Goblin Kingdom Volume 3: Chapter 225 – The Hero of Pena IV

“You did well coming here safely. You must have suffered greatly.”

　The Goblin King personally greeted Gi Gu and awarded his efforts with two days of rest.

“Your Majesty, I have no excuse for Felduk's failure to capture Pena…”

　Gi Gu grit his teeth in shame as he said those words, but the king spoke to him gently.

“Oh Gi Gu. Pena is a strong enemy. You did well. Just being able to bring back these many soldiers alive is sufficient. Our entire army shall take care of the rest and force Pena to capitulate.”

　After the Goblin King eased Gi Gu's heart, Gi Gu bowed to him deeply, then the Goblin King received Pale's report regarding the damages incurred.

“Although not many of Gi Ga Rax's Aransain died, many of them have been wounded. Gi Gu-dono's Felduk is in a similar state.”

“It is good that not many have died.”

“Yes. But I never thought Pena would be able to resist this much. This failure is my fault.”

　Based on the difference in equipment of the army that attacked Gi Ga and Gi Gu, the goblins believe that the enemy might have two different platoons. One supporting reason behind this is that Allen did not appear in the frontlines when fighting Gi Gu. It could be said that the presence of an army with a commander that was so remarkable has led the goblins to make an error in judgment.

　Even Pale herself had a hard time guessing the enemy's real numbers, as the spies she sent to Pena only reported several small platoons leaving the city.

　A cavalry that could break Gi Ga's forces. Moreover, one with enough forces to afford sending a detached force. Given that information, Pale had no choice but to reconsider if attacking the enemy swiftly was a good idea.

　In the unlikely event that they are able to force Pena to surrender, so long as Queen Raksha is alive and a strong army remains, they can flee to the north, and they will still have the chance to attack and restore their kingdom later. Pale had originally thought that Pena no longer had the strength to spare and could be blown by the passing winds, so she couldn't help but frown upon seeing their unexpected tenacity.

“How many days will it take to move the army?”

　The Goblin King's question broke Pale's thoughts for a moment.

“Roughly 7 days.”

　At this point in time, Pale believed that there was no such thing as being too cautious. They could first ensure that the rear support was in good health, then they could surround Pena in one fell swoop. So long as they could suppress the symbol of Pena, Queen Raksha, regardless how strong their army is, they will lose their cause.

　Until then it should be possible to gather even more information, Pale thought.

“In that case, let us not move our army from this camp.”

　Pale nodded to the Goblin King's words.

　If they were to dispatch their army to force the surrounding cities to surrender, they will likely only be eaten by the superior army of the enemy. In order to avoid losing the advantage that they had, they had to avoid losing soldiers while they approached Pena.

“It seems our movements are being leaked.

“…The nearby cities are probably informing them.”

　What the Goblin King was concerned about was losing the information war. It is no exaggeration to say that it was because the goblins have always been able to gain precise intel on their enemies that they have been able to gain victory after victory until now. But unlike before, the enemy this time has taken the initiative over them.

“Can we buy them?”

　Pale's eyes opened wide in surprise when the king said that.

“…It would be difficult, I believe. They probably consider kneeling to monsters as a humiliation.”

“Hmm…”

　The Goblin King became thoughtful once more. As he thought to himself, Pale stared at him from the side. The Goblin King noticed that and turned to her.

“What's the matter?”

“Nothing. I just didn't expect it. I thought you hated such backhanded methods.”

　The Goblin King wryly smiled at that.

“It's a small price to pay if it means saving my soldiers' lives.”

　Although the goblins were able to ally with the Kushain Believers and raise their diplomatic level to some extent, the other countries still see them as nothing but monsters that could not be reasoned with.

“In that case, we'll have to take some other measures.”

　There's also the strategy of advancing while destroying the cities one after another, but this king would probably reject it, Pale thought.

　The Goblin King and Pale spoke for a while, but in the end, they decided to lock themselves in their camp and wait for the wounded to recover.

◆◇◆

　A warm welcome awaited Allen when he returned to the imperial capital of Pena. When all that fear the people had for the goblins was turned upside down, the people packed the streets and blessed the Order of the Blue Knights for successfully repelling them.

　But Allen was not happy about that, and instead he steadily worked toward his next move.

