Knights & Magic - Book 8: Chapter 111: Engagement

Small footsteps ran through the forest

The new Magician of the Kaerreus Clan noticed the sound of faint footsteps and turned around.

“Parl, members of the Kaerreus clan; I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”

“Magister! Are you back?”

“Yes, Parl-Chan! How are you?”

She found the pair as they were running lightly among the trees; Parl sat down. Eru responded with a small wave to Addy, who swung her arms.

“So, the Goblin Clan… What kind of eyes did you get? What’s up? In addition, Master, there’s something going on.”

Parl made a point of looking behind them, shaking her head. The reason is the unfamiliar goblins which seemed to be following the pair.

“Giant… Are you really with the Kaerreus clan? Lord Ernesti is really accepted by the giants.”

Zachariah, a young man of the Goblin Clan, revealed a complicated expression as he looked at the Little Mage sitting in front of Eru. The Giants in his memory were an arrogant race that looked down on them. They would surely never sit within the eyesight of goblins such as the small Eru, and it was outside the imagination that they’d call any goblin ‘Master’ or ‘Magister’.

“If we could go out like you… But no, you probably don’t want to talk about that, do you?”

While Zach struggled through his emotions, Parl gathers the members of her clan. A giant came out of the woods; a familiar Brave.

“The hero of the Goblin Clan. I’ve been waiting for you,” Brave whispered.

“Brave! And everyone else, too. I have very good news.”

“Oh? What kind of truth did the Goblin clan reveal?”

In front of the assembled giants, Eru began to tell what he had seen and heard in the city of the Goblins. The giants were listening to him with a strange expression, but when they heard that the Rubel Clan giants were starting to move, they couldn’t maintain their silence any longer.

“What does that mean. The Rubels don’t need to look at the ‘clans’ themselves.”

The hero roared and looked up to the heavens. It is not unusual in the history of the Giants that conflicts occur between clans. Rather, it can be said that the question between clans is their history. However, it might be the first time in their history that the Rubel clan thought that it was going to destroy all other clans.

“It may be strange, at this point, that they did not destroy the other clans in their blind revolt.”

“Or has your mindset changed over time? However, one of the reasons why the Rubel shims started to move in a hurry this time is the presence of intruders. It’s probably my friends. So I’m a little sorry.”

“What’s wrong with that? It’s only natural to help your friends.”

The little magician slowly shook her head. Eru smiled softly and inclined his head.

“Then we must relaunch the Clan Alliance. As it is, if you’re diverted, you’ll fall in front of the Rubels.”

“Of course, you should answer the question of the sage! Can we make it? Even if it’s just the capital of the hundred eyes, it’s pretty close.”

“That’s not all. We once closed our eyes to them, so what do we say to gather the clans…”

“I don’t have time to convey my thoughts in words. Until you open your eyes anyway.”

The brave kept silent and listened to the discussion. Eventually, he looks around with his three eyes and considered Eru.

“Goblin Brave, to what extent is it true that the Rubel clan cannot use Cretvastia? That will greatly change the plan we have to take.”

As Eru opened his mouth, Zachariah advanced on his behalf. He knelt in front of the giants and looked up at the brave. “For that, we’ll make you a promise: The next question will not be given to the clans by Cretvastia.”

The brave looks at him with a severe look that has changed since then.

“The brave of the Kaerreus Clan. What is this?”

“King of the Goblins, Oberon. He’s one of my kind. His liaison follows me.”

The brave leaned forward and looked closely at Zachariah. Covered by the giant’s shadow, Zachariah’s whole body grew tense.

“If you were to replace your eyes and ears, can you replace your mouth?”

“Even though he’s a liaison, he is allowed to answer to some extent.”

Eyeballs as large as his face stare at him. He was a little nervous and his body trembled. Naturally, the person who can act calmly and intimately in front of a huge existence which can pound them into ground meat in an instant doesn’t exist.

