Chapter 9:

CHAPTER 5: SURPRISE ATTACK

The Beastman Saint is H*rny, so I was Kidnapped to Another World Vol. 7


T-T-The h-hu-human armies have arrived!”

At first, we were incredulous. Banu and I briefly exchanged stares. The bear-man told him, “Surely you must be seeing things, Arigo. There’s no way the humans could’ve crossed the Grand Marshes into our territory without being detected by our foragers.”

“I’m telling you, they’re he—”

“Kyaaaaa!!!”

“!!!”

We were interrupted once again when a big, wooden cylinder fell on one of the huts nearby and crushed its roof. Inside, we could clearly see the glowing runes that were wrapping the object.

No one could move for a few moments. I’m not sure if there were Beastmen inside that house, but just in case, I ran in that direction to check.

“Kuro, don’t do it—”

“!!!”

The runes glowed intensely, and I felt someone tackling me just as the cylinder exploded, sending wooden shrapnel into the air.

“What in the world—

“Those are human explosive cylinders, milord!” Banu explained; he’s the one who pushed me off harm’s way, “It’s the weapon they are using to drive the monster hordes away from the walls of the Enclave.”

“There are more coming!” someone shouted as the cylinders dropped from the sky. Upon contact on the ground, the projectiles exploded, killing and injuring those who were caught in it. At that moment, panic set in. The other Beastmen villagers, awakened by the commotion, took their families and began to run. What’s worse is that some cylinders didn’t burst immediately; those who were trying to get to safety—and were unaware of the nearby ordnance—got blown to pieces in a matter of seconds.

I hustled the scared children away from the carnage. Konka’s guards, along with Banu, regrouped and headed for the ramparts.

“Banu!” I called out to the bear-man.

“Milord?”

“We have to evacuate the other Beastmen!”

“To where?”

I took a deep breath, “Take me to the ramparts!”

The bear-man nodded and allowed me to ride his back.

The orphans came running to me, “Chief, what do we do?”

“Prepare for battle guys, don’t wait for me to return!” I turned to Ursura and Minahaba, “I’m going to check the situation outside the ramparts; take care of these brats for me! Escape if you have to!”

The two beastwomen agreed and Ursura quickly went inside the house, maybe to fetch the children’s weapons. Meanwhile, Banu and I went to ramparts being constructed to look at what’s happening. Upon reaching the top of the ramparts…

Milord…this is…”

“Yeah, Banu, I get you…” We stood there in fearful awe, overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of human and allied Beastmen soldiers besieging the settlement. I could see the trebuchets being used to hurl the wooden cylinders, as well as the human magicians setting off the explosive spells. “It means, we’re fucked.

----------

We froze in our spots when we saw the huge army of humans and Beastmen outside the camp. I think anyone would, especially if you knew how little your own side’s numbers were.

“Those beastmen are from the Fox tribe,” Banu pointed out, staring back at me.

And yes, I’m aware of what that stare meant; Kashca Telis might be here. I didn’t want to assume things, but there’s a high possibility that this army was sent to find and capture me.

“Milord?” the bear-man asked, as if he’s waiting for me to do something.

“Can you give me a boost?”

Banu then helped me stand on his shoulders; his hands securing my legs. The bear-man was easily the tallest among the Beastmen guards deployed on this side of the palisades, and so he could function as a makeshift ‘watchtower’.

“…”

Looking around, the human-beastmen armies had positioned themselves on the western side of the refugee camp, the direction of the Grand Marshes. Another column was marching to the south, where the dense forest lay. Perhaps they intended to block our way of escape by that route.

To the north of the camp was a river, and it’d be difficult to traverse it without being harassed by the enemy. In fact, from my position, I could see a unit of cavalry sealing that way. What’s left for us was the eastern direction, where, after a few blocks of dense forests, lay the sea.

And we had no boats made for evacuation.

Milord, what should we do? We’ll be annihilated here, or go once again to slavery.”

