When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 176

Episode 176

Seeing Lucretia so eager, Jez realizes that things have gotten really troublesome. After just returning from the other world, they’re thrown right into chaos. While chaos is nothing new, the real issue is figuring out what to do next.

King Ramses casually ordered the formation of the 11th Legion to go and provide assistance, but does he even realize how much time it will take to reach the Divina Papal State from here? Knowing that old man, he probably does understand, but Jez can’t help but grumble about it.

The journey from the Kingdom of Tashman to the Divina Papal State takes about three months one way, even if they hurry. The urgent message they received from the Divina Papal State must have taken at least a month to arrive, even with the fastest messenger.

In fact, when Jez previously went to retrieve the unruly saint, it took almost a year for the round trip, despite all the complications. Now, Jez and the others are even farther away, in uncharted territory beyond the eastern frontlines. They literally need to cross the entire Kingdom of Tashman from east to west first.

Moreover, assembling an expeditionary force will take time—at least a month for preparations alone. Considering the logistics of marching a large legion, it might take as long as six months to reach the Divina Papal State.

Jez assumes that Seraphina, who requested reinforcements, understands this timeline. After all, it’s rare for the regular army of the Tashman Kingdom to be deployed to such distant lands. Diplomatic negotiations with neighboring countries will also be challenging, especially since some may side with Seraphina’s enemies. This expedition isn’t just about fighting monsters; it involves a lot of diplomatic maneuvering as well.

As Jez seriously contemplates the situation, he can’t help but feel it’s becoming more troublesome than expected. The thought of being appointed as the commander of the 11th Legion baffles him—when did that even become a thing? He inwardly questions King Ramses’ orders.

Jez momentarily fantasizes about abandoning all this trouble and eloping with Erin But when he glances at her, she quietly whispers, “Do your best.” Seeing Erin, who rarely shows such encouragement, especially with such determination, lifts Jez’s spirits a little. He remembers that she naturally prioritizes work, which motivates him slightly.

But first, they need to return to the capital, Nevorista. They can think and plan while on the move. Not wanting to waste time, Jez decides to start moving.

“Hey, Jez. You seem to be in a bit of trouble, huh?”

Victor, who Jez had only heard through the voice of in the Earth world, finally shows up in person in this world, smiling as he speaks. Jez can’t help but wonder what exactly “Vikpo” was all about.

In the Earth world, the eccentric alchemist had genuinely saved Jez. He is truly grateful to Victor for helping him return to this world. However, Jez wonders if it’s actually Victor who should be recognized as an enemy of the gods for his actions during the dimensional quake. Despite wanting to say so much, Jez puts those thoughts aside.

Right now, he is indeed in trouble, and maybe Victor could help.

“Victor, I need a way to move quickly. Can you do something about it?”

Jez, slightly hopeful but still doubting if it would be that easy, makes his request.

The moment Jez finishes speaking, the greatest alchemist of the age grins as if he was waiting for this.

“That’s exactly why…”

With a dramatic gesture, Victor snaps his fingers. Suddenly, a massive magic circle appears in the sky above him.

As an enormous amount of magical power gathers from the surrounding area and pours into the magic circle, it begins to glow intensely, crackling with energy.

Everyone immediately goes on high alert as the magic circle suddenly appears, with Miriam ready to charge at Victor with a serious expression. Ignoring the tense situation around him, Victor continues speaking with a smug look.

“Why did I come all the way to this remote ancient ruin?”

As everyone watches the alchemist’s every move, Victor spreads his arms wide and starts his explanation.

“Of course, I came to help Jez, but there’s another reason. I came to complete this!”

At that moment, with a blissful expression, Victor pours even more magical power into the magic circle.

With a “crack” echoing through the world, the space around them begins to fracture.

・　・　・

Above the ancient ruins, at the center of the massive magic circle shining in the sky, the world starts to split apart from the point of the crack. Beyond the fractured world is an inky black void.

Endless darkness… Wait, isn’t that seriously dangerous? Jez and the others start to panic. From within this black void, something enormous and wrapped in overwhelming magical power, begins to emerge.

As everyone gazes up in shock, someone mutters, 

“…A ship?”

A gigantic ship, about 300 meters long, 30 meters wide, and nearly 50 meters high, is now floating in the sky. On either side of the ship are three wings, six in total. They spread out majestically, glaring down at the world.

While it is true that flying objects typically have wings, this size of ship isn’t something that should float in the sky just because it has wings.

As everyone is speechless in the face of this fantastical sight, Victor laughs heartily.

“Bwahahahaha! Behold! This is the pinnacle of my technology. Strategic-Grade Conceptual armament / Pseudo-Divine Artifact: the Skybound Ark—Mandjet/Mesektet!”

(Note: Solar barques were the vessels used by the sun god Ra in ancient Egyptian mythology. During the day, Ra was said to use a vessel called the Mandjet (Ancient Egyptian: mꜥnḏt) or the Boat of Millions of Years (Ancient Egyptian: wjꜣ-n-ḥḥw), and the vessel he used during the night was known as the Mesektet)

Generally, conceptual armaments are often the size of weapons used by humans, as they are called “armaments.” However, some exceptions have been confirmed.

For instance, the city-scale conceptual armament, the Golden City S.P.Q.R., used recently in the Tashman Kingdom, is a prime example. The capital of the Tashman Kingdom itself, Nevorista, is a colossal conceptual armament. The concept realized by the Golden City S.P.Q.R. is “The city is a place of absolute safety for its citizens.”

There are several conceptual armaments that far exceed a manageable size for people. And of course, an eccentric alchemist like Victor would not leave such fascinating creations alone.

Moreover, while conceptual armaments are already quite remarkable, it seems some have become pseudo-divine artifacts. It’s no wonder Victor is so proud of his work. The mere thought is terrifying.

As Victor finishes introducing the strategic-grade conceptual armament / pseudo-divine artifact, the Skybound Ark – Mandjet/Mesektet, a massive flag is hoisted on the ship’s hull.

The flag, fluttering in the wind, bears the number “11” and a crest that evokes a dragon pierced by a pen.

It seems that, without Jez’s knowledge, Victor has even prepared a legion flag. What is up with this guy? His preparation is over the top.

Ignoring Jez and the others, who are at a loss for how to react, Victor wears a very smug expression.

“So, Jez, get on board,” 

He says, giving a thumbs-up towards the floating ship. He was twirling what seems to be the activation key—a rosary—on his fingers while smiling broadly.