“The King, my Lord, is the pilot of the Mystic Knight. This made it possible to stand against the power of the giants. Then, how did this little boy and girl achieve the same result?”

The brave looked away, under pressure, upon hearing Zach’s thoughts.

“Have you carried the clans? Then there is no lie in your words.”

“Thank you for believing…”

The next moment, Zachariah pat his chest a little, surmounting the first challenge. The sound of the brave’s voice became more severe.

“But if you were going to do that, it’s not limited to good eyes.”

Neither Eru, nor the Kaerreus clan, knew how the Rubels can subdue the Cretvastia. It was another matter, whether it was certain or not, if the giants can do something about this.

“Oh, that’s…!”

The brave rose to his feet without being interested in the bloody Zachariah.

“No matter what, it’s certain that the Rubels will move. So, it is important to build a new Clan Union.”

Whether there was a Cretvastia or not, they must prepare for the question. The formation of the Clan Union was absolute. It had finally died close to the capital of the Hundred Eyes, but they couldn’t spare it. They had to get back immediately and prepare to fight the Rubel clan.

“I have a few suggestions about that.”

“Master?”

Eru raised his hand with a smile on his face.

“My Kasasagi, which I left with you, will be useful.”

“Your Silhouette Knight?”

The brave and the little magician looked at each other. Eru’s Silhouette Knight was in the care of the Kaerreus clan. The Kasasagi was an air combat machine, a Wind Style Knight that was both similar and different from the Sylphiette. It is an aircraft that can fly in the sky, powerful, but that wasn’t the only advantage.

“…… Master. Sure, it’s fast. But… Wouldn’t something like that be the first thing you’d be hostile to if you went around the clans?”

The Kasasagi had great performance speed alone – but it looked deadly. Despite the fact that he’d made extensive use of Demon Beast materials, Eru made full use of his unique ability, creating a genuinely confident enemy.

“Sure, you might be wary if an unfamiliar flying object comes along.”

“Eru… That’s not the problem, is it?”

“But don’t worry. You can take the Kasasagi with you if you’re one of the giants.”

“Well, do you have the eyes for that?” (Feels like… ‘Do you have the stones to try that, little man?” Same sentiment.)

Parl, who had flown in the sky with the Kasasagi, clapped. Despite some forcing, the many special features of the Silhouette Knight were very valuable.

“Come to the west with me, so we can quickly persuade the clans.”

“Hmm”

The brave closed his eyes, thinking. Eru’s proposal made sense. Now that the Rubels have decided to move, they can’t afford to walk back to the chief. If they could move through the sky, time critical problems would be greatly mitigated.

“Alright Brave, your proposal is worthwhile. However, there is still one problem left. Who should go alone, then?”

Among the survivors of the Kaerreus Clan, the most powerful is the brave. The only way to make a slightly better chance to persuade the clans is for him to go. At the same time, if he were to go, the battle of the Kaerreus Clan would be greatly reduced. For the brave who recognized that protecting the survivors was one of the most important roles he had, it was not an easy decision.

“…… He’s a Brave.”

As the brave raised his head, Parl proceeded calmly.

“Let’s work with my teacher to persuade the clans.”

“Apprentice mage!? But you’re still not enough to replace the magician.”

“I know an apprentice like me is still immature, but if I don’t move here now, what’s the fourth-eye position even for?”

That unique hierarchy, the “eye position” which is a peculiar order to the giants. Of the giants living in the Kaerreus Clan, Parl, with the four-eye position, is the highest. In many cases, the head of a clan has a high eye rank. In the Kaerreus clan, the former magician was like that. If you want to persuade other clans, it is desirable to leave it to the person with the most eyes. The brave showed the difficulty of leaving such a task to one so young, even if it was understood in theory.

“Even so, if only one person could go. Can you face danger with only a little magician?”

“It’s okay. Apprentice Parl, if you’re with Kasasagi, at worst you can run away from any disaster.”

