Chapter 136

Chapter 136 - Zombie Apocalypse (2)

The cessation of battle was brief. As soon as the knights and heavy cavalry charged in, the pirates also fought back desperately.

Even though a bloody battle began in all directions, the pirates in front of Eugene did not budge.

The warhorse and knight before their eyes were far too large and terrifying to charge at.

Grrrr-.

As Might's mouth opened, a ferocious breath washed over the pirates' faces.

Goosebumps simultaneously erupted on their dirty necks. Because it felt as if it was aiming not only for their flesh but also the souls cowering within.

"Uwaaaah!"

A pirate pushed by fear swung his scimitar recklessly, but since he couldn't even manage his distance, he merely sliced through the empty air.

The immediate counterattack from the flail produced a sound like a watermelon smashing. As the faces of nearby pirates were dyed red, the line Eugene belonged to also commenced its battle.

'It's definitely comfortable in many ways since the height has increased.'

His warhorse, which was already large to begin with, had grown 1.3 times larger, so the battlefield entered his sight at a glance.

"Deserters are emerging on the enemy's right wing! Concentrate fire over there! Knights, turn around and break through the flank of the right wing once the shooting ends! The rest of you maintain the formation!"

Eugene's voice rang out resonantly, vibrating the battlefield. Even amidst harvesting the pirates' lives, his eyes constantly took in the movements of his troops.

"Wheeeek-!"

At that moment, a warning note flew in. A whistle compressing what, from where, and how it was flying in.

"Don't worry... I am watching it all."

Clang!

An arrow bounced weakly off Eugene's shield. The pirate who had hidden and fired a shortbow as a surprise attack was already discovered.

Failing the ambush, the pirate archer spat out curses in an eastern language and lowered his posture. Although he intended to move by hiding among his comrades, it was useless.

Thwack!

His head was pierced immediately by an arrow flying diagonally from above.

Because Homi, standing straight while stepping on Sandy's back, had fired a direct shot from above to below.

"Hmph!"

Standing on her tiptoes to secure the maximum angle and firing the arrow, her figure looked like a dancer descending upon the battlefield.

Having punished the one who aimed at her Lord, Homi immediately crouched down and continuously fired 3 arrows held in her tail.

Thwip! Thwip! Thwip!

"Kuaak!"

"Kehk!"

The heavy cavalrymen cheered as the few mounted pirates crossing blades with them fell from their horses with arrows lodged in their temples and necks.

This accuracy and nonsensical firing speed. One could immediately tell whose work it was without even looking.

"Eugene's Echo!"

"Eugene's Echo!"

With their morale boosted, the heavy cavalrymen shouted the chant in unison and charged.

Eugene's Echo was a nickname pointing to Homi. Because whenever she saw an enemy shooting an arrow at her owner on the battlefield, she unfailingly returned a retaliation of death.

With the heavy cavalry's charge, the tribal warriors' rain of arrows, and the knights running wild everywhere added in, the pirates, who were lightly armed infantry, were swept away like rotten straw bundles.

Naturally, the one harvesting the most lives among them was Eugene.

"Uwaaah, run away!"

"Return to your positions! Desertion before the enemy is punishable by death..."

A veteran pirate yelling at a comrade fleeing after throwing away his weapon widened his eyes.

"Wh-wh-wh-what is that?!"

If other places were battlefields, Eugene's surroundings were a slaughterhouse. While his martial prowess was incredible, due to the nature of his weapon, it was separating the pirates' bones and flesh as if he had set up a butcher shop in the area.

Slipping after stepping on the blood and intestines that once constituted his comrades, a pirate couldn't even think of standing up. The sight of him crawling away between his comrades' legs on all fours was truly an agonizing hell.

"Move! I said move!"

"Keh-heuk!"

Some pirates fleeing backward even stabbed comrades blocking their path with swords.

It was the result of pouring out more ferocious attacks than usual thanks to Might becoming fully capable of handling Eugene's muscle strength.

"What is that warrior?!"

"He's a pagan! A pagan champion!"

Every time the massive knight swung his arm, a black vortex arose, and the heads of their allies burst apart. Beneath him, a monster-like warhorse they were seeing for the first time in their lives bared its teeth.

Some pirates possessed the illusion that a proxy sent down to earth by an evil god was slaughtering them.

"...!"

Even the armed priests' eyes wavered at those words, so Eugene felt incredibly flustered.

'Did I go too wild? But this is all to suppress allied casualties.'

In a group versus group battle, nothing was as effective as crushing the enemies' morale by pushing forward cruelly in the early stages.

"Snap out of it! Are you shaken by what pirates are saying? He is not some pagan, but a knight who came to help us!"

Only after the experienced priest's reprimand fell did the priests nod their heads as if ashamed.

The pirates in the fan-shaped range ahead of Eugene had already all fled. Now it was time to strike elsewhere.

