Chapter 161
The enemy’s attacks, which had been quiet for some time, erupted suddenly. On a night when the moon was hidden by clouds and not even an inch ahead was visible, an elite unit from the Empire of Leonis swiftly infiltrated the Cantabrian camp.
The first to notice this was none other than Derek. A surge of intense hostility had stabbed into his mind.
“Enemy!”
“It’s a night raid!”
One by one, fierce torches lit up the previously dim Cantabrian camp.
“They’re heading for the supply tent! Catch them!”
The Esper soldiers, who hadn’t had much chance to act until now, actually looked excited as they rushed toward the supply tent.
Contrary to their expectations that it was finally their turn to show off, the Leonis soldiers attacking this time were on a completely different level from those in previous raids.
They were few in number, but made up entirely of elemental Espers, so it was impossible to approach them. In that instant, they began to steal some supplies and tried to set fire to the supply tent.
“Out of the way!”
At that moment, Zion rushed in like the wind. With a speed the eye couldn’t follow, he drew his sword and leapt into the enemy ranks.
His overwhelming physical power was such that even the Leonis troops, who didn’t budge when attacked en masse, now flinched back.
Zion swung his sword fiercely at the figure who looked to be their leader. The enemy barely dodged, then snapped his fingers.
A small bolt of lightning struck Zion’s sword.
“Ugh!”
Because he’d come out in a rush and hadn’t been able to put on his gloves, Zion took the full brunt of the current and staggered. The Leonis soldiers took the chance to land a blow.
Having realized he was a physical-type Esper, they judged that a strong attack was needed. The Empire of Leonis was certainly skilled at fighting Espers.
At that moment, Derek stepped forward and shouted in his mind.
{ Stop. }
In an instant, the Leonis soldiers froze like statues. Only two, including the one who seemed to be the leader, were unaffected by Derek’s command.
Not having expected a psychic Esper to manipulate their minds, the enemy leader shouted,
“What are you all doing, you bastards!”
In that brief window, Zion recovered and swung his sword at the leader. With a heavy rush of wind, there was a short, muffled cry.
“What the hell did you do?!”
The Leonis leader finally realized that his troops hadn’t stopped by accident, but by the enemy’s trick.
He looked around in dismay. He’d planned to grab some supplies, set fire to the tent, and retreat, but with the plan in shambles, he decided to withdraw.
“Operation: Pig!”
The Leonis army used animal names as code words for secrecy. Usually, the names matched an animal’s traits. ‘Operation: Pig’ meant retreat, because pigs pull back when you try to drag them forward.
The subordinates who understood the order planned to bolt as soon as they could move. But Derek, who had already read their intentions through their thoughts, quickly relayed orders to the allied soldiers nearby.
“Surround them and cut off their escape! Once they’re in our camp, they don’t get to leave easily— Make that clear!”
Clang! Clang, clang!
Not missing the chance, Zion swung his sword again at the enemy leader’s neck. He stepped through the air, shifting direction freely. Thanks to receiving regular guiding from Lea, his skills had also improved.
Aside from the soldiers still bound by Derek’s psychic powers, only two enemies were managing to block Zion’s strong and agile swordsmanship.
At that moment, Ilion rushed up beside Zion. Clenching his fist, he went for the one attacking with ice next to the enemy leader.
Discussion
1 CommentIlina