Vol. 13 - Ch. 774 - Preparation for Conquer Day #3 - Dudel against Sword God 1

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The 3rd day of the war preparation. The clock must be ticking near 12:00 PM. After yesterday's negotiation, Allen seized the chance to train with Sword God Sestavenus starting at 1:00 PM.

Before training, like the earlier day, he went through daily war council using Bird F summon back at Heavy User Island.

«...The selection for skill strengthening group seems fine. However, I think you can still work on getting more members to reach skill level 6. Try to improvise the same number by 3%.»

(Wait, this one sounds like that company's boss asking his employee to improvise further. But, wow, I sure did dig up such an old memory.)

It suddenly occurred to Allen that he was sounding like the boss to whom he used to report during morning briefing sessions in his previous life. Even in his wildest dream, Kenichi must have never imagined that he would be reincarnated in another world, and repeat the same phrase to people despite the latter being several times above him in status.

"Understood!"

Commander of the dark elves nodded in reassurance. General Busenberg had already retreated into the S-rank dungeon for training skill level, so he was acting on the general's behalf. 

The meeting was mostly about learning progress of armies—like how many had leveled their skill, their current target, the status quo of supplies, the formation of strategies, or the coordination meeting with other armies. If he found something to be lacking, he would then point out its improvisation.

(I am really glad we have an army. We can focus on our training while they overlook the situation. ...Hn? What now.)

Just as the war council was about to be wrapped for the day, Allen noticed a brooding look on General Lud.

«Is something the matter, General Lud?»

In the war against demons, any doubts could fester and blow up big time. Allen wanted to make sure they're clear of this.

"I understand we must prepare a strategy for retreat if anything goes south. But, is it really necessary to prepare so many plans..."

«How well an army can operate demands our attention as well. However, make no mistake. The one to fight the Demon King's army is mainly us, that includes Shea too. We're not out there to destroy the entire castle. Hence, we must be prepared for retreat at any moment. Remember, our foremost priority is to secure Lupto. The more thorough we are, the less we put our people into danger.»

"Ugh... I understood."

Allen could tell General Lud was more worried the army had to retreat before Shea, but it was a risk they'd to take, and Allen simply countered with logic. 

Despite reminding him to prepare strategy for all sorts of scenarios, the only plans laid out were for offense. It also served as caution.

"You're right. We must train soldiers to make sure they don't fall behind when it's time to make an emergency retreat."

General Raibuck, the Shield King, nodded in realisation. His role was to lead a shield bearer squad, which meant they'd to be prepared to take attack and still retreat. 

«You've got it down, General Raibuck. When the army expands, we also might need to resort to teleportation, so I am counting on you. Alright, today's war council ends here.»

The maximum area Bird A could cover for teleportation was one kilometer. It was possible the army might end up big, in that case, it would depend on the tanks of the army to be the wall for smooth retreat. He understood the assignment; the better prepared they're, the less sacrifice they would've.

Meanwhile, while still in contest with Allen's arrangement, General Lud nodded in understanding. Affirming that, Allen called the meeting out. 

(As for me, I have to stop with Creation skill for now.)

With the war council coming to an end, Allen transferred his consciousness to Bird H nearby him. He noticed Merus's gaze, who continued to produce Heaven's Blessing.

«Thank you.»

"What are you saying? It's obvious we must make sure the Demon King never get his wish fulfilled."

Merus had heard Allen's statement too—that 'recovering Lupto is their utmost priority'—and expressed his gratitude. 

(Hmm, it's quite vague if God C can be unlocked before we begin our raid on the castle. Ideally, I would've wanted to clear the 3rd cycle too, and at least start with 4th. Alas, the deadline might not allow it.)

While he might have unlocked God B just yesterday, Allen had wanted to gather as many cards  as possible. 

[Summons Unlockable in Creation 3 Cycle]

—Skill Level 1 - Nil

—Skill Level 2 - Nil

—Skill Level 3 - Stone H Summon

—Skill Level 4 - Fish G Summon

—Skill Level 5 - Spirit F Summon

—Skill Level 6 - Dragon E Summon

—Skill Level 7 - Angel D Summon

—Skill Level 8 - God C Summon

[Skill Experience Required Each Level]

—Skill Level 2 - 10,000 experience

—Skill Level 3 - 100,000 experience

—Skill Level 4 - 1,000,000 experience (1 million)

—Skill Level 5 - 10,000,000 experience (10 million)

—Skill Level 6 - 100,000,000 experience (100 million)

—Skill Level 7 - 1,000,000,000 experience (1 billion)

—Skill Level 8 - 10,000,000,000 experience (10 billion)

※ The experience value remain regardless of cycle.

After calculating the growth phase of creation skill, Allen shifted his attention toward Sword God's Martial Hall.

"Haaa!"

"Take it!!"

Kurena and Dogora's loud shout rang in the area. Though, unlike yesterday, the intensity in Kurena's voice was lowered.

«Alright, it's time for a break. Have lunch at the usual spot, and wipe your sweat.»

Allen reminded his party members through «Transmission».

"Hungry..."

"Yup. It's time for lunch, Kurena."

(Hey, hey. But you cut short in your training today, Kurena.)

"Seriously, there is no need for you to put in training for us."

Carrying Kagutsuchi on his shoulder, Dogora exhaled, murmuring under his breath. As much exasperated he was, since the negotiation had been made yesterday, he didn't try to dissuade him further.

