30 – The Shake-Leg Effect (1)
“The Britannian Empire?”
“Ah…no, how did those guys…”
An unexpected name came out of Gelert’s mouth.
Upon hearing this, Jan and Nico expressed deep confusion.
And then,
Addressing the Devil Hunters, who were reacting in such a dramatic manner,
Gelert spoke with a serious tone.
“It may be hard to believe, but it’s true. According to the advance information, there are troops from the Britannian Empire infiltrating Cale right now.”
“It’s like when the demons were running rampant 30 years ago…it’s something we cannot tolerate, even if we have to stake the name of the Frankish Kingdom.”
“I agree, I always feel that way. Those uncivilized bastards have no sense of right and wrong.”
Gabriel spoke with a frown, openly expressing her displeasure, and Jan agreed with her.
Observing them in this state, Gelert provided them with a more detailed explanation based on the information provided by Ellie.
*
The history of the Cale region was a bit different from other regions in the Frankish Kingdom.
Until 200 years ago, it was territory of the Britannian Empire, and it was only about 40 kilometers away from the island nation, the Britannian Empire, across the sea.
From the perspective of the Britannian Empire, there is no better place as a stepping stone to cross to the continent.
Because of this background, even after losing Calais in the war 200 years ago, the Britannian Empire has been eagerly waiting for an opportunity to reclaim it.
Especially after gaining control of numerous colonies and strengthening their power, their attempts to reclaim Calais became more frequent.
To the Britannian Empire, the emergence of demons within the Kingdom of Franz was considered a golden chance to retrieve Calais.
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However,
Their first attempt ended in failure due to unexpected variables.
There was also the mistake of misplacing the first button due to the Devil Hunters’ interference 30 years ago, but the decisive factor was the Seven Years War that occurred shortly after.
And following that, it became difficult for them to actively pursue their plans due to the colonial independence war in America.
However, as the demons that had remained dormant began to stir again,
And as the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Franz deteriorated, the Britannian Empire began to take action once more.
To restore the empire’s lost honor after the independence of America.
To plant the empire’s flag in Calais once again.
*
After the explanation, we started discussing the upcoming events in earnest.
In essence, it was about hunting demons, but
In reality, our main objective was to drive out the Britannian Empire forces that were infiltrating there.
“In that sense, our enemies this time might not be demons but humans… Is that okay?”
“Why would there be any reason for it not to be okay? Before we are Devil Hunters, we are definitely citizens of this country. It is only natural to stop the dirty outsiders to protect the Kingdom of Franz.”
“I agree. We can’t just leave it be when those damn fish and chips fellows have infiltrated.”
“Ah… Let’s wipe out both the demons and those bastards together!”
As I watched the three people accepting it without much hesitation, even for the parts that could be troubling to the heart, I couldn’t help but feel once again that this world, unlike the sensitive modern society called human rights, was a place that was extremely bleak and grim.
“Alright. Then I’ll tell you the ways to confront the British Imperial Army that I know…”
At that moment.
-Creak!
“Huh?”
“Hm?”
The carriage suddenly came to a stop, leaving all of them bewildered.
“What’s happening?”
“E-excuse me. It’s…”
“Hmm…”
“Of all times, why now when I’m so busy…”
The Devil Hunters furrowed their brows at the situation before them. They could see the carriage, completely unmoved and showing no sign of progress, stuck in a rut.
“There’s no choice. We’ll have to push the carriage together for now.”
“If we use our magic, we might be able to somehow manage. Gabriel and Nico, take the right side. Teacher and I will take the left.”
“Understood.”
“Yes, we understand.”
With all their strength, the four Devil Hunters began pushing the carriage, while the coachman whipped the horses as much as possible from the front.
Fortunately, thanks to the magic that enhanced physical abilities, the carriage that had fallen into a ravine began to slowly move.
“Great. We’re almost out…!?”
At that moment,
“Wait… Wait a moment, there!”
“Ah!”
As if making a mistake during the process of mounting the carriage, Nico accidentally dropped a large box that had been placed at the back.
And so, the box that fell out of the carriage ended up stuck in a muddy pond.
But…
– “Ah!” –
“?!”
“Huh?”
In the next moment, a voice suddenly came from inside the box.
This caused the devil hunters to feel confusion and caution as they approached the box and started to open it.
Immediately after, what began to appear in their eyes.
It was none other than…
“No… Is it you?”
“…Le-Leone?”
“Uuuh…”
A person whose face appeared unexpectedly.
