It bears repeating: knights are strong.
While a human body is inherently frail, one who accumulates mana through specialized cultivation can perform miracles that transcend biological limits. Those who chose to become monsters themselves to fight the monsters threatening their kin—that was the origin of the knights.
Of course, these days they are just as likely to point their blades at their own kind, but even if the purpose has been corrupted, that strength hasn't vanished. Even a rank-and-file knight can stand alone against an Orc that would take several ordinary men to subdue. With training and experience, they only grow stronger.
Once a knight learns to manifest "Aura," they are called true superhumans. Beyond that, if they reach the stage of manifesting their "Mental Image," they become nothing short of a walking natural disaster in human form.
Thus, excluding extreme circumstances like large-scale wars, most monster outbreaks—which require force beyond the capacity of commoners—are settled by deploying a few squads. Furthermore, in the Empire, except for the most remote frontiers, there is usually a Knight Order stationed in every earldom. Since the current governing system established by the First Emperor took root, instances of humanity's survival being threatened by monsters or demi-humans have drastically decreased. Under the order led by the Empire, one could say humanity has reached its golden age.
That, surely, was the common sense of the world.
"All units, halt! Incident at the vanguard! Enemies spotted!"
"All units, halt! Enemies spotted!"
The desperate report from the 2nd Century Leader shattered my meager common sense with brutal clarity. To summarize:
[Too many monsters. Overwhelmed. Requesting support. We're all going to die at this rate.]
He reported that monsters he had never seen before were rampaging in such variety that preventing civilian casualties was a struggle, let alone subjugating them. This had long passed the point of being handled quietly; I had to do my best to resolve this within my own authority. If this escalated further, it would become a national emergency on par with wartime. It hadn't been that long since the war ended—I had to stop this.
That was why I was personally leading the entire force of the Black Lion Knights.
"Commander, monsters! And they have wings!"
Seeing how grim things were looking already, I'd be lucky if the Bartok Barony wasn't already a ruin.
—Skreeeee!
"A flock of Wyverns. Why are creatures that belong in the Rock Mountains here?"
We were currently in the plains near the Bartok territory. There was a reason the 3rd Century at the front had suddenly stopped like dogs chasing a phantom, staring blankly at the sky. Wyverns are the quintessential aerial monster—the natural enemy of knights. No matter how strong a knight is, their limit is jumping high; against a flying foe, they are often helpless. Moreover, Wyverns have a wicked habit of slaughtering livestock and civilians for sport, so they couldn't be ignored.
—Kieee! Kieee!
Look at them. They were circling above us, waiting. The moment we showed an opening, they would strike. Their physical size was no joke either; rank-and-file knights or Decade Leaders would find them difficult to handle. Come to think of it, how did those Northern bastards during the war manage to tame these things?
In any case, these were not creatures that should be living near the capital, which is a designated safe zone. I had a strong feeling that something was very, very wrong.
—Shhhhh...
Deciding she couldn't watch any longer, the Vice-Commander—the only other person in the Black Lions capable of manifesting a Mental Image—began to dye the surroundings with a freezing chill. Her frosty aura felt as if it would freeze the very air into ice.
"It's been a while since I've seen the Vice-Commander's Mental Image. It's always a marvel."
"Isn't that the rare 'Manifestation-type'? By the way, Sir Jimmy, I recently had a dream about receiving a baptism of fire. Perhaps soon, I too..."
"Wasn't that just a pipe dream? Just focus on drawing your Aura first, sir."
As the Vice-Commander stepped forward, the tension eased enough for two Decade Leaders to start chatter. It was a bit ridiculous for an entire Knight Order to be stalled by a few Wyverns, but aerial monsters are notoriously difficult to counter. Trying to lure them down to the ground to beat them is a plan based more on hope than reality.
"Urgh..."
"Vice-Commander, aren't you overextending yourself?"
Despite the subordinates' trust in her, the situation wasn't ideal. Her Mental Image was too inefficient to be used this way. It looked impressive, but her mastery was clearly lacking. While her talent was undeniable, this was the inherent limitation of a Manifestation-type Mental Image; until one reaches true mastery, the results are underwhelming compared to the effort. It's often less effective than just blasting raw Aura. Unfortunately, her type of Mental Image was different from mine, so I couldn't offer much advice.
