Episode 38 – Lord (3)
“Though it may be foolish to trust fully in the testimonies of mere prisoners, our investigations have revealed one individual who matches the characteristics you mentioned.”
“Are you saying there are such creatures under the rule of Lady Lamia Rozalyn?”
Syla, after interrogating the prisoners, had uncovered some suspicious circumstances, finding an entity with the characteristics of the Player I had described.
The suspects were those growing in power within Lamia’s territory. Though they appeared to belong to the common Lamia faction, they had quickly risen in power, becoming influential forces within the territory in no time.
What’s more, there was conclusive testimony that Lamias with black scales were being born within their ranks.
If my memory serves me correctly, Lamias with black scales were also special entities born through the Player’s power.
“Given that they were already our next target, this turns out rather conveniently.”
Though unintended, the result was pleasing. Now, with the collapse of Viscount Orc Zik’s territory, if there truly is a Player within Lamia Rozalyn’s territory, it provides even more justification to launch an attack.
Regardless of how they view us, we will not stop the war. We dedicate all our time solely to the concept of war.
For my soldiers, moments without battle are spent purely resting and conserving energy, a hibernation-like state.
We’ll eliminate the Player before they grow any stronger.
“As all our forces are already reorganized, there’s no need to give them more time.”
Our full efforts are already geared towards war, and we can simultaneously reorganize, treat the wounded, and produce new soldiers.
In essence, giving extra time will only benefit the enemy.
We should strike them down before they fully grasp the situation or reorganize their ranks.
“The only concern is that Count Ludras will gather forces and attack us while we’re away.”
Of course, this is somewhat of a gamble.
We’re surrounding our greatest enemy, Count Hobgoblin Ludras, without directly confronting him, to secure as much territory as possible and prevent the Demon Lords from uniting.
However, my actions may be too destructive.
If the enemy truly begins to take us seriously due to my repeated victories—having already shattered the Demon forces twice and captured one Lord’s territory—I may not be able to easily promise victory.
[Then we have the option to spend more time fortifying our defenses.]
“No, we won’t achieve victory and ascend to the top by following such ‘sensible’ strategies.”
Indeed, I gave it some thought, but I’ve made the decision.
We, in our current state, are beyond conventional logic.
To act in a common-sense manner as if I still play games would strip us of all our advantages, since I have transformed into something not even imagined in games when I fell into this world.
In truth, the journey I’ve embarked on so far has mostly defied common sense. Nothing but relentless attacks, massacres without negotiation, and continuous war.
‘Was I originally this kind of person?’
I’m now uncertain of the kind of person I was in the past. Being the master of a massive collective consciousness isn’t an easy feat after all.
There are times when I feel even I’m being swept away by this vast consciousness.
And as the scenario of war, violent and dramatic, repeats itself, this tendency grows stronger.
After all, since it’s me directing the Legion soldiers in battle, I can’t help but be influenced by the situation.
“We cannot stop.”
The choice is either to die or survive. Whatever side effects may arise, I have always chosen the latter, striving for it.
“I was originally supposed to inherit a viscount’s territory, but a rebellion erupted within it. The rebels claimed they received a divine vision from their ancestors in the heavens and turned traitors.”
And unexpectedly, I received more information about another Player from Orc warrior Cruiger, who had been watching me closely with suspicion.
*
“Such a story exists.”
“They were madmen, yet somehow very powerful. The warriors of the territory fell before them, and I had no choice but to escape.”
Cruiger, who began spilling his story, shared more than expected, allowing me to realize that the forces which expelled him, once the heir to a territory, were led by a Player.
Of course, Cruiger’s territory is closer to the central continent, so we can’t reach it just yet.
“To avenge myself, I sought out mercenaries to gather strength and resources. If things had gone well, I could have established a foundation, but it ended up like this.”
He sighed, lamenting how, as a defeated soldier, he now had nothing.
I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him.
His plans were close to failure. But since he had met me, it wouldn’t end in complete ruin.
“Still, since you survived, it’s not a total failure. Why not try again? You have a new chance to start from the beginning.”
“Says you? A mere human?”
“Lost places and destinations? I’m no better off than you.”
I prodded him forward. His eyes widened, believing I was merely a human who had somehow ended up in the Demon Realm.
Helping his plan succeed, I pursued my own objectives.
If I help him reclaim his lost territory… I might be able to incorporate him into the collective eventually.
“Hmph, at this point, I can’t afford to be picky.”
He appeared unsure of me but acknowledged he had no other options.
“Why don’t you keep operating around this area? There will likely be more need for mercenaries.”
“Are you thinking of continuing to fight those monsters… the Dark Demons?”
“To be honest, I want to avoid fighting them. They’re strange—unclear whether they can even be called Mana beasts or Demons, or even if they’re truly alive.”
Cruiger grimaced, clearly recalling battles against my troops.
But though he was intimidated, he showed no signs of fleeing.
As a true warrior, if required to fight, he would continue to do so.
‘Perhaps I should lend him a hand.’
I was capable of assisting him. After all, the Legion soldiers he feared were, in fact, part of me.
If I gave him a few of my troops and let them lose intentionally, he could become a renowned mercenary and Demon hunter in the area.
And ultimately, the reputation and strength he gains will serve the benefit of our collective.
“Cruiger needs tasks soon. Let’s rush the invasion on Lady Lamia Rozalyn’s territory.”
“I will move immediately.”
As Cruiger and I began our movement, many combat-ready soldiers at the territory’s border began marching in unison.
Comprising a force of ten thousand, these were our restored warriors—any injuries healed and losses replenished—reaching once more their peak condition.
With this number, I could easily deploy them as an advance force, more than sufficient to sweep through an unsuspecting enemy. When the real combat begins, I plan to unleash several times more troops into the opposing territory.
“Lady Lamia Rozalyn’s territory borders directly above Lord Ikon the Gargoyle’s territory. Likely, the gargoyles will get involved. They can be bothersome.”
[Gargoyles will need to be countered with new soldiers.]
Simultaneously, I intensified my focus on creating and modifying new soldiers.
From the last battle, I realized aerial combat capabilities were essential.
Though I had accumulated sufficient data for flying units, I judged them inefficient until considering them against the gargoyles.
I needed soldiers with mobility rather than merely anti-air capabilities.
“Should I go for the light and cost-efficient route, creating numerous flyers in bulk despite their disposability? Or should I invest heavily to create a force that can claim air superiority?”
If I choose the former, I could raise numerous flying Mana beasts, no larger than large dogs, based on various species.
If I chose the latter, I aimed to develop flyers using the bodies of gargoyles, which are Demons.
“Should I mix both approaches?”
Ultimately, I decided on creating another grotesque and terrifying chimera.
While it might be slightly ambiguous, if successful, it could possess both advantages.
Once the direction was set, I closed my eyes and moved my omnipotent cells. I examined all the data within the collective consciousness, ensuring I could create the chimera I envisioned, combining their genes to birth a new entity.
It’s no wonder my soldiers are often misunderstood by others. How can this even be called the process of creating life? These are merely combat machines assembled to my liking.
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