“That’s it.”

Watching Eru nod confidently, the brave closed his eyes for a while and pondered. After some small exchanges with the other clan giants, he let loose a long sigh.

“Apprentice mage?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll entrust the words of the clan to you. Can you do that?”

“For sure!”

Parl nodded with enthusiasm, taking on the critical role of betting on the future of the Giants without hesitation or fear. The brave narrowed his eyes to see such a dazzling face, but eventually turned to the giants of the clan.

“We can’t afford to be closed off, here. We might be late, but we will follow.”

The Kaerreus clan set a policy. When Eru saw it, he turned to the hidden Kasasagi.

“Then, we’re done. Shall we prepare our departure?”

“Hey, Mr. Ernesti. The Little Magician with Kasasagi, Parl, knew that I’m going to carry her. I’m going to do it, but…”

Addy had some concerns as she followed him.

“Of course I’ll be going with you, too.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

Eru also noticed what she was trying to say and looked back at Zachariah, who was following after. He nodded greatly, of course.

“I will also accompany you, Lord Ernesti. That’s why I came.”

“I guess. But I wonder if the three of us can get by in Kasasagi.”

The cockpit was originally from Ikaruga. It’s very narrow because it’s built to fit Eru’s physique and was small because it had been stuffed with quite a bit of equipment. If three people were put onside, it is sure to be more than ‘a little’ cramped. Beside the embarrassed Eru’s, Addy seemed disappointed.

“It’s no good. The cockpit is my place with Eru!”

“How about that?”

“But… You will be using your Silhouette Knight to fly in the sky. So then, it is not possible for me to follow on foot. It’s my mission to confirm this and to form the United Clans.”

Like Addy, Zachariah is also stubborn and won’t give up. Why else did he follow this boy for? He had a serious personality and was ordered to do so by his king, in person. Kasasagi carrying three people plus the giant was a sober and difficult problem. Eru worried at the problem for a little while, but before long, he became troublesome and smiled.

“Well, let’s do this. Zachariah will be riding along… on Kasasagi’s palm.”

In response to this terrible blow, Zach looked astonished. The sky of the Demon Forest is wide. Flying was the most important objective… And it wasn’t exactly difficult to do. Zachariah felt dizzy with the difficulty of their mission.

Eru and Addy quickly prepare, while on other person is determined to be endure like some tragic princess. Addy got into the cockpit and looked around the seat.

“Mmmm. Well, I guess I can’t just sit in my own seat. Well, Ernesti, this way.”

“Um, maybe.”

She slipped into the seat and slapped her knees. Eru drew his eyebrows after receiving an indication that she wanted him to sit there.

“Isn’t it good to sit normally?”

“If you don’t do this, you won’t be able to get into the cockpit, so you can’t help it!”

“Is that really true? And won’t it be hard on your knees?”

“If I can have Eru on top of me… No problem!”

“What is with that strange confidence?”

Kasasagi was starting to move, even though it was a smoldering thing. Intake and exhaust sounds are also high, the mana began to flow through its body. The Silhouette Knight, which had an extreme shape being only the upper body, can’t even walk in it’s present condition. However, when a rainbow-colored circle was created under it’s belly, the eerie giant began to float in the air. The Ether Ring Generator was active. The Kasasagi could only fly with that device, after all.

Parl walked out to see the Silhouette Knight, seemingly having appeared from the depths of the forest with a loud wind, as it began to float. The giants of the Kaerreus clan encouraged the young magician to fulfill her mission. They let her know they were praying to the Hundred Eyes.

“Okay, let’s go already!”

Supporting the back of the little mage, Kasasagi raised it’s power level. The rainbow glow strengthened and they flew up into the sky. There was one person, an attendant whom was riding on the palm, screaming loudly. It was conveniently drowned out by the intense intake and exhaust sound from the Silhouette Knight. Thus, the party advanced through the sky. Their aim was to be in the western part of the forest, where there are small clans of giants.

