How to Survive as a Genius Spy in the Game – Chapter 281 – Reorganization (2)

Author: Dawn

“She specifically asked me to tell you not to visit Her Majesty until then, and to focus on taking care of your body and improving your swordsmanship.”

I thought about going to express my gratitude separately since my body had fully recovered and I had received the elixir, but it didn’t seem necessary.

I didn’t question what she would say. I was curious, but now wasn’t the time to worry about that.

To be honest, it’s nonsense to think that training now would elevate me to the realm of Sword Lord, and even advancing one step is difficult.

But still, I have to do it. Not to inflict damage on the Great Devil, but to dodge its attacks even once more and draw its attention.

Even in the sky, it was recently that I fought with a devil in its complete state. Based on that, I need to do as much image training as possible.

That’s how we can increase the probability of my survival even if we win.

‘What’s the point if I’m not there after everything is over?’

I put the elixir in my room. I judged it would be better to take it at night. First, I had to head to the imperial palace.

After the battle with the devil, the Sword Masters were putting their heads together and sharing their sword techniques.

Only I, Denif, Mondegreen, and Faorn had participated in the battle, so there was a need to share that information.

Especially, it was important how to respond according to each other’s swordsmanship, and we had to coordinate with allies in actual combat.

Erendil ordered me to rest, and I also focused on recovery, but I heard a lot of talk through Terka.

Particularly, the Sword Masters said multiple times that I should join quickly as soon as I recovered. It wasn’t because my swordsmanship was particularly outstanding.

‘It’s because of the flight.’

In the final battle with the devil, my flight using winds showed weaknesses, but we couldn’t not use it either.

We don’t know what kind of situation will unfold. Based on that experience, we need to hone it a bit more and other Sword Masters need to test flight as well.

Suddenly, I felt I vaguely understood how the founding emperor became a Sword Lord. Even now, it’s fair to say that all the Sword Masters of the continent have gathered.

Since there were no dangers after that, it was certain that we were the first such elite group since the founding emperor.

And the fight during the founding emperor’s time was much longer than now. They would have accumulated experience fighting devils and Sword Masters would have gathered to put their heads together and train each other.

It makes sense that the founding emperor, who was exceptionally talented among them, gained another insight.

‘Well, we can’t wait for that though.’

Rather than hoping for someone to become a Sword Lord while we drag out time among ourselves, attacking the Great Devil quickly increases our chances of victory.

My thoughts had gone on too long. I packed my things and left the lodging. It was time to sharpen my mind and body again.

***

Flight, swordsmanship, and training with the Sword Masters continued for several days. I also took the elixir Erendil gave me, but didn’t see much effect.

It felt more like a tonic, I suppose. Of course, it was better than nothing. It did feel like the fatigue from training was completely wiped away.

It’s not that I didn’t meet Erendil at all during this time. I participated in the meetings with Count Campbell and other staff.

However, we didn’t talk separately. Erendil was also extremely busy. The temporary base in the East was nearing completion, and she had to pay attention to the deployment of allied forces.

‘The contact’s matter as well.’

While the location of the Great Devil is still a mystery, the ‘Star Cluster’ in the East was proving more helpful than expected.

We were able to know the approximate number and composition of enemy troops, and how they were preparing for us.

Excluding the Great Devil, we were in a superior position. Because there was no massive country like the Empire in the East, they were taking the form of an allied force.

The difference was clear both numerically and qualitatively. Also, this could likely cause problems with the chain of command.

We can think back to the war with the West. The West, which was an allied force, scattered and fled after one defeat.

It means the East is likely to do the same. Moreover, the southern part of the East hadn’t fallen into the hands of devil worshippers yet. It’s a place that had no exchanges in the past due to different religions.

It didn’t seem like the South would side with us, but it also didn’t seem like they would become our enemies. This was good news for us.

‘The most important thing is that we learned about the enemy’s supply routes.’

The biggest worry when crossing into the East was the supply problem. Even if we plundered as we advanced, it wouldn’t be enough to feed a large army.

The biggest gain was confirming the enemy’s supply routes and logistics bases through the information provided by ‘Star Cluster’.

This was a fact that had been cross-verified through agents in the East. That’s why our march is set to pass through that route.

The plan was for me and a few Sword Masters to form a separate unit and occupy the logistics base first.

There was a possibility that the enemy might explode or burn down the entire logistics base in case of emergency. Our mission was to prevent that.

Of course, we weren’t 100% trusting Star Cluster yet. We had confirmed that the information provided by that organization was true, but it could still be a reverse trap.

‘They might give accurate information at first and then stab us in the back later.’

Of course, I was almost certain through the Fog Valley that the contact person wasn’t associated with devils. However, since I hadn’t seen the internal informant, it was too early to abandon suspicion.

It could be that the internal informant, whom we and Star Cluster consider a double agent, is thinking that way.

This was also a bit of a headache. There might come a time when we act on the information and can’t verify it at a crucial moment.

It can’t be helped. We have to take the immediate benefit. If such a situation unfolds later, we’ll have to think of a second-best plan.

Anyway, we were doing everything we could. The South including Haisen and the West including Casmak Rodri had crossed the eastern mountain range.

Now all that’s left is the final battle in the East. I could only hope that the Great Devil’s incompleteness was greater than I thought.

