The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Life We Sow

Read chapter 43 of The Distinguished Mr. Rose by QuiteTheSlacker on NovelPedia.

Chapter 43: Life We Sow The paladins gathered in front of the fortress by the masses, and so too did the players. Sir Ogier had brought them the occasional demon to practice on; however, this was far different. They could hear the rumbling, pounding, stampede of their foes far out in the mountains. Their bodies felt tight—every little breath was smothered by a heavy dread. The players were covered in light platemail, courtesy of the armory, but such protection did little to ease their minds. Lucius’s party all stood beside him toward the back of the Frankish formation. The players were closest to the walls, and also the most likely to escape should the situation turn dire. None of the paladins spoke against it. On the contrary, they were still uneasy about letting the inexperienced take up arms. But the players hadn’t slacked off this past week. They were not capable of replicating the complex tactics of this land, yes, but they had one advantage over their otherworldly allies: the ability to Level Up. As long as they survived this battle, they would continue to grow stronger, and stronger—unbound by the physical limitations of their mortal frames. In a way, the players could be considered a species best suited for war. What could be more terrifying than an enemy without limit? But to do so, they needed to personally risk their lives, and slaughter all that stood in their way. “... I’m kinda jealous of those crafting guys,” Mili said, fidgeting with her guitar. “They get experience just by makin’ stuff.” Harper shrugged, her own hands constantly checking and rechecking her equipment for even the slightest vulnerability. “We all have our roles to play. Doesn’t really seem fair to give an axe to folks without a single combat skill. Besides, these potions are pretty handy.” She motioned to a few colorful vials attached to her belt. The support-orientated players had expended all their coins in order to purchase ingredients for their strange healing salves. Some were able to manifest various supplies naturally, similar to how Lucius’s tea skill worked, but they were limited to only a few a day. The rest would have to be made by hand. “Speakin’ of non-combatants…” Marco said, turning to the gentleman and regarding him with a worried eye. “Aren’t you technically one yourself, Lucius?” “No need to worry, Mister Bernardi,” Lucius replied, elegantly leaning on his cane. “I am both, yet I am neither. I suppose it would be more fitting to call myself… an ‘aesthetic’ class. I obtain greater power the more distinguished I portray myself. Such meager things like the demons will pose no threat to me.” It was technically a lie, but not really. Lucius really did gain greater power—mentally at least. He ever so loved to stroke his own ego. His companions also seemed to be comforted by it as well, so what was the harm? But the time for casual conversation was over. The war horns of the Franks sounded high overhead. Sir Ogier, with his jutted belly and simmering rage, waited atop the walls as the demons encroached ever closer. “Have you prepared yourselves, everyone?” Lucius addressed his companions. It wouldn’t do to coddle them, but the gentleman couldn’t have them dying either. He had to make sure they were in tip-top condition. Marco, Mili, and Harper confidently nodded their heads. Good, he saw no hesitation. Then it was time for the opening performance. Ogier sucked in his breath - his skin turned a steaming red once more - and he roared out with a bellow, shaking the very air. The man charged in like a meteor and crashed into the center of the demonic legion. The battle commenced with his entrance; a symphony of carnage had begun. The paladins surged forth with the same furor of the prior invasion. This time, though, they had some extra help. “All revved up, kid?” Marco and Harper guarded the musician's side as she charged up her guitar. Static crackled around her. A musical melody was strummed forth, accompanied by a deluge of loud bombas