At a location where they would arrive at Tempest in about a day, Hinata's group took a rest. Then, they held their final discussion.
Considering the situation, the enemy is likely waiting for a response and probably hasn't prepared for battle. However, since they are at least a group of monsters, we cannot afford to be complacent.
Most importantly, Hinata's style of fighting is to create a situation where a complete victory is possible, thereby minimizing any casualties. This is not cowardice but a logical approach to fighting monsters.
According to the creed, there is no need to acknowledge monsters, and this justifies everything. Naturally, the Holy Knights have no complaints about this. They understand that winning is a given, and their defeat would threaten human society.
Because they cannot afford to lose, any means are forgivable.
For this battle, the area to be covered by the barrier was too vast. Therefore, they decided to use a decoy unit to lure the enemy's main force to the battlefield.
However, if not done carefully, it might raise suspicion.
Initially, Hinata proposed going as a lion, but it was rejected due to the Holy Knights' opposition.
Although there are only 100 of them, each Holy Knight is a match for a thousand. Among them, the top five leaders and their two subordinates each, totaling 15, are the strongest in the Holy Knight Order.
This time, the five leaders will lead five guards each to set up the barrier from all directions. Even if they fail to prepare, a triangular barrier by three people can still be effective. Therefore, they decided to activate the barrier from five directions.
If the enemy interferes with the barrier activation, they will change the location and activate it again.
Although the main force will be reduced by 40, the focus of this plan is to lure the enemy into the barrier and neutralize them.
The plan is simple: the remaining 60 will act as decoys to lead the enemy's main force to the designated location.
The Holy Knights are fully prepared. After all, the enemy is just evolved goblins or orcs, and they have faced them many times without fear.
Among them, there might be evolved lizardmen or ogres, but they are not a match for the Holy Knights.
The real threat is the upper-level demon lords. When Hinata, whom the Holy Knights revere, captures the enemy's demon king, the other monsters must be dealt with to avoid interference.
The biggest obstacle is the upper-level demon lords.
However, this time, they are not afraid. They are encouraged because they are wearing "Elemental Armor."
Each Holy Knight's armor, adjusted to easily manifest their contracted spirits, is a holy armor (Holy Mail). Although it doesn't have the true performance of the Holy Mail that Hinata wears, it is far superior to ordinary equipment.
It is so excellent that it makes the wearer feel as light as a feather.
The weapons they carry are also unique, with the ability to pierce and deal damage, nullifying any resistance.
With such a powerful force, such a battle is rare. Even in the case of slaying an upper dragon (Arc Dragon), ten would be enough.
Compared to the armies of various countries, they are equivalent to 10,000 elite knights, and against monsters, they are incomparably powerful.
Although some Holy Knights are scattered, all those who could be gathered are present.
For the Holy Knights, this extermination battle is expected to be one they cannot lose.
Hinata looks at the knights and thinks:
Do we really need to fight this battle?
Usually, he wouldn't hesitate, but even after making a decision in the capital, he still feels uncertain.
This is his first time feeling this way.
Initially, the battlefield prediction and the outcome seemed perfectly reasonable.
Since their numbers are few, a wide area is not ideal. Therefore, a complex terrain where the enemy cannot easily spread out or escape is preferable.
There was such a perfect location.
However, it's impossible to predict and guide everything. It feels like they are being played like puppets, but he is overthinking.
Initially, the enemy would think that Hinata's group is staying in the Holy Papal Kingdom of Rubello and wouldn't have a plan.
The existence of the teleportation gate is hidden, and they have even practiced outdoor drills around Rubello as a precaution.
They are confident that the enemy doesn't know their location.
But still...
If he trusts his intuition, this place feels dangerous.
Even if it's not entirely logical, he cannot ignore it.
Therefore, Hinata stops thinking and speaks:
"Listen up!"
The Holy Knights stop their chatter and focus on Hinata.