　He appealed before the Elder Council and asked them to send a messenger to Germion Kingdom and seek an alliance.

“Peace? With our archenemy, Pena, whom we've been at war with for so many years?”

“We humans must unite now. If not, the monsters will trample over our country and our families taken away!”

　To persuade the reluctant elder council, Allen himself appeared before their wealthy members to report his army's results and ask for their help.

“We can't allow the monsters to approach this country! They have the Free Cities in their hands, and they even have a portion of Germion Kingdom. They are a threat to humanity!”

　Allen's sense of crisis that made him value every second in gold coupled with his zeal gradually won over the hearts of the people of Pena. With the Holy Sword Guradion in his hands, he became the hope of Pena just like the late Aizas. With that, both the elder council and the people came to accept him.

　But the more Allen worked, the more he destroyed his body, and the more his relationship with Queen Raksha worsened. What she wanted was not a hero, but a man who would stay beside her.

　Even if Allen tried to make a little time to see her, she would refuse to see him. In turn, Allen himself gradually grew further and further away from Queen Raksha. The war continued to be unpredictable, and Allen had no choice but to keep a tight watch on the goblins' movements, while seeking an alliance with the powerful country up north.

　To make things worse, the power of the holy sword was corroding his body.

　His body grew thinner by the day. His skin lost its luster. Dark circles formed under his eyes. With some light makeup, they were able to hide those things, and he continued to stand at the frontlines of both war and diplomacy. He knew that Pena's fate now laid upon his shoulders.

“This is the seventh day that the goblins have cooped themselves up inside their camp. They should be moving soon.”

　Perhaps that terrifying intuition was the prize he gained in exchanged for his weakening body. Allen was waiting at the office of the knight commander for the response of the surrounding cities.

“Knight-Commander, why don't you rest for a bit?”

　This aide of his was getting restless after seeing his condition worsen by the day, and he couldn't help but implore him to rest.

“Yes. After I clean up these documents.”

　After clearing the documents regarding conscription, he turned to his aide. The figure of his aide blurred a little, forcing him to apply pressure on his eyes and shake his head.

“…I'll lie down for a bit. If anything happens, please take care of it.”

　His aide saluted to him, then left him as he rested his back against the sofa.

“They move during nighttime, but…”

　Although the goblins weren't doing it just because Allen said so, on the next day, Allen got word that the goblins had begun to move. But the speed was far beyond what Allen expected, and they were now only a day's distance until Pena.

　Although he had only gotten a little sleep, when Allen got word of that, he jumped up and immediately summoned the Order of the Blue Knights.

“We'll attack the goblins on daybreak. Prepare heavy equipment and throwing spears.”

“OU!”

　After hearing that spirited reply, Allen nodded, then he took out the map to scrutinize the information they had and determine the goblins' location.

“They're not making this easy for me. But…”

　Allen ordered the remaining soldiers to build more of the walls that have been under construction since Gi Gu began his invasion, then he dashingly rode on his horse.

◆◆◇

　The Goblin King and Pale thought up a plan to use the black of the night to quickly approach the headquarters of their enemy, but the adventurers Allen sneaked into the nearby cities were able to notice them and inform Pena.

　The goblins moved as fast as they could because they wanted to get as near as possible while it was still dark, but when the sun rose, and they came to see the clouds of dust stirring up in the distance, they had no choice but to stop and prepare to enter formation.

“…They still picked up on that?”

　Pale muttered in annoyance as she looked sharply at the clouds of dust up ahead. Ever since this battle with Pena began, it was as if there was a mist covering her thoughts, preventing her from seeing the whole picture.

　The enemy's tactics felt like they were precisely attacking her where she's not looking.

“Gi Gdono to the rear. Gaidga Tribe and Gi Gu-dono, spread out. We'll receive the enemy!”

　'If you're going to come, then come!' Pale seemed to say with her formation that quickly extended both wings.

“Felbi, druids! Prepare to attack the enemy with long-range attack! When they enter range, fire immediately.”

　The elves and the druids readied their arrows and their magic bullets. When Pale saw the enemy's numbers, she calculated that they were approximately 2,000 men strong.