This wasn't the first provocation had been made. The last time it happened, War God Ophalia had to save Allen just as his neck was nearly about to be severed during his training with Sword God. 

«Kurena, put back my sacred artifact. I can't greet Allen empty-handed, eh. There's still some time before our spar, Allen.»

"A-alright."

Receiving Ascalon from Kurena, Sword God carried it on her shoulder, and grinned in provocation, as if to say 'now is your time to scamper if you're getting cold feet.'

"Sword God, I would urge you to rest. Hopefully, your lack of rest didn't hinder your strength."

"You really are doing it? Man, how are we going to save Lupto if anything happens to you."

He wasn't one to be a worrywart, but truly concerned this time, Dogora once again raised his voice. 

"You got it wrong. I am doing it precisely to safely bring back Lupto. We must do anything to prevent the worst ever fate from befalling on the world."

"But even summons are banned from this spar."

"Well, this was the condition after all. But buffs are allowed. Relax, I am prepared."

(Oh well, there goes my sweet dream of using Leon and his «Reincarnation» to bring him to exhaustion and then defeating him. I have to do it myself. Just you wait, Sword God, I will wipe that grin off your face.)

«Reincarnation», a passive skill of Leon, had the effect of reviving the user with full health, mana, while also keeping the buffs that were before being downed, and clearing any debuffs. 

The summons had no connection with the way of the sword, hence they're not allowed. During their negotiation, Sword God had flat out rejected them. But, since it was a spar for his comrades, buffs were allowed.

"I do not want to see you all burnt out in chase of strength."

"Dogora, this is better than losing comrades forever. So, instead of me, I want you to focus on yourself so that you can protect our friend with your secret technique. Even if you learned the skill, you would still require time for charge."

Learning a new skill wasn't the end, but merely the starting line to gain further strength. You must take further steps in learning about its effect, raising its level, and even experimenting with other skills. 

Of the 10 days deadline, 3 days had passed. They barely had sufficient timeframe to reach out everything.

Ideally, Allen had wanted to train with Sword God, while also unlocking God B summon. Though, even then, it was cutting very close considering Kurena and Dogora also required their time.

"......Fine, I got. Do as it fits you."

Facing Allen's unshakable resolve, Dogora knew nothing would change, and grumbled, as if exhaling out the bad breath. He left him behind, and walked toward the water magic tool installed at the edge of the field. 

(We saved the Divine Realm from demons. The gratitude and reward from the gods are long due.)

It was nearly a disaster for the Divine Realm when demons launched an unannounced raid. Many senior angels, including Murai, the instructor of Sword God's swordmanship, lost their lives. And even now, the Allen party had split up and helped out in damage control of the affected places.

After learning about sword god's technique from Kurena, Allen sought Sword God for a challenge. He had wanted to make the best out of this reward, extracting as much reward from Sword God. After all, their intervention had saved many angels and the Divine Realm.

Of course, Sword God wouldn't let Allen squeeze all that reward with nothing, and decisively put down some conditions of her own, and ultimately reached a common ground. 

(Well, it ended with quite a few conditions...)

[Challenge's Condition]

—A face-off with Sword God

—Allen would win if he managed to draw even one slash at Sword God

—Sword God would be using «Ascalon»

—Allen would use «Allen Sword» forged by Earth God

—Allen is forbid to summon his friends and summons

—Allen may use buffs

—Life and Death match

[If Allen Win]

—Armament made by Weapon God for every member, one mystic art, one ultimate technique

—The concerned members are Allen (Sword), Dogora (Axe), Ignomas (Spear), Formar (Bow)

Soon, the clock struck 1:00 PM. 

"Alright, everyone. Cast your buff on me!"

Allen had long left the field, preparing himself for the challenge against Sword God. As soon as Sophia and Roselina were back, he requested for their buffs.

"Got it."

Though none objected any further, everyone's eyes still reflected their concern, causing them to lag on their action. 

Merus, alone, took action and casted buff. He then returned back to work on Heaven's Blessing like usual. 

The match was going to be held at the Martial Hall where disciples of Sword God trained. Sword God's Martial Hall was occupied by a farm, so it wasn't usable.

«Heh, I see you didn't run away.»

Sword God let out a ferocious grin as she watched Allen walking inside. She had already been present there, the Ascalon resting on her shoulder. 

"I had requested it, so I wouldn't dare skimp on it. Now, shall we begin?"

«W-wow, he's really challenging Sword God in a serious duel.»

«I have seen many necks looping off their heads when the Sword God is serious.»

«Ugh, it sure is...»

The angels, and First Angel Kelvin had seen what happened when someone challenges Sword God. They're clearly startled by Allen's boldness. 

«Kelvin, you'll be the referee. I expect you to be faithful to the spirit of the sword.»

«Yes, sir!»

Once Sword God and Allen had taken their place at the centre of Martial Hall, both facing each other, Kelvin gave his cue to begin the duel.

«Then, began!»

"......"

Allen held the sword in his two hands, unwavering, however remained still in his position despite the signal. 

«Oh my, what is it? Are you getting cold feet this late? Then, let me do the favour!!»

After taking taunt on Allen, Sword God made the first move. She took a step first, and with a blinding speed, her figure blurred as she closed the distance, her ponytail jolting due to her action.

(So fast?!)

Even before he could've replied, Ascalon had already drew closer to his neck.

T/N - If your preferred genre is dungeon x light-hearted story, try out LET ME SPEND MONEY, DAMMIT!