Hell Mode: Volume 4, page 16
“What I’m capable of...” Dogora mumbled to himself again under his breath. It went unheard by Allen, who was now fully occupied by the progress of the tunnel.
＊ ＊ ＊
Allen ordered Moley to stop digging when the tunnel was almost through to the other side—the rest would be for tomorrow, the day when they would enact their strategy. Coincidentally, both armies were just now breaking off the engagement for the day. The rumble of countless trampling feet shook the ground for some time.
Compared to the trolls and ogres, the skeletons did not look particularly tired, but they still made no move to pursue the retreating elven forces. They clearly had zero intention of coming out of the gates of their own accord. In all likelihood, they were waiting for reinforcements to arrive so as to catch the elves on both sides.
When night fell, the No-life Gamers summoned the elven generals inside their tent with the door flaps drawn and a fire lit. As everyone gathered around a simple model of Castle Lapolka and the areas to its north and south, Allen finally revealed the full details of his plan to infiltrate Lapolka through the tunnel he had made today.
“I see. So, things are going well.”
“Yes they are, Field Marshal. Let’s work out the final details tonight.”
Although Allen had met Lukdraal in Nest, the field marshal had apparently been the leading commander of the northernmost fortress. As could be expected of someone entrusted with such a huge responsibility, he was both fiercely loyal and open-minded. This was a situation which Lukdraal would normally retreat from, but here he was, still leading these 50,000 troops, because he could see in Sophie’s eyes just how much faith she had in Allen.
“Now, about the movements of the monsters surrounding Lapolka...” Allen continued.
Through the Spirit Bs, Allen had confirmed that of the four million reserves, three million would be attacking by land and one million would be approaching Nest from the sea.
Pretty surprised that they mobilized all four million at once. Do they want Rohzenheim that badly?
“The situation...does not look good,” Lukdraal groaned.
“That might be so, but we can pull through,” Allen reassured him.
The Demon Lord Army was focusing on gathering numbers because it knew it would win by simply holding on. Conversely, that meant the elves had a very narrow window to take back this giant fortress positioned in such a defensible position.
“Ha ha, looks like we’re very much backed into a corner. However, you are saying that we do not have the luxury of choice. Is that so, Lord Allen?”
“Yes, Field Marshall.”
“In that case, we shall go with your strategy. We will dedicate everything we have to recapturing Castle Lapolka.”
“Thank you, sir. Now, let’s go into details. Based on the positioning of the monsters, we will be infiltrating from...”
The lamps burned until quite late into the night as Allen and the elven generals finalized their strategy for the following day.
＊ ＊ ＊
Allen awoke from his nap the next morning and found the soldiers already starting to get into formation as he was going through his morning routine.
“We shall be in your care today, Lord Allen,” one of the generals said in greeting.
“And I, in yours. We’ll, uh, be heading out at the agreed time,” Allen replied in a slightly flustered tone.
“Of course. Do not worry, there’s still plenty of time till then.”
Everyone was aware that Allen was even cutting down on his sleep to fight for Rohzenheim. Given this, no one ever hurried him.
Eventually, the force of 50,000 set off once again at the same time they had the day before.
“We shall recapture Castle Lapolka today!”
“RAAAAAAAH!”
Of the 6,600 total soldiers with two-star classes, 1,600 were currently at the very front of the formation, with the remaining 5,000 at the rear being led by Allen. Soon, this group split off from the main force to proceed down a side path that eventually ended at a gigantic boulder. Krena and Dogora, having maxed out their levels, easily pushed it aside to reveal the gaping entrance of a tunnel wide enough for two men to walk abreast. This was the very tunnel that Beast G had dug out yesterday.
Allen finally revealed the full details of today’s strategy to this force of 5,000, prompting them to cheer out loud. At the same time, they realized that the outcome of today’s battle rested squarely on their shoulders and redoubled their vigilance.
“It’s time to go in. Everyone, stay in formation!”
“SIR, YES, SIR!”
Allen took out an illumination magic tool and led the way into the winding passageway.
“Sophie, would you be able to bury this tunnel afterward with an earthen spirit?”
“Of course, Lord Allen. However, considering the future, would it not be better to keep the tunnel and only bury the entrances on both ends?”
Oh right, if the Demon Lord Army is attacking from the north, it would be helpful to have a secret passage leading south.
Allen turned around to face Sophie and noticed one elf illuminating his way with a ball of light in the palm of his hand instead of a magic tool like everyone else.
Oooo, that’s a two-star Spirit Wizard with Light Magic. I heard the elemental skills that someone gets are totally random, and that Light Magic is pretty rare.
One-star Spirit Mages could borrow the strength of spirits, whereas two-star Spirit Wizards could borrow the power of grand spirits. The magnitude of the spells they could cast with aid from either source differed immensely.
Someone in Normal Mode would gain a total of six skills by the time they reached max level, two of which would be stat-boosting ones. That left four slots that would eventually be filled with elemental skills, with the full list of all ten elements being fire, earth, wind, water, wood, lightning, light, darkness, void, and time. This was where the randomness that Allen mentioned came in. However, the chances of getting fire, earth, wind, or water skills were much higher than all the others, and Sophie was no exception.
