The Story of Hero Among Heroes ~The Founding Chronicles of Arestia - Chapter 124 – White Legion and the Aryan

『Fighter Tribe』

That was how people called the Aryans.

They were gifted with rare physical capabilities and have been honing said abilities to the utmost limit through harsh military training. They were educated from youth to not fear death, and those who’re lucky enough to witness them in battle and survived likened them to nigh unstoppable killing machines.

It’s said that back when the eastern continent was still rife with forest, the Aryans were once a great country with a major military might.

However, after their defeat to the Great Arcadia Empire, the Aryan kingdom lost most of its power. Their defeat was mostly because of their preference in melee combat; their opposition, the Great Arcadia Empire army made use of their overwhelming numbers, various weaponry, and magic to respond against the Aryans’ ferocity. The first emperor, Leon Arcadia who led the Arcadia army personally at that time even commented “I do not wish to fight them a second time”, giving credit to how fearsome these Aryan warriors were in combat.

The remaining Aryans then moved to the eastern mountain range, living and developing their own culture there until now.

Two-third of the eastern mountain ranges were their territory. The true dwarves never provoked them, choosing to avoid fighting them.

The Aryans usually stay in their territory in a self-sufficient manner. But occasionally, when their bloodlust and longing for battle rises back, they would go fight the northern barbarian or Grants Principality to sate their need for combat and plundering.

They fought with no rules, only following their own instincts… truly a tricky opponent.

[Then, how will Milord hope to make them obey?]

Along the way to the Aryan territory, Darius asked Ares.

[Through battle?]

[Of course not. Even with this many White Legion, it won’t still be enough…]

[Then why did you bring the White Legion along?]

Ares smiled in response to Darius’ question.

[The White Legion will act as a bait to catch the bigger fish.]

[What does that even mean?]

[Well… you’ll see. By the way, we’ll be arriving soon.]

Ares pointed to a direction… where a series of houses started to become visible in the distance.

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At the front was a solid looking stone gate. A lot of Aryans could be seen around the gate, ready to fight. At glance, their number was about the same as the White Legion. Probably a scouting party.

A large man who seemed to be the leader shouted loudly.

[Uninvited guests, what do you want by trudging into our land?]

[Friendship.]

Ares smiled refreshingly.

[We’ve come to forge a bond of friendship.]

The squad leader laughed.

[O’ uninvited guest. We have no intention to forge any friendship with the weak. You’ll have to prove your ability first… Although I doubt that you can match us. Boys! Do it!]

The Aryan advance party attacked without much words. Seeing this situation, without breaking his smile, Ares spoke up.

[If you want to see my power, then I’ll show you. I’ll show you that there are warriors out there who could match you.]

After saying so, he turned around and spoke to the White Legion behind him.

[Well… as expected. White Legion, get them.]

About 50 White Legion that had been riding behind Ares began to march forward. Each of them holding what seemed like a cylindrical stick of various sizes.

Those who’re good with a sword held a sword-length stick, while those who’re good with a spear held a stick with the length of a spear.

Seeing this, Darius couldn’t help but ask Ares.

[Is this the solution you spoke of, Milord?]

[Eh, of course not]

[Then, did you prepare a tactic or something?]

[Not really? I didn’t give them any specific tactic.]

That said, Ares still grinned.

[In any case, the Aryan scouting party… At first glance, their numbers seemed to be equal to the White Legion. But the White Legion will repel them. These guys can make their own judgment after all. If the Aryan only knows the language of 『Power』, then we’ll show them just that right here.]

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All the White Legion members that responded to Ares’ order to march were those who were experts in melee combat.

[Hooooo, amazing. I thought you’d turn tail.]

The one speaking just now was Baran. In his hand was a broadsword-size stick.

[Aahh, I hate this. I don’t want to deal with these muscle-bound people. I’d rather go back to Heinz and embrace some beauties.]

That one was Flick. In his hand was a longsword-size stick.

[……………]

While Kill who rode next to Flick remained silent. His eyes firmly focused on the Aryan. He also wielded a longsword-size stick just like Flick.

[Can you guys focus ahead without spouting nonsense for once? It’s noisy, you know?]

