A Creative Alchemist Enjoys His Freedom – After Being Banished from His Hometown, He Is Now Free to Create Magical Items with Incredible Effects Under the Control of the Demon King - Episode 35

Episode 35: “The operation to Subjugate the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 (2) Events on the Empire’s side”

　──About an hour ago, the soldiers from the Empire──

“The purpose of the operation is to demonstrate the strength of the Empire to the people of the Demon King’s Territory.”

　In the headquarters of the army, the Minister of Military Affairs Zagran shouted.

　This was a rocky area near the mountainous region of the Demon King’s territory.
　It was a gently sloping plain, and if you headed south, you would enter the border area with the Empire.
　It was quite far away from the junction with the Demon King’s territory.

　The Imperial army had set up camp here.
　They arrived a few hours ago.
　Without setting up a tent for stationing and notifying their arrival in the Demon King’s territory──the empire’s soldiers had already begun a demon beast subjugation operation.

“Subjugating the demon beast in the Demon King’s territory is a rare experience. In addition to showing off the strength of the empire, it also has the meaning of selling favours to the Demon King territory. Also, this time the tactics were similar to those used by the hero: surround the enemy and destroy each one. It will be good training for subjugating demonic beasts.”
“””Haaa!!”””
“Then, Your Highness Liana, please say what you want.”

　Guided by the Minister of Military Affairs Zagran, the third princess, Liana Dorgalia, stepped forward.
　Princess Liana was 15 years old. She was a rather slender and petite girl.
　When she took off her helmet, her long platinum blonde was revealed.
　She was wearing silver armour, a top-quality item made especially for this battle.
　The soldiers sighed in exclamation at the beautiful armour with the emblem of the empire engraved on it.

　However, the beauty of the armour was no match for the great sword she was holding tightly with both her hands.
　Princess Liana was holding the 『Holy Sword Dorgalia』.
　This was a sword once used by a hero from another world.

　In order to draw out the full potential of this sword, powerful 『Light Magic』 was required.
　And Princess Liana possessed magical powers worthy of it.
　There were even some magic swords that had collapsed due to her overwhelming 『Light Magic』.

　So when word came that the Empire and the Demon King’s Territory would be working together to subjugate demonic beasts, the Empire’s leaders thought, 『This is a good opportunity to show off the Empire’s strength to the people of the Demon King’s Territory.』

　Subjugate the demonic beasts, that was troubling the Demon King’s territory with their great military force,
　In addition, they would show the great light of the sacred sword to the people of the Demon King’s territory.
　That was the plan of the Imperial leadership.

　As a result, Princess Liana, along with her tutor Zagran and her soldiers, travelled to the mountainous region of the Demon King’s territory.

“We’re far from the volcano, but it’s still hot here. Is everyone tired?”

　When Princess Liana called out, the soldiers replied.

“──No!”
“──We are full of power!”
“Does Your Highness doubt the strength of our soldiers?”

　──And.
　They were brave and daring soldiers worthy of the military power of the Dorgalia Empire.
　She was happy with that enthusiasm. However, this place was too hot.
　Princess Liana was also drenched in sweat underneath that armour.

　But there was no time to get changed; the operation had already begun.
　Besides, the conditions should be the same for the Demon King’s army.
　So Princess Liana shouted to her soldiers.

“Let’s show the people of the Demon King’s territory the power of the Empire.Just like the hero and the demon king once did, the demon king cannot win against the Dorgalian Empire, which is the foundation of the hero. Defeating evil beasts is the mission of the empire, which worships the hero.”

　Princess Liana held the holy sword high in the air, showing it to the soldiers.
　All the soldiers kneeled to the ground and showed respect for the sword left behind by a different world hero.
　And so the Imperial Army moved on to their next action.

“We have 300 soldiers. That should be enough.”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran muttered, stroking his beard.

　The operation had already begun.
　Right now, he was waiting for a call from the “advanced unit”.
　Meanwhile, Minister of Military Affairs Zagran and Princess Liana were holding their final meeting.

“According to information from the Demon King’s territory, there are between 20 and 30 small spiders under the command of the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』. Even though they are small spiders, they are human-sized. We will send 10 soldiers to attack each one.”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran said with a grin.

“We should be able to win with this. However, this is a tactic that is impossible in the Demon King’s territory.”
“Can the Demon King’s territory send that many soldiers?”
“Their population is small, after all. They are also a collection of many different races. It would be difficult for them to act in unified terms. Otherwise, they would never accept a proposal for a joint operation.”

　That was Minister of Military Affairs Zagran’s prediction.
　The troops brought by the Demon King’s Territory would probably be less than 100 people.
　If they could overwhelm the beasts with forces three times larger than theirs, it would show the strength of the Empire.

“But Zagran. Will the demonic beasts really come this far?”