Hinata looks at each of their faces and says:
"I order you to act as decoys. The predicted battlefield is likely a trap. If we disperse to set up the barrier, it might be disadvantageous. However, we will follow the enemy's strategy to make them feel secure. Set up the barrier, but let the subordinates do it, not the leaders. The leaders and their guards must protect the subordinates at all costs. You don't need to maintain the barrier; combat is also allowed. Follow the plan, but if you are ambushed while dispersed, retreat with full force. I repeat, don't be stubborn about setting up the barrier. Prioritize survival. If the situation changes, you are allowed to stop maintaining the barrier and engage in combat. The barrier team, assume the enemy is dispersed. The central decoy unit, do not support the barrier. Instead, approach the enemy's camp boldly. Lure them there and fight. Think about defeating them with your own strength. While you act as decoys, I will capture the enemy's leader. Do not be complacent! Assume there is no support and act accordingly!"
He gives orders, trusting his intuition.
There is no other force available.
A larger force would only be a hindrance.
The Holy Knights carefully discuss the plan and confirm their roles.
Their eyes no longer show any contempt for the enemy.
??????????????????????????
Hinata and the enemy met as planned two weeks later.
If Hinata had seen it, a surprise attack would have been a better strategy, but honestly, they signaled their approach with a fireball in the sky.
Is this a display of great confidence or just foolishness?
Whatever.
We will proceed according to our plan.
...I used to think that way.
I don't understand what's happening.
My head feels like it's going to explode...
Why did it turn out like this!?
I lost my words at the scene before me.
What happened was this:
As expected, about 60 Holy Knights attacked.
This was fine, as it was part of the plan.
However, if they were to ambush, they would have chosen the battlefield.
Moreover, they dug a tunnel through this vast area to a narrow, winding path leading to a square.
If we didn't engage here, it would be like announcing that we had set a trap, and we had no choice but to engage.
Whether the enemy set a trap or not, we had no choice but to engage, which is a painful situation.
In my heart, I apologized to Veldora, "Sorry, Veldora! Your turn might not come."
I moved to a new location and met Hinata.
The battle began beside him...
The first thing I noticed was that the Zekkyous (Revenants) were the main force, clashing with the Holy Knights.
"Unbelievable! Our attacks aren't working on these guys!"
"What's going on? They're not even undead!"
The Holy Knights' voices were filled with shock.
Instead of answering, the Zekkyous' soldiers cut them with knives, injuring the Holy Knights.
Using their bodies as bait, they managed to land a blow on the high-ranking Holy Knights.
I was impressed by how well they fought, using their immortality to their advantage.
I thought it would turn into a one-sided battle with the Holy Knights regaining their composure.
However, within three minutes, the Holy Knights were collapsing.
As expected, the Zekkyous' superior strength made it impossible to win with immortality alone, so the plan was to tie them down at the front.
But the result was that the Zekkyous, unharmed, were regenerating, while the Holy Knights were down.
The fallen Holy Knights were quickly recovered by goblin riders, tied up, and buried to immobilize them.
"Hehe, Mr. Holy Knight. The moment we landed a blow, we won. You see, this knife is coated with a powerful sleeping drug. Prepare an antidote, or only those with poison resistance can withstand it."
A low-ranking soldier explained with a smug face.
Is this real?
The situation of Holy Knights being explained by a low-ranking soldier made my head spin.
Of course, the battle situation is not just that.
This peculiar strategy only worked against the group that faced the Zekkyous.
The subsequent units were not complacent and attacked without taking a hit.
Their shining armor almost covered their entire bodies, making it difficult to injure them even if they were hit.
They only managed to graze them, thinking they had inflicted a fatal wound.
However, the grazes were enough to force over ten to withdraw from the battle. It was a significant achievement, and they did very well.
But about 50 were still left.
The Holy Knights faced them with a united mindset.
The Zekkyous were the main force, supported by the Biryuus and goblin riders.
Through a seamless coordination linked by their thoughts, they fought the high-ranking Holy Knights on equal terms.
Reducing their numbers initially was a significant advantage, allowing for better coordination.
But, what?
Was this the plan?
While I fought Hinata, they were to desperately try to tie him down?
Ignoring my confusion, Shion gave a signal.
In response, Diablo, floating in the air, grinned and nodded.
(Kehahaha. Leave it to me. But, Shion, you take responsibility.)
He flew off happily.
Wait? Wasn't he supposed to be watching from above?
The place he flew to had a small Holy Knight unit doing something, probably setting up a barrier.