Leone, the aspiring devil hunter.
Originally, she should have been at Ellie’s mansion, quietly attending Napoleon’s class. But Devil Hunters started to feel absurd and bewildered at the fact that she had come here hiding in a box.
“What on earth happened? Why are you coming out from here?”
Gellert sternly interrogated Leone, who had caused an incident.
“Well… um… you see…”
Leone glanced at Gellert’s reaction and hesitantly began to speak with a strained voice.
“W-well… the truth is… I also wanted to try being a Devil Hunter, so I came here secretly. Master did the same, right? With my current skills, I believe I can handle real battles.”
“Sigh…”
Clearly, Gellert had said such things to Leone before.
And this was a story that contained not just simple praise, but rather a considerable amount of sincerity.
Leone’s abilities were certainly at a level where she could handle real battles in relatively safe situations.
Although she was just a young girl in her early teens who had only trained for a few months,
Her combat skills were already at a level where she could be called a Devil Hunter.
An overwhelmingly talented individual that automatically brought to mind the term “genius.”
After another year or two of training, she would undoubtedly become an exceptional existence.
However,
Aside from this fact, Gellert believed it was premature to send his official disciple, Leone, into real battles.
Firstly, because of her age,
And secondly, because she still had many areas in which she was lacking and had high potential for growth.
Furthermore, with the rapidly deteriorating situation around them, it was not wise to assign missions to her, who lacked experience.
Especially, the tasks of Group 3, which boasts the highest difficulty level, are even more challenging.
However.
Regardless of Geralt’s judgment,
Leonie followed along on her own accord to this point.
And it was for a mission in Kale, which is currently facing the highest level of difficulty.
In relation to this,
Geralt asked the mabu who had been observing the situation in a cold voice.
“How much longer until we reach Kale from here?”
“We’re almost there. Once we cross that mountain, it should be about 4-5 km.”
“…Good, that should be manageable by walking. You, take this child and go back from here.”
“Mas…Master! I…I can do it too! How did I come all the way here…please give me a chance as well!”
Despite the Master giving a firm order to return, even after coming this far through hardship.
In response, Leonie tried to express her determination, but the other demon hunters in the vicinity did not show any support.
“The kid should go back and focus on studying. This is not a game for children.”
“No matter what, isn’t this a bit…?”
“I’m sorry, Leonie, but no matter what, this mission is too much. We can’t insert you into a difficult task like this, let’s go together with your sister when there’s a suitable mission next time. Understood?”
“…”
In a situation where even Jannes, who had been close to her, accepted her return.
Leoine understood that she had no choice here and bowed her head deeply, resigned.
But then…
– “Hmph~ Hmph~ Hmph~~”
“!!!”
In the next moment, a sudden eerie singing voice could be heard. Gelert’s face contorted for a moment as if reacting to the sound of a woman humming.
“Damn…”
“M… Master?”
“Get on the carriage right away!”
“What? What’s going on…”
“It’s already too late to turn back. Just keep driving towards Kalle!”
“Ah… Yes! Understood!”
Upon Gelert’s words, all the devil hunters, including Leone for now, boarded the carriage. Immediately after that, the coachman started driving the carriage with all his power, following Gelert’s orders.
“Hmph~ Hmph~ Hmph~~”
Even though they were running at a considerable speed, the singing voice grew louder and louder. That eerie yet instinctively uncomfortable sound began to stir up an indescribable feeling of unease in their hearts.
“Can’t help it… Gabriel, get on top of the carriage with Jeanne. Follow us.”
“Ah… Okay!”
“Got it.”
“Nico, stay here and watch over Leone.”
“Yes? Ah…. Yes! Ah… I understand!”
“Good, then let’s go.”
With those words, Geralt opened the carriage door and quickly climbed onto the roof.
Following behind him, Jaskier and Gabriel also skillfully climbed onto the roof.
Immediately after, the scene that appeared before their eyes.
It was…
“This…this is…!”
“That…are those all demons?”
Bizarre beings, running towards them as if they were mad.
These creatures, with huge octopus heads with dozens of eyes and human bodies with tentacles attached,
At this moment, with both arms stretched forward, they were running towards the carriage at a terrifying speed.
Even if they caught a few, there were hundreds of them.
Looking at those creatures rushing towards them like a swarm of ants, Geralt loaded his gun with a cold expression.
‘Already starting to have a headache…no, meeting with the Helltoffers…I wonder if those British bastards are suffering too.’