V3 Chapter 41

"Priests, prepare for battle, bless the warriors."

Leticia cried out, as her blade found purchase in her foe.

The Ogre screeched in agony, red blood pouring out along the line of her sword before its body slumped to the ground. Life bled from the beast quickly, as fast as the fire being blown away by the wind. Without stopping, she was already turning to her next target, swinging her sword high to block the attack of her adversary’s hatchet.

"Yes. Goddess Siam, your humble servant asked for your guidance. Please give your faithful servants the courage and power to fight against evil, Blessings of Strength!"

Priests used group blessing. Order of Siam has sent their best priests with Leticia so blessing the almost 40 soldiers at once wasn't a problem for them. With the boost from the blessings, the warriors, knights, and rangers increased their killing rate, like reaping weeds.

Woosh.

An arrow ricocheted off her armor, which was now glowing golden, the armor’s magical ability had been invoked saving her from a fatal wound. Still, with a cold gaze, she whipped her head around, fierce golden eyes catching a sight of yet another Ogre Archer holding quite an incredible bow that was too good for a monster.

She saw it pulled the string, and an arrow actually materializes a Magical Weapon!

As expected of an inhabitant of the Desolate Cave, said to be the graveyard of the heroes, even a mere Ogre holds a magical weapon!

Though the arrow created was made of stone, not enchanted, but it was a useful magical weapon nonetheless!

"Knights move ahead with me, the rest of you follow us at a certain distance."

She cried out. But just as her voice fell, everyone felt a violent fluctuation of magical energy in the distance before spotting scorching, red clouds congregating in the sky.

Before long, raging flames began raining down, battering the numerous monsters from the Ogre Tribe.

Even though it wasn’t advanced magic, the spell still dealt with astonishing damage. Soon, an empty section of space opened in the middle of the crowd of ogre horde. Everything there was cleared away.

Leticia turned her head around, and her face couldn’t help but become solemn. It would have been better if the mage who cast such magic was in her group, but to think it was a Lamian, a monster.

Red-hair, beautiful, striking face, muscled tone body—she only had joined them suddenly for two days without giving a reason, but some of her subordinates had already been enchanted by her beauty.

What are the Lamians planning? She didn’t know. But she already knows that there is something wrong.

Just a few days ago, there are only one or two Lamians that would lead them the way, and even those who did would treat them coldly. But now, to think there are four Lamians had joined their group… their sudden eagerness made her felt worried…felt something amiss.

Why are they suddenly so eager to join them?

Could it be they are planning something?

Leticia was having such doubts and worries these past few days, but she could never say anything about it.

First, because they are in their territory, suddenly creating conflicts against them due to some ungrounded fears would be asking for great trouble. And second, it’s because of their power—they are much stronger than she had expected.

A single of them can even rival dozen of her elites. Especially the golden-haired Lamian, and now this red-haired Lamian wh possesses an incredible ability to repair their weapons, or upgrade it was almost comparable to the best royal craftsman in their kingdom.

What’s even worse, is her magical abilities that were comparable to an archmage—

Although Leticia knows the terror of the Lamians, but it’s been almost a hundred years since a Lamian was spotted in their kingdom, and the horror that they carried had been most but forgotten, and had only existed in legends and myths.

But to think there’s an entire group, much less, one of the horrifying Monster Kings; A Medusa was living so close to their kingdom. This is a threat, almost comparable to that of the Demon Army.

Despite this, Leticia was at a loss on how to respond. If she made the wrong call, she might create a disaster. The Lamians she had encountered, well, apart from being cold, icy cold, and indifferent, they are completely different than what she had expected.

Aside from their appearances, they acted no different than them. That’s what she thought as they spent a long time with them—in fact, although they didn’t socialize with them, when there is a battle, they would help, and they are one reliable helper—every single one of them is incredibly strong.

Truthfully, she really didn’t want to fight against them.

But this sudden change in the Lamian’s attitude towards them made her feel guarded.

Just what are they planning to do?

Are they scheming about the Holy Sword as well?

…that can’t be possible, isn’t it?

While worrying about it, Leticia howled an order, swinging her blade wide, shattering the shield of the Ogre attacking her. The inertia of her blade cut straight through the creature’s torso, rending him in twain.