“2,000… If so, then the enemy will definitely try to circumvent us. They won't attack us from the front—”

　It was because of that she intentionally placed the mobile army of Gi Ga Rax at the back. As the enemy slowed down to dodge the barrage of magic bullets and arrows, Gi Ga's Aransain would slam into them. As extra insurance, Gi Gu Verbena and Rashka's forces would also be present in the front lines.

　At this point, Pale overestimated the strength of the Order of the Blue Knights. But it can't be helped since she couldn't think of any way for the enemy to be able to consecutively defeat Gi Ga and Gi Gu.

　Pale drew up a plan that would lead the enemy all the way to their destruction. As she ordered her soldiers to prepare, she waited for the enemy to come.

　When the dense cloud of dust lifted up, a team of sand horses approached them.

　At the head of the sand horses was a youth wielding the dazzling Holy Sword Guradion. The way he cried out valiantly as his horse rode onwards and a strong wind rose up made it seem as if all his enemies would falter. It was with this strange pressure that he appeared before the goblins.

“Fire!”

　At Felbi and Gi Za's behest, magic bullets and arrows rained from the sky. Any other foe would have dodged that barrage, but the Order of the Blue Knights only rode faster.

“—You're kidding, right!?”

“Pale. As expected, the enemy is strong!”

　Right beside Pale, who was giving orders, was the king who rode upon a terrifying carnivorous horse.

He smiled fiercely.

“They're coming! Stand your ground, subjects!”

“OU!”

The goblins cried out in response.

“They're coming! Stand your ground, subjects!”

“OU!”

　The goblins cried out in response, but Allen also cried out. It was almost as if he wanted to drown out the cry of the goblins.

“Onwards! Throwing spears!”

　The Blue Knights looked like they were flying as they charged straight for the center of the expanding goblin army.

“Throw them!”

　As the holy sword was raised up, spears were thrown at the Gaidga Tribe and the southern goblins that were waiting. The throwing spears pierced their shields, rendering them useless, and immediately after, came the spears of the peerless Blue Knights.

　The goblins who took their charge head on all flew into the air. Even the Gaidga goblins were no exception. Allen, who led the charge, showed no signs of stopping. As they pierced the center, they rode for the Goblin King.

“Tch. Close the wings! Messenger!”

　When Pale realized her mistake, she sent an order through the messenger to surround the Blue Knights, but it was already too late. The Blue Knights had already broken through the frontlines and were now making their way for the Goblin King.

“Your blade won't reach our king!”

“Protect His Highness!”

　Gi Za Zakuend quickly realized the situation and casted a powerful wind magic at the Blue Knights, not caring if his allies got caught in the blast. At the same time, Gi Ga Rax sent half of his cavalry behind the king to protect him.

“We're going around them!”

　When Allen saw that, he steered his cavalry to the left to avoid the Goblin King and leave the battle.

“Give Gi Gdono the order to pursue!”

　Pale immediately gave out the order, but with Aransain's formation broken to protect the king, she knew that it was no longer possible to catch up with them.

“…Never mind. He won't make it. Don't pursue, but stay alert.”

“…I didn't think they would be this strong,” the Goblin King said.

“Yes, but it's only because they managed to read me. I won't lose next time,” Pale replied.

“There is nothing more annoying than a desperate enemy. If you insist on trying to win without incurring any damages, you might just have the floor ripped out from below you.”

“…”

　The Goblin King halted the army's advance temporarily to give rest to the soldiers and treat the wounded. The goblins rested for two days. Although they were taking their time, they were steadily making their way for Pena. It was around this time that Pale received information from her spies in Pena.

“The enemy commander is the Knight Commander of the Order of the Blue Knights, Allen… It seems they're planning on constructing fortresses outside their city to hole themselves up in.”

“Very well. We've come this far. I might as well accompany them.”

　With the Goblin King personally appearing to lead the army, the morale of the entire army shot up and they made their way for Pena. They crushed three small fortresses along the way, and each time, they would face the troubling Blue Knights of Pena head on.

　The Blue Knights would appear before them, but then they would suddenly take a sharp turn, run past the goblins, and then throw spears at them from the side. To the goblins, they were like swallows they could not catch.