Karina reprimanded. She’s wielding a stick with the length of a spear.

Those stick weapons were custom made and only distributed for the White Legion.

Thanks to Ares’ knowledge in alchemy, the stick became almost 『unbreakable』.

The White Legion was not allowed to bring their personal weapon this time. They would only be allowed to do so in important battles. If they brought out their personal weapons… the result would be slaughter.

To avoid that, they fought with these special sticks.

This time, Ares’ order was to capture every single one of the Aryan, not to kill them all anyway.

[The Aryans… a single one of them might be enough to kill 10 regular soldiers… with the currently weak Imperial soldiers, I guess dozens of them will be needed to kill just one Aryan.]

Ares mused as he turned the White Legion.

[Well, I don’t think you guys are weaker than them… Unless they grossly outnumber you, then use the stick to fight them. Our aim is to capture all of them alive. We are trying to befriend them after all.]

He also added.

[However… they are still, strong… so, 『take it seriously』.]

[Alright then…]

As he said so, Flick infused magic into his battle stick. The same also applied to the other White Legion members. Their battle stick started to glow with bluish light.

[We got permission to go serious this time… I’m not going to pass it up since it’s been a long time. Well then, Aryan, how long you guys will keep me entertained?]

And with that, Flick rushed towards the charging Aryan.

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[I see… scatter them around. Brilliant, the Aryans fell for it. They are good.]

Darius commented with a laugh.

[Strong… very strong. Those guys. They certainly can capture all the Aryan advance squad.]

Darius was amazed from seeing the White Legion in action. After all, Darius never seen 『soldiers』as powerful as each member of the White Legion so far.

[In other places, each of them could become a military general or even a Hero at the very least.]

[Even so, those 『weirdos』are content with only being soldiers. That’s how they are.]

Ares himself laughed.

The Aryans are strong. Anyone will know at first glance. Grants regular army unit would struggle when facing them

After all… Ares was very familiar with their fearsome strength… thanks to Leon’s memories within him.

The Aryans attacked the White Legion with overwhelming speed and power. But the White Legion…

[Haha, they’re still coming at you even after their bones have been broken. They got some guts.]

[The only way to stop them is to instantly knock them unconscious. Aim for the key points!]

[Interesting, isn’t it? Here I thought you’re itching to get serious?]

[You guys… you might get killed by accident if you keep blabbering your mouths like that. You know how angry Ares-sama will get if any of us die… we must absolutely survive.]

[No shit… ah, here comes another one]

The Aryan’s attack was evaded swiftly and they counter attacked with absolute precision to effectively take their opponent out of the battle without killing anyone.

The Aryans are certainly strong. It’s no exaggeration to say that if they’re prepared to die, even one will be enough to take down 100 regular soldiers before expiring. But the precise attacks that the White Legion did… could take them out of battle instantly by rendering the Aryan unconscious.

[UooooOOOO!!]

Baran wielded his large battle stick at a tremendous speed. The Aryan who received his blow head on staggered back, then he took that chance to slug them down in the face with his left fist.

[Ugu!]

But since the opponent was an Aryan, he didn’t instantly get knocked out. At that moment…

[Gue!]

An intense kick hit the Aryan, whose stance had crumbled, in the temple. This time the attack managed to knock him out.

[Oi… deal with your own side.]

[Sorry sorry, his head just happened to be in the right place.]

That kick came from the nearby Flick. He laughed Baran’s protest out then proceeded to move to his next target.

And just like that, the Aryan scouting party quickly dwindled in number.

Watching his Aryan compatriots fall one by one, the squad leader was left speechless.

[Impossible… we, the Aryans, were beaten so easily… and to Arcadia’s rank and file soldiers no less…!]

The moment he muttered that, an invisible slash hit him.

The squad leader managed to react, but his sword actually broke off from the exchange.

[Ah, thank goodness you can block that. I know that if it’s you guys, you’ll be just fine.]

The one who said so… was Ares.

[Now then, squad leader. Can you go and deliver my message to your chief now?]

[…guh, what is it?]

[That the Commander of the enemy forces wants to talk. If he doesn’t come… I have a lot of prisoners of war here with me. Please tell him that.]

Said Ares with a smile.