In the terrible forest’s sky where the monsters swarm, strange objects were flying. A weird giant with an odd appearance wearing armor that has been processed from the shells of demon beasts. It is a familiar little magician and Silhouette Knight. There is nothing to block the party. The Magijet thruster was spitting out flames seemed to be in good repair and it was moving through the sky as if it were easy. Feeling the wind playing with her hair, Parl narrowed her four eyes.

“It’s the second time I’ve flown with my teacher and that’s not bad.”

“It’s nice to fly together!”

Addy answered, and was pleased, hugging Eru tightly. As expected, she had to give up having him sit on her lap, but it doesn’t change that they were sitting together after all. Some of them were enjoying flying through the air this way, however, there is one person who does not.

“Mr. Zachariah? Are you ok?”

“Oka… No, no! I think this is for our future. But I don’t want to do it!“

This time, Kasasagi was flying without gaining too much altitude. The reason is that being still clinging to his palms in a desperate manner. The knights of the Goblins had guts. Eru was thinking that it was even comparable to those Silver Phoenix Knights of his.

“But teacher… Are you sure about this?”

“What is it?”

As the flew in the sky, the little magician suddenly spoke to up.

“I persuade the clans and prepare the allies for the question with the Rubel Clan. It’s important for us. But is the brotherhood of my teacher still somewhere in the forest?”

The air convoy had come looking for Ernesti. Eru, who had been left in the forest, must have been waiting for them. But he smiled softly, not affirming.

“It’s okay. We’ve come this far and my Knights are not as flexible as I am. I don’t know where I’m going, even if I know what I’m looking for. However, flying around in the dark clouds is a waste.”

Addy, who was sitting behind him, hugged him a little more.

“Then we should be prepared for everything else. We is hostile to the Rubel Clan, but not all of the Giants are enemies. They just don’t know it.”

The scenery captured by the crystal eye of the Holomonitor reflects and flows therein. In it is shown the magial forest where Demon Beasts wriggle and monsters dance. The forest seemed endlessly wide, even if it is limited to the region of the giants. At that time, Addy found something strange in the projector and stared.

“I don’t know where the Knights are, but if you’re a member of the clans, you can gather them around the forest. Let’s gather them up here, first.”

“I see. Thank you, teacher…”

“Hey? Eru, what is that?”

Addy interrupted the two of them and stretched her arms from behind him, pointed to a place in the sky. Eru carefully followed her finger, eyes widening.

“What is that…”

A shadow of something floating in a pale, cloudy sky. The sizes varied. The number seemed to grow over time, and proved to be rather considerable.

“Is it the bug-type Demon Beasts?! No way, it was going ahead.”

“No, it’s not.”

In contrast to the panicking Parl, Eru’s face grew happy. Addy also shined, leaning forward. Small shadows run around the sky at high speed. There was a huge thing in the center of the group, and a small one seemed to protect it.

“Why no longer. Everyone will find it surprising that such shadows exist…”

“Does that thing really exist?”

“Actually, here. It’s clear what we should do.”

“Teacher? What is that?”

She was an apprentice magician, who couldn’t grasp the situation, and was surprised to hear Eru’s explanation.

“Then, what are you going to do, teacher?”

“Of course… I’ll rush in. Parl, get ready!”

“OK, Master!”

“Mr. Ernesti!? What the hell are you doing? Oh, my God!?”

About one person screamed as the Magi Jet Thruster raised it’s output. Kasasagi accelerated quickly, kicked off be the fiercely blowing flame.

“Fufu. It’s an emotional reunion. Let’s be flashy!”

The rainbow glow intensified it’s light, and the Silhouette Knight flew high. On the way to their destination is a number of shadows flying in the sky; a flying fleet. On that day, the Silver Phoenix Knights and the flying fleet were attacked by their Knight Commander.