　Princess Liana muttered next to the Minister of Military Affairs.

“It seems to be taking a long time. I wonder if the advance party is following orders.”

　There was no sign of anxiety on her face.
　However, she was probably unhappy that things were not going according to plan.

“Don’t worry. Right now, a few soldiers should be approaching the nests of demon beasts and provoking them.”
“Is the skills of the advance troops solid?”
“The unit includes aristocrats who are guilty and awaiting punishment. There is a promise to reduce the punishment if they make achievements in this battle. I think they will try their best to complete their mission.”

　The Imperial troops were encamped, waiting for the demon beasts to arrive.
　They were using several soldiers to lure the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 and the little spider here.

　There was no way they could send a large force into the Demon King’s territory.
　They didn’t know about the situation over there, but the Empire had no intention of invading the Demon King’s territory──for now, at least. It would be troublesome if this was misunderstood as 『intentions of invasion』.
　In the first place, the area around the demon-beasts nest was full of rocks, so it was not possible to deploy a large force.
　So they came up with a plan to lure the beast to a location where they could get an advantage.

“Your Highness, do you understand the next steps?”

“The soldiers will surround the small spiders and restrict their movement. At that moment, I will strike the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 with my holy sword, right?”
“Once we defeat the main leader, only the little spiders will remain. The soldiers will be able to focus on their own training──leveling up.”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran said in a whisper.

“Your Highness, please be especially careful of your remaining magical power.”
“I know, Zagran.”
“Also, the 『Holy Sword Dorgalia』 requires a lot of magical power to activate. You can only activate 『Holy Sword’s Photon Blade』 twice… No, at maximum power, you can only activate it once…”
“I know without you having to tell me again and again. Zagran.”

　Princess Liana cried out, flipping her platinum blonde hair.

“The Demon King will also be joining us in this battle, right? I cannot make a fool of myself in front of the Demon King. In the name of the Empire, I will use the 『Holy Sword Dorgalia』.”
“Your Highness. It may sound verbose, but take care of yourself──.”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran was about to continue speaking when──

“Here it comes!! It’s a swarm of giant demon beast with small spiders────!!”

　The soldiers cried out.
　Reflexively, Princess Liana and Minister of Military Affairs Zagran drew their swords.
　The two of them nodded to each other with a tensed expression on their faces.
　Once the fighting began, the story ended.
　Just fight. Achieve your goal. Become the strongest. That was the way of the Dogarian Empire.

“They’re here. The advance unit and the demonic beasts!”
“──I can see it, Zagran.”

　Foot soldiers and archers came running down the mountain towards the Imperial camp.
　They were the advance unit sent to the demon beast’s nest.
　Chasing after it, a horde of demon beasts arrived.

　The first thing they saw was a human-sized spider.
　Silver limbs. Torso covered with something like a shell. Several bright red eyes.
　These were the spiders under the demonic beast.

　From behind the little spiders, a shadow like a small hill slowly came towards them.
   The『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.

　The height to the torso was several metres.
　If all its legs were stretched out, its width would exceed several tens of metres.
　The diameter of its red eyeball was about the length of a human’s arm or leg, and its mouth was said to be able to shatter rocks.
　The most frightening thing was the thread that shot out.

　Those demon beasts shot out the thread with great force and then wrapped it around their prey.
　Then, after immobilising them, it would pull them in and kill them.

“That’s the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』…”

　Princess Liana clutched her holy sword.

“The advance unit is safe──No, it seems that their numbers are small…?”
“Did you wander in the Demon King’s territory… or are you going to make a merit by defeating the little spider alone?”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran gritted his teeth.

“…It seems that someone has caused more trouble. I’ll send a squad to rescue them later.”
“Are they alright?”
“A weak person cannot become a noble. Your Highness, let’s head to the front lines!”

　Princess Liana and Minister of Military Affairs Zagran took off running, along with the soldiers guarding them.
　On the front lines, soldiers were already fighting the little spiders.
　As planned, ten people approached the little spider and quickly surrounded it.

　The Empire’s plan was simple.

　First, the rear guard magicians and archers attacked the enemy from a distance.
　Taking advantage of the enemy’s moment of hesitation, the infantry surrounded the little spider.
　Afterwards, the archers and magicians concentrated their attacks on the main body of the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.

    After stopping the movements of the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』, it’s time for Princess Liana and Minister of Military Affairs Zagran to take action.
　It didn’t matter if the princess couldn’t defeat the monsters. She just needed to deal a lot of damage with her holy sword.
　The objective was to show that “the princess’s holy sword cut through the demonic beast that was giving the Demon King trouble.”

　After that, it didn’t matter if elite soldiers subjugated the demon beast or the Demon King’s territory’s troops delivered the finishing blow.
　What was important was to demonstrate the power of the holy sword.
　This was to make the people of the Demon King’s territory understand that the Empire had great power.

