoo, but isn't this good enough by now?"

[Still a way to go. But the form (形) is perfect. As always, your ability defies belief.]

Though Grancesia said that, she actually sounded rather delighted.

Most likely, seeing me perfectly shape a technique thought lost to the world greatly pleased her.

"Captain, a letter has arrived from His Grace, the Duke."

At the voice from behind, I slowly turned around.

Zelbin stood there, holding a white letter.

"Thank you, as always."

"No, really—it's an honor to be of help."

Zelbin's eyes, as he said that, shone with respect toward me.

'But why?'

Curiosity rose almost to my throat, but first I hurriedly checked the letter's contents, then put it away in my pocket.

"Looks like the operation starts tomorrow morning."

"Yes, I'll inform the other knights right away."

"Good, thank you, but..."

I looked at Zelbin for a moment before speaking.

"Why do you trust my word so completely?"

The operation we were about to execute was highly dangerous. We'd be infiltrating deep into enemy lines, so there was no guarantee we'd survive.

It was no wonder the other knights grew grave after hearing the plan.

But Zelbin nodded along without the slightest hesitation. Since I hadn't even fought alongside him before, I found his trust somewhat baffling.

But the answer to my question only deepened the riddle.

"I've already witnessed you fight—twice, in fact."

"Twice?"

Perplexed, I asked him to elaborate. Zelbin continued calmly,

"I pursued Baian ahead of anyone else—so I saw you defeat Baian Deoric with my own eyes, Captain."

"What?"

I hadn't even considered that anyone might have witnessed that scene.

"And then, during the battle in the Artuha Mountains, you struck down the monster that even subdued demonkin in an instant. That sight is seared into my mind forever."

I always thought there might have been witnesses—there were simply too many people present there to keep track.

But to think he'd not only seen that, but my fight with Baian as well—I'd never imagined it.

"Seeing you, shrouded in silvery light as you cut down the foe—I'm convinced that you, sir Vanhart, are a chosen hero!"

Perhaps not noticing how stiff my expression had grown, Zelbin spoke in an impassioned voice. His usually indifferent eyes now sparkled brightly.

Seeing that look, I couldn't bring myself to deny it.

"How could I dare distrust a hero's words? On the contrary, it's a true honor to be able to assist you up close!"

Ah. I remembered seeing something like this before.

Children by the roadside, reacting just like this when traveling performers recited heroic legends.

'Well, I suppose it's a lot better than if he looked at me with suspicion...'

There was nothing problematic about having someone who'd seen me fight. If anything, having someone to testify to my achievements was welcome.

But a hero?

His burning passion was honestly overwhelming.

'Now that I think of it, I'd heard a rumor.'

They said the Young Lion of Ribina was quite the fan of hero tales...

I'd always thought it was just a joke, but apparently it was true.

Gaining Zelbin Ribina's trust was fortunate, but if I wanted to keep it, it looked like I'd have no choice but to keep acting the part of a hero.

[Wow, you've even got a fan now? I'm jealous, honestly.]

'Don't tease me.'

Ignoring Grancesia's snickering laughter, I addressed Zelbin, who was still catching his breath.

"... Understood. Then please tell the other knights to get ready for the operation as well."

"Yes, sir!"

Watching Zelbin answer energetically and disappear, I let out a thin sigh.

It was perplexing, but earning Zelbin Ribina's trust was a big asset. Especially for uniting the other knights.

"Well, that's fine."

I clenched my fist as I looked in the direction of the valley.

I still wasn't skilled yet, but my trump card was prepared—at least partly.

"Grancesia, you said I could handle up to intermediate-rank, right?"

[Of course! With me, intermediate-rank is no problem.]

"And if there's an advanced-rank?"

[We run. But if there were an advanced-rank demonkin, their strength would be felt from all the way over here—it's just not possible.]

The distance between the Kainzel Kingdom's camp and this valley was considerable.

If their strength had to be felt even from here, that meant an advanced-rank demonkin's power was truly unimaginable.

I nervously clenched and unclenched my fist.

Up to now, I'd always been able to prepare ahead thanks to the Synopsis, but this time, everything was unknown.

But that was normal.

The future wasn't meant to be known anyway.

'And when I overcome this—'

I was certain I would grow one step further.

I felt it without a doubt.