　Though the wars lessened their numbers, the remaining members of the Blue Knights have gotten that much stronger. Their valiant figures roused the people of Pena, and they became a powerful resistance against the goblins. But despite that, they could not stop the goblin army that was equipped with the Kushain siege weapons and led by the Goblin King himself from approaching.

　Eventually, all the fortresses around Pena were broken, and the only thing left was the imperial capital itself.

◆◇◆

　That day, Allen requested an audience with Queen Raksha. It's been a while since he last saw her.

“…It's been a while, Your Highness. It is my great pleasure to be able to see you.”

“…Yes.”

　After their cold greeting, silence filled the room. After a short while, Raksha spoke.

“I hear the goblins are terrifying.”

“Ha…”

　Allen bowed his head.

“You're also going to die, aren't you, Allen?”

　Rashka said those words emotionlessly, and Allen bowed his head.

“In order to protect Your Highness and this country, I will offer even my life. This is true not just for me, but for the others as well.”

“…Is that so? You stole the holy sword, and now you're going to be killed by goblins. What a fitting end for you.”

“…Forgive me, Princess Raksha.”

“It's a little too late to be saying that now…”

　The two stared at each other after that, but the screams from outside broke the silence.

“The goblins have started attacking! Allen-dono! Where is Allen-dono!?”

“I'm going.”

“Yes.”

　After Allen left and Raksha was left alone, she felt her eyes getting cloudy. She touched her cheeks with her fingertips.

“How strange… Why are tears…”

　He was the weakling who failed to save her beloved Aizas and the coward who abandoned Brandika. That's who he was.

　And yet, for some reason, the tears wouldn't stop flowing down her eyes.

　Before she knew it, her breathing had grown ragged and she was sobbing like a child.

“Why? Why… llen.”

　Allen.

　How long did she call out that name. Like a dam breaking, all the emotions she'd kept until now came pouring out of her chest. That was a name she adored as an older brother. The Allen who always protected her. The Allen who would take her hand and lead her through the black of the night!

　The Allen, who for her sake, allowed his body to be turned into tatters and his mind worn away, and yet despite all that, continues to stand in the way of the monsters!!

“Allen… Allen!!”

　She ran.

“Don't go, Allen!”

　She frantically opened the thick doors of her throne, and ran down the hallway in search of her beloved Allen. Her long skirt got in her way and sent her tumbling and groaning. But afraid that her beloved Allen might leave her and go somewhere far away, she forced herself to make it to the veranda.

　By then, what she saw was the figure of the Blue Knights sortieing under the cheers of the people.

　At the head of the order was Allen.

“Allen!”

　She strained her throat and cried out as loud as she could. For a moment, he turned to her direction, the holy sword in hand.

“Don't go!”

　Their gazes met, but Allen only gently smiled, then shook his head, and never again turned around.

“No, no… Allen… Noooooo!”

　Raksha fell to her knees as she bawled, but her cries were drowned out by the cheers of the people as the Order of the Blue Knights sortied for their last mission.

　Allen could feel that his body has already reached its limits.

“Sorry, you guys.”

　When they departed, Allen encouraged the remaining Blue Knights for the last time.

“This is all because of my incompetence. At this rate, this country will fall.”

　These knights who fought harder than anyone to prevent the country from being destroyed quietly listened to Allen's words.

“At this rate, the imperial capital of Pena will be run over with goblins. Our beloved people and our family will be left in misery. That's why, I'm betting.”

　While no one could hear his coughing, Allen tightly held the holy sword in his hands.

“Give me your lives. We have just one goal. The head of the enemy's leader!”

“OU!”

　The Blue Knights replied in high spirits.

“The enemy has assumed the Crane Wing Formation. 1st and 2nd platoon to the left wing. 3rd and 4th platoon expand to the right wing. Keep the enemy back.”

“…Understood!”

“5th and 6th platoon, you will be our spare force. At the same time, you will watch the back. I will take the lead. Any questions?”

　Only silence answered him. Allen nodded.

“Holy sword, if you are really the guardian sword of this country, then I'll give you my life. But in exchange, give me the power to protect the princess, the power to protect my precious Raksha!”

　As he raised up the dazzling Holy Sword Guradion, he cried out and called for the charge toward the goblin army.

“We are the eternal denizens of the great desert!”

　The rest of the Blue Knights cried out after Allen.

“Her name is noble, and her valor shall reach even the blue skies!”