“Keep it up! Make sure you clean the area and advance!” she turned, her boots clattering on the muddy ground with every stomp in her charge towards the Ogre Archer that was surrounded by dozen Ogres.

She watched as it notched another arrow and took aim at her head.

“Light Ray!!”

A physical phenomenon forms out of thin air with a screech and fly towards a three-meter tall Ogre which was holding a large mace, charging right towards her. The spell ‘Light Ray’, conjured a ray of light that pierces through the monster’s neck, killing it before it can scream.

Leticia turned back, seeing the caster; Celis was already casting another magic after the previous. Golden light surrounded her as if giving her a halo. Behind her, there were also the other priests, but she was the only one that stands out, due to her beauty, and the halo her.

As expected of the Priestess who were blessed by the Goddess of Light Siam.

“Rooooooarrrrrr~~!”

Following that horrifying roar, countless monsters charged out from the inside of the cave, flooding in the area where they were at, all of them were strengthened elites or evolved monsters that are rarely found even in the outside world. But here, in the desolate cave, they were common as trees and weeds in the forest.

According to the Lamians, this here apparently seemed to be the territory of the Red Skin Ogres. Normally, Leticia would have decided to avoid this place; however, they found a clue on what they are looking for. In addition, the helper Lamians was behind them, so they can avoid a battle of tribes if the Lamians stood with them.

"A large group is heading this way! Vanguard, ready your shields!"

The group immediately follows the clear command of their Princess, people lightly equipped, only with wands and bows; Archers and Mages hurriedly retreat to the rear, replaced by Knights and Paladins in heavy armors and thick shields. They form a row and form a wall with their shield to fend off the 'Swarming Ogre Horde’.

The beasts that survived the onslaught of magic and arrows pounce on the knights and warriors in the front row with a fierce collision. The Knights used their shields to repel the claws and weapons of the monsters and counter-attack with their shields, and swords, taking down a large number of enemies.

At first, Leticia wanted to pass through talking, avoiding battle if possible. The princess thought that perhaps the Ogres would be as intelligent as the Lamians, and can be settled peacefully, however, she was mistaken. In the Desolate Cave, there’s only a few tribes who can be talked to, and most are still monsters—worst, territorial monsters who hated, and despite those who step foot in their territory, especially humans. Hence, the civilized way failed miserably, and now they found themselves in a fierce war.

The Lamians didn’t care either way, as they already knew that this would turn out this way.

The Ogres are simpleton creatures with extremely low intelligence; even some of the Goblins are smarter than them. And most of all, they are territorial beasts that attack and capture anyone who step foot into this place.

And what’s their favourite food? Humans.

Since their prey came here on their own accord, why would they talk with their favourite food and let them pass? That would be stupidity.

In the Desolate Cave, only one or two Tribes allied themselves, and most are against one another, fighting and killing every day for survival.

As one of the strongest inhabitants, the Lamians could be said to have their own cliché, though rather than allying themselves with one after another, the Lamians preferred to be left alone. And only the Purple Lion King; Arfa was their true friend and ally due to the friendship of their leaders.

The others are either enemies or staying neutral. In this sense, the Ogre Tribe was their enemy. But even they, themselves didn’t come here often and look for a fight. The Desolate Cave has rules, and even them are not allowed to break them. One of them is to start a nonsensical conflict against other tribes—though, it’s an unspoken rule, but nevertheless they tried to follow it.

If each and every tribe wanted for hegemony, the balance of the Desolate Cave would be affected. And they know that.

“Holy Shield!!”

“Shield of Valor!!”

“Holy Strength!!”

“Cure!”

“Holy Light!”

The knights and priests started using their skills and abilities. Once a Knight was wounded, a Priest would immediately cast a heal, returning him to his peak state. The entire battle continued this way, with Knights, Warriors, Priests, Archers, Mages, Bards and all other classes doing their best, and each of their rhythm synchronized with each other as if the entire fight had been already planned beforehand.

The fight continued, but the Ogres was finally pushed, with others started to flee for their lives.

“Knight’s Promise!!”

