Chapter 102: Noble Phantasm Clash! But, It's Defense.
"Report! No trace of enemy troops detected in this forest!"
"As expected."
The fat man sitting in the tent propped his chubby chin with his hand.
"It seems the news about that Tactician's betrayal is true. Most likely, this forest has been set up with a barrier, which is why their presence is concealed."
He waved his hand as a signal.
"Continue the watch, don't let a single rabbit escape."
"Yes, sir!!!"
Watching the messenger hastily leave, the man stood up from his chair.
"Saying not to come back if we fail to capture the intruders, huh? That guy really knows how to give orders. But for Rome, even the smallest threat must be eliminated."
"Report! Someone is trying to break through from the east, General Leonidas is blocking them!"
"Oh? So they finally couldn't hold back any longer?"
The fat man immediately jumped up, even knocking over the chair behind him.
"Send down the orders! We must capture the intruders before that Spartan does. Rome's enemies must be judged by Rome itself!!!"
"Understood!!!"
Right after, the troops stationed in the western forest moved at full force toward the east.
As the surrounding army withdrew, a large boulder blocking the road suddenly disappeared, and several figures swiftly dashed out from within.
"Senpai, confirmed no enemies in the vicinity!"
Mash took the lead, raising her shield to survey the situation before turning back to report.
Boom————————!!!
Suddenly, a loud explosion echoed from the forest behind them, shaking even the surrounding trees.
According to the plan, this was supposed to be Reines' signal to begin drawing the enemy's attention.
"..."
Waver turned his head to look into the distance, his gaze filled with worry.
Noticing Ethan watching him, he simply shook his head, signaling that he was fine.
"If this is Reines and Sima Yi's plan, then there will be no mistakes. Master, what we need to do now is leave this area as quickly as possible. If we get stuck, the entire plan afterward will fail."
Seeing Waver's resolve, Ethan also nodded.
"Everyone, prepare to leave this area as fast as possible."
According to their prior discussion, Mordred would take the lead, Mash would protect Waver and Ethan in the center, while Jeanne Alter was responsible for covering their retreat.
They needed to take advantage of this window of time to reach Massilia and connect with Young King's forces.
Right now, all they could do was place their trust in Reines and Sima Yi.
...
Boom————————!!!
Another loud explosion rang out as the ground suddenly erupted violently!!!
The surrounding soldiers panicked as they saw their comrades being blown away one after another by the blasts, too terrified to advance.
"To think they'd use Gem Magecraft at this moment. Luckily, Master happened to have some extra Magic Crystals, borrowing a few shouldn't be a problem. But still… needing to detonate such a large Magic Crystal just to achieve this level of power—won't that 'red devil' be heartbroken to the point of screaming?"
Reines glanced at the soldiers gradually closing in on her and clapped her hands as a signal.
"Trimmau!"
"At your service, Oujou-sama."
The mercury maid automaton, Trimmau, stood respectfully behind Reines.
"These small fry are yours to handle."
"Oujou-sama, I am ready for combat."
"No need to take lives, but cause some chaos. That way, Onii-sama can take his time escorting Master away."
"Understood, Oujou-sama!"
Under Reines' command, Volumen Hydrargyrum, one of the supreme treasures of the El-Melloi Faction among the Clock Tower Twelve Lords, began its actions in the form of an autonomous maid.
It shot across the battlefield, and all the soldiers preparing to attack suddenly collapsed. The weapons in their hands were ensnared by mercury strands as thin as silk and instantly snapped.
"Defense!!!"
The soldiers who managed to keep their composure immediately raised their shields to defend against the humanoid entity rushing toward them.
But as the maid swung her arm, all the shields shattered in an instant.
"A mon… a monster!!!"
Seeing the enemy formation begin to crumble, Trimmau tilted her head in thought.
"Oujou-sama ordered me to create some chaos."
She then raised both hands, transforming them into a massive mercury hammer.
Thud——————————!!!
The hammer struck the ground, silent for a brief moment.
Boom——————!!!
The ground instantly caved in, causing the surrounding soldiers to flee in terror.
"So this is how Trimmau interprets it? Looks like I still need to make some adjustments."
Reines crossed her arms, observing from a distance as Trimmau wreaked havoc on the battlefield.
"Haaahhhhhhh——————————!!!"
Suddenly, a powerful voice roared from afar.
Reines lifted her head and saw Leonidas charging toward her at an astonishing speed!
Gripping his spear tightly, he maneuvered past Trimmau, then gathered strength in his legs, leaping high into the air before delivering a thunderous strike!!!
"As expected, I really dislike simple-minded people like this."
Reines raised her hand and hurled the Magic Crystals she was holding.
Boom——————————!!!
The jewels emitted a brilliant five-colored light before exploding violently.
Leonidas immediately raised his shield to protect himself, but by the time he landed, the blonde-haired girl had already disappeared.
"Neighhh————————!!"
A mercury warhorse rushed in, carrying Reines away before gently setting her down. Then, it reverted to its maid form, Trimmau.
"Oujou-sama, are you unharmed?"
"I'm fine. He's just a muscle-headed brute."
Reines casually brushed the dust off her clothes.
"I don't know where you came from, magus, but now that you've stepped into my army's territory, don't expect to leave alive!!!"
Leonidas declared boldly, raising his spear high.
In an instant, hundreds of Spartan warriors appeared behind him.
"Damn it, using Noble Phantasm right off the bat? Are you serious?"
Reines narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Come forth!!! It's time for a battle feast!!!"
Leonidas took a stance, readying his spear, while the three hundred warriors behind him aimed at Reines, preparing to strike.
"This Is——Sparta! Thermopylae Enomotia!!!"
As countless sharp spears hurtled toward her, Reines could only let out a helpless sigh.
"That's why I hate muscle-brained idiots."
Her sapphire-like eyes suddenly turned crimson.
"Contests need neither stratagem nor trump card.All that is required is flawless preparation and victory.Unspoken Formation!"