“…”

As far as I wanted to tell him ‘go figure it out yourselves’ after they tried to arrest me, for now, I had to set aside our grievances and work with each other. I didn’t intend to march back to captivity once again, nor do these Beastmen would like the idea of being human slaves, or human trophies.

So I guess we have the same goals here.

“Banu.”

“Yes, milord?

“You and I have no bad blood between us. I helped you escaped the Black Tower before, and you helped me escape Malvette. Now, I know you’re just following Konka. However, in any case, I’ll aid you in the fight and evacuate the other Beastmen. In return, you’ll allow me to escape, deal?”

“B-But milord…

“With your beastmen army intact, you could always try to find and catch me. And fight another day against us, humans,” I winked at him, “Or, you’d rather waste your lives fighting a one-sided battle in this place? Your choice.”

The bear-man pondered for a few moments as more cylinders bombarded the settlement.

“Come on Banu, the casualties are rising…” I tried to goad him into deciding in my favor, but there’s still that tension between us.

“Alright, milord. Please help us, you have my word.”

“Good, now let’s get moving as soon as possible.”

----------

The bombardment came to a halt soon after, for the human army sent an envoy under the flag of truce. Escorted by two horsemen, the enemy representative on her white horse and gleaming armor drew near the ramparts of our settlement and presented their demands.

Banu and I made our way through the gangways of the palisade to listen…

“Foul Beastmen of the Great Marshes! Her Excellency the Duchess of Malvette commands you to submit under her rule or face annihilation!”

“Foolish human!” it was the captain of Konka’s guard, speaking from the elevated ramparts, “You dare come here and babble! Know that we will never surrender, for the guidance of the real saint, Lady Konka of the Insetus, is with us!”

“Raaaaaaaarrrrrrrrggggggghhhhh!!!” With that, the other Beastmen soldiers on our side raised their voices in an ear-splitting war cry. Some even threw rotten fruits on the human envoy, which forced her to retreat to her lines.

Oh boy…” I couldn’t help but smirk from watching the scene, “Seems like your men are pissing off the humans even more.”

Milord, do you really think we have to evacuate the other Beastmen?” Banu asked, “I think we could hold them off.”

“Well, unless you wanted to be repeatedly attacked by the humans, then you should,” I answered with a hint of sarcasm in my voice, “They are now aware of this place, and even if we defeat them, they’d come again sometime later.”

“But will the Lady Konka allow it?”

“I’m sure Konka knows and understands the situation. After all, she’s always saying that she’s after the ‘welfare’ of your people,” I pointed back towards the inner side of the camp, “Look, the others were packing their things. If you’re looking to save them and preserve your people’s strength to prolong your struggle in reclaiming your land, now’s the chance to move out.”

The bear-man nodded.

“Tell Konka my message: I don’t know why you’re turning back on your promises to me; however, I’ll help you this one last time. Go escape to the north; only a small force of cavalry was stationed there. Have some of your men left behind to fight and create a diversion. Don’t try defending this place, it’s only in vain. Good luck!”

And with that Banu gave his final salute and turned his back on me, signaling his intent to turn a blind eye on my escape. Not wasting my chance, I slipped into the chaos and confusion, all the while the Beastmen were preoccupied with the enemy.

----------

If you’re trying to leave this place, then you’ll have to take us.”

“…”

I was dumbfounded that when I returned to my hut—which was already reduced to ashes by the cylinder bombs—the orphans and Ursura were calmly waiting for me. They were all armed to the teeth, and Luka was actually carrying my gun and sword.

“Well, I did expect this kind of situation,” my eyes turned to Ursura, who was quick to avert her gaze.

“You’re the first to accept us Chief,” it was Minahaba, “and because of that, we’ll follow you wherever you go…even though you’re a human.”

“Teviki will fight with Chief!” the little tiger-girl cried out, “Didn’t you teach us to?”

“Yes, Chief!” Rishnu followed, “Even though you’re being branded as a traitor, we will stay with you.”