Briefly scanning his surroundings, he discovered 5 heavy infantrymen forming a phalanx with large shields.

Unlike the pirates who were primarily lightly armored, they easily stood out carrying large shields and wearing thick armor. By all appearances, they seemed like local mercenaries colluding with the pirates.

"Might... Over there... Since there are no spearmen, we'll charge in just like this."

As soon as Eugene's command ended, Might roared and dashed.

Dudududu!

"To the side! The side!"

At the sight of a heavily armed knight charging in, a mercenary forming the phalanx screamed.

Separately from that, as if showing they were experienced mercenaries, they immediately raised a shield wall toward Eugene and aimed their swords.

Then, alongside a sound as if the ground was exploding, the massive huge body bounced up into the sky.

"Huh?"

The 5 mercenaries stared blankly above their heads, not even able to think of raising the shields they had set up forward into the sky. Four hooves akin to iron pillars descended upon them.

Crunch!

Splat!

Might crushed two mercenaries in midair as he landed.

Likewise, the shaft and the shield edge of the flail Eugene swung respectively smashed down two people each.

"H-heeeek!"

The mercenary left all alone in an instant similarly failed to swing his sword properly even once.

Baaaaang!

With all his ribs shattered by Might's backward kick, he went rolling over and over for quite a distance.

Eugene swung his flail indiscriminately at the enemies in the front row.

"I will execute anyone retreating on the spot!"

"What are you spearmen doing? I told you to stab him!"

The executive-level pirates slashed those deviating from the formation and scraped together those holding polearms and sent them. That actually had an effect.

A spear blade thrust by someone grazed Eugene's steel boots.

Clang!

That spearman was immediately punished by Eugene.

'The increased height isn't only filled with good things.'

Originally, Eugene would have tried to block it with his shield too. However, the heights didn't match, so the spear came in below it.

But since he used a large flail, there was no issue regarding his attacks. It rather acted as an advantage.

Because striking down from a higher place made the gravitational force falling upon the bundle of maces even more overwhelmingly powerful.

Furthermore, while previously he could see one head, occasionally two, now he basically saw more than two heads at a time.

Crash!

The moment the end of the flail's handle smashed the forehead of a front-row pirate, the 3rd mace crushed the shoulder of a rear-row pirate.

As he swung it right to the side, the 1st mace and 3rd mace smacked the heads of different pirates respectively.

Catching the angles for multi-target attacks became much easier.

"Lord! It's dangerous if you go in too deep!"

While none of his subordinates doubted Eugene's strength, it felt as though he had gone too deep into the pirates' formation.

Because grasping spears, pirates were rushing in as if making their final desperate struggle from the formation on the verge of collapsing.

If spears thrust in from all directions while his charge had stopped, it was dangerous no matter how great a knight he was.

"Protect the Lord!"

"Unnecessary... Everyone maintain your positions."

Eugene didn't charge in thoughtlessly intoxicated by Might's strength.

He had already fully grasped Might's locomotive abilities running this way and that in the forests and beaches of Samur.

Thump!

Might, who seemed to crouch briefly, explosively bounded his legs and jumped backward.

The heads of the pirates who were surrounding and rushing in all moved in one direction together.

Crunch!

One among them collapsed with his skull smashed by the flail Eugene struck down in midair.

'That is an absurd warhorse.'

Rex, who saw that sight out of the corner of his eye, vehemently shook his head.

No matter how much a horse is trained, due to its leg structure, backward movement viable for actual combat is impossible. It is the reason why cavalry tangled together after their charge gets blocked becomes rapidly exposed to danger.

Yet the World Charger resolved that weakness by jumping far backward utilizing his overwhelmingly ignorant leg strength.

"The boss is dead!"

Finally, not a single commander-level offering threats of slashing them if they fled remained. The pirates began fleeing in all directions.

However, showing their backs to cavalry was not a very wise choice.

With the horn trumpet of victory ringing out, the battle now turned into a hunt.

* * *

"Thank you! May God's blessing be with you brothers!"

"You have brought down a righteous iron mace upon those wicked scoundrels... You have executed God's will on his behalf."

Perhaps because it was a significantly dramatic rescue, a lengthy praise unfitting for ascetics returned.

"I am Eugene Meyer... It is a relief I could make it in time."

The ascetics' faces turned even more favorable.

"The fiend-slayer of Bonyard!"

"The pagan judicator!"

Because the people Eugene had faced so far were mercenaries, nobles, and secular knights, they mainly talked about his achievements as a battlefront knight.

However, to those serving God, his achievements of exterminating a sinister pagan mage and a fiend risen from Hell appeared far more radiantly brilliant.

"Did you also come to subjugate the pirates upon receiving a request from the Apostle State, Sir?"

The priest who looked the most experienced asked as the representative.

