The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 243

The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I’m a “Farmer”, Not a Demon King! ~

Chapter 243   Attack early in the war

So, that day ended with just remaining vigilant, and the next day.

“They’ve already started their attack!”

By the time the morning sun rose enough to see the surroundings clearly, the enemy forces, without any attempt at surrender or negotiation, charged towards us.

The attacking soldiers unleashed long-range attacks such as magic and arrows before reaching the fortress. It’s understandable since they came to invade, but isn’t this too sudden? I’m the only one who thinks it would be better if there were some discussions or negotiations, right?

The immediate attack from close range lacks excitement or a feeling of “We’re going to war!” Switching gears so abruptly doesn’t seem to work well. Still, we have to crush them regardless.

“The initial attacks were held up without any problems. Truly the forces gathered by the boss from the North.”

Despite the attacks from the enemy, some hit the outer wall, while others were intercepted by the vigilant guards on top of the wall. Thanks to what Edward prepared, the guards’ skills are quite high.

“But we can’t keep saying that. What will you do? If we keep taking hits like this two or three times, our defense will be breached.”

“The enemy is preparing for the next attack!”

“Ah, well, it’s a hassle, but let’s deal with it.”

I think we’ll be okay for a while like this, but as Kyle says, if we keep taking attacks repeatedly, there might be a vulnerability eventually. Even if we manage to hold the defense, the walls will be damaged, and there will be repair costs. So, if we can quickly clean up, it’s probably better to do so.

“Wait, before that, open the city walls. It won’t be effective for my promotion if no one can see me fighting.”

This battle serves as both a demonstration of the suitability of the existence called ‘me’ as the leader of this city and a promotional opportunity. Therefore, defeating enemies in a state where it can’t be seen from within the city is meaningless.

“I’ve opened it!”

Upon hearing my words, Bell immediately took action. The gate opened in a matter of minutes, revealing the enemy’s situation from within the city. By that time, it seemed the enemy had finished their preparations, and it was evident they were about to launch a second volley.

“《Scarecrow》”

So, I generated several scarecrows with provocation effects right in the midst of the enemy.

“What the hell!? What are you guys doing? Where are you aiming?”

“Are the attacks being drawn in!?”

Unfortunately, it’s not that you’re being drawn in. It’s just that you unconsciously target that direction.

The attacks unleashed by those at the forefront of the enemy forces fly towards the scarecrow that has emerged between the wall and the enemy. Those who were behind then direct their attacks towards the scarecrow that comes into their field of view.

However, it might be a bit challenging for those who aimed at the scarecrow that appeared within their own army. Not to mention those around it.

Serious attacks meant for the enemy are exploding within the ranks of their own allies.

Honestly, with just this, I wouldn’t be surprised if the battle were to end. But, well, since they’ve come to attack, let’s thoroughly crush them.

“《Earth Reversal》… Ah, what should I do?”

I had that thought but suddenly came up with an idea and stopped my attack.

“What’s the matter?”

“Well, I was thinking it might be interesting to capture the enemy general or commander alive. I don’t know if I’ll use it, but having them might come in handy.”

I’m not sure if it’ll be useful, but for now, we have the upper hand, so I think it’s okay to aim for it. Besides, I started to question whether it’s really okay to annihilate them.

Defeating the enemy is a given, but with this many casualties, it feels like it could have various consequences.

“Well, it might be useful for something. But can we really capture someone alive?”

“For now, crush the ones at the front and on both sides, right? If there is anyone, they’re probably in the central column and the rear formation.”

“So, reduce their numbers first and then think about it? Well, that seems to be the only option.”

That’s right. Capturing someone alive wasn’t originally part of the plan, and we don’t even know where they are. If someone luckily survives, that’s good enough. As for how many enemies to kill… well, if the enemy stops attacking, that should be fine. They’ll probably retreat if we defeat about half of them.

“Vesnar-sama, the enemy is preparing to attack again.”

“Hmm… 《Earth Reversal》.”

Upon Bell’s words, I activated my skill again.

“Aaargh!”

“Wha, the ground is…!?”

I only pointed my hand and spoke the skill name, but the reality that unfolded was quite severe.