The others were raring to go with me as well. Even the silent Luka was on my side this time.

Well…though this was a really touching scene, I didn’t think that it was time to get fluffy. “Alright, I guess I’ll have to take you with me, but are you guys fine without food for quite a long time?”

“Chief, if it’s food that you want, we can try to return to my village,” Minahaba revealed.

“And where is that?”

“In the Avinus lands, far from this place. I know the way!”

“Okay then, let’s get out of here!”

Ah! Finally, we can get a move on!” Ursura exclaimed, cracking her fingers, “I’m really excited to get back at these walking lumps of meat.”

Oi, Ursura, while we’re assured of fights, we’ll be on the run, so don’t be left behind.”

Tch, I can always come after you!”

“Well, once you’re shot, no one’s going to rescue you.”

“This fucker…” the bear-woman clicked her tongue, “Alright, I’ll be careful.”

----------

And so we set out for the southern side of the settlement, knowing that most of the other villagers would head to the northern side. The north’s the most viable route of escape; no tall grasses or copse of trees to hide an ambushing force. Although, if I may say, it’s also the most obvious.

The faces of my other students flashed through my mind as we ran towards the southern gates.

“…”

If I’m the commander of the attacking army, why would I leave northern side weakly guarded?

“Look, it’s the Lord Kuro!”

“!!!”

The army of Beastmen guards deployed on the southern flank focused their attention on me. Good thing that news spread slowly, for they hadn’t arrested me yet. Maybe they didn’t know that I’m a fugitive now.

“Thanks to Her Holiness, we are now saved!”

“I heard Lady Konka would lead the battle on the north gates, Banu would be on the western walls, and the Lord Kuro is with us!”

“We can win this, with the Lord Kuro on our side.”

Oi, stop with those words. I didn’t come here to fight alongside you guys; I’m here to escape.

“Milord,” a Beastman came to me and bowed, “It’s an honor to fight with you.”

“Ahahaha…” Yeeeaaah, it’s an honor too…

Good lord, I didn’t want to leave these guys to their death, but I guess I had to think of myself for now. After all, the sheer numbers of the enemies on this side made our position hopeless.

“!!!”

A series of explosions brought me back to my senses. The humans had resumed their attack, launching the dreaded cylinder bombs via trebuchets, and in concurrence with the offensive on the western side of the camps.

“Milord, the humans, and their Fox tribe allies are too many!” someone from our side exclaimed.

“Then it’s good,” I answered back, “Kill everyone to your heart’s content!”

“Raaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrggggggghhhh!!!”

Meanwhile, I turned to my little charges. “Alright guys, remember your roles for the battle!” I readied my gun, “Break through the human armies!”

“Yes, chief!”

As the enemies marched to meet us on the battlefield, my little army and our Beastmen ‘allies’ went on the offensive and rushed forward. The rabbit-children peppered the opposing formation with javelins and sling stones, felling a few human soldiers. When they tried to run after our retreating skirmishers, the tigers came forward and wreaked havoc on the enemy lines.

“Kids! Close in on them as quick as possible!” I shouted, “Don’t let them shoot those guns!”

Teviki was really fired up. She was leading her fellow tiger children in punching gaps in the opposing ranks. Just as I told them, she would bring the fight close. A kick to the shin, or a fist to the crotch, then followed up with a finishing blow to the neck.

These tigers really live up to their tribe’s name.

“Ahahahaha!” Teviki laughed like there’s no tomorrow, “This is fun!”

Of course, I won’t be left behind, nor was Ursura. We went with the tigers, hacking, crushing, and slashing our way through the opposing ranks. A single punch from the bear-woman would already fell three people—one fatally hit, the other the receiving end of the blow, and a third being hit by the gory projectiles that were once his comrades.

The dogs and the Insetus were following closely behind, with their formation protecting Rishnu. As we and the tigers were carving a wide path for them to tread on, they were having it easy.