* * *
Name: Sophialohne
Age: 48
Class: Spirit Mage
Level: 60
HP: 723
MP: 1,621 + 1,600
Attack: 598
Endurance: 657 + 1,000
Agility: 844
Intelligence: 903 + 600
Luck: 840
Skills: Spirit {6}, Fire {6}, Earth {6}, Wind {6}, Water {6}, Juvenile Spirit {2}
Extra Skill: Grand Spirit Manifestation
Skill Levels
Spirit: 6
Fire: 6
Earth: 6
Wind: 6
Water: 6
Sophie is wearing a +1,000 MP ring and a +1,000 Endurance ring.
* * *
Water and wood spirits granted healing abilities, whereas earth and wind spirits specialized in defensive spells. As such, the large majority of elves borrowing the power of fire, earth, wind, and water spirits could still heal themselves. This was the reason why they were generally considered healing and defense specialists.
Several hours of walking later, the force reached the end of the tunnel.
“This is it.”
Allen held his magic tool aloft, illuminating the wall of stone brick up front. This deviation from the bare rock along the sides of the tunnel as well as the pounding of monster feet hurrying to and fro above confirmed that Castle Lapolka was indeed on the other side of this wall. Allen then promptly began buffing the entire elven force using his Fish-type Summons, going whole hog by repeatedly making new cards to use their Awakened Abilities. At the same time, the elves also invoked the powers of earth and wind spirits to buff each other.
“All right, get ready.” Allen turned around to issue commands. “The scouts and those assigned to open the south gate are to come with me.”
The soldiers replied in a soft voice, “Sir, yes, sir.”
“Those assigned to take over the walls are to follow Gatoluuga,” Allen added.
Catching Allen’s eye, Gatoluuga nodded and said, “Indeed. Leave the walls to me.” His attitude toward Allen had softened considerably since the two battles at Tiamo after he had come to acknowledge Allen’s achievements.
“Sir, yes, sir,” the elves said once again.
Allen checked the time in his grimoire. Ten minutes to noon. It’s go time.
The next part of the plan was going to be very time-sensitive.
“It’s the appointed time. Let’s do this, everyone!”
“RAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!” The elves burst into the fortress filled with monsters, this time roaring at the top of their lungs as if trying to rattle the very structures with their battle cries.
＊ ＊ ＊
The tunnel opened up in the western corner of Castle Lapolka next to the south gate. The staircase leading up to the square walls surrounding the fortress was right in front of Allen’s eyes, but he ignored it, instead taking off toward the south gate with 2,000 elves following close behind. It did not take the monsters long to notice and start attacking them.
“Doras, Cerbys, Antsys, Mirrors, Steelys, come out!”
The Summons appeared en masse and immediately leaped into action. The Dragon Bs and Beast Bs got to work mowing down the nearest monsters as the Insect Bs and Stone Bs shielded the elves. Stone Cs were on hand to use their Awakened Ability, Sacrifice, to fill in the gaps left in the Rank B Summons’ defense. All of them worked in concert to ensure that the elves could safely leave the tunnel. The elves, in turn, swiftly ran toward the south gate, hugging the southern wall and trailing behind Allen.
It feels so different seeing these numbers in person compared to seeing them through Hawkins’s bird-eye view. We don’t have time to deal with all of them though, so don’t let me down!
Even though Allen had confirmed that this corner of the fortress was relatively unoccupied the day before, there were now numerous monsters rushing their way. Krena and Dogora handily wiped the floor with them, but robed monsters along the walls took the opportunity to raise their staves. Some cast healing on their allies as others fired spells at the invading elves.
Ah, it just struck twelve. Time’s run out for all of you! Now die!
A blinding light suddenly filled the sky before turning into countless arrows of pure energy that bombarded the magic-using monsters. Attacks packing far more destructive power than those the elves had launched when they were emerging from the tunnel rained down throughout the fortress, erasing the enemy in the blink of an eye.
“Beautiful! The timing was perfect!” Allen grinned.
Cecil beamed back. “Looks like it went well!”
As the dazzling projectiles continued shredding apart the monsters, Allen shouted, “That’s our cover fire! Run for the gate! Run! And stick close to the wall if you don’t want to die!”
“SIR, YES, SIR!”
The shining projectiles were, of course, the Extra Skills of the elves still outside the fortress. They had been ordered to not use them since noon the day prior, as most Extra Skills had a cooldown time of one whole day; naturally, they were all able to use them now.
The force outside, including the 1,600 with two-star classes who had stayed behind earlier, now split up into platoons of a hundred each, with them taking turns firing in order to keep up an unending barrage of cover fire for those inside.
“Krena, Dogora, Cerby, I’m leaving the gate guards to you!” Allen shouted.
“You got it!” Dogora replied as Cerby barked, “Yes, Master!” and the two charged at the pair of Rank A monsters standing guard.
As for me, I’ve gotta keep everyone updated.
