The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 287

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

Chapter 287   Divine Soldier: A strange start to the war

Elliot’s POV

“It’s about time.”

“Is there a problem?”

“Your Highness!? Why are you here…!?”

Equipping my gear and steadying my nerves, I was interrupted by the sudden appearance of the crown prince.

“Is it so strange to check on the key elements of the strategy before the upcoming battle?”

While it might not be inherently strange, it does feel a bit odd for the crown prince and supreme commander of a nation to personally come to check on his subordinates before a battle.

“Well, that’s one reason, but let me reiterate. Despite mentioning it multiple times, don’t let your guard down. I believe we can win this battle, but complacency might lead to unexpected outcomes. No matter how much I think about it, there seems to be something hidden in this fight. In fact, there are several suspicious aspects.”

Since hearing the details from yesterday, I had been pondering if anything seemed amiss, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find any concrete answers. After all, fighting is the only thing I’m good at. It’s not so easy to come up with answers just by thinking.

However, there is one thing I can say here and now.

“Rest assured. Certainly, the enemy has formidable individuals among them. I won’t claim that we are without our challenges. However, even so, we should be able to secure victory without any issues. Your Highness, please watch our battle with calmness.”

Perhaps my words provided some measure of reassurance, as the crown prince smiled slightly.

“Well then, as the supreme commander, let me make a signal for the commencement of the battle.”

Although only we would actually engage in the battle, it seemed appropriate for the crown prince to say something to the soldiers before starting. I nodded in agreement with his words.

“Hmm? …Sake? I don’t recall giving permission…”

As we were about to leave the tent with the crown prince, a soldier approached, holding a cup. Upon closer inspection, the soldiers all had some sort of container, sipping from it.

However, neither the crown prince nor I had heard anything about serving alcohol before the battle, nor had we given permission. Why was this happening?

“Oh, Your Highness, Sir Elliot, please have some of this. It’s a juice made from the fruits delivered by the surrounding villages a little while ago. They hope for liberation from the threat of Karakas if we win. Originally, we should have sought your permission, Your Highness, but seeing you in conversation with Sir Elliot, I took the liberty to distribute it. We’ve already tested it for poison, and I’ve cast a purification spell just in case, so there should be no issues with poison.”

“I see. Well, understood. Thank you.”

Presumably, they were distributing it to everyone. Upon the soldier’s explanation, the crown prince accepted the cup with a gracious smile, and I followed suit.

Barbados and Adriana had already been drinking, and they were even asking for refills, but… well, whatever. That’s just how they are.

…However, it must be quite challenging to prepare this much. But for the sake of helping the villages terrified by fear, we had to make an effort.

Resolving myself once again, I sipped from the cup the soldier offered, and as the cup returned to the soldier, the crown prince scrutinized the contents with a thoughtful expression.

“Your Highness? Is something the matter?”

“…Oh, no, I was just thinking. It must have been quite a challenge to prepare this much.”

“Indeed. So, to respond to the feelings of the villagers, let’s make sure to win this battle.”

As I spoke, the crown prince tilted the cup lightly, took a sip, and handed the cup back to the soldier.

However, there was still some liquid remaining at the bottom of the returned cup. Yesterday, he had drained the same cup during the meal, so what was different this time?

Well, it’s not necessary to force oneself to finish it all at once, and there could be various reasons for that.

Afterward, we approached the soldiers gathered there, and the crown prince ascended to a slightly elevated platform.

“For too long, this land has been unjustly occupied. As a result, evil has spread, and those who shed tears have surely endured. But that ends now! From this point forward, our country’s ultimate force, the ‘Eight Heavens,’ will crush the enemy! We will reclaim that city and bring peace and prosperity to our nation! Everyone, take heart! This is not just a battle. It’s a righteous war to save the people!”

…Come to think of it, those figures outside the enemy city have been standing there without moving all morning, haven’t they? Well, they were probably on standby since last night. Could rogues like them stay still for that long? Perhaps they were just illusions?

Feeling perplexed by the motionless enemy soldiers, I shook my head, dismissing the idea of illusions.

…But those figures continued to captivate attention. If they were mere illusions, one should be able to see through them. They were undoubtedly not illusions; they were tangible human beings.