“Why is a human fighting with the Beastmen?” I heard some human soldiers exclaimed upon realizing my race. Perhaps they were shocked that one of their own was ‘betraying’ them. Well, I don’t know, nor did they have any time to think it over before they received the sharp end of my blade.

“Kill him! Kill that traitor!” someone shouted orders amidst the chaotic battlefield, and the humans regained their senses to train their matchlocks on me.

However…

“Guah!” “Agh!” “Urk!”

From high above the air came the precise arrows of Minahaba, who were flying and circling around the battlefield.

Heh, my tactics are effective!

Our Beastmen allies were also killing their share, though, by this time, some of them were already casualties. Compared to us, they just went on the attack, in a typical Beastman ‘come-what-may’ fashion. Different tribe members fighting on their own, without coordination.

While it was a sight to behold—our allies going berserk, it was also their waterloo. The human soldiers who could shoot at them from the distance killed a good number of them, and the Fox tribesmen finished those who were injured.

If we don’t hurry, soon we’ll be utterly surrounded.

“Minahaba!” I called out to her, “How far are we before we reach the rear lines?”

“Chief…” the falcon-girl shouted back, “More enemies coming in from the west!”

Shit! I knew it. That fox-girl, Telis, must be with this army. She must’ve realized that I’m fighting on this side, enough to send more soldiers. I mean, a normal commander would focus on the escaping Beastmen, rather than on the enemy flank that was holding up, if he’s aiming to capture the people and the settlement.

“…”

Tch. With this, I need to change my plans…

“Ursura!”

“Yes, Kuro?”

“You heard Minahaba; we’re changing escape routes!”

“Where?”

“We head north! Can you hold off the enemies while we retreat?”

Gotcha! I’ll create a diversion!” the bear-woman then took over my place, as I pulled back my young companions away from the frontlines.

----------

***The human-beastmen army headquarters, a few distances away from the battlefield, moments earlier…***

A lone fox-tribe member was rushing back, passing through scores of his wounded, or dead, allies. His leather armor was barely-hanging from his waist, and blood was all over his body. Once he reached the entrance of a large, golden-white tent, he kneeled before giving a report…

“Our forces have confirmed a black-haired human fighting amongst the enemy on the southern side of the camp, Captain!”

“Good work,” Kashca Telis’ lips drew a smile, “Her Holiness would be happy to hear—”

“Indeed, my sweet Telis!” from inside the tent, Her Holiness the Beastman Saint Ruro of the Wolf finally made her presence, “Our gamble is a success.”

“Your Holiness, we should send reinforcements to the southern flank and capture the Lord Kuro!”

“Yes, but…” Ruro turned towards into the tent, “I’d rather have the Duchess’ men do that. Oh, Margarette?”

“!!!” Telis was surprised to see the esteemed ruler of the Enclave come out of the tent, her armor was missing and her clothes messed-up. She was trying in vain to hide her nakedness with a blanket, and the look of embarrassment was clear on the Duchess’ face.

“Don’t worry Telis, I just had a little fun with her after she tried to seduce my Kuro,” the wolf-saint winked, “Ah anyway, Margarette, I want you to send reinforcements on the southern side of that camp. I don’t care how much, but make sure the defenders there are pressured.”

“Y-Yes, Y-Your Holi—”

The Saint’s eyes glared at her, “What did I say to you?”

“Y-Yes, M-Mistress!” the human Duchess then turned to a nearby orderly (who was as shocked as Telis) and gave her instructions.

“Anyway…” the Beastman Saint went back to her trusted captain, “Telis, you’ll be heading north.”

“The north side?” Telis was even more surprised by the order she was given, “Aren’t there only refugees?”

Oh, you’ll see…” Ruro smirked, “I know Kuro like the back of my hand. Soon you’ll meet my master there.”

----------

**Kuro**

The horrific scenes of the assault greeted us as we made our way to the northern side of the settlement. Blocks of burning huts and ashen ruins as far as our eyes could see. Mangled corpses or body parts littered the streets of the camp, as well as those who were barely alive after getting severely injured.