“Woooooohooooo!!”
“For Her Highness. For the Empire!!”
“Let’s show those demons the strength of the Empire!”

　The soldiers were shouting.
　They probably had little combat experience.
　They needed to level up by finishing off the little spiders.

“──Defense. 『Knockback Cancel』. Continue defense. Please support.”
“──I will use freezing magic to stop the movement of the thread. Go ahead and attack.”
“──The siege has been successful. The swordsmen will continue their attack!”

　The skilled warriors continued to fight indifferently.
　The little spiders were being surrounded.
　There were just under 20 of them. Even if 10 people surrounded each one of them, there would still be plenty of manpower to spare.

“The spiders have stopped moving. We will now move on to attack the main leader of the demon beasts, Your Highness!”
“Understood!!”

　Princess Liana continued running with the holy sword in her hand.
　The soldiers surrounded her, guarding her ground as they made their way through the swarm of spiders.
　Four or more of the small spiders had already been defeated. The rest were being held back by the soldiers.
　The timing was just right for Princess Liana to land a blow on the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.

“──But the battle has already begun──”
“──Wasn’t it a… joint operation?”

　Suddenly, a voice was heard.
　When they looked back for just a moment, they saw many figures on the slope.

“Who’s that over there…?”
“It’s the Demon King’s army. They have noticed our movements.”
“Just as planned.”
“From there, even the people of the Demon King’s Territory will be able to see the light of the holy sword.”
“Well then, let me show them the power of the 『Holy Sword Dorgalia』, which can dispel darkness and strike down the enemy. That is my role!”

　Princess Liana brushed off the scabbard of the holy sword.
　A shining golden blade appeared.
　As the princess poured light magic into it, the blade shined even brighter. The blade of the holy sword grew in size.

“Those of the Demon King’s territory, behold the power of the 『Holy Sword Dorgalia』, left behind by the hero!!”

    The 『Holy Sword Dorgalia』 could create a giant blade using the magical power of light.
　When it was used by a hero from another world, it was said that the blade was several tens of metres long.
　Currently, the blade of light that Princess Liana could created was just under ten metres long.
　Still, it was enough to cause a lot of damage to the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.

“””Ohhh!”””

　──Was the cheering that was heard coming from the soldiers or from the residents of the Demon King’s territory looking in our direction from the mountain?
　With that in mind, Princess Liana ran towards the demon beast.

   The total length of the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 was over ten metres.
　Zagran and his direct soldiers cut off the swinging legs with their swords.
　Princess Liana went directly in front of the beast without any problems.
　Then she readied her holy sword.

“Respond to my magical power. 『Holy Sword, Dorgalia』!!”
『Guuuuuuuuuuu!!』

　Perhaps noticing the imminent threat, 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 stood up on the hind legs.
　However, Liana had already created a blade of light.

“Demon beast, eat this!! 『Holy Sword Photon Blade』!!”

　Princess Liana raised her holy sword from below.
　From that distance. There was no escape.
　Princess Liana’s 『Holy Sword’s Photon Blade』 reached the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 straight away──

“Huh?”

　──Just before she cut the enemy in half, Princess Liana opened her eyes wide.

“…There were… countless spiders… hiding under… the belly of…『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.”

　Liana remembered the documents she had received from the Demon King’s territory.
   The strength of the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 was unknown. However, the number of small spiders under its control was increasing too quickly. We had to get rid of it quickly.
　However, he was a new species of demon beast that had never appeared before. We must be careful with subjugation.
　Wasn’t that written in the documentation?

“Could it be that… it hidden its subordinates small spider for an ambush…!?」
『Giiaaaa!』『Giiaa!』『Gigyi!』

　The spiders under its belly all launched their webs at Princess Liana.
　Princess Liana stopped moving for a moment while activating 『Holy Sword’s Photon Blade』.

　If she continued to raise her sword like this, she would be able to deal great damage to the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.
　However, she couldn’t get rid of all the spiders under its belly.
　The thread would wrap around her, preventing her from moving──and then a horde of spiders would swarm her.
　Princess Liana realised at this point that the plan had failed.

　Even if she slashed at the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 like this, she wouldn’t be able to inflict a fatal blow. The approaching threads and spiders would throw her off balance, weakening the power of her blade of light.

　Furthermore, the remaining spiders would attack the soldiers surrounding the other spiders from behind. If that happened, the soldiers would be devastated.

“──!!”

　Therefore, Princess Liana changed the course of the blade of light.
　At the same time, the small spiders under the demon beast’s belly came flying towards it.
　She desperately tried to cut off the small spiders.

『Gigigigi!』 『Giiiiiia』 『(Boush)』

　Screaming, the small spiders evaporated.
　Furthermore, the blade of light also damaged the body of the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.
　Green bodily fluids spurted out and rained down on Princess Liana’s body.