"I am fine. With this many, I think I can somehow intercept them. Shall I try?"
"No, don't waste your strength yet. There will be a better place for you to step in."
So, I decided to handle it myself.
—BOOM!
I stomped the ground once, pouring my will to "crush" into the strike. Immediately, the annoying buzzing of the "flies" in the sky ceased.
"Much better now that it's quiet."
Remembering how the madmen riding those things during the war used to annoy me, I added a bit more killing intent than usual, and the effect was more pronounced than ever. As of this moment, the Wyvern flock had been transformed into "Wyvern-flavored meat chunks." They were now stuck to the ground, looking far more well-behaved than before—perfect for being flipped like pancakes. Come to think of it, I was getting hungry.
"Uh..."
"Wait, what just happened?"
I felt the gaze of my subordinates. It was beyond awe; it was the look of people facing something they couldn't comprehend. That was exactly how I looked when I first met my Master.
Since this was enough to boost morale and demonstrate my dignity as a leader, I decided not to waste any more time.
"We continue our march. We have a long way to go."
The priority was ending this incident before the damage worsened.
When the Black Lion Knights entered the Bartok Barony, the gates swung open as if they had been waiting. The atmosphere in the territory was nothing short of ominous. On the surface, it seemed peaceful enough—no destroyed buildings—but that was just a facade. Despite it being a busy hour, the streets were deserted, and the few residents visible had deep anxiety etched into their faces. It felt like the calm before a storm, or perhaps a storm that had already hit while everyone tried to ignore it.
After putting my subordinates on high alert, I set out to meet Baron Bartok.
"I'll be back. The feeling here is unsettled. If anything happens while I'm gone, follow the Vice-Commander's lead."
"Yes, sir! We'll be waiting."
Before I could even send word to the manor, Baron Bartok himself came running out, disheveled and frantic. He looked like a man who had lost the world—a look I had seen many times on those facing the ruin of their land.
"Oh! You have finally arrived! I heard the new Black Lion Commander was an exceptional talent, and indeed, your presence is as majestic as the rumors say!"
"I am also glad to meet you, Baron Bartok. What is the current situation?"
"Sigh, well..."
The Baron looked like the living embodiment of every aristocratic stereotype, but he was surprisingly cooperative. This was entirely different from the information in the reports. I suppose true nature reveals itself in a crisis.
"The situation here is utterly bleak. The 2nd Century of the Black Lions and my soldiers are doing their best to hold back the monster invasion, but frankly, it wouldn't be strange if the line broke at any moment."
"Hmm..."
"I am just grateful for the knights. If it were only the soldiers... the thought is terrifying."
"What is the cause of this sudden outbreak?"
"I don't know. I haven't the slightest clue. I'm beginning to suspect we've been cursed."
To summarize: no idea why it's happening, and they're barely holding the line. Not enough. I needed more information.
"Exactly when did the surroundings become like this?"
"About two or three weeks ago. The monster rampages have been getting worse by the day."
"And you haven't noticed anything unusual since then?"
"As you know, this place is a gateway where many people pass through. Even if someone planned something wicked, they would have achieved their goal and fled long ago."
Baron Bartok slumped his shoulders in despair. He had clearly tried, but he had failed even to identify the cause. Seeing tears well up in the eyes of a man with such a fine mustache made it difficult to continue the conversation.
'There's no answer here.'
I felt for him, but further talk was meaningless. It was better to find the 2nd Century Leader.
"I am just so relieved that the rumors of Wyverns flying over my territory weren't true. If they were, truly..."
"..."
...They weren't rumors, but I didn't see the need to correct him.
"Then, I shall take my leave. First, I will reinforce the defensive lines and do my best to find the cause of the incident. I hope this eases your burden even a little."
"Thank you, truly... Sir Pietro left after doing nothing but causing trouble, but you are a true knight."
Wait.
