Chương 38: Chapter 38 - Aftermath

The aftermath of the battle was almost completely silent. The only sounds that could be heard were the shuffling of feet and slow, careful footsteps. There were no voices, or cheering, or shouting, just silence as if the men were waiting for the next surprise that would hit them.

I hadn't moved from my position, I was in the same spot I'd been in when Oars had started his massacre. My gaze was on the now-empty battlefield. Crows and other birds and creatures I couldn't identify were picking and moving across the battlefield and, devouring the dead flesh. Red coated everything, not a single thing was left untouched. It was a hellish scene that one might only expect to find in nightmares or a horror film. Every now and then a soldier still somehow alive would scream or cry out, and Oars would walk over and stomp them flat.

No mercy. No survivors.

Nobody bothered me, clearly, they knew I wasn't in a particularly good mood, though it wasn't exactly in a bad one either. Asara for her part was a solid and unmovable guardian at my side. She stood still and silent, offering me comfort with her presence alone, just as Lilah did. Domino was sat with her back against the wall, and she periodically shot worried frowns at me. Her concern warmed my cold heart, though I couldn't find it in me to smile.

I wasn't sad or angry at myself. I wasn't some sort of isekai protagonist who was going to fall into depression or turn this into a life lesson about war not being the answer. I was more in shock of the power I know held. To know that I could with a thought summon a group of individuals that could tear apart an army with ease, that I could withstand swords and arrows, and was enhanced beyond the human limit.

A sudden breeze blew past bringing with it the scent o death and rot. I held back a gag and winced a the smell. I'd smelled bad things before but this was a hundred times worse than anything else I'd ever smelled. The smell passed a few seconds later but some of it lingered, adding to the sickening sight of the battlefield.

"I know that smell," Domino noted. "Dead flesh, piss, shit, and fuck knows what else. You'll get used to it."

I nodded, knowing she was right. I would, in time, get used to it, because I would need to and because this wasn't going to be the last time something liked this happened.

After an unknown amount of time, Leone and my other summons finally approached me. They didn't speak for a few minutes, instead just standing beside me or close by and gazing out at the carnage we had wrought together. Eventually, Leone, to know one's surprise broke the silence.

"So.... anyone else wanna get something to eat?"

I couldn't help but let out a laugh which earned me a smile from her and a relieved look from some of the others. Their care for me truly was something I was happy about. There were not just tools, but friends and allies, and maybe someday for some of them, something more.

"We don't need to eat," Domino said. "You do know that?"

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean we can't," Leone replied. "And I'm not giving up food so easily."

"Master?" Blair said in a slow purr. "Are you ok?"

I nodded. "I was just processing everything."

I turned and gave them all a smile. "You guys did amazing. From start to finish you guys defended this fort and have made me proud to call you my summons and my friends. You fought amazingly and to the best of your abilities. Without you guys, we would not have won this day."

They all have different reactions to that. Leone and Twice looked ecstatic, while Zombieman and Domino tried to play it off, though I didn't miss the happy smirks on their faces. Gible yelled his usual phrase while Lilah placed a hand on my shoulder and bowed. Blair pressed herself against me and I gently rubbed her head, causing her to let out a pleased purr. Stalker and Rathlos let our roars, though Stalkers was far higher pitched due to his robotic body.

"Thank you, Captain," Oars said, his loud voice momentarily stopping all the soldiers in their tracks for a bit before they went back to their tasks. I smiled and gave Oars a nod. "Good job Oars, you did amazing."

"No problem, Captain," He said slowly. "You can count on me."

Now that I was feeling a bit better, I turned my attention to the flood of system notification I'd been ignoring up to this point.

[Congratulations! Lilah has Leveled up! Lilah is now Level 5]

[Congratulations! Leone has Leveled up! Leone is now Level 5]

[Congratulations! Gible has Leveled up! Gible is now Level 5]

[Congratulations! Domino has Leveled up! Domino is now Level 5]

[Congratulations! Migi has Leveled up! Migi is now Level 3]

[Congratulations! Rathalos has Leveled up! Rathalos is now Level 4]

[Congratulations! Zombieman has Leveled up! Zombieman is now Level 4]

[Congratulations! Blair has Leveled up! Blair is now Level 3]

[Congratulations! Stalker has Leveled up! Stalker is now Level 3]

[Congratulations! Twice has Leveled up! Twice is now Level 2]

[Congratulations! Twice has Leveled up! Twice is now Level 3]

[Congratulations! Little Oars Jr has Leveled up! Little Oars Jr is now Level 2]

[Congratulations! You have Leveled up! You are now Level 7]

[Reward: Summoning Token]

[Congratulations! You have Leveled up! You are now Level 8]

[Reward: Summoning Token]

[Congratulations! You have earned a title]

[Anti-Trapper: You will receive 15% more experience and a 5% boost in power to all summons when in a trap or ambush.]

[Reward: Summoning Token]

I whistled in appreciation at the number of level-ups my summons had gotten and the new title. It wasn't anything amazing and wasn't really much better than the first title I'd gotten apart from the boost in power, and I doubted I'd be springing traps just to utilize the title, though if I did spring a trap I would get more exp and a boost in power. The best part about it however was the summoning tokens. I now had four summoning tokens. More allies and power waiting to be added to my group. I really hoped I got a healer next or some form of spy or infiltrator because I would surely need one to help navigate court politics and weed out any traitors.

"Your majesty?"

I turned to find Commander Brinehall waiting for me with a nervous expression on his face.

"Yes?"

"I have had the central command room prepared so we can discuss things, and I also have... a problem on my hands."

I frowned. "What sort of problem."

"There are two nobles who want to talk to you," He said. "But your majesty I can't help but think there is something wrong with their presence. I know it isn't my place to speak up against nobles but they seemed far too calm went the battle started before you got here, almost as if they knew something."

"I see," I replied. "Take me to the command room and bring the nobles there. We will soon find out if they were part of this treachery."

"Treachery, your majesty?" Brinehall asked in confusion.

"Yes, I believe someone in capital betrayed me," I said. " And I have an idea of who it is, but that's for when I get back to the capital. For now, I will deal with these nobles."

I turned to Asara. "Asara check up on your riders and see how many have perished. Once you're done go to the command room."

She bowed. "At once, your majesty."

She turned and walked off, already barking orders at the nearest talon rider.

I turned back to Brinahall and motioned him forwards. "Well, lead the way."