Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody

This is not from Satou's perspective.

Correction of typos made on 8/12.

“Zena, a horde of monsters is coming. About 50 to 60 flying types. On the ground, 3 large, 10 medium, and a lot of small ones—around 400 in total. Most of them are insect-type.”

Lirio’s report from the scout return was quite a desperate figure. Moreover, these were only a part of the enemy forces.

Our left-wing unit, to which we belong, is composed of 24 combat personnel from the Labyrinth Select Squad of Seryu City as the core, plus 300 impromptu soldiers conscripted from nearby farmers and serfs. They are all terrified. It’s no wonder—they rarely have any chance to see monsters, and now they are forced to fight without proper equipment.

“Listen up, everyone! Survive! Don’t think about becoming heroes by defeating the enemy! You’re lucky. Here, there are elite soldiers who fought and survived battles against real dragons and high-rank demons, not just wyverns. There’s no need to fear weak monsters or mid-rank demons.”

Vice Commander Lord Liro encouraged the allies. His approach was a bit forceful, but it seemed to reduce the despair on the faces of the farmer soldiers. That was a relief.

I never imagined when we left Seryu City that we'd get caught up in such a battle.

◇

“Things are going smoothly, huh, Zena-chi.”

“Yeah, Lirio.”

“Lirio-san, when it’s not a private moment, call me Squad Leader Zena during the march.”

“Okay~! Iona is so strict.”

Iona-san scolded Lirio.

But being called Squad Leader Zena like that makes me embarrassed.

About half a month ago, after hardships, we were selected for the Labyrinth Select Squad—short for the Labyrinth City Selbira Training Select Unit.

We were supposed to depart in early spring, but at the Count’s request, the schedule was moved forward. The captain and vice-captain talked about the season; maybe because the snow’s arrival was delayed this year, they decided to push ahead.

The Labyrinth Select Squad is composed of two knight squads, each formed by four knights and their attendants; three magic squads each with one magic soldier, two guards, and one scout; and one engineer squad. Also accompanying us were two clerks and about four servants.

With a total of 30 people, eight horses, and five wagons, even passing near mountain areas didn’t result in any robber attacks. Occasionally, medium-type monsters attacked, but they were no match for us, hardened in Seryu City’s underground labyrinth.

“By the way, Zena-chi.”

“What?”

I sensed caution in the responding voice. When Lirio asks questions like this, it's never good news.

I received the ration passed by Iona—a black bread as hard as baked stone and bean soup. The taste aside, the warm soup was comforting. Rodril, the fire magic user used as firewood, was dissatisfied, but times like this I envied someone who could use fire magic.

“With things going this smoothly, won’t we catch up soon?”

I tried to stay calm, but couldn’t stop my slight twitch of reaction.

What should I do? If I ask, “Catch up with whom?” they will dig deeper. I don’t want to answer, “We still won’t catch up.”

“Catch up with whom?”

Before I could answer, Ruu asked. Iona had remained silent, but Ruu just had to.

See, Lirio grinned wickedly, barely holding back laughter.

“It’s obvious, the boy.”

Lirio calls Satou-san “the boy.” He is younger and looks younger than his age, but I don’t think Lirio, who has a babyface herself, should call him that. It feels like a special way of addressing him and makes me uncomfortable. Is it jealousy?

“The boy?”

“He’s Zena-san’s lover.”

Iona answered Ruu’s question.

No, we’re not lovers yet (・・).

Iona loves love stories, so she couldn’t resist.

But please stop using me as a subject to spice up conversations. It’s embarrassing, painful, and I feel like I might break down.

This peaceful and smooth journey continued a little longer before abruptly ending.

◇

“We’ll strike the aerial unit while the ground forces are held back by traps. This time, no bows. Zena and Norina, use wind magic to knock them down to the ground. The knight squad will trample through with a full charge. The rest are under Vice Commander Liro’s command. Engage fully and kill as many as possible.