　The last war over Pena has begun.

◆◆◆

“The enemy's goal is the king's head,” Pale said at the seat of the war council.

　The goblin army had surrounded the Merchant Country of Pena. With their reserve force, they numbered 4,000 all in all.

“That is the only way for the enemy to grasp victory.”

　There were only 500 soldiers left of the Blue Knights that sortied.

“In that case, should we hide the king to confuse them?”

　Pale shook her head in response to Gi Za's words.

“I fear that would only increase our casualties. It would be best to position the king right in front of the enemy.”

“You dare use the king as bait!?”

　Gi Za's sharp glare grew even sharper, but Pale only calmly nodded.

“The enemy is already dead. There's no reason to take them on properly and incur a lot of losses. And I don't really know what's spurring them on so much, but…” Pale turned her gaze to the map below her. Pieces representing the main force, the left wing, the right wing, and the rear piece were all positioned on the map.

“If we take the Crane Wing Formation, the enemy will surely come for the center. We'll aim for that.”

　A crafted trap is a deadly thing.

　This was a plan where the goblins would set all of their traps to annihilate the enemy.

“What happens when the enemy doesn't go for our trap and takes a turn?”

“At that time…”

　Pale moved the piece representing the wing opposite the direction the enemy turned in and attacked the enemy from behind.

“But just as I've mentioned, the enemy will most likely try to break through the center. There's no better way than this to inflict a fatal damage on a strong enemy. Don't you think you've seen this composition before?”

“…Melgion, huh.”

　Pale nodded to the Goblin King's words.

“Although we're the ones attacking this time, my plans won't fail a second time.”

　The Goblin King nodded and gave orders to the entire army.

“The enemy is the hero of Pena. A foe worthy of our entire strength. Despite how small their army is in comparison to ours, they remain courageous and willing to sacrifice their lives for what they believe in. They are not an enemy to be underestimated.”

　The Goblin King closed his eyes once, then when he opened them again, he was full of spirit and could suppress a powerful foe.

“Don't look down on them just because they're a small army. They are true warriors who will fight until the very end. As fellow warriors, let us give them respect by crushing them with all of our strength!”

“As you will!”

　After the goblins dispersed, the king rode on the Terrifying Carnivorous Horse called Sui and folded his arms.

“Are you coming, heroes of Pena?”

　The Order of the Blue Knights raising up clouds of dust as they made their way out of the opened gates of the imperial capital could be seen even from a distance.

“If you want to impede my path, then I will stop you!”

　As if unable to suppress the raging soul within, the Goblin King looked at the battlefield.

◇◇◇

　The battlefield was held 2km north of the imperial capital of Pena. The goblins had assumed the Crane Wings Formation and the wings were given to Gi Gu Verbena's Felduk. This was an opportunity Pale gave to him so that he might be able to deal with the army of Pena that he hates so much.

　Positioned in front of the king was the Gaidga Tribe's Rashka, who was to act as a wall for him. The cavalry of Aransain led by Gi Ga Rax was positioned to be the second wall of Felduk in order to intercept the approaching cavalry.

　Other than the imperial guards near the king, which consisted of Gi Be Slay the One-Armed Goblin and the others, almost everyone else was in the frontlines to deal with the enemy. Felbi's elven archers and Gi Za Zakuend's druids were positioned at the back and were waiting for the enemy.

“Beat them to the punch.”

“Aim well and hit!”

　At Pale's signal, Felbi's archers drew their bows. Following Felbi's arrow, the arrow of the elves rained on the approaching enemy. Several knights riding at the lead were hit dead on and tumbled to the ground, but the order showed no signs of faltering as Allen continued to lead the charge.

“After me, druids!”

“Don't let them near the king!”

　At Gi Za's behest, magic bullets of wind shot at the enemy.

“Onwards!”

　With a swing of the Holy Sword Guradion, the wind bullets were torn apart, and the Order of the Blue Knights rode onwards within the billowing clouds of dust.

“Left Wing! Right Wing!”

　100 knights split to the left and right as they rode toward Gi Gu Verbena's army.

“The valors of war be with you! Commander!”

　As they bid their commander goodbye, they threw their spears and charged onward.

“We're being pushed back!?”