“Kuro! Come on, let’s go!” Ursura was pulling my arm, “You can’t save those people; you’ll be captured.”

“Just…let me heal this child. She’s my friend!” I began the healing spell, “Listen to me Boots, don’t you die on me!”

“S-Sir K-Kuro…” the little dog-girl was struggling to breathe, “I-It’s painful…”

The other dog-girl with me, Rumia, held Boots’ bloodied hand. She had a grim expression on her face; she knew her kin was in serious condition.

“It’s alright, the chief will heal you,” she gently spoke to the injured as her other hand caressed Boots’ head.

I can’t fail here.

“I-I…I’m…s-scared.”

Shh…don’t speak now. Everything will be alright,” I turned to Rishnu, “Pull the shrapnel from her chest, quick!”

“Y-Yes, Chief!” the mantis-girl’s hand was quivering, yet she tried her best to steady it. Soon enough, the deadly projectile was extracted from Boots’ body, and I fully healed her wound after that.

“Chief, I think she’s going to be alright,” Rishnu’s smile of relief was a refreshing sight.

“H-Hopefully…” I patted the mantis-girl and the dog-girl’s heads, “You guys really did a good job.”

Oi, you done Kuro?” Ursura was urging me again, “The falcon-girl’s giving us the signal to move on. The western gate was about to be breached.”

I stood up, asking Rishnu to help me in tying Boots on my back. I won’t leave her here. Once the little dog-girl was secured, we carried on our way.

----------

The scenes on the northern side were even more dreadful. The refugee column was being harassed by the human cavalry, and the Beastmen were utterly defenseless.

“Where’s Konka?” I asked one of the guards nearby.

“S-She’s leading the battle on the western ramparts!”

Huh? What about the refugees?”

“I don’t know, milord!

“What?”

However, the guard was in no mood to explain further. He was terrified enough to be disoriented, and just turned and ran away.

“Chief!” it was Luka, “We should save them!”

“Don’t tell me, Kuro, you’d listen to that brat!” Ursura countered, “We’re going to escape, remember?”

“Well, we’re just going to drive the enemy cavalry…”

“Shut up! We can’t do anything about these people!”

Ursura wouldn’t budge from her position; nor would I. Sensing that she would never give way from what I wanted, I handed Boots to Rishnu and silently walked forward towards the battleline, shooting at a cavalryman from the distance.

“!!!”

A lucky hit, though, the space between me and him was not enough for my gun to punch through his armor. Nevertheless, the bullet glanced hard enough to make him and his comrades notice my existence. Stopping from their harassment of the defenseless refugees, they turned around with their lances trained on me.

I braced for their assault, raising my sword in ‘guard’ position.

“…”

These refugees have nothing to do between me and Konka, nor do they have anything to do with this bloody affair. They just wanted to live peacefully…

I could hear the war cries of the horsemen as they closed in on me, lances forward.

Here I go!

“Chief!”

“!!!”

From behind me, the tiger-children sprang up and crashed on the horsemen, taking out their leading men and horses. Then, following Teviki, Colheen and Yufos, came the rabbit-children, hurling their sling stones from afar. When they tried running after them, Rumia and Luka ambushed the pursuing cavalry.

“!!!”

Minahaba then took out the remaining enemies from above.

“That’s the Lord Kuro! He’s fighting for us!”

“Aren’t those the thieves that were caught before? Look at how good they are!”

“We must help them!”

Emboldened by our actions, the escaping refugees picked up whatever makeshift weapon they could lay their hands on, and fought back against the other groups of harassing cavalries.

However, though we need more people to fight with us, that defeats the purpose of our battle here.

“Go run!” I shouted at the refugees, “Don’t you just stand there; move north! We’ll protect you!”

“Thank you, Lord Kuro!” the leader of the escaping column said, “We the Beastfolk would always remember how you fought for us.”

