Published: January 15, 2026
[Talga]
The words that came from the marquis’s mouth: “Call Baron Van.” Those words stirred various emotions, but for now, the priority was to leave this place.
“L-Lord Talga! The earth dragon is almost upon us...!”
I silently nodded in response to those words.
“The distance is too close. We have to land a blow somehow; otherwise, we won’t be able to escape.”
After saying that, I turned to face the approaching earth dragon.
“Gather everyone and run to Centena. I’m counting on you to take care of your excellency.”
With that, I lifted the marquis’s fading body with one hand and placed him on a knight’s horse. After quickly securing both the knight and the marquis, the knight lowered his chin solemnly.
“...Good fortune in battle. Lord Talga is needed in Centena.”
“I understand.”
With just those words exchanged, the knight spurred the horse forward. Not wasting a moment to watch them leave, I began chanting magic. It was a close call. If the earth dragon used its breath attack, that alone would surely mean my death.
“...A Black Scarlet Earth Dragon (Rufus). This is the worst.”
I recognized the type of earth dragon that had appeared, and a chuckle escaped me. Earth dragons are known for their toughness, but they’re also known to be slow. However, the Black Scarlet Earth Dragon was a bit different. It was closer in form to a forest dragon species that lived in the woods. It couldn’t fly, but compared to other earth dragons, its legs were fast and agile. Its breath attack, though narrow in range, was powerful as expected from an earth dragon. The only somewhat positive point was that its toughness—the trademark of earth dragons—was slightly inferior.
“...Earth Spike (Earth Spike).”
The moment I unleashed the magic, countless earth spikes as tall as a person’s torso sprang up before the earth dragon, forming a wall. Because the earth dragon was so sturdy, it was difficult to counter with earth magic. At best, it could only slow its movements.
Just as expected, the earth dragon’s movements were somewhat hindered, but it then slammed its thick arm down, crushing the earth spikes beneath it.
“The match-up isn’t good, but it can’t be helped... Rock Wall!”
Shouting as I cast the magic, a wall over five meters high appeared before the earth dragon. A simple magic that was nothing more than a thick, sturdy wall.
Still, this should buy a little time.
Just as I began to feel relieved, an explosion occurred nearby. At first, I thought it was a cannon, but then I noticed the scale was small.
“Black Orbs...!”
Turning quickly while scanning my surroundings, it seemed that cavalry from the group advancing from left and right had broken through. Around ten—no, nearly twenty cavalry were moving to block my escape path.
Further back, I saw more cavalry pursuing the retreating marquis and others.
“This is... going to be tough...!”
Clenching my teeth, I suppressed my rage. Feeling the taste of blood spreading in my mouth, I desperately thought if there was anything I could do.
Even while doing so, I maneuvered my horse and started moving, slashing down a lone cavalryman who had fallen behind. Black Orbs were thrown and detonated continuously around me.
There was no choice but to dash through this at all costs. I quickly made the decision and urged my horse forward.
The cannon explosions were unceasing, but by now I understood a few things.
Cannons can’t be used as effectively as expected when firing at a fleeing target. Probably because aiming is difficult. Most shots flew to the wrong place.
What was more frightening at this point were the Black Orbs, which could be used nearby with guaranteed effect. Or the breath attack of the earth dragon.
“...Tch! Can’t catch up...!”
The Black Orbs used by the cavalry could be dodged as long as my horse kept moving, but I wouldn’t make it in time to assist the marquis.
Frustrated, I kept my eyes on the backs of the marquis and his group when I caught sight of a large knight on horseback.