An army costs money simply by existing. A knight leading an army of this size wouldn't move solely out of faith or a sense of justice.

"That is not the case... Do you perhaps know the Apostle State hired the Blackhand Mercenaries?"

"Those sorts of negotiations are not a duty assigned to us."

The priest shook his head.

"This year, pirates have been particularly rampant, so they hired mercenaries on a large scale... Since the Blackhand Mercenaries are the warriors we trust the most, I figure they must have formed a contract."

As expected of an astute leader, he spoke nicely looking at the tribal warriors standing by in the rear.

"It is precisely as you said... We were supposed to meet the Blackhand Mercenaries dispatched here nearby, but news from them cut off... We couldn't just wait aimlessly, so we were searching the surroundings when we discovered you priests."

"I am sorry... We would like to repay you as well, but we have no knowledge regarding it."

"The thought alone is plenty enough... By the way, how did you end up being attacked by pirates?"

Given the circumstances, it was certain they aimed for the priests directly and came in.

However, armed priests are the type of opponents pirates avoid the most in the world.

Because they live in poverty, there is no wealth to extort, yet their combat prowess is outstanding, and they fight to the death out of fanaticism for God.

Sane pirates might attack easy farming villages or rob merchant caravans possessing much, but they do not attack an order of priests.

"...Would it be alright to tell him?"

"He is our savior and a knight who stepped forward with a righteous spirit... It goes against duty to hide it from such a person."

"That is true, but he is an outsider..."

"Let us stop... Whispering among ourselves like this itself is disrespectful."

Eugene, waiting without his complexion changing in the slightest even while they whispered among themselves during the conversation. The priests felt ashamed at that honorable attitude.

"The pirates were aiming for the holy relic we possessed."

"A holy relic... you say?"

Among the clergy, those possessing strong faith and an upright soul display astonishing miracles.

Miracles similarly dwell within items used for a long time by such individuals during baptisms, worships, or exorcisms. They are called holy relics.

"If it is a holy relic, it's understandable for pirates to go crazy over it."

They are treasures among treasures where the seller names their price, and in fact, cannot even be bought with money.

"I heard that just touching it absolves all sins."

"I heard you don't age if you keep it on your body."

The mercenaries each chattered one by one about rumors they heard regarding holy relics.

At the excessively exaggerated reactions, the priest smiled benevolently and waved his hand.

"It is not a genuine holy relic... This is a replica."

"What?"

"To think replicating it is also possible!"

Marbas and Valda were twice as surprised compared to when they heard they possessed a holy relic.

"It is a result the Apostle State has achieved recently after researching for decades."

A few priests carefully carried over a tightly sealed box.

"Oh!"

The three mages could feel a holy mystery flowing out from within it.

"Although it is incredible, were there no people who opposed such research?"

"Of course there were... Because a holy relic is an irreplaceable treasure... During the research process, holy relics also weaken or disappear entirely."

The old priest picked up and showed a symbol representing the religious order he belonged to.

"That is why it is research progressed only by the agreeing factions among the constituent religious orders of the Apostle State gathering together."

"That is tremendous dedication... It must not have been an easy decision."

"The agreeing factions' belief is that if we wrap it up tightly because it is precious, evil will ultimately win... Even if doctrines are immutable, the methods to protect the masses must evolve."

When Eugene bowed his head politely, his subordinates also bowed their heads. They didn't simply mimic him because their Lord did it.

Because they genuinely marveled at the nobility of sacrificing their treasures without compensation to protect people in this dangerous world.

"May God's blessing be with you all."

At that attitude, the priests also smiled benevolently and drew the sign of the cross.

The countless difficulties experienced during the research process. Meeting people who recognized and comforted them, they were simply filled with joy.

"This replica holy relic is a prototype."

The old priest pointed in a certain direction. It was the place where smoke was rising from afar right after the Moving Castle descended.

"There are many villages nearby that met with tragedy due to pirates... We confirmed unfortunate news that even undead rose up there."

'Was it not a forest fire, but a village that burned down after receiving an attack from pirates?'

It was a harsh world where the weak always carried tragedies with them.

"Please! Please spare me!"

"Then spit out something useful."

"Aaaaagh!"

Cruel interrogations and executions were taking place in all directions, but the priests didn't even bat an eye.

Priests are those who would willingly embrace the filthiest sick person and comfort them with God's love. However, they did not even treat those stepping out of bounds as fellow humans.

"This is a mission to bestow peace upon the pitiful deceased and concurrently test the replica holy relic."

As the other dimension and the present world grew closer, spiritual disasters occurred that much more easily.

Cases of corpses rising were occurring even in massacres of a scale where, normally, undead wouldn't rise.

"We will also accompany you priests."

"Are you certain?"

"This is also fate... We wish to add at least a little strength to your good deeds, priests."