And two more days passed. The meetings now felt boring and frustrating. It was a repetition of what had been said before.

Worries and anxiety factors, more worries and anxiety factors, focusing on preparation rather than positive things.

So, tomorrow at dawn, we will move to the East by dragon-powered vehicle. Tomorrow won’t be the decisive battle, but it was inevitable to feel tense.

And since today was my appointment with Erendil, I headed to the imperial palace after dinner.

***

At the imperial palace, Erendil greeted me in the reception room used by the emperor. It was a place where you could see the entire capital. This was a spectacle on a different level from the room Erendil used before.

On a night with a bright moon, the white city of Chenarus seemed to be illuminating the world with soft moonlight.

“Your Majesty.”

“You’ve come.”

“Yes. Are you feeling alright? You look tired.”

“When was it ever different?”

Erendil smiled with a tired face. After returning, we were probably similarly fatigued, both mentally and physically.

“It was different before.”

“How long ago are you talking about?”

“Well, when Your Majesty was a princess, didn’t you have some leisure?”

“I wonder.”

At my words, Erendil looked out the window with a subtle expression. The moonlight reflected on the white city touched Erendil’s pale face.

“I never thought I had leisure in the imperial palace before you came. I was always tense in the midst of boredom. No, it would be more accurate to say I was scared.”

“Were you a bit better after I came?”

“At first, I was flustered. I was being swept up in a flow I didn’t understand. However, gradually the fear disappeared and I gained confidence. Looking at it that way, your words are correct. Yes, it was different before.”

Because it was the day before the decisive battle, there were teacups instead of alcohol on the table. Erendil took a sip and elegantly put down the teacup without making a sound.

“However, I tilted my head because even with you here, it’s not much different now. It would be a lie to say I’m not afraid, but not as much as before, when you weren’t here.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. As we advance to face the Great Devil now, aren’t you by my side? I believe in you and I believe in myself who believes in you.”

“I believe in Your Majesty too.”

“Yes. We’ve done well so far.”

Erendil smiled brightly. I also pulled up the corners of my mouth in response.

“Was there any gain from the harmony with the Sword Masters?”

“If you’re asking about the realm, no. However, we’ve coordinated a lot. Although it’s based on the devil as a model, I’m not without confidence.”

“That’s fortunate.”

“Your Majesty, I have something to say.”

I continued speaking while watching Erendil’s reaction. Erendil turned to look at me with wide eyes. A hint of tension and curiosity was visible.

“When we face the Great Devil…”

The tension and curiosity on Erendil’s face faded at my following words. That didn’t mean it wasn’t serious.

“If the Great Devil dodges Teme’s Spear that Your Majesty throws…”

“Didn’t we say the Sword Masters would sacrifice themselves to hold it down?”

“If even that is of no use…”

The atmosphere became more serious. Erendil now looked at me with slightly fearful eyes.

“I will take the Great Devil into the non-existent season.”

“Wh-what are you saying?”

Erendil hastily continued. It was understandable to misunderstand. Of course, I didn’t mean I would sacrifice myself.

Even while talking with the Sword Masters, I was keeping the worst in mind. Preparation was also necessary.

We naturally had to consider the possibility that we might not be able to hold down the Great Devil. The non-existent season was a move I came up with.

“I don’t mean I’ll die.”

To make contact with the Great Devil, there’s a high chance I’ll take damage, but if it’s just simple contact rather than inflicting damage, it’s a different story.

The probability of dying isn’t high. Of course, it’s my hope, but I was confident.

“Throw Teme’s Spear exactly 20m behind the direction where I make contact with the Great Devil, 2 seconds later.”

“…You mean you’ll lure the Great Devil in there. No. It’s too dangerous.”

Actually, this was the third plan. We already had two plans for the tactic of throwing Teme’s Spear against the Great Devil we imagined.

The first attack was planned to take place in the non-existent season. First, I and Erendil would move together.

At that time, we confirmed that the Great Devil can be sensed through the dark purple sphere, so we would throw the spear towards it. It would be best if the Great Devil falls at this point.

If not, the second plan was for the Sword Masters to draw attention and throw the spear.

“I’m just saying this as a precaution. In case the first two plans don’t work well.”

The first plan has a high chance of working. But I’m not sure about the second. That’s why I thought of the third.

It might be that I’m worrying too much, but I wanted to be certain. I have no intention of dying.

However, my past life living in this world was telling me that I had to risk my life to live. I have to take risks.

It’s important that I survive when everything is over, but I can’t let things go wrong trying to save my life.

“Your Majesty, it’s just a contingency plan for the worst-case scenario.”

Once we cross into the East, I plan to practice with Erendil, but for now, it was important to soothe her. Erendil is very worried about my well-being.

“…I understand.”

It took a little time, but Erendil finally agreed. I bowed my head briefly in gratitude.

“I also have something to say to you.”

“I’m listening.”

“Do you remember? Before I became emperor, I told you to tell me what you wanted later.”

“I remember.”

“And you said you didn’t want anything.”

“Yes.”

“Then, may I decide that wish for you?”

I silently looked at Erendil. Erendil hesitated for a moment, moving her lips, then continued.

“Ask for me.”

“…”