I Became the Tyrant of a Defense Game [EN]: Chapter 563

Within the World Protection Front, the influence of the other races had grown considerably. They were participating in the war with the understanding that their entire race would be freed as full citizens. Naturally, they were staking their lives on this war.

The human nations also provided a considerable amount of troops and supplies, but the other races were scraping together every last resource to support the war. Elves, dwarves, and beastmen were steadily gathering troops from all over the continent, and the merfolk main force, though the last of the four major other races to join, brought their own merfolk-specific airship.

‘I don’t know if you can even call it an airship…’ It was like a giant flying clam…? Originally, it was closer to a submarine that swam in the sea, but it could also fly. Well, then I guess it’s an airship…?

Anyway, the four major other races currently held a significant position within the front lines, and they were also representing the other smaller races. Since I met them, I was planning to honestly warn them about this defense battle in advance. I would also inform the other kings tomorrow….

“This defense battle. It won’t be easy,” I said, looking around at the four kings.

“I’ve also sent a messenger to the imperial capital. Since the enemy in this battle is a flying monster, I’ve requested that they send as much of their airship force as possible.”

The four kings’ faces hardened at my mention of requesting the Everblack Empire’s airship forces.

“Are you saying that something worse than the monsters we’ve faced so far is coming?” The dwarf king, Kellison, spoke first.

“The forces here are already very strong, aren’t they? We’ve been able to defend against the past defense battles with minimal damage.”

“…….”

“Why do you expect the next defense battle to be more difficult?” Everyone was focused on me.

I took a breath and slowly began to explain. “…You might find this strange to hear.” I looked around at the kings. “The monsters are too docile.”

“Docile? You’re saying that’s a problem?”

“…You’ve heard that the next defense battle’s enemy is a fly legion, haven’t you?” The elf queen, Skuld, who had been listening quietly, replied.

“Yes, I’ve heard. That disgusting bug is our enemy this time, right?”

“That’s right.”

“But Prince Ash, fly monsters are monsters that still exist today. They’re still breeding in dirty places all over the world.”

Just like the greenskins [a common term for orcs or goblins]. Giant flies were a nuisance to modern humans… a familiar monster in both good and bad ways.

“They’re certainly a disgusting enemy, but everyone knows how to deal with them. I don’t really understand why you’re being so wary.”

I slowly clasped my hands together. “According to the reports of those who went on dungeon explorations, all the fly monsters ran away as soon as they encountered us.”

“Is that strange?”

“It is strange.” I shook my head. “Monsters don’t run away from humans. They try to kill them according to their instincts.”

“……!”

“If they’re intelligent monsters, they might deliberately run away to lure humans into a trap. But fly monsters aren’t very intelligent.” A cold tension settled on the faces of the four kings. I continued. “Throughout this free exploration period, our side has continued to occupy the dungeon without suffering any damage.”

Deep within, the Black Dragon Legion and the Demon Guardian Corps were clashing with each other. So, we couldn’t easily advance beyond the 8th area, but we succeeded in completely clearing up to the 7th area. It won’t be long before the complete occupation of the 7th area. …This is the problem. The monsters aren’t resisting. The flies are busy running away every time they encounter us, and we’re occupying an empty dungeon.

“It’s strange. It’s too… peaceful.” Like the calm before a storm. An eerie peace had settled over Lake Kingdom. And it was leaking out beyond the lake.

“And, more than anything. My intuition is telling me.” In this world, the human who has fought the most monsters and knows the most about them is me. My intuition, though it’s something I’m saying myself… can sometimes be sharper than any prediction.

“This battle will be painful and difficult.”

“…….”

“…….” Silence fell. Skuld, who had been silent and lost in thought, slowly opened her mouth. “Then, how much do you expect, Prince Ash?”

“…….”

“How strong is the enemy, and how much damage will we suffer? What is your prediction?” I hesitated, fumbling for words, then, “Everyone,” I finally blurted out. “Have you written your wills?”

The kings’ faces turned pale. I took a breath and met each of their gazes. “I hope all my worries are just unfounded fears. However. In the upcoming battles… it wouldn’t be strange if any of us died at any time.”

The difficulty is increasing exponentially. Until now, we’ve been able to minimize damage and hold out with the large-scale expansion of troops and supplies, and my buffs. But it will be different from now on.

“I plan to tell the other kings tomorrow as well… but this battle, in particular, doesn’t feel good.”

“…….”

“I’ll tell you in advance. In this battle… no, from now on. The kings should not fight on the front lines.” This was why I brought up this story to them. This damn fantasy world. A world where the archaic romanticism of those wearing crowns fighting on the front lines is still considered an honor. Well, it’s not entirely wrong, as it’s true that in this world where miracles like magic exist, the kings who wield that power are also powerful warriors….

But still, they are the leaders of each faction. There is no hierarchy in life, but there is a hierarchy in position. Their deaths are more fatal to their factions.

“Step back from the front lines and gather at the command center. Help command your respective forces.” Immediately after, I chuckled. “…But you won’t, will you?” These stubborn kings. They were already preparing to argue back from the moment I told them not to go to the front lines. And, to be honest, the enemies are not so weak that we can afford to keep the kings, who are the strongest warriors in each faction, away from the front lines….