When the troops were split into several forces, just as they were now, it was of paramount importance that they let each other know what they were doing. The situation was changing by the second, so Allen was using a Bird E to monitor everything and a Bird F’s Transmission to keep those on both sides of the wall up-to-date. Information was strength.
After the 2,000 with Allen had cleared the tunnel, the remaining 3,000 surged out and took the staircase directly in front of the exit. They swiftly occupied the now empty ramparts and took over providing cover fire for Allen’s group, coordinating with them and enabling them to successfully reach the south gate.
From there, dozens of scouts immediately got to work on the gate itself. It did not take them long. The moment the elves outside finished getting into formation, the heavy double doors swung wide open with a deep rumble.
The 45,000 elves immediately charged forward, shaking the ground violently with the pounding of their boots. Inside, Allen and Gatoluuga shouted at their respective forces in unison: “Our allies are coming! Keep the monsters away to let them through!”
This time, the ones on the inside were providing the cover fire. Just as those on the outside had, they unleashed their Extra Skills as hundred-man platoons to maintain a constant barrage, raining their attacks on the monsters that were gathering to push the elves back out of the south gate.
“The gate is ours! Defend it!”
“RAAAAAAHHHH!”
As the elves swiftly set up massive formations in front of the gate, Allen’s group moved on to their next objective.
Chapter 10: Fighting Demons
“You actually pulled it off, Lord Allen!”
“I’m glad the strategy went well.”
When the field marshal’s forces entered Lapolka and regrouped with Allen’s, Lukdraal immediately rushed over, looking ecstatic. Allen believed that when assaulting a fortress, occupying the gate was crucial, and Lukdraal shared that view.
“However, now all the troops aside from the healers have expended their Extra Skills.”
“That’s true. But thanks to that, half of the enemies inside have been wiped out. We should be able to finish off the rest given half a day.”
This time, the elves had focused most of their efforts on taking the gate as they figured this approach was the surest way of bringing down the fortress. Being specialized in long-range attacks such as bows and spells made the elves proficient at protecting a fixed location, even more so with the aid of fortifications. Consequently, they had held nothing back and used all their Extra Skills for the sake of seizing this point. Thanks to that decision, they now had control of the south gate and half of the 300,000 monsters within Castle Lapolka were dead.
Gatoluuga’s group was currently concentrating on wiping out any monsters on standby that knew how to heal, cast spells, or otherwise deal damage from a distance. Quite a number of them had let their guard down, having placed excessive faith in the tall walls of the fortress.
Even so, the monsters still outnumbered the elves three to one. The real fight was only just beginning.
“Field Marshal, I will be bringing my forces to regroup with those on the walls now. Then we will be moving on to the next stage of the plan.”
“Understood. Wish you all the best.”
The officers under Allen’s command swiftly gathered their troops and assembled before him. It was time to proceed to the next phase of their plan to fully occupy the fortress.
Castle Lapolka was surrounded by fortified walls on all four sides, but because it was sandwiched between precipitous peaks to the east and west, only its north and south walls were designed to be manned by troops. The 3,000 soldiers with Gatoluuga had begun the operation in the southwest corner and were working their way north, currently having made headway halfway down the length of the wall.
“All right, follow me! We’ll be clearing the east wall!”
“SIR, YES, SIR!”
I still can’t get used to having people respond to me like that.
Allen cleared his head with a small shake, then struck off for the southeast corner with his companions and the elven troops under his command, killing everything in their way. If the elves managed to seize the towering walls in the north and south, they would have aerial supremacy over the entire compound, enabling them to massacre the monsters with ease. The Demon Lord Army was well aware of this and was therefore doing all it could to protect crucial choke points.
Allen’s group finally reached the southeast staircase after taking great pains and began fighting their way up one step at a time. Whenever one of the Summons was done in, Allen immediately created and called out a replacement.
My stock of magic stones is... Yeah, I used a ton these past two days, so I only have about 20,000 left. Gotta push hard here so I can get another 300,000 after this battle.
If possible, Allen wanted to avoid spamming Dragon B’s Awakened Ability as a tactic, as doing so obliterated the monsters along with their magic stones. Thanks to the elves’ efforts, though, it was looking like he would be able to harvest almost all the stones this time.
“Wait, the demons are coming to the south gate?”
According to the three Ellies still undercover inside the fortress, the demons were getting ready to sortie. Glaster had become enraged by how the battle was progressing and could not hold back any longer.
C’mon, why’re you coming here? It’d have been so much more convenient for us if you’d just run away.
From his position on top of the wall, Allen could see Glaster plowing through the throngs of monsters as he made a beeline for the south gate, Neftira and Yagof in tow.
Allen turned to his officers. “I’m sorry, everyone, but my party needs to take care of that. Please continue pushing on as you were. Griffs, come out!”
With that, the No-life Gamers promptly threw themselves onto the backs of the Bird Bs that had abruptly appeared with shrill cries of “Kieeee!” They then immediately headed back, landing in the large open area immediately behind the gate where elves and monsters were locked in deadly battle.
Several minutes later, the demons arrived. The one at the front, Glaster, was emanating such pressure that troops from both sides broke up their engagement and stepped back to watch how the situation would unfold.