　The charge of the enemy was so great that Gi Gu had to blink twice, unable to believe that he was being pressured by these humans. Very quickly, however, his expression turned from disbelief to anger.

“Don't falter! Anyone who retreats shall die by my blade! Do not disgrace yourselves before His Highness!”

　The cavalry desperately charged at them, swinging their axe and sword.

“…At this rate, the center is—!?”

　Gi Gu said as he clicked his tongue. The enemy continued to push into them.

“Fearless warriors of Gaidga! Let loose your anger! Turn these bastards before you into prey!”

“5th platoon, 6th platoon! Onwards! Open a path for the commander!”

　At the words of the platoon commander in charge of the rear, the cavalry rode onwards.

　The Gaidga goblins laughed as they swung their clubs and crushed the knights, but despite that the Blue Knights rammed their horses into the wall of giant goblins and pushed them back.

“…I see. It seems you people insist on attacking the dead corner of my thoughts. In that case, let us begin the second stage.”

　As soon as Pale said those words, the knights that managed to pass the Gaidga goblins fell into the pit holes and lost their posture. The knights that fell off their mount immediately got up and pushed onward, but Felbi's arrows were already waiting for them.

“Send a messenger to Gi Gdono. Surround the enemy from the back and wipe them out!”

　Certain of victory, Pale sent the messenger with these orders. But even at this time, she had not abandoned the possibility of the enemy having a detached force.

　Traps were most effective when one was certain of victory. When the enemy broke through the Gaidga goblins, they must've thought that they'd already reached the king, but what was waiting for them was actually a hell of pitfalls by their feet.

　As such, even though she was certain of victory, she gave a completely different order.

“Tell Gi Za Zakuend-dono to watch the back!”

“Glory to Pena!”

“!?”

　Immediately after Pale sent the messenger, the soldiers under Allen's direct command appeared. The soldiers ignored the arrows hitting them as they protected Allen's path.

“Please go ahead, Commander!”

　As his subordinates died one after another valiantly, Allen nodded and went over their corpses.

“Imperial Guards!”

　Without waiting for Pale's commands, Gi Ji led the goblins to stand before the king.

“You shall not pass!”

　The assassin unit of Gi Ji Arsil that has been hidden until now attacked Allen, but they were deflected with a stroke of his sword. Allen continued onward. The Blue Knights acted as Allen's shield and received the spears of Gi Be Slay's imperial guards.

“NUuUUURAAaAAAAa!”

　Finally, Allen could see the Goblin King wielding a sword burning with black flames.

“GURUuUUUOOOAaAA!”

　As the Goblin King bellowed out a howl, he stopped Guradion

“KU!?”

　As expected, Guradion had an anti-monster effect, and when the Goblin King stopped its blow, he could feel his body weakening, but despite that the Goblin King forced his way through and pushed Allen back.

　The Goblin King used the distance that opened between them to swing his Flamberge straight down, but Allen jumped back. There was now a distance of about 10 steps between them, but in the next moment, they moved again.

　As far as Allen was concerned, he had no time left.

　His body was already on the brink of destruction. He even felt like if he turned around he would be able to see death right in front of him. Now that death was right behind him, he has no choice but to defeat the Goblin King to save Pena.

　As for the Goblin King, he understood that it was this youth in front of him that sent the soldiers of Pena on this suicide charge. He also understood that it was this youth who was wielding the god class weapon, the Holy Sword Guradion. Awhile ago he had inadvertently mentioned the extremely ominous word 'hero'.

　The Goblin King knew by instinct that if he could defeat this youth, he would gain something. Because of that he was impatient. Unless he defeats this youth here, his future, the goblins' future, and the future of the country he has built will all be covered in darkness.

　Sparks erupted once again as their weapons clashed. Each time the dazzling Guradion fiercely thrust, the Flamberge covered in black flames would rage. The Goblin King's powerful muscles and swordsmanship made his sword faster than your average swordsman.

If ether weren't at play, the Goblin King's great sword would easily suppress the hero of Pena. But Allen easily tore apart any notion of that, as he easily fought back with his sword. There was a big difference between their height with the Goblin King being two heads taller. As such, it was only a given that he would have a greater range than Allen.