“So, I’m telling you. Prepare for the worst and write your wills, and designate your successors.” Still, I had to warn them. Seriously, from now on. To make sure we all clearly recognize the fact that we will have to fight face-to-face with death.

“I will brief you on the fly legion tomorrow, when all the other kings are gathered.” I got up from my seat and scratched the back of my head awkwardly. “…I’m sorry for bringing up such a heavy topic during dinner.”

“There’s no need to apologize, Prince Ash.” The merfolk king, King Poseidon, who had been listening silently, nodded. “These kinds of stories are more painful the longer they’re delayed.” The merfolk king, who had now dropped the sign language concept, was speaking comfortably. I bowed to the three kings, and after making eye contact with Kuilan and greeting him, I left the place.

“…….” In the room I looked back at for the last time, the four kings were lost in deep thought, their faces filled with their own worries.

***

I called Bodybag and Burnout, the main purpose of my visit to this other race barracks. “Bodybag, Burnout. It’s been a while since we’ve talked just the three of us.” The two elves, whom I hadn’t seen in a while, smiled shyly at me. I smiled back. “For this defense battle, the two of you will be operating as an independent party.” I got straight to the point.

Both Bodybag and Burnout had achieved awakening and had unleashed their ultimate skills. I was planning to make new equipment for them with the spoils I had obtained from the last defense battle. Defensive equipment from the iron armor taken from the ironclad lion. Bombardment equipment from the core taken from the dandelion monster. I planned to entrust the operation of each to Bodybag and Burnout.

“Both pieces of equipment will be made into large-scale siege equipment and firearms, not ordinary personal equipment or firearms. The two of you should go to the smithy starting tomorrow and coordinate the equipment production together.”

“Yes, sir!” Bodybag answered loudly, on behalf of Burnout, who couldn’t speak because he had a gag in his mouth. I nodded. “The monster we have to face in this defense battle is a fly. Various magic attributes are effective, but when it comes to wiping out swarms of them… there’s nothing like an explosion.” Burnout slightly raised the corners of his mouth, which were covered by the gag. I then looked at Bodybag.

“Burnout will wipe them all out with his attacks, and Bodybag, you will block all of their attacks with your awakened ability.” I shook my clenched fist. “Let’s show those monsters what we’re made of.”

“Trust us, Your Highness.” Bodybag smiled brightly, placing her hand in front of her chest. “In the name of the Shadow Squad, we will not disappoint you.”

“…….” Looking at the faces of these two elves, who still looked young, I was momentarily speechless. God Hand. Old Girl. Skull. And Bodybag. Burnout. My first sub-party, once five people, now had only two left, with three dead. Yet, they were still fighting alongside me.

“Thank you, guys.” I gently gripped the two elves’ shoulders. “Thank you, really….”

***

The next day. I gathered the leaders of each country and organization belonging to the World Protection Front and explained the general information and strategy for the fly legion. They looked similar to the flies on Earth, but these monsters of various sizes had many differences from Earth’s flies. Earth’s flies help with the pollination of plants, and maggots are used in medicine, playing a role as beneficial insects to some extent. But the fly monsters we were about to face were not like that at all.

These bugs, which eat anything, basically nest in filth, so they are inherently dirty and contaminated. They attack with limbs and sharp mouths full of various debuffs. I could block mental status ailments and debuffs, but their contaminated attacks were physical debuffs. If infected, they had to be treated with priests’ cleanse magic or holy water with purification effects. And… they reproduce quickly.

To be precise, they don’t reproduce, but the legion itself has resources like ‘eggs’ or ‘maggots’. If there isn’t enough ‘food’, they go into hibernation, but if ‘food’ is given, they quickly hatch, metamorphose, and evolve into adults. That was the basic structure… and the last characteristic. They were stupid. They had almost no intelligence, so they could be easily defeated with various traps. The alchemist guild was preparing various insect traps.

‘If that’s all, it won’t be difficult.’ But my intuition as a player was screaming. That something more than this would appear….

“This defense battle will not be easy.” Just like I had told the four kings of the other races yesterday, I ordered the kings gathered this time to step back from the front lines. And even to write their wills. Everyone was clearly bewildered by my warning, which was a first, but the other kings gathered here were also used to fighting monsters by now.

“Do you think we’ll be scared by those words, Prince Ash?!” “If we run away here, what kind of ridicule will we receive from the other kings later…!” “We appreciate your concern, but we’re also used to fighting monsters now! If we think we can fight, we’ll fight!” The kings shouted in an uproar. Even those who had tried to run away first during the Imperial Capital Capture Battle were now rolling up their sleeves and saying that. Was it because they had literally gone through thick and thin together? There were still power struggles and tension, but it seemed that a sense of camaraderie was slowly building up in everyone’s hearts. …I hoped that was the case.

I smiled bitterly. “I will do my best to prevent such an unfortunate event from happening.” As I spoke, I unconsciously put my hand in my pocket, and the sound of folded paper rustling came out. It was my will. I had also written it in advance in preparation for the worst.

“…….” I crumpled the will tightly and prayed. That all of this was just my overreaction. That after the battle was over, I would be scolded by the other kings for overdoing it. I sincerely wished for that.