If that’s the case, perhaps someone with the ability to manipulate them is present. If so, it would be possible for the soldiers to remain motionless while waiting.

However, if that’s the case, the struggle might be more challenging than anticipated.

Depending on the opponent’s rank, if they can control or manipulate a few hundred people, it would create a formidable force unafraid of such a number of casualties.

Those soldiers lined up outside would likely be finished by Asbar-sama’s “Earth Fissure,” but that’s only for the soldiers waiting outside the city. As we infiltrate from the sides and move towards the center where the enemy is waiting, we may find ourselves in an urban warfare situation against skilled bandits who excel in ambushes.

It’s not that we can’t win, but if possible, we want to avoid excessive destruction of the city. In that case, we might face some difficulties. At least, if the other soldiers besides the four of us are deployed, there will be considerable casualties.

However, even so… it is us, the “Eight Heavens,” who will attack from now on. Don’t think it will go as smoothly as you imagine.

“Let’s begin the operation! Everyone, take your positions!”

With the declaration from the crown prince, those present promptly started moving.

Now, all that remains is for us to defeat the enemies in that city.

“Hehe. Well then, let’s get started.”

Immediately after being informed in his usual tone, I began to sense a powerful “pressure” emanating from Asbar-sama’s body.

“Here we go. Everyone, be careful not to fall ——《Earth Fissure》.”

What followed was a massive ground fissure of such magnitude that it could be called a natural disaster.

Against a few hundred opponents, it might seem a bit excessive and wasteful in terms of magical energy. However, to break the enemy’s spirit, displaying our power effectively could be beneficial. As a bonus, a portion of the city wall collapsed, creating an entry point for us.

“….Huh?”

“As expected of Asbar-sama, the ‘Earth Fissure’ user. Most fitting—what happened?”

However, even as the enemies were swallowed by the Earth fissure, Asbar-sama’s expression was somewhat unsatisfactory. Rather than that, he seemed somewhat displeased.

“I can’t hear their voices.”

“Voices?”

“When those guys fell into the rift, not a single one of them screamed, let alone made the slightest sound. …Were they really human?”

“That’s…”

Asbar-sama, who enjoys the screams when people fall, and even performs magical enhancements to his body just to hear them.

If he says there were no screams, there probably weren’t any.

But they were supposed to be human. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have felt such pressure from those enemies.

“They are human. If they were illusions or puppets, you wouldn’t have felt such pressure. Asbar-sama, did you not feel it?”

“…Indeed. I did feel it.”

“In my opinion, there might be someone using coercion or mind control.”

“Using allies as disposable tools?”

“That place is a city of criminals. Does the concept of allies or comrades even exist there?”

If asked whether it does or doesn’t, it probably does. But if asked whether they refrain from using others, you would have to shake your head. For them, whether it’s a benefactor, a friend, or even a family member, if it serves their purpose, they will use and discard them. That’s who they are.

Among them, there is no justice; they will kick down others and use them if it means only they can be happy. A city formed by such criminals. That’s what that place is. Therefore, they wouldn’t hesitate to brainwash or discard someone for their goals, just like in this case.

“If you say so, I can’t argue with it… well, fine. I don’t like it, but my job is done. The rest is up to you.”

“Yes. Asbar-sama, please rest comfortably.”

While it’s not likely that he’s tired from using large-scale magic, perhaps because he couldn’t hear the enemy’s screams as expected, Asbar-sama retreated with a displeased expression.

Originally, Asbar-sama was more like insurance—a means of dealing with the enemy’s military strength and intimidation when they bring it out. Additionally, he serves as an escort if the enemy attacks. That’s his role.

Since large-scale attacks can’t be used in the city, after finishing the initial strike, he can rest without a problem.

“Barbados, the enemy’s main force is gone! We’ll attack the city from both sides and conquer it!”

With that, Barbados and I started running, followed by Lancia and Adriana providing support. This is our plan for this operation.

It may not be suitable to call it a strategy to conquer the city, but it doesn’t matter. We can do it!

“Ah, ah. Nice to meet you, everyone. This city has declared independence as a country, dominating the city and surrounding land. I’m ruling that newly established country, well, I go by the name of Demon King.”

However, as we were running toward the city, we heard a voice.