Published: September 6, 2025
“Whether or not we can hold down Lartalk will be the turning point. Do not lose ground.”
Now that my Shutzelia’s Shield was complete and we had successfully taken the blessing away from Dunkelfelger, the second critical moment was whether Traugott and Laurenz could suppress Dunkelfelger’s strongest, Lartalk. Matthias had said that the outcome of Ehrenfest’s victory or defeat would hinge on how much enemy force we could wear down early on, while Dunkelfelger was still allocating personnel to defend their territory.
“Haahhh!”
With a spirited shout, Traugott charged at Lartalk. The clash of swords echoed in rapid succession, showing their fierce exchange. Laurenz seemed to be supporting Traugott’s efforts, acting more as an assistant during the fight.
“They have good momentum, but how long will it last?”
For now, it was clear that Lartalk was effortlessly parrying the desperate assaults from Traugott and Laurenz. Lartalk still seemed to have some reserve.
“...Traugott looks like he’s giving his all from the start, but is he going to be okay?”
Traugott’s fighting style was all attack—relentless offense with no regard for his surroundings—and it made me uneasy as if he wasn’t growing. But Leonore smiled reassuringly.
“Lartalk isn’t an opponent you can hold down without giving your full strength, and recently Traugott has learned to listen to those around him. Besides, if Traugott’s momentum starts to falter, Matthias will relieve him, so it’s fine.”
The versatile Matthias was giving directions across the battlefield while providing support with his bow and arrows. But he was always paying close attention to Lartalk, ready to swap in for Traugott or Laurenz at any moment.
“I will give orders while moving to support as well. Judith, please handle the attack on the enemy lines.”
After issuing her orders and watching the battle, Leonore mounted her Mount and dashed out from within Shutzelia’s Shield.
Leaning out of the mini bus, I looked up, but the flying Mounts overhead moved too fast to see clearly.
…Who’s who?
Their positions shifted constantly, and I could hear the clashing of weapons, but everyone wore helmets, making it impossible to tell who was who. I only recognized Matthias, who was constantly scanning the surroundings and giving orders, and that Laurenz and Traugott were the two attacking Lartalk together.
Perhaps because the Central Knights Order had tested the shield’s strength in front of the royal family, there were no Dunkelfelger knight apprentices attacking Shutzelia’s Shield. They were completely ignoring it. It seemed they planned to reduce the number of knight apprentices first before advancing.
“Judith, this is next.”
Eijerdoll charged mana into a magic tool created by Hartmut and handed it to Judith. Mounted on her Mount, Judith exited Shutzelia’s Shield and flung the tool toward the enemy lines with a sling.
“Yaah!”
By the time Judith returned inside the shield, explosions and screams rose from Dunkelfelger's territory. Hartmut’s magic tools seemed to be quite effective.
“It’s impressive how many magic tools Hartmut has made.”
As I peered into the box full of magic tools inside my single-person mini bus, Brunhilde, who was recovering her mana, chuckled softly.
“The civil official apprentices have been immobilized in the alchemy room.”
The magic tools Hartmut made varied in type and damage level.
Low-level tools produced dazzling flashes or loud bangs launched by Dunkelfelger, or emitted foul odors or creepy insects that rained down—causing minor physical damage. Those nearby might temporarily lose sight or hearing or waste time exterminating the insects.
Mid-level tools caused incessant tears and runny noses when thrown at Dunkelfelger or contained powdered numbness or sleeping poisons. Though they inflicted physical harm, the powder form allowed quick washing with Waschen if accustomed. However, if inhaled or swallowed fully, effects could last longer.
High-level tools were reportedly used frequently in brutal tactics from Ferdinand’s reference books. They were somewhat more lethal explosives, with stones flying out or multi-stage bursts like fireworks. Without a shield, such magic tools were catastrophic.