Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent - Chapter 470: The Mountain Golem

Chapter 470: The Mountain Golem

Troy Asrahan didn’t come alone. He brought two warriors with him who were also Transcendent Knights.

The atmosphere was tense and it looked like it would explode at any moment.

Facing the old marquis, Troy furrowed his eyebrows. “I would like to speak with His Highness.”

Tyrone was about to say something when Leighnard patted his shoulder.

“Please step aside, Lord Tyrone. I want to hear what Lord Troy has to say.”

Hearing this, Tyrone took a step back, but he kept his eyes on the trio.

Leighnard turned his head and smiled faintly. “You can speak freely, Lord Troy.”

This guy had spoken with him yesterday and expressed his disapproval about the decision to send the war prisoners as cannon fodder.

He said that the surrendered enemies shouldn’t be mistreated.

Troy had even quarreled with Tyrone over this matter, but Leighnard still didn’t budge even with his strong persuasion.

Troy cleared his throat before he spoke with a heavy tone. “Your Highness, we cannot continue with this inhuman behavior anymore! They may be enemies, but they were only forced by their foolish leaders! We must stop this madness at once!”

Troy came from House Asrahan who were known for their chivalry and strict discipline.

His father, the former lord of House Asrahan came from a humble background so he taught his children to respect everyone regardless of their status.

Troy followed his father’s footsteps and even the members of House Asrahan were indoctrinated with this belief.

Leighnard patiently listened with a calm expression.

“I understand your frustrations, Lord Troy, but we are at war.” He shook his head, his tone becoming increasingly serious.

“Sending those people would prevent us from losing our own troops. Do you want me to send our warriors instead?”

Troy frowned, but he couldn’t give up just yet.

“Your Highness, I didn’t say that. We can think of a better plan. We don’t need to send those people to their deaths.”

Leighnard sighed and shook his head. “We don’t have much time to come up with a better plan. If we continue to dawdle, Harune will only send reinforcements. If that happens, more of our troops will die.”

He stared deeply at the other and said.

“Lord Troy, if you do not wish to participate in this battle, then you are free to leave.”

“My actions might be evil in your eyes, but I don’t mind becoming a devil as long as I can minimize our casualties.”

“If you have nothing else to say, please leave. I don’t want to hear any more of this.” Leighnard waved his hand dismissively.

Troy revealed a look of disappointment. He let out a deep sigh and lowered his head. “I apologize for disturbing, Your Highness.”

After apologizing, he turned around and left with his subordinates.

Tyrone who was observing the whole situation furrowed his eyebrows and expressed his inner thoughts. “House Asrahan is one of the most powerful neutral houses in the central region. It might not do you good to confront them, Your Highness.”

“I know. They are too principled and difficult to control. I already expected this kind of response from him when I decided to send those war prisoners as cannon fodder. Just leave them be.” Leighnard wasn’t too worried about them.

House Asrahan was loyal to the emperor so he knew that they would never betray them.

Tyrone no longer said anything when he noticed the slight annoyance in the crown prince’s voice.

…

“My lord, what should we do? His Highness has already made up his mind and I don’t think he can still be persuaded.”

Troy shook his head with a helpless look. “We tried our best. There is nothing more we can do. Besides, His Highness is right. We are pressed for time and Harune might send reinforcements at any moment.”

“Although it disheartens me, we can only follow His Highness’ commands.”

Hearing their lord’s words, they could only accept it reluctantly.

Troy stopped in his tracks, brought his palms together, and prayed solemnly.

Aru, please forgive His Highness’s actions. I can feel that he is not an evil man. He is only forced to make this decision as the crown prince of Astania. As for the poor men who were killed because of his decisions, please guide them into your divine kingdom and give their souls the peace they deserve…

***

Beyond the eastern gates of Halona, an intense battle was raging between the city’s military forces and the invading Astanian troops.

One could see a towering figure defending the gates with its own body.

It was the Mountain Golem.

It stood at a height of forty meters which was even taller than the city walls.

At this moment, this towering beast was being bombarded with artillery fire from mana cannons and large boulders from the trebuchets.

“My lord, we are running out of beast soul crystals and ballista arrows. What are your orders?” An urgent report was delivered by the artillery unit.

Dominic’s expression darkened upon hearing this.

“Inform the artillery unit to temporarily stop firing the mana cannons and ballistas while we procure more supplies from the main army.” He instructed.

The messenger bowed his head to acknowledge the command. “I will deliver your words to them, my lord.”

“You may leave.” Dominic dismissed him.

After the messenger left, Dominic turned his head to Lucas. “What do you think, Lucas?”

They have been fighting the Mountain Golem for two days, but it showed no signs of exhaustion. It continued to defend the eastern gates and prevented the Astanian troops from advancing.

“The Mountain Golem might be powerful, but it is still a living creature. It has already taken some damage from our artillery so it should reveal a flaw soon.”

Lucas had been observing the monster for a while and he noticed that a significant part of its outer armor was broken.

He believed that it would likely reveal its weakness if it received more damage.

“We cannot let it regenerate. Otherwise, all those efforts would be for naught.”

While saying this, he unsheathed his sword.

“I will make sure that it won’t be able to heal itself.”