　Hence, the Goblin King tried to move away from Allen to get out of his range, but when he did, it was if chains had wrapped themselves around him, slowing him down and causing the tip of Allen's sword to cut his body.

“What!?”

　Delayed by a little, black flames burst out of his body in place of blood and healed his wound. While that wound had yet to close, Allen made even more flames burn on the king's body with his long sword. The Goblin King's instincts have been sharpened by countless perilous situations. He relied on those instincts to dodge his enemies' attacks, but against this foe, every attack of his would leave a wound on his body.

“I can't lose at a place like this! Not to the like of a hero!'

　The king used the power of the snake within him to heal his wounds.

　He forcefully mustered the power of the snakes from the underworld that once fought against the world. The only way to contest the spell of a god class weapon was with the power of another being from the Age of the Gods.

　That regenerative power seemed to be endless, but Allen showed no signs of stopping his attacks. With each step, he grew even fiercer, and the wounds his long sword inflicted on the king's body gradually grew deeper.

　The Goblin King fell back and Allen pursued. But this battle did not continue like this for long. The Goblin King himself was a warrior who has survived many battles to get here. Naturally, he has faced many battles where he was at a disadvantage. First, he had to stop the enemy. As he thought that, he braced himself for the coming pain and stepped forward. At the same time, he hid his body behind the shadow of his great sword to defend.

　This sudden action of the Goblin King's left Allen unable to respond immediately. Allen ended up hitting the great sword from above, but he immediately realized that was the wrong move. The Goblin King tried to parry the sword off of Allen's hands, but unwilling to let go, Allen was sent flying back with his sword instead.

　With his posture broken, the Goblin King began his counterattack.

　The Goblin King cut straight through horizontally. He prioritized hitting the enemy and took another step to attack with the returning blade.

“GU!?”

　Allen grit his teeth as blood flowed out of his mouth. Although he had managed to dodge the first blow, he could not properly defend against the second. Already, cracks were appearing on his arms, and when he froze for a moment, the Goblin King approached with his great sword.

“Turn me into a blade (Enchant)!”

　The Goblin King knew this was the decisive moment. Black flames burned fiercer than ever and they coiled themselves around Flamberge. The black flames clad even the Goblin King's body as he stepped forward to erase the brilliance of the holy sword. The flames that clad around his body converged and the flames on Flamberge grew even bigger.

　The flames were so big now it was as if they had turned into a pillar of flames. The Goblin King slashed down with that colossal flame.

“Guradion, give me power! Power to fulfill my promise!”

　As the great sword descended, the hero faced it head on. He raised up Guradion from below and slammed it into Flamberge, receiving the Goblin King's attack. Cracks appeared on the ground beneath his step, and he grit his teeth so hard his molars chipped.

　The hero had indeed stopped the attack of the king.

　But he couldn't stop the ether. His chest wide open, that blade of ether cut him from his chest to his side. The amount of blood he'd lost was long fatal.

　When the battle seemed decided and the Goblin King let down his guard, the hero that was about to fall suddenly took a step and looked up at the Goblin King. Their eyes met.

　In that moment, the Goblin King realized that the battle was far from over.

“GU, GAAAAAa!”

　The Goblin King didn't even have the time to spare to be shocked, as he immediately backed down when he saw Allen moving. Those arms that should no longer be able to rise, those legs that should no longer be able to walk forward… Allen forced them onward, and he began attacking again.

　That body that would spit blood and be torn each time it moved, Allen forced it onwards.

“—GU”

　He swung his holy sword, and the great sword struck back. But unlike before, the Goblin King was now one-sidedly being pushed back. Blocking the hero's attacks was the most he could do, and he didn't have any opportunity to strike back. The Goblin King has never before met an enemy this tenacious.

“…What king am I if I can't even overcome this!?”

　The king scolded his cowardly self and forced out even more ether. Once again, a pillar of black flame rose. This was the first time the Goblin King found this power unreliable.

　The power of the gods, the curse, and even his army. This man before him had overcome all that.

　Seeing this man block his path… For the first time in a while, the Goblin King was perplexed.

“—Shaking? Me!?”

　He tried to paint over his emotions with anger, but he could not fool himself. He knew that he had begun to fear. At this rate, defeat was certain. The sign of an impending defeat shook the Goblin King.

