Chapter 10 The Paladin, Thinks on the Battlefield
#KyoudoushaThe Paladin Reflects on the Battlefield
“Damn it, damn it, damn it!”
I scream, hurling the broken sword that was once my pride and joy.
The sword strikes a goblin in the face, but another goblin shoves it aside and lunges at me.
“Choose weapons for durability, not sharpness; a broken weapon is useless on the battlefield.”
Veiss-sensei’s words echo in my head.
Sensei, you were right! Damn it!
It’s been a month since Sensei left.
Although he was well-liked, I was secretly relieved that only a few clan members were deserters.
The clan’s operations, which I had been worried about, have been running smoothly—though my workload has increased.
I’m amazed at how much Sensei used to handle on his own…
After a month of training, our clan’s skill levels improved. With our supplies and equipment ready, we set out with high spirits.
Based on past experiences, everything seemed manageable.
Without Sensei around to nag, the past month had been surprisingly comfortable.
Should I have done this sooner?
No, that was the only opportunity I had.
It coincided with Sensei’s faction leaving on an expedition.
When they return, it might be troublesome, but I can handle it.
As Sensei often said, water flows downhill, and people follow the path of least resistance.
An eloquent saying.
It was unexpected that Monica suddenly became distant, but with enough money, I can attract other women.
I don’t dislike Sensei; I even owe him a lot.
But I want to rise higher, even if it means using him as a stepping stone.
Despite being the leader, I still hear people praising him. And that’s a problem for me.
The weak are to blame; I learned that while surviving in the slums.
I don’t regret my choices.
I shouldn’t.
For this expedition, the lord even hosted a parade to display his power— Likely to introduce his future son-in-law too.
The music, the crowd’s cheers…
Our clan marched proudly.
But!
I never expected things to turn out like this!
Damn it!
At this rate, the noble life I’ve dreamed of will crumble!
In frustration, I strike down the goblin in front of me.
“Rick! Give me your weapon!”
I order Rick, my aide, to hand over his weapon.
He’s carrying a storage bag full of weapons—there should be plenty.
“Rick is dead! A goblin crushed his head!”
Gomez, fighting beside me, shouts in panic.
“What?! Damn it, damn it!”
I glance back—Rick’s absence confirms Gomez’s words.
“Always carry your own gear, Sieg, including spare weapons. With tools like storage bags, there’s no excuse.”
“Gomez! Lend me your spare weapon—anything, even a club!”
“My God, what a selfish leader…”
Gomez sighs, pulls a club from his bag, and tosses it to me.
Catching it, I activate my skill.
“Take this, you bastards!”
Paladin Skill [God’s Hammer]!
Goblins within a 10-meter radius are pulverized!
Filthy fluids spray everywhere; the surviving goblins tremble.
“Using powerful skills creates openings—always have teammates cover you.”
Just as I pause, a stone flies at me—
“Gah!”
It strikes my head, almost knocking me unconscious.
“You… bastards!”
Crushing a stimulant hidden in my back teeth, I clear my mind and steady myself.
Damn it! It tastes awful, as always!
…Sensei taught me about this stimulant too...
Could he have handled this situation better?
I wipe the sticky goblin fluids off me.
The stench is unbearable.
No matter how many I kill.
They just keep coming!
Hundreds must have fallen by now!
Who claimed there were only a hundred or two hundred?!
While resting near the forest where the Demon Lord supposedly resides, we were suddenly attacked by a small group of goblins.
Assuming they’d retreat after a few losses, I ordered the novice adventurers to drive them away.
But they didn’t retreat.
Instead, more swarmed out of the forest.
The camp was torn apart, chaos consuming everything.
Even seasoned warriors faltered under such relentless assault.
Swinging my weapon furiously, I tried to push back, but the tide was endless.
I underestimated them, assuming they were ordinary goblins.
This is a trap.
A basic strategy Sensei taught—ambush the weary.
Damn it.
This is no ordinary goblin king!
Gradually, I noticed I was being separated from my clan.
Monica and the others were nowhere in sight.
They’re strong, but I can’t help worrying—especially about Monica.
…I still have plenty of strength and magic, but…
“Sieg, you can still fight, but it’s already too dangerous.”
…I understand, Sensei.
“Everyone! Retreat! I’ll clear the path! Regroup at the clan house—don’t die!”
My shout is met with cries of agreement.
Your trump card isn’t just for defeating enemies; it’s for survival. Always have a backup plan.”
Time to play my trump card.
Damn it! I didn’t want to use it—it’s too costly!
But it’s better than dying!
Hero Skill [May God Punish You]!
A giant angel with a flaming sword descends onto the battlefield.
A divine embodiment of wrath, clad in white armor.
This is the power I gained from defeating the Demon Lord Fallen Angel!
Yes, we even conquered a Demon Lord—
There’s no way we’ll lose to a goblin king!
Let’s retreat and regroup!
The goblins hesitate, fear in their eyes.
That’s right—be afraid!
“Sweep them away!”
Kaboom!
With one strike, the angel obliterates the goblins’ ranks.
Not even ash remains.
“Now! Retreat!”
“Woooooah!”
Feeling the skill’s cost drain my body, I run.