Sir Pietro? Did he mean Pietro de Medici, that man? Why was his name coming up? I couldn't let that comment slide. Mentioning an unexpected person in an unexpected place was too suspicious to dismiss as a coincidence.
"What? My predecessor was here? When exactly?"
Though taken aback by my sudden questioning, the Baron began to spill information.
"Um, he came by saying he was on his way home after finishing his long service and demanded to be treated as a guest of honor. Since he's from a high noble family, I had no intention of mistreating him, but his demands were so..."
"I'd like to hear those demands in more detail."
"He asked for the best lodging, the best food, and a prostitute with a small frame and large breasts. He had not a shred of noble dignity..."
I was listening intently to the Baron's significant testimony when—
—ROOOOOAR!
A massive roar suddenly echoed through the air. I immediately bolted upright. Baron Bartok followed frantically behind me.
"Wha-what?! Oh, no! My territory! My territory!"
"My apologies, Commander! The defensive line has collapsed! Monsters are swarming in like mad! The Barony is under attack!"
The man reporting to me with a desperate cry was barely recognizable, but it was indeed the 2nd Century Leader.
"You've held out well. Regroup the retreating forces and defend the inner walls."
"Kgh... Yes, sir!"
He was one of the most composed Century Leaders I had, and even he was half-broken. I had to account for the possibility of casualties among his unit. Outside, chaos was already unfolding.
—Screeeech!
—Decade Leader Raul, a troop of Hobgoblins from the distance!
—God dammit!
The screams of the residents, the chaotic noise of battle from beyond the walls.
'I had a bad feeling about this.'
He said it wouldn't be strange if the line broke, and that was clearly a plain, unembellished fact. It was baffling why the monsters were launching such an organized attack, but I had to put out the fire first. I ran to the Vice-Commander, who was frantically directing the troops on the wall.
"Which direction are they coming from?"
"Everywhere! I've sent the four Centuries capable of immediate combat to the East, West, South, and North—"
The Vice-Commander's judgment was textbook. Looking around from the wall, it seemed like holding everything was the only option.
"Good job."
After sending the Vice-Commander down, I shouted to the subordinates below the wall.
"As of now, initiate individual combat! The primary objective is to maintain the line! Tactical judgment is at the discretion of each commander! Share information between units only during advances or retreats!"
Knights—superhumans—didn't need more specific commands than that. They would fight well enough on their own. In this situation, the Commander's role was to handle the major variables on the battlefield.
—Gwaaaa!
"The gate! Protect the gate!"
"We're trying! But it's about to break! That Ogre... its strength is insane! Is it some kind of variant?!"
Yes, exactly like that. The chaotic scene felt strangely familiar to me.
'It's been about two months now.'
Lately, I had been spending so much time with the cute Princess that I was starting to get far too used to peace. I immediately leaped from the wall and ran toward the Ogre.
—Kieek? Kieee!!!
—CRUNCH!
I crushed a few monsters on the way for good measure.
"The Commander! The Commander is coming this way!"
"Wooooo!"
As I ran, I manifested my Mental Image to suppress the monsters, hoping to make things a little easier for my subordinates. A path opened up along my trajectory. This is why dealing with monsters is easier; methods that wouldn't work at all on a real battlefield work perfectly here.
—ROOOOAR!
I faced the variant Ogre that was roaring insolently in front of me. It was huge. A normal Ogre is about 5 meters tall, but this one looked over 8 meters. Moreover, its bluish skin was stained black, as if it had eaten something it shouldn't have. In that case, I should treat its food poisoning.
—Clench!
I balled my fist tight and concentrated mana into my right arm, shoulder, spine, and both legs.
—KRAAA!
The Ogre swung its fist toward me. Just as I expected. I funneled power into every muscle and let the mana flow explode. I didn't even need my Mental Image for this.
"Commander! It's dangerous! Commander!"
"H-he hasn't even drawn his sword!"
—BOOM!
A weapon was unnecessary. A trained body and mana were enough.
—Ugh, urgh...
With a pathetic whimper, the Ogre's massive frame collapsed weakly, its right arm having been blown apart. One punch. That was all it took.