　In this one on one battle, the Goblin King was gradually falling back, while the hero of Pena was gradually chasing after him.

　Already, they had crossed swords over 40 times. As their swords clashed more and more, the pace of the battle grew faster and faster.

“GURUUuuUUOOOOAAAA!”

“—GAaAAA!”

　Like a candle about to burn out, the exchange between the Goblin King and the hero reached a peak. Havoc was wrought around them like a powerful storm.

　The Goblin King's sword, the hero's sword, they clashed head on and deflected each other, but the two warriors valiantly held on and continued to fight. With every stroke, the winds would blow. With every clash, shock waves would blast out to their surroundings.

“I willLL!”

“RAKUSHaaAAA!”

　In almost the same moment, the two warriors stepped forward. As the ground cracked from the weight of their step, their deflected sword followed the shortest trajectory and clashed once more. The Goblin King's sword was smashed up and the hero's sword was now pointed at his throat.

　The Goblin King had lost.

　He knew that more than anyone else.

“…”

“…”

　They quietly looked at each other. As they both breathed, steam rose from the black flames to heal the Goblin King's wounded body.

　The Goblin King had to acknowledge it. That this hero — No. This man before him was strong. It was not because of the holy sword, but because of his will that he was strong. This was a man fitting to shoulder a country.

　This was a man strong enough that defeat was understandable.

　The king who has come out victorious against powerful enemies many times knew full well the rules of the defeated. The moment he reached for the great sword on his back, death would come. A death he could not avoid.

　The Goblin King looked for an opening until the very end. If Allen showed even the slightest opening, he would unsheathe the sword behind his back and attack.

“So… fate… has… finally… caught… up… with me.”

　But the one to fall was Allen.

　When Allen shifted his eyes behind him a little, he saw death holding his neck.

The hero had used all of his power and died.

　The king lost, but he survived. The hero won, but the one to die was him.

“Raks….”

The hero tried to call the name of the person he most loved before passing, but death did not permit even that.
　
The Goblin King watched him in his last moments.

“Your Majesty, are you alright!?”　Pale asked as she came riding for the king.

The Goblin King used his sword as a cane and asked her. “Pale, how is the battle going?”

“The Blue Knights that fought us have all been wiped out. Not one is left. They're all dead. We're moving to surround Pena now, but…”

“Stop the army. Send their bodies to Pena.”

　The Goblin King's words left Pale speechless.

“I won't say it again. This is the man who defeated me. He can't be left out here to rot. Perhaps, this is nothing more than hypocrisy. But even then…”

“As you will.”

　The Goblin King's army retreated temporarily from Pena after that.

　The next day, all the bodies of the members of the Blue Knights that fought with Allen, all of these heroes, were sent back to Pena through an envoy. The envoy sent was the elf, Felbi, and he retold Allen's last moments to the elder council through the words imparted to him by the king.

　After that, having lost all power to resist, Pena signed a treaty with the Goblin King. The Goblin King gave Pena autonomy. Shortly after getting word of Allen's death, Queen Raksha committed suicide.

　Although this battle that would later be known as the Battle of Pena has now come to a close. The bravery a lone youth showed will forever be burned in the hearts of the people… And be remembered as the Hero of Pena.

　After this battle the goblin army left Pena and headed north.

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Name Allen
Race Human
Level 92
Job Knight Commander; Hero of Pena
Possessed Skills Sword Mastery ; The Mind's Eye; Dash; Innate Talent; Oath of the Knight; Indomitable Courage; Limit Walk; Unreasonably Stubborn
Divine Protection Goddess of Destiny (Liuryuna) (Third Daughter)
Attributes None
Abnormal Status Curse of the Holy Sword
Equipment Holy Sword Guradion
Dash: Bonus when leading a cavalry.

Indomitable Courage: When in a predicament, the level of one's possessed skills will increase by one level.

Limit Walk: Can ignore the limits of one's own body. The price will be paid the next day.

Holy Sword Guradion: A weapon that can disperse the ether of monsters. As it loses its brilliance, it can seal the movement of monsters. If an unchosen one wields it, he will be cursed with a curse that will shorten his life.

◆◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

Tl Note: More than twice as long as the usual releases but not enough to make three, so this will count as two releases.

Chapter end