Section 10: Tactician of the East and the Elderly King of the West - Middle

This must be the spell Taigong Wang cast. I know of a sorcerer in India who used similar tricks.

I believe the Indian sorcery was also based in thought magecraft, but the sheer power of this is vastly greater. It seems the rumors about Taigong Wang's prowess are true indeed.

D-did you say sorcery!?

Hehe, no need to fret.

I may not know exactly what it's for, but I'm fairly sure it won't cast a curse on us directly here in this corridor.

G-gotcha. Well, then I guess it's okay.

？！

That, I cannot say. Some spells linger even after their caster's death.

Still, I did see what I believe was the fox morphing into something else and beating a hasty retreat. It also seems clear that our enemies are all experienced fighters.

As such, I do not expect capturing the throne will be easy.

？！

Assuming this castle is built the same as ours...

...the throne should be at its center. At least as far as I am able to tell.

So if we can defeat this castle's lord and take the Tear of the Holy Grail in the throne, we should be able to claim ownership over this castle as well.

Once we have that, we can then remake the castle, like we did to guide the Dreadnought, and summon shadow knights to help us.

So, our objective is... Ah. Here we are.

Wait.

I knew it.

？！

Phew, that was brutal. I never was an expert at dealing with physical powerhouses like this.

...You expect us to believe that?

How did you manage to kill a beast like that?

Well, I was prepared for this kind of thing.

And now that you're all here in my castle, I can really throw everything I have into this fight.

Luring the tiger out of the mountain, eh?

Oh, is it that what later generations called this trick? Hmm, an evocative image. I like it!

Though of course, I would say we've got the tiger in this case.

Are you treating me like a tiger now, Chancellor? You never were one to mince words. Even when you should.

You see? In fact, I'd say he's even ten times more dependable than a tiger!

？！

Oho, so you know him too, Master? Just our luck that one of the great Eastern tacticians would also have one of the great Eastern generals on his side.

What about you? Are you all patched up?

Oh yes, physically, I'm all set. I could hardly call myself a professional otherwise.

Mentally, well, the less said there, the better. I still can't believe I'm fighting back-to-back battles without rest OR reward.

Just my luck, getting stuck with an actual beast as my boss.

I've also put down my own spell circles here, just to be extra safe.

Well, everyone, what do you say? It can't hurt to lay down your arms now.

...Good grief.

I knew you were from a time more ancient than mine, Taigong Wang, but I still wouldn't have guessed you had quite so many monsters lying around the Far East.

Your heroes may well be of a piece with Heracles or Achilles.

If it makes you feel better, you did give me a bit of a surprise too. I didn't expect you to make it all the way here.

Which is exactly why I suggest, in the strongest possible terms, that you surrender now.

If we fight this out, our side will doubtless suffer some injuries as well.

And I'll need all the resources I can get to take over the third castle.

？！

So, what do you say? Comply, and we'll treat you well.

Oh man, oh man! Wh-what're you going to do, Ptolemaîos!?

I mean, you're completely surrounded, right? This is checkmate, right? Right!?

...Yes. Finally, I can breathe a sigh of relief.

You've used all your tricks now, yes, Taigong Wang?

...Who can say?

Master! Are you ready!?

？！

Say what!?

It seems to me that you enjoy complicating war, tactician of the East. But for me, war is a simple thing.

Yes, we account for every outcome. We devise schemes and ambushes. There are, in truth, few things I love more than plotting an enemy's undoing.

But, in the end...

...it all comes down to enjoying the ride.

I see. So that's the kind of general you are.

I like that. I like that quite a lot!

Very well then! I, Prince Wucheng, shall gladly be your opponent!

Oh my. Teehee, you really do know how to divide and conquer, don't you?

Too bad, Taigong Wang. It looks like we're going to have to fight the exact sort of battle you hate.

Hehehehe.

Nice one, Ptolemaîos! You finally got my respect!

Just as I was getting sick of all this pain in the ass strategy crap!

...You're serious, aren't you?

I would never joke about such things. And, you know, I underestimated you as well.

From where I stand, I see a very respectable duel about to unfold. One well worth fighting.

Especially since our Master here is quite the rare find.

？！

Hold your head high, Master! You are going up against the famous Taigong Wang!

What's more, his top generals are Huang Feihu and the spitting image of Daji! Even his soldiers are shadowy demons!

What more could you ask for in an opponent!? Hahaha, I can't even remember the last time I was so excited!

Prepare yourself, tactician of the East! My Master and I are ready to face you and win!