Searching for the disappeared Blackhand Mercenaries solely with Eugene's unit would become a slow and tedious task. Forming connections with local native forces anywhere was the easiest and surest path.

"God's grace to a noble knight."

"We will surely report your honor, Sir Knight."

The armed priests rejoiced without exception and offered prayers collecting their two hands.

"What is the general scale of the village?"

"It should be around 40 households... No Ghouls have been discovered."

With the armed priests' combat prowess and even a replica holy relic, it was a scale they could sufficiently subjugate.

After treating the injured and finishing the rituals so the corpses wouldn't rise, they immediately resumed their march.

* * *

The armed priests were entirely infantry, but thanks to harsh training, they could march together with the cavalry.

Having come to face against undead, everyone armed themselves with mace-type weapons. More than one or two skulls had been smashed by those in the battle against the pirates earlier.

"What an incredible warhorse."

The priests marveled looking at Might. Looking aside from his size, the ferocity and demonic nature uncuttable even by horse armor. It approached the ascetics even more intensely.

However, since a knight who valiantly repelled pirates was riding him, their rose-tinted glasses seemed to apply to Might as well.

"We will arrive soon."

As the smoke drew gradually closer, a thoroughly destroyed village appeared.

Sniff sniff.

Homi and Might flared their nostrils and reacted sensitively. Compared to the thick smell of blood, a terrifyingly heavy silence flowed.

"Even bugs and birds are not making any sound... It is certain that undead have risen."

The old priest spoke with conviction.

The fact that the sounds of scavengers could not be heard in a place where a wave of slaughter had passed. That meant something abnormal was lurking.

As expected?

"Kieeeek-!"

The moment they approached the village fence, a howl noticing the intruders' presence could be heard.

A ferocious voice that utilized human vocal cords but did not seem like something a human would emit.

The armed priests drew the sign of the cross and raised their weapons in unison. The sealed box was opened, and the old priest took out the holy relic.

As it came out of the box, an even deeper mystery wafted out. Even if it was a replica, it possessed a truly powerful purifying energy.

"Please leave this to us... This holy relic does not disappear after being used once."

The old priest holding the holy relic stepped forward.

While nodding his head, Eugene signaled to his subordinates so he could intervene at any time.

Slosh slosh slosh!

The sound of footsteps charging fiercely while stepping on muddy ground.

"Keuek-!"

Presently, an ugly, twisted monster dashed out.

Dried hide and half-rotted skin.

Sharp fingernails.

Eyes where no soul could be felt.

Boils spouting all over its body.

It was a pitiful appearance unable to rest in peace even after death.

'Something is strange?'

However, Eugene, who was sensitive to the energies of the other dimension, felt a sense of incongruity from the attacking enemy. Because he couldn't feel even a speck of the unique sinister energy for it to be a Wight.

Sniff sniff.

Homi also felt the strangeness as well. No corpse stench emanated from the attacking enemy at all.

"Eternal peace to the lost corrupted one..."

Flash!

As the armed priest recited a prayer, the holy relic shone with holy light and swallowed the running monster.

"Keuek-?!"

And it nonchalantly broke through the halo of light and leaped forward. Right before the flustered priest received the attack.

Smack!

The flail Eugene swung shattered the guy's arm and flank and sent it flying.

"Kueeek... cough...!"

Struggling to stand up despite a terrible injury to fight again was definitely far separated from the living. However, it was not an undead either.

"Mushrooms?"

Looking closely, what they thought were rotten boils all over its body were mushrooms grown roundly.

Even though broken ribs pierced out of its abdomen, the bleeding wasn't severe. Blood did come out, but it was flowing down stickily like sap.

While the mercenaries felt disgusted, enemies poured out from inside the village in earnest.

"They are coming! Into combat formation! Step back, priest! The holy relic is ineffective."

Every single one of them were monsters with tree bark, grass leaves, and mushrooms attached here and there on their bodies.

They did not possess the unique hatred towards the living inherent to undead, but were rushing in with ferocity closer to beasts.

"Rex... Have you ever faced such enemies before?"

"They are spirits."

The answer returned from Valda.

"The smell of forest spirits is wafting from them."

"That worked out well... If you step forward, Valda..."

In Eugene's army, there was an existence more reliable than an army of ten thousand in this field.

"No... Even if they belong to the same mystery of the forest, forest spirits are existences I cannot control."

Twitch.

Valda's long ears stood straight addressing the sky. It was an appearance shown when extremely enraged or tense.

"Forget sweet fairy tales! Among all spirits in the world, the cruelest and most dangerous are the spirits of the forest!"

Valda shouted toward the entire army.

Respecting Eugene's authority, she maintained her position as an advisor. She never issued direct commands to the troops during combat bypassing Eugene.

Seeing her break that rule for the first time, everyone raised their weapons with tense complexions.