Chapter 52 – The Loser (2)
“Hmm…”
Since occupying Rozalyn’s territory, one of the trophies I took from her residence was the ‘Demon Realm Map.’
Even though things that can’t be eaten, like shining gold, have little use and are usually discarded or ignored, it was one of the few trophies I kept separately.
After all, thanks to this gigantic and highly efficient brain of mine, I can memorize everything I see, down to the smallest letters. Still, I deliberately kept the map on the wall of the nest, making sure I could see it whenever I wanted.
“This feels like looking at a minimap or world map.”
In fact, the form and appearance of the map weren’t unfamiliar to me. I had seen it countless times while playing maps of the Demon Realm.
Now this is reality, but the game simplified it for convenience with a Pangaea-like massive continent where everyone is tangled together.
Within this vast continent, countless beings live. Among them, there are some like Cruiger who haven’t lost their will to fight, but many have lost the obligation to fight and struggle, similar to the past Rozalyn and other Lords.
As a Player, meaning myself, I have the duty to ‘purify’ such people. The obligation is to build my faction, fight, and conquer the whole world.
That was the game’s setting.
[Currently occupied areas: 1145, areas claimed as part of our influence: 2156]
“Sounds like a lot when you hear the numbers, but on the map, the land we currently own is merely a small part of the frontier…”
Our location at the northeastern edge caught my eye.
Over the past few months, we’ve raced without rest, rising from a mere band of beasts to become a regional power that threatens existing Lords.
Still, as someone who has finished the game several times and as someone who now leads legions as the Queen, all I see is that the land we own is just a minuscule portion.
“At least we need to fully take Ludras’ territory to gain the title of ‘the Loser’ in this region.”
By its nature, the Demon Realm is inhabited by larger and stronger factions as you near the center.
To them, referred to as Kings or Emperors, our current struggles might simply appear as quaint incidents on the periphery.
Of course, their indifference suits me well right now.
If they were to take notice and send their forces, I might have to prepare for death.
“I need even more power.”
At this moment, Ludras’ territory is being plundered, and our nests are expanding.
If my plans proceed smoothly, not only Ludras’ territory but also the surrounding lands will have to yield their land and lives to me.
However, despite knowing this, I can’t feel satisfied. Each time I look at the Demon Realm Map, anxiety and restlessness wash over me.
Since becoming more intelligent, my ability to calculate and predict has only made it worse. They say ignorance is bliss, but it’s the opposite for me.
The more I know, the more I shrink back and become anxious.
“Moreover, this isn’t all of it. Am I wrong?”
[…]
Is occupying the entire Demon Realm and becoming the victor the end? In the game, that was the final goal, but I have this gut feeling that reality won’t be the same.
Indeed, the System’s usual prompt was silent when I inquired.
If multiple players are congregated within the Demon Realm map, surely other maps also have players establishing their own powers.
What will happen with them? That’s yet another concern.
Other maps have entirely different environments and civilizations. If we have to compete against those potential beings, what would I do?
“Huh, is this worrying too far ahead?”
Of course, it seems inappropriate to worry about this now, when we haven’t even managed to conquer half the Demon Realm.
Ludras hasn’t lost his strength yet and is gathering his main army to prepare for a major battle.
Reports indicate that he’s pulling all the troops he stationed in the west and south due to unrest.
[Their numbers are over 50,000.]
“We are outnumbered. Moreover, their direction…”
The enemy is using this force to drive out our troops that have intruded into their territory. Unfortunately, they’ve been able to replenish the nutrients expended in this short time, giving us hope for the future.
The problem lies in their marching direction. Instead of heading straight north, they’ve turned east.
Right toward where my main body and main base are located.
“Is he sitting idle, waiting to die?”
I think I understand Ludras’ mindset.
Given his nature, he must’ve realized my intentions and decided to end the fight quickly rather than engage in a prolonged guerrilla strategy.
And he’s managed to correctly deduce the location of my main base.
My main base is closest to and adjacent to only one force— the hobgoblins. Once they’re defeated, my main base will be significantly safer.
“We must prepare for a big battle.”
Given the stakes, I’ve decided to invest heavily, but I have no intention of succumbing quietly as they expect me to.
*
“Lord! The reports from all squad leaders are coming in. We’ve successfully driven the enemy away without missing a single troop division.”
“Are you saying the enemy is retreating on their own accord instead of putting up a fight to the death?”
“Y-Yes, that’s correct.”
Ludras narrowed his eyes after hearing the report. While his subordinates were jubilant over the repeated victories, he was not.
“Are they regrouping to fight us again?”
He realized there was a reason the enemy surrendered the occupied territory and then disappeared. He also correctly guessed their intention to consolidate their forces for a decisive battle.
“Indeed, our current marching direction is correct. There lies the enemy’s weakness – their ‘brain.’ Prepare thoroughly. Since they abandoned any rear disturbances, they’re bound to converge into a massive army and come straight for us.”
“Don’t worry, my Lord. This time, we won’t fall so easily even to those monstrous creatures.”
Ludras foresaw the large-scale battle that was about to take place on the eastern border and warned his troops.
His subordinates laughed and showed confidence, reassuring him not to worry. After all, the army they pulled together by leaving the border territories completely empty was the mightiest in the region, personally summoned by Ludras from the entirety of his territory.
“Lord! The enemy’s group has been spotted!”
Just as anticipated, the legionaries who had vanished reappeared in a massive cluster.
An enormous army consisting of the original forces plus newly produced soldiers from the nearby nests joined in.
“The large ones alone exceed twenty creatures.”
The number of the large combat units, which were only a few earlier, has now multiplied.
They proudly display their formidable appearance without any attempt at disguise—likely to intimidate their foes.
“Arrogant fools. Do you think I’d be afraid of such monstrous beasts?”
Despite seeing the large species for the first time, Ludras remained unfazed. Instead, he calmly grabbed his command baton and began directing his army.
On the verdant northern plains still part of the Legion’s domain, the two armies were about to collide, slowly advancing toward each other.
“Ludras, are you confident in your abilities?”
The Queen could see, through her soldiers’ eyes, the gathered hobgoblin army.
They were more refined troops compared to the ones from before, clearly indicating the prowess of an excellent commander.
Since the Legion’s nature tends to lead chaotic battles into madness, the more disorganized their opponent’s ranks, the better.
Regrettably for the Queen, this signified that the army led by Ludras wouldn’t be swayed so easily.
“Doesn’t matter. Ultimately, the winner is determined by my decision.”
Although Ludras swept all available forces towards the frontlines, while the Queen was still fighting on a two-front war, she was confident.
Even if she couldn’t win, not losing was one of the Legion’s strengths.
To her, the subordinates under her command were merely tools that could be discarded or reused at any time. What ultimately mattered was the survival of the colony as a whole.
“It’s the enemy’s first charge!”
“Hurry and set up the turrets! And watch the skies!”
With an earth-shattering roar, countless troops surged from the land and sky, heading straight for the hobgoblin forces.
This was a battle where the victor would gain too much, so naturally, both sides fought with everything they had.
“Engage them.”
In executing this order, the Queen’s legionnaires were perfect. Like obedient and powerful puppets who follow orders without hesitation or fear.
On the other hand, those who face them are bound to feel psychologically overwhelmed by their ferocity.
