Limited Extra Time - Chapter 64

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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“Commander Goreden!”

“Those with experience fighting magical beasts, step forward.”

The soldiers and knights who had been milling about in confusion suddenly surged toward the man with the low voice.

The man with deep crimson hair wore light armor. He appeared to be a knight.

‘…Commander Goreden? Who is that?’

Millaiyen had never introduced me to anyone in the territory.

“Divide yourselves into groups of five and focus on driving Herta away rather than killing it.”

“Yes, sir!”

“How many are there?”

“It’s too dark to see clearly!”

Carina Leopold, listening to the conversation from below the castle wall, turned her head in alarm.

The number of Herta visible outside was considerable—at least a dozen or so.

‘I can’t tell how many are hiding in the darkness….’

Three were battering the castle wall, while roughly eight more seemed to be lurking behind them.

“There’s no helping it.”

“It looks like there are just over ten!”

Carina Leopold shouted loudly, leaning against Herta’s body.

At that, everyone lifted their heads, their gazes turning toward the source of the voice. She swallowed hard under the flood of attention.

“Herta, can you climb down there?”

Herta’s voice was sharp.

“Gently!”

Perhaps because of my added words, the creature obediently straightened its lowered body and quietly jumped down.

“Gasp! H-Herta is here!!”

“Herta’s inside…!”

“W-Wait! It’s me.”

When Carina Leopold patted Herta’s back, Herta snorted sharply, extended her front legs, and lowered her body.

Carina Leopold descended carefully to the ground with a soft grunt.

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…Huh? Miss?

When Carina Leopold looked up, it was the Scout Soldier from back then—the one who had first introduced me to Herta.

He was also carrying a sword, which suggested he was heading out on an expedition.

If you’re a miss… are you perhaps a guest of the Duke’s?

Ah, yes. My name is Carina Leopold.

Carina Leopold spoke, tilting her head back with a surprised expression.

The massive man, easily over 190 centimeters tall and nearly two meters in stature, was so large that Carina Leopold could only see him by tilting her head back slightly.

…Purple eyes, how fascinating.

He was a taciturn man with deep purple irises.

It’s an honor to meet you. I am Goreden, captain of the Duke’s Knight Order. Please feel free to address me as you wish.

Ah… well, yes. Or rather, yes.

She nodded carefully.

I was somewhat startled—it seemed as though a single swing of an arm would send her flying. Based on height and build alone, she appeared far larger than Millaiyen.

Goreden stared intently into Carina’s eyes.

Those golden irises, which seemed not to exist in this world, were so peculiar that he found himself unable to speak for a long moment.

…Um, Goreden?

Unable to bear the endless silence, Carina finally called out his name.

Only then did his deep violet eyes slowly withdraw from hers.

Goreden’s tightly closed mouth opened.

Since circumstances are unclear, I’ll ask directly. The creature behind appears to be Herta—have you tamed a magical beast?

No, well… Herta is something I created.

Carina rolled her eyes once before answering.

Created, you say?

When I draw a picture, the creature I’ve drawn comes to life. I drew Herta using a similar principle, and Herta came into being.

Is it safe?

…Probably, as long as I’m nearby.

I see. Understood.

Still wearing that expressionless face, Captain Goreden nodded without hesitation, as if his thoughts remained inscrutable.

Then he turned his body toward the other soldiers, whose eyes were still wide with astonishment. He remembered to bow at the waist before turning his head.

Everyone, focus.

Yes, Captain!

Excluding me, that makes exactly seven groups of five soldiers each.

Goreden spoke after visually confirming the divisions.

Carina Leopold had mentioned there were roughly ten of them, yet we’d only managed to form seven groups.

Boom—boom—!

The ground trembled as Herta relentlessly rammed the Castle Wall without pause.

The Territory residents, clearly anxious, emerged from their homes and paced nervously. Carina Leopold patted Herta’s back gently.

Herta obediently lowered her body.

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As Carina Leopold groaned with effort, I heard a sharp exhale like a sigh, and Herta spread all four legs wide, lowering herself completely to the ground.

…I’m sorry.

Carina Leopold muttered quietly, embarrassed.

To think I’d apologize even to the beast I’d created—my stamina was truly pathetic.

As my fingertips grasped Herta’s back, she slowly rose to her feet.

As I always emphasize, survival takes priority over subjugation. If necessary, we can endure a siege until the Duke returns.

Understood!

Each group should aim to capture one of them.

Yes!

According to reports, Herta’s weak points are beneath her claws and the exposed underside of her belly. Time your attacks for those moments.

Yes, understood!

The soldiers, who had been in disarray, moved with perfect unity at a single word from Commander Goreden.

I would prefer it if you returned to the Castle as well, Miss. It’s dangerous out here.

With this one here, I don’t think it will be too dangerous. Let me assess the situation a bit more before we proceed.

Goreden glanced between Herta and Carina Leopold in turn, then nodded.

He then lifted the enormous greatsword leaning against the wall with a single hand as effortlessly as if it were a twig.

If anything happens to Miss, the Commander will be furious. Please be careful.

Ah, yes… understood.

Goreden bowed silently at the waist in farewell.

Then he strode purposefully toward the partially open City Gate. The moment he passed through, the remaining soldiers sealed it shut behind him.

…Aren’t you frightened?

Once that gate closes, there is no path back.

No escape route means they will hold the City Gate with unwavering resolve, no matter what comes.

Herta, up.

Upon my command, Herta crouched low, then pushed off with her hind legs and leaped skyward.

The sound of the Castle Wall being struck diminished, but in its place came the vivid clash of blade against blade.

And amidst those sounds, a tremendous tremor like crumbling stone made my eyes widen.

What… what is that?

Amid the intermittent metallic rings and flashes of steel striking steel, there was one place where a sandstorm swirled.

Captain Goreden wielded his greatsword with the fluidity of a light branch, matching strength against Herta.

…

Matching strength with Herta?

Those massive beasts casually smashing through the Castle Wall like it was nothing?

Even Herta, who was carrying me, seemed taken aback by the absurdity of it all.

Goreden’s expression remained impassive, yet his eyes gleamed with what appeared to be exhilaration.

Herta and Goreden collided once more

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in a thunderous clash.

The impact sent tremors through the entire Castle Wall.

Yet despite appearing to fight with overwhelming dominance, Goreden was merely contending with Herta alone.

Naturally, the other Knights and Soldiers seemed wholly occupied with evading or blocking Herta’s attacks.

“Argh!”

A Soldier lost his grip on his sword and was sent flying by Herta’s tail.

My expression darkened involuntarily.

“…It seems like she’s not raising her front legs this time?”

When Herta’s pack had invaded before, most of their attacks had involved raising their front legs to unleash their sharp claws, but this time they were simply charging forward with their bodies lowered.

It was a peculiar phenomenon.

As if they were wary of raising their legs at all.

As if they had realized their weakness had been exposed to humans.

“Herta?”

At that moment, Herta, crouched low, let out a low growl with her claws extended.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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