A Warrior Exiled by the Hero and His Lover

Chapter 230: The battle of leaders

Deep in the forest, a small group of warriors set up their campsite. Even the most experienced in battle couldn’t hide their nervousness.

For several days now, a large number of monsters had been gathering on the opposite side of the island. Three leaders were in command of them. For those leaders, who had already taken control of much of the island, this was likely their final rebellion.

In reality, there was also a path of coexistence. They could be used by the humans, but it could avoid this last battle that would cause great sacrifices. 

However, they chose to fight. If someone asks who’s acting wrongly, it would undoubtedly be us. But more and more humans are taking a stance on the island. It’s just a matter of time before someone else comes here instead of us.

So, wouldn’t it be an act of mercy to let them go with dignity as kings?

“The enemy leader is threefold. Torrent of the Ghost Tree, Blue Twisted Troll, and the Black Hound of Madness. Of them, the Black Hound is the strongest. Don’t let your guard down and make sure to come back alive,” Nei’s voice echoed.

The group members responded enthusiastically to Nei’s command. The five group leaders were also silently filled with vigor.

“Are the group leaders going to be bystanders again this time?” Kiaris threw sarcastic words.

Many have accepted me as a group leader thanks to Nei’s recommendation. But on the other hand, I also know that my abilities are still being questioned. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate my authority.

“I’m going too. I’ll take the lead and follow me afterwards.”

“Are you serious? Are you going to fight against a monster that can take on multiple group leaders?”

“Then, I’ll let you take care of the other two while I handle one.”

“Understood. If the group leader says so, let’s do it that way. I would like to see the vice leader Nei’s abilities as well.”

I’m sorry to disappoint you, but it won’t be a grand battle to witness.

By the way, there are also three attack groups since the enemy is threefold.

The central group, which I lead, is targeting the Black Hound. Nei and two other leaders will take on the Blue Twisted Troll. Meanwhile, another group led by Kiaris will go after the Torrent of the Ghost Tree.

The starting whistle blew and the group members began to move out one by one. The members of the group I lead were also restless, weapons in hand.

“Wait for me to clear the way for you. I’ll let you know when to attack.”

The group members were surprised by my words.

I raised my right hand and concentrated magic in it, causing a strong gust of wind to form.

I’ve been practicing magic for a while now. Although it’s not perfect, I can control the flow with great ease.

“Wind!”

A strong wind swept through the forest, digging into the ground and lifting the trees into the sky.

“Now!”

A straight path appeared out of nowhere. The group members were astonished.

“What are you standing around for? Let’s go. This is our chance, and keep formation.”

As if my subordinates snapped back to reality, they shook their heads and proceeded to move forward.

We came face-to-face with a large black Hound. The monsters on this island are larger than usual, making us look like dwarves in comparison.

“I’ll fight the boss, you take care of the other monsters.”

“Understood!”

A middle-aged adventurer with glasses responded.

Before joining the Manyu Brigade, he was known as a low-level adventurer. Thanks to Nei’s acceptance, he has improved greatly and is now the deputy leader of the group. Nei had secretly chosen him as the leader of this specific group.

He gave precise instructions and prevented the members from being overwhelmed by the enemies.

“Grrrrr”

The monster boss crouched down and looked at me cautiously. It was clear that he was planning to defeat me with a single strike, as he bared his fangs. Surely, he has realized that I am a threat to him.

“Leader Toru?”

“Don’t worry.”

I swung my hand, and the Black Hound was cleaved in two. For almost a year now, I have been defeating all the monsters I have encountered in this manner. My power has increased to such an extent that it’s truly absurd.

I’m starting to feel bad for not being able to use my sacred sword for so long.

“Kill only those who want to fight. Don’t chase after those who flee.”

The soldiers were still perplexed by what I had just done, so it took them a few seconds to react.

****

Running at high speed through the forest, I came across the left group.

The battle had already begun.

Soldiers and monsters were mixed in seemingly uncontrollable chaos. The leader, Kiaris, fought fiercely against the Shadow Trento.

“Kyoooooh!”

Kiaris’s sharp strike with a strange cry cut through the enemy’s body. However, the thick and tough skin remained unaffected by the sword.

“What tough skin. If we can reach the core, we’ll have the advantage, but the blade won’t reach. One-handed swords and three-sectioned maces are a disadvantage. If there’s any chance, it’s with Nanbara.”

“Do you want me to help?”

“You! What are you doing here? What happened to the Black Hound?”

Kiaris was surprised to see me, his eyes widening.

“Don’t worry about it, it’s already taken care of.”

“Even though you’ve dealt with it, there’s quite a distance between here and where the central group is. How did you get here so quickly?”

Of course, I ran. It’s nothing I’m proud of, but my legs are faster than any monster’s.

“As expected from our leader, Toru. Nanbara is grateful that you’ve taken care of that.”

“…Thank you, although I would have liked to know if you needed any help.”

“It’s not necessary. We can handle this ourselves.”

Kiaris responds before Nanbara can do so.

And even though Kiaris refused, it was obvious that they were having trouble. The group was getting increasingly cornered by the Trento.

“In that case, I’ll take care of the other Trentos.”

“What will you do?”

Imitating the same motion I did with the Black Hound, I cut the Trento with a blade of wind.

Although I can’t eliminate it completely.

Trentos are magical creatures that secretly maintain the balance of the forest. Just like beneficial insects for the soil, it is all part of the ecosystem that cannot be disrupted.

After halving the Trento, I decided to head towards where Nei was.

****

Nei’s group was the most overwhelming.

They pushed forward regardless of the number of enemy trolls, who stood at a height of 5 or 6 meters. While they were clumsy and slow, their immense power made them stand out among the monsters. This group challenged the enemy in a display of strength, consisting of members who were passionate about physical combat.

Next to Nei was Gruzind, who used his fists as his most powerful weapon.

Following him was Baronina, wielding a saw-toothed sword, Dolz, who used a shield for striking, Shubi, with iron fingers, and other renowned warriors both within and outside the group. They were the ones who faced the most ferocious enemy among the three groups—the trolls.

However, there was a unique individual among these combat warriors.

“Why am I in this group? I’m a brain, not a fighter!”

It was Takigi, an alchemist who could hurl trolls into the air.

Despite being considered a brain, Takigi adapted perfectly. His abilities to create potions and enhance his comrades greatly increased the group’s strength. It seems that Takigi was a valuable addition to the right group, serving to support Nei. However, he was still underestimated.

“We defeated the boss! We won!”

Thanks to Nei and Gruzind’s efforts, the troll boss was defeated. The trolls, now leaderless, quickly dispersed, and the wounded monsters fled in different directions.

And so, the battle between humans and monsters on Odin Island ended with the victory of the humans.