The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 97

Chapter 97: Marching Out

Five days later, we stood atop a hill, overlooking the united army we had gathered.

“It’s an impressive sight.”

“With an army of 25,000, it’s something you don’t often see on the Hume continent.”

“…Leading such an army is a rare thing in history.”

I gave a small smile at Aria and Rakul’s comments, but took a deep breath to steady myself. I activated the magic tool to amplify my voice so that all the soldiers in the army could hear me, and then I spoke to them.

“Warriors of Hizuchi, living in this moment.”

My words spread on the wind, reaching every soldier’s ears. As I met their gazes, I continued speaking.

“From here on, we march toward Ozuma. As you all know, Ozuma calls forth and controls the Yomi monsters… And the Yomi soldiers we are about to fight will likely be stronger and more terrifying than before.”

I could feel the soldiers’ collective breath catch. I sensed their fear of battle, but I continued speaking.

“I will say this first: If you don’t want to die, you may leave.”

At my words, not only the soldiers but also the commanders of the various countries widened their eyes. I watched them, but continued my speech.

“However… If we lose this battle, the Yomi monsters will wipe out all living things in Hizuchi. And their fangs will soon turn toward the world.”

The soldiers were listening intently to every word I said. At that moment, I asked them.

“Is that what you want? I’ve heard that the warriors of Hizuchi fight to the death, determined to defeat as many enemies as possible, even at the cost of their own lives. I fought with Shion, and your ancestors who once lived in Hizuchi were the same.”

Perhaps it was the spirit unique to Hizuchi, or perhaps it was the warriors of Gommon and others. Once they decided to fight, they would literally fight at the cost of their lives. This was the strength I wanted to stir within them.

“Your ancestors gave their lives to ensure that you, their descendants, could live on. Though they feared death, they fought because there was something they wanted to protect more. If you think it’s fine for what those great warriors protected to disappear, then throw down your weapons and run.”

I released a surge of magic, staring at the soldiers, then shouted louder than before.

“Answer me! Will you flee here, afraid of death, trying to live even a little longer? Or will you fight, risking your lives to connect the future? If you carry the pride that your ancestors passed on, then raise your weapons high!”

” ” “Yes――――!!” ” “

The soldiers raised their weapons high in response to my words. The commanders of the other countries also raised their swords.

“Then fight! Crush the ambitions of Ozuma, who seeks to open the Gate of Yomi and destroy Hizuchi! Let’s carve out the future! Let’s march out!!”

At my command, the soldiers moved in unison. It seemed like we would be able to move faster than I had initially anticipated.

“…As usual, you’re good at rallying people.”

“This is the first time I’ve heard such a unified sound.”

“If it helps ease any doubts, I had to do this much.”

I knew that more encouragement and motivating words would normally be better, but this was the only way I could raise their spirits. However, as a temporary commander, even if they developed bad feelings toward me, it wouldn’t matter much.

“Anyway… Let’s go.”

To put an end to all the conflicts that started with Hizuchi.