“Yeah…” I called Rishnu and took the sleeping Boots, handing her to the Beastman I’m talking to, “And the orphans saved this dog-child too.”

Ah yes, indeed. They really changed since the last time! May the heavens bless you and those children!”

With that, the refugees continued on their escape. Only my little army of orphans stood between them and the pursuing cavalry.

----------

The battle for the refugee camps raged on. My companions and I guarded the small strip of land being used as an escape corridor by the fleeing Beastmen, to freedom across the river up north. Fortunately, some of Konka’s guards showed up and took defensive positions with us.

“I’m sure there’d be more enemies coming in, Chief,” Minahaba told me as she took a break from her flying. “Two columns of infantry moving in from the west.”

“Then we must get a move on,” I whispered so that we could silently slip away from Konka’s men.

“Right.”

“Do a roll-call.”

Minahaba then went around and gathered the orphans, “Teviki, Colheen, Yufos; tigers complete. Rumia and Luka; dogs complete. Senna, Gero, and Taro; yep, rabbits are complete too. Rishnu and Yufa? Ah, there they are. Complete.”

“Where’s Ursura?”

“Huh?” the falcon-girl looked around, “Indeed, that nasty bear-woman is missing!”

“Great!” I could only shake my head, “She must’ve run off to kill her share of humans again!”

“Your orders, Chief?”

“We find her, of cour—”

“!!!”

Our talk was interrupted when something powerful hit me. I felt myself being thrown away a few distances from where I stood; and from the corner of my eyes, the orphans were rushing towards me.

What did the hell happen?

“Well, I’m making my presence known, that’s why!”

“!!!”

From her lofty position while hovering, the Beastman Saint of Cherwind, Ruro of the Wolf, looked down on us—especially on me, with a weird expression in her eyes. “Hello again, Master! It’s nice to see you again, after running from me for so long…though, last time we met, you still have two hands. What happened?”

“None of your business, I guess?”

“I see,” she stared at me with tender eyes, “I’m thrilled that you’re willing to sacrifice a part of yourself to save my people…even though they are so helpless. Oooh, my heart’s tingling with love for you!”

“T-Th-That’s…” Luka was trembling, “H-Her Holiness!”

Hmm…you’re right, dog-boy!” Ruro smiled at him, “I’m the one and only Saint of the Beastmen, Ruro of the Wolf.”

“Whoa!” Teviki exclaimed, “Cool! Teviki gets to meet the Saint!”

“And what do you want from our Chief?” it was Minahaba, who sensed the tension, stood between me and her.

“Chief?” the Beastman Saint seemed to ponder for a few moments, “Oh right…while you were here, you could build yourself a little tribe, isn’t that right, Kuro?”

“Leave those children alone, Ruro!” I told her, “They have nothing to do with this fight between us!”

“Fight?!” Ruro was taken aback, “Fight between us, Master? I’m surprised that you’re treating me as an enemy! You know I’m always for your well-being. In fact, you won’t be alive at this moment, if I didn’t bring you here!”

“Chief? What’s Her Holiness talking about? And why is she calling you ‘Master’?” the orphans were asking questions.

“Stop that, Ruro,” I stood up and dusted myself, “You know I won’t stay here forever. Maddie’s waiting back in Chersea for me.”

Oh really? How sure are you, Kuro?”

“We both love and swore to be faithful with each other.”

Hah! Are you really sure that right at this moment, the King of Nerfes isn’t making his move on her?” Ruro chuckled, “You and I both know how fickle a human heart is, and your notion of ‘loyalty’ is easily broken for convenience!”

I could feel my hand tightened the grip on my sword. Rage was rising within me, “You…why are you doing this? What is your goal?”

“I told you, I love you, Master!” Ruro answered, “And because of that love, I wanted you to become the best. This world has gone long without a divine hand; don’t you think it’s time to leave Gaius behind, and usher in a new god to rule this land?”