One of the knights bellowed. It was a Knight with a golden hair that spread wildly around his head, like a majestic lion’s mane. His entire body glowed golden, as he stood in front of the group holding his gold-and-silver plated shield with a lion’s head at the center. Like a guardian mountain, he endured many attacks of fire magic thrown at them.

Explosions occurred, yet not even an inch, his body was pushed back. He stood tall, and proud. He grits his teeth, and he roared; “Kill them!! Let’s show these monsters the pride of the Delouria Kingdom!!”

“Oooooh!!!!”

Clang! Cleng!

Sounds of metal clashing against metal. Cries and roars from monsters and humans alike echoed in the surrounding. Two elongated rigs of knights formed end-to-end with a single joining point between them, worked harmoniously, the formation was one of complete support, with every angle of battle offering a striking zone to more defenders than attackers.

But it was also a risky formation for if it failed at any point, the enemies would have the means to isolate and utterly destroy entire sections of the defending force.

But this is where the human knights made their prided majesty, as they held on, stronger and fiercer as time passed, all to protect the ones in the center. The priests, archers, and mages—people with so low defense, a single hit from an Evolved Ogre could spell their doom.

“Archers! Pay attention to the ones on the rear, especially their bowmen!! Spellcasters, prioritize the strengthened elite warriors!! Bards continue playing! At least seven people per group! Don’t mess up the formation! Prioritize protecting the priests, Bards and mages!!” Leticia and the others began giving commands.

The Bards continued playing music that has an incredible rhythm that makes the warrior’s spirit burn even more. The priests focused themselves in support, heal and enhancement through blessings. While Mages bombarded the Ogres standing behind with their magic spells.

The Bards music not only enhances their fighting spirit and morale, but also their strength, speed and will. At the same time, it soothes their soul, so, although not as good as [Purify] or [Dispel] by Priests and Holy Classes, they are still able to negate debuff status like [Fear] [Confusion] or worst [Stun] with their music. And they were able to do it as long as the music continues. That’s why, each expedition, it was normal in this world that a bard with excellent magical abilities is employed.

Priests are a must for their exceptional healing spells and blessings. And most of all Mages, which boosted the group’s firepower. Though these three classes have the weakest defense abilities, they are still a very valuable part of an expedition. Because of them, the frontliners; the warriors and knights were able to display their power to its fullest.

This is going smoothly… Leticia thought. Then, she turned towards the Lamians side—

Lamians numbers only four, three melee combatants and one Archer, though all of them can use magic of either water, wind or fire elemental with an at least elite mage level. And most of all, the four of them alone could take out an entire group of Ogres single-handedly. Although they are clearly not fighting hard, the passing help they gave from time to time was already indispensable for them, or else the battle would have been much harder. They had never expected that they would encounter so many Elite and evolved Monsters.

If only they are true companions…

All this time, Leticia spares no effort to recruit them, or at least interact with them. Although she still has misgivings about them, the power and strength alone they give was one that someone like her couldn’t afford to miss. Although many people would think otherwise, their minds and views still clouded by history or rumors that had been passed down and spread far and wide, and they would surely be the first to stand against the notion of allying themselves with the Demi-humans. But Leticia couldn’t care for that for now. They are bigots that can’t see the bigger picture. They tend to think that custom and tradition is all there is to it in the world—inflexibility can be a downfall to a nation. The inability to adapt to a sudden change of situation or circumstances could be fatal.

What’s wrong with befriending Demi-humans?

They might be different from humans, but some of them can be reasoned with. Isn’t that a reason enough to coexist?

Leticia thought so, ever since she was a child, taught by royal tutors about knowledge and history of the world. There were even legends and myths, stories to tell, where humans were the ones who caused something, and yet at the end, the Demi-humans, Beastmen or other races who were the ones who suffer. But whether humans noticed it, and just ignored it. Or the humans are beings so stupid that they would rather believe a wicked kind than a righteous justice, she doesn’t know. However, she wouldn't be among them for sure.

Though, she doesn’t want to think naïve, and still referred to all Demi-humans as dangerous. But the Lamians in this place are different. If possible, Leticia surely wanted them to be her ally. But her efforts all this time had all been for naught.