By attacking the scarecrow, they inadvertently triggered friendly fire. The ground beneath the confused enemy troops rose up, turned over, and then fell after reaching a certain height. It’s the usual scene.

With just one skill, the unit that had been at the forefront was almost wiped out. Those following behind couldn’t move forward properly due to the overturned ground. If they wanted to advance, they had to either avoid that spot or proceed cautiously through the disrupted terrain.

“What! How can an attack of this magnitude happen when we’re so far apart!? This is something only ‘Ground Split’ or ‘Earth Mother Goddess’ can do!?”

As I observed the confused state of the enemy forces due to such a situation, suddenly one of the enemy’s shouts caught my ear.

“We somehow managed to stop their momentum.”

“Hey, is it my turn yet?”

“Do you think there’s a role for you? After seeing that gruesome scene?”

“…I thought I finally had a chance to shine…”

Lilia is feeling down, but what kind of reaction is that in this situation? It’s a bit off for her to be satisfied with just that reaction after witnessing casualties. Well, elves are like that from the start. Somehow, they seem distant from the concept of ‘others’ dying. Maybe it’s influenced by the plants.

Plants have this idea that as long as the species doesn’t die, individual deaths don’t matter. In a way, their boundaries between others and themselves are vague. Even though they say ‘others,’ it’s more limited to comrades than complete strangers.

Moreover, in return, if they consider someone a comrade, they think of them as if they were themselves. So, in a way, they are considerate of their comrades.

“…By the way, do you know who the Earth Mother Goddess is?”

One of the voices I heard earlier— I know about ‘Ground Split.’ They are a powerful individual from the tenth rank affiliated with this country. It’s said that there are a total of eight tenth-rank individuals in this country. Well, it’s only officially stated, and in reality, there might be a few more. I’m one of them, after all.

Now ‘Ground Split’ is one of the eight tenth-rank individuals affiliated with the country called the ‘Eight Heavens.’

However, I have no idea about the other one, ‘Earth Mother Goddess.’ Who is it? Has someone new joined the Eight Heavens?

“I don’t know. But with a title like that, could it be an adventurer?”

“But I’ve never heard of an adventurer with such a title.”

If neither Kyle nor Bell knows, maybe they’re not adventurers?

“…You’re also familiar with that person.”

“Huh? Does Sofia know?”

“Well, yes.”

However, in the midst of this, only Sofia seemed to know something.

But her expression was somewhat delicate, as if she were debating whether to say something or not, struggling with whether it was appropriate.

It feels a bit awkward. But someone I know…

“Manipulating the ground, so they’re probably an ‘Earth Mage.’ If they’re being called the Earth Mother Goddess, that person must be at least the tenth or ninth rank, at the very least the eighth. And, being called a ‘mother’ goddess implies she’s a woman…”

…Hmm. It’s been a while, not recently, but I can’t help but feel like I encountered someone who fits those criteria.

“Hey, is that person from a noble family?”

“Yes.”

“And by any chance, has she entered the royal family now?”

“Yes.”

“…Also, has she recently reunited with a long-lost son or something like that?”

“Yes.”

Oh… Mother, why are you being referred to like that? I can’t really say much about how people address me, but still…

“Hearing that story, is that person…”

“Is it Vesnar-sama’s mother?”

“Yes, it seems she began to be called that a few years ago. She was raised as a noble’s daughter, entered the royal family, but initially, she didn’t hold a particularly high rank. However, within less than a decade, she quickly rose to the eighth rank. She’s become famous among the opposing forces of this country. It’s said that in a few more years, she will undoubtedly reach the tenth rank. I learned about it while staying at the fortress. It’s not surprising that at least the head of a noble family would know, it’s more like they would know it without a doubt.”

Ah, well, ordinary people can only use their skills like ten or twenty times a day. Even if they push it, maybe fifty times.

From their perspective, even if they use skills every day, they might only reach the second rank in ten years.

Yet, in just ten years, she reached the eighth rank. Considering she was raised as a noble’s daughter, her growth afterward must be astounding. It wouldn’t be surprising if it was well-known.

“Announcement to the criminals!”

While we were talking about that, something could be heard from the enemy camp.