Treatise Of A Failed Knight-Chapter 234: Battle For The Plains (Part 2)

’Hehe...’

I chuckle inside as I glance to the scene behind me, watching the enemy army halt their advance in preparation for an imminent crisis.

Just as planned, they will have no choice but to fight the Magivores I sent at them.

’It was easy to mask the presence of the few Cadre 4 Magivores using the crowd of Cadre 3 Magivores.’ A broad smile forms on my face as my team keeps advancing.

Not all Cadre 4 Magivores are larger than Cadre 3 Magivores.

In this case, there really isn’t much difference in their size. Thus, I was able to hide the higher Cadre Magivores among the more populous batch.

If the Minister of Combat knew I had so many Cadre 4 Magivores on my side from the beginning, why would she bother giving chace with her army?

They would only end up getting slaughtered.

But that is my intention.

’It’s a way to easily kill a good chunk of the enemy’s soldiers while also making progress.’

It also isn’t too late to retreat, even though many will still die in the process. But how can this group possibly turn back now?

Not only have they passed the point of no return, but they also recognize the danger of leaving these Magivores to their devices. In addition, returning to the battlefield with these Magivores would only worsen the situation for their side.

They wouldn’t ever make their move, hence they’ll have no choice but to fight right then and there.

’I also don’t want them to lead the Cadre 4 Magivores to the battlefield, since they could end up attacking Kalakuta. That’s why I had to make them chase us to this extent before unleashing this plan.’ I sigh to myself, a hint of concern flashing in my eyes.

Although it seems like the Great Northern Tribe is up against seven thousand enemies from the Freedom Fighters, the truth is different that Kalakuta is the only one on our side in that battlefield.

The Magivores become a neutral force when they are out of my control. I simply have no worries about his wellbeing since I only left Cadre 2 Magivores behind.

Besides, Kalakuta is likely being protected from them thanks to the encirclement of the Ministers and the sacrifices of the Great Northern Tribe’s army, which is acting as cannon fodder for the feral beasts.

I’d prefer it if the situation remains like this.

At least, until I return.

’So hang in there, Minister of Combat. Do your best to keep fighting those Magivores for me, okay?’

******

"I urge you to reconsider once more..."

Kalakuta sighs as he is surrounded by all the Ministers of the Great Northern Tribe, with the exception of two.

Geralt, the Minister of Internal Affairs, and The Minister of Combat.

The remaining ten people clench their fist as they glare at him. The Chief leads them, his robust body already taking a combat pose.

"This world is flawed—stained with corruption that is further increased due to the presence of an overarching government." He mutters, staring meaningfully at the unlistening crowd before him.

"Abolishing the government is the only path to true peace. The Tribes of Central Plains will no longer be bound by any authority, and the people will be free to pursue their dreams."

"You ignorant fool!"

"Warmonger!"

"Are you saying they have no freedom to pursue their dreams right now? What is stopping any of them?"

Kalakuta shakes his head at these people.

"Choice made in captivity is no choice at all."

"....?"

"They all simply live in a cage of choices, under the false idea of choice. However, freedom does not exist in such a limited portion. It exists in abundance, in the potential of possibilities that far exceed the meager choice presented to a ruled class. It is why the powerful have more freedom than those who are not. Their room for choices simply increases. A corrupt, unquestionable government is the most free of all. But this freedom comes at a cost—the freedom of others. It is a perverse kind of freedom built on exploitation and must not be allowed to exist. That is why... I want to destroy it. I want to bring true freedom for all..."

"Tch! You’re spouting a lot of nonsense!" The Chief growls, his bastard sword gleaming with an ominous purple aura.

"We all have limited choices as humans. And I don’t know how you lived in the Northern Empire, but anyone can become a part of the government if they work hard enough in the Central Plains. There have been Chiefs in the past who came from unknown Tribes or were lone travelers. Even among my Ministers, some of them were from humble backgrounds. As long as you have the strength, you can—"

Once again, Kalakuta shakes his head.

"It is part of the illusion."

"Shut up!"

"I am not wrong. As long as there exists a superior force, those beneath will find it more difficult to leave their placement in society in order to reach loftier positions. But I’m sure you ignite hopes in their hearts using the rhetoric of yours—that it is indeed possible to achieve greatness if you work hard enough. But it isn’t that simple, is it? You may fool others, but you cannot deceive me with those words." Kalakuta smiles softly. "In such a system of false merit, only the truly exceptional will break out of the confines of their placement, much to the dissatisfaction of their superiors."

"That is life!" The Chief yells passionately "Instead of being so childish and affecting others because of your tantrums, simply deal with it!"

"Perhaps I could... but I refuse to."

"Tch!"

"Everyone deserves a chance at the best life. A chance to try. Even if you are not exceptional or talented, because you are alive... because you are human... you deserve to live your best life. I want people to know that."

"Looks like we won’t see eye to eye, huh? I’m not surprised."

"Me neither. The war has already begun and blood has been shed, so we have reached the point of no return..." Kalakuta’s gaze turns sharp as he stares at the Ministers slowly closing in.

"I also know you only engaged in this conversation to stall for time and charge up your Armament. But it doesn’t matter to me."

Surprised stares are instantly exchanged.

They hadn’t expected Kalakuta to be aware, and if he figured it out... Why didn’t he attack immediately?

Why did he let them get stronger?

"I just wanted you to understand. Instead of the exploitation and hoarding caused by one big force or a select group of people, liberty is far more preferable. The Plains are big enough for everyone to thrive, so why should one Tribe be above the others?"

"Enough..."

The Chief tightens his grip on his weapon, and the pent-up energy within it flares up almost instantly, its aura reaching high into the sky.

Power courses through his veins as his muscles begin to expand rapidly.

Kalakuta watches this calmly.

His gaze is deep.

Filled with silent anguish.

He can only sigh as he finally takes his battle stance and prepares to fight.

This should have been expected.

The powerful will always be unwilling to relinquish their authority, and to those privileged, equality looks like oppression.

This is human nature.

But Kalakuta cares for none of that.

With the Pathfinder in his grasp and the flames of freedom burning bright in his heart, he makes a powerful swing.