The Lamians are treating her coldly and even made their distance as much as possible. They would not even talk to them. From what she had known, Lamians are lascivious creatures, and they are well-known for kidnapping men for breeding purposes…but the more she interacts with them, the worse the rumors seemed to exaggerate. In fact, she even started to feel that what she knows about them was all a hoax, a lie. Or were they?

Leticia started to feel disappointed, though, to whom she doesn’t know. To humans, perhaps. To Lamians perhaps… or to the world entirely. The difference of races…why is it such a big deal?

As her mind wondered such illogical idea, the princess suddenly noted one group of knights in serious jeopardy due to the snarling and devastating charge of a particularly large and nasty Ogre. Just looking at its size which was almost doubling that of a normal Ogre, almost standing four meters tall, it’s obviously an evolved monster.

At her best in the heat of battle only the most skillful of foes could break her guard, but as it stood, any idiot with a knife could get in behind her limited view and stick a hook in through the gaps in her plate. Princess Leticia was the type that would focus on her enemy the moment she started to enjoy her battle. It’s was one of her fault, though, also her merit, as she put all her attention to her enemy, and not let her mind waver, or avert and make mistake until the battle ended.

Ahead she spotted her new foe, a towering monster making its way through his knights. Its height, size, aura and power, dwarfing both the living and dead by far. It was indeed, extremely powerful—though as expected of a monster that had lived in the Desolate Cave, known as Tomb of Heroes. It’s a monster enough to horrify an entire city.

“By the Kingdom’s Honor! I challenge you!”

Leticia bellowed, her helm giving her shout an echoed tone. Though she was panting hard, exhausted, she could see the monster turn towards her, corded muscles shifting under its thick brown hide as it stood, flexing and ignoring those around it, focusing on a new target, her.

The aura it exuded even intimidated her—testifying the fact that it was a cut above all the monsters she had seen, of course, aside from the Monster King Medusa, which is also another realm of monstrosity of itself.

“As the descendant of the Great Hero, Goddess of Light gives me strength!”

Grunting the Princess held her blade, hilt in one hand base of the blade in her gauntleted other. She was tired, but she knew what she was doing, these beasts were strong but stupid, relying on pure brawn over any semblance of skill.

The moment she had uttered those words, her body glowed in golden light, and all her exhaustion seemed to have been reduced significantly, and her entire body lighter than before. Gritting her teeth and shifting her stance she dug her heel into the ground, watching as the monster shifted from a walk, to a jog, to a sprint right at her. As it approached in a moment the Princess knelt, bracing her sword against the ground like a pike, hunching her head down protectively the instant before it collided with her.

With a roar of fury at the last second, the Monster lifted a foot, slamming it forward towards her uncaring of the waiting trap. Without so much as noticing the pain, it seemed, the sword impaled on its foot, it sent a backhand storming towards her. As the Princess raised her head, surprised not to have a dead fiend atop her she only had a moment to feel her panic rise before its hand hammered into her shoulder and head, the impact so strong it likely would’ve killed her had it not been for her armor.

Spinning, she landed in the mud, sliding a good few feet despite the weight of her armor as she heard a deep inhuman growl. Gritting her teeth she tried to sit up, only to find she was, in fact, laying face down, her head so rattled she could hardly tell which way was which.

She could hear its roar approaching and, as it drew close, she rolled on her shoulder onto her back, driving her fist up with a scream of defiance, blood trickling down one side of her face. Still, her eyes gleamed, and power surge through her entire being.

Without any hesitation, the princess let out a roar of her own, filled with undying fierce spirit, and slashed the monster she front of her then veered straight for the Ogre’s stretched arm that was trying to reach out at her, her sword leading. She hit the unwitting creature at a full run, driving her sword right through the beast and making it lurch forward wildly.

“Protect the Princess!!”

To their credit, the knights that were knocked back and injured didn’t break ranks and flee, but just dodged aside of the lurching Ogre, then came right back beside its swiping arms, smacking at it with their swords and shields. However, the Ogre was built sturdily and it roared angrily, sweeping its large arms, knocking the knights. It then turned towards the Princess, dwarfing the latter with its incredible size.

“Gooooraaaaaa!!!”

It raised its arms, a large hatchet on its hand.

Leticia narrowed her gaze, clenched her hold on her sword, but before she could engage, crimson chains appeared and coiled around the Ogre’s arms.