　That was all. The blade of light only managed to scratch the demonic beast.
　It was far from causing much damage, and yet it angered the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.

『GROOAAAAAAAAA!』

   The 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 raised its huge legs and attacked Princess Liana.
　The princess tried to step back, but her movements were slow.

　In order to cut off the ambush spiders, she poured all her magical powers into the 『Holy Sword’s Photon Blade』.
　However, due to the weakness caused by the consumption of magical power, he was unable to move immediately.

“──Your Highness!”

　The voice of Minister of the Military Affairs, Zagran, was heard.
　He ran towards the princess.
　However, the beast’s threads and legs were getting in the way.

　The angry 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 continued to shoot out a huge amount of thread. It was an unbelievable amount.
　Sensing that its life was in danger, it was attacking without thinking of the consequences.
　Zagran also did his best to burn the threads away with magic.

　The beast’s huge eyes stared at the princess, its mouth wide open, revealing its fangs.
　The princess’s body stiffened from its force.
　She stared intently at the beast’s face and noticed something strange.

“Was there such a red light point on the head of 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』…?」

　Princess Liana turned around.
　She realised where the red light was coming from.
　A red line extended from the light dot, connecting it to the Demon King’s army.

“Support the soldiers of the Dorgalia Empire! I’m shooting at that point of light!”

　She heard a voice.
　But… it’s impossible. It was too far.
　The distance from the Demon King’s army to this point was far beyond the range of magic.
　There was no way that offensive magic could reach it if they were this far away──

“Let go────!!”

　ZUDODODODODODODODODODODGOOOOOOOOOOOON!!

　A large amount of offensive magic hit the red point.
    Part of the head of『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 was blown away.

“……Eh.”

　Princess Liana’s eyes widened.
　I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

　The distance from where the Demon King’s army was located to there was more than double the range of magic.
　And yet, every attack spell they unleashed hit the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.

　All the magic… was… precisely, where… the red light was… showing.

“Guuuuuuuuu! Gugaaaaaaaaaa!!”

    The 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 was writhing on the ground.
　It was only natural; it was hit by dozens of magical spells.
　Part of the head was blown off, spurting out a huge amount of bodily fluids.

“Your Highness! We are retreating. Your Highness!”

　When she noticed, Zagran was holding Princess Liana’s arm.

“We will retreat for now and reorganize our formation! Can you do that, Your Highness?”
“──grandpa Zagran… but, retreating now is…”
“The rage of the main monster has spread to the little spiders, causing them to become violent. At this rate, we won’t be able to hold the front line…”

　Upon hearing Zagran’s words, Princess Liana looked towards the soldiers.
『Individually Defeat Encirclement』 was about to be broken through.

    This was because, just like the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』, the small spiders were shooting out a large amount of thread.
　So much so that even the magic soldiers could not burn it all or freeze it.
　The only thing that could handle something like that would be the hero’s ultimate magic or the legendary 『Storage skill』.
　The soldiers’ encirclement was being broken.

“… How shameful… in front of the people of the Demon King’s territory…”

　Princess Liana clutched her holy sword.

“A counterattack──I apologise to my father for this kind of thing!”
“Impossible! We have no choice but to back out now.”

　Minister of Military Affairs, Zagran, cried out.

“The soldiers are in total confusion! Moreover, the Demon King’s army has also shown up! They will be angry at us for sneaking out. We can’t fight with monsters in front and the Demon King in the rear! We should retreat for now. Make a decision!”
“…Uh, uh.”

　Princess Liana bit her lip.
　This was her first battle as a holy sword wielder.
　It was a spectacular failure.
　Unable to use the holy sword properly, she ended up being saved by the people of the Demon King’s territory.

“I understand… Let’s change from an encirclement formation to a massed formation. Let’s gather our soldiers together and put some distance between us and the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.”
“I understand. Besides, the battle is not over yet, Your Highness.”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran whispered in Liana’s ear.

“There is also the option of finishing it off after the Demon King’s army weakens the Demon Beast Gargarossa. In that case, we will need Your Highness’ holy sword once again. Therefore, please withdraw for now.”
“…I understand.”
“Even we have a hard time dealing with the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』. There’s no way someone from the Demon King’s territory would be able to defeat it…”

　Zuddodododododoon!

　The Demon King’s army’s offensive magic spells hit the legs of the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 one after the other.
　Two more shots. 3 shots.
　Attacks were concentrated on one point indicated by the red light, blowing away the legs of the demon beast.

“–I don’t know. I don’t know. The magic they use is… unknown. Anyway, now we’re retreating.”
“… Yes, yes. Let’s go. Zagran.”

　Protected by the soldiers, Princess Liana left the battlefield.