Thanks to the surveillance network linked by Souei's shadow and the thought link, a vast amount of information flowed in, giving a clear picture of the situation.
However, it didn't seem like a situation where Diablo needed to act...
While I was thinking this, Shion pointed with his chin.
At the end of his gesture were Gobta and Gabiru.
They looked at each other.
(This feels a bit different from what was discussed in the strategy meeting, doesn't it?)
(You're right! Why are we fighting a strong-looking opponent?)
Gobta and Gabiru's thoughts were filled with questions.
I also found it strange. I'm glad I wasn't the only one.
However,
(Are you idiots? Move quickly or be the test subjects for a new dish. Which do you prefer?)
Shion's thought made them reluctantly agree.
Well, they might not have really agreed,
(I understand! I was thinking of causing some trouble. Of course, I'll pass on the cooking!)
(Fast, Gabiru! We're leaving you behind!)
They hurried off.
No, you're not wrong.
But it's strange. For some reason, Gobta and Gabiru are in a bad situation.
Joining them, five of Souei's subordinates and Hakuro started running.
Coincidentally, they became a group of eight, matching the number of the Holy Knight unit. It seems they are to suppress the unit.
But, eh? Shion, are you commanding now? That wasn't the plan?
(Souei, we've arrived at our position. I'll handle one unit.)
Souei's telepathy reached me.
Ah, I see. Souei has already agreed... Well, with Souei and his subordinates back, and Gabiru's group providing support, it makes sense.
If that's the case, they are heading in three directions, and the enemy has two units left.
One is, of course, Shion, who looks very enthusiastic!
Then, the remaining unit?
(My master, I'm ready to go. Permission to proceed!)
(Ranga, you were up?)
(Yes! I feel light. I was doing some light exercise to warm up...)
Hmm.
This, this is dangerous to let him loose! My danger sense is tingling.
Well, the danger is not to me but to the enemy...
(O, oh! Don't go overboard. Don't kill the enemy...)
(I'll take care of it!)
Ranga roared happily and charged forward.
Now, I can only wish for the Holy Knights' safety. Good luck! (This is a secret.)
Shion, looking satisfied, licked his lips.
His pink tongue looked seductively wet.
Turning to me,
"Then, Mr. Rimuru, I'll be back!"
He nodded vigorously, gathered his strength, and leaped into the air.
Ah, good luck... What?
This is the flow of events.
Do you understand why my head is so confused?
It seems the plan was drastically changed at some point.
Clearly, the goal was to create a one-on-one situation with Hinata, free from interference.
But... eh? This wasn't supposed to feel like this.
Let's change our perspective.
Perhaps, from the beginning, it was supposed to feel like this.
Adjusting my mindset, the situation seems ideal.
There are no problems.
Thus, I face Hinata.
Hinata, who seemed to have something to say, had a bitter expression...
Suddenly, he started laughing as if shaking off something.
"So, that's it. In the end...
I overthought it. Was I right? Was I wrong?
Let's decide the outcome with the most straightforward method, as has been passed down.
Are you ready? For a one-on-one duel.
Slime Demon King... no, Rimuru.
I acknowledge you. Given the current situation, tricks are useless.
All my strategies and precautions against you were pointless.
I feel a sense of powerlessness that I've never felt before.
The situation is already our defeat. There's no point in you fighting here.
But if you want me to recognize your thoughts, defeat me.
If you defeat me, I'll listen to your thoughts!
Not just you, but I'll believe that there are those who can understand monsters.
Naturally, if you refuse to fight, we will fight to the death."
Hinata, with a resolute gaze, looked at me.
His expression, free of any sharpness, made him look younger than his age.
In fact, he looked like a high school student.
Compared to the mature Hinata from before, the current Hinata felt more natural.
He must have thrown off all the burdens and decided to face this simple battle.
As he said, the situation is already our victory. However, I have a reason to fight him.
This is the situation I wanted, and there's no reason to refuse.
To open his eyes.
"Alright, I accept the challenge! I'll use my full strength to refute your thoughts!"
At that moment, a promise was made between us.
A promise that neither could break.
And now, words are unnecessary, and the battle begins.