Konbini Ossan Volume 10 Chapter 3 — Arrival at The Front Lines
After departing from Otogi Trading HQ with the defense division forces, we advanced without issue.
Within the Runegard Kingdom, there was nothing to obstruct us, and we proceeded smoothly.
With no particular problems, the entire army reached the front lines. We arrived at the border with the Duchy of Barometz, where the fiercest battles were taking place.
The kingdom’s army had already established their positions, and Kanehama, along with the forces Otogi Trading had dispatched in advance, were gathered there.
I headed there first.
“Otogi-san!”
Noticing me, Kanehama called out and ran over.
He didn’t appear to be injured, which was a relief. At the very least, it seemed the enemy forces were not strong enough to harm Kanehama, a [Hero].
“I’ve just arrived with reinforcements. What is the current situation?”
“Yes. Rather than explaining, please take a look at everyone first. It’ll be easier to talk that way.”
Saying that, Kanehama led me to a tent.
Inside were the summoned individuals, including Kanehama himself.
[Saint] Mimori. [Sword Saint] Tōdō. [Sage] Matsuriya.
And also the adventurer party dispatched by Otogi Trading,〈Brave Wings〉: Nishina, Mayama, Suzuhara-sensei, Kinoshita-sensei, and Suzuno, all five of them were present.
None of them appeared to have any visible injuries.
However, their expressions were grim.
“Ah, President!”
Upon seeing me, Suzuno approached with a bright expression.
Hearing her voice, the others also lifted their heads, showing relief.
“You all look exhausted. What happened?”
“Yeah… we were prepared for it, but it’s been worse than we expected. The fights… they’ve all just felt awful.”
Suzuno spoke in a sorrowful tone.
I listened to everyone’s accounts, and finally understood.
Most of the enemy forces are soldiers forced onto the battlefield under the influence of Naito’s skill «Brainwashing/Conditioning».
They shout that they don’t want to fight, that they hate this, all while charging forward with desperate expressions. It has taken a heavy toll on everyone mentally.
Among them are fellow summoned individuals; classmates who joined the Naitō-group and are now being forced to fight under brainwashing.
Repeated battles against such opponents have worn them down mentally.
Their physical injuries are healed by Mimori and Suzuhara using their skills. So on the surface, they appear unharmed.
However, especially the five members of〈Brave Wings〉, have accumulated significant mental fatigue.
They have been forced into unpleasant battles, enduring one-sided attacks while trying to incapacitate enemies without killing them, a method that is unreasonably demanding.
Under such conditions, it’s no surprise they have reached their limit.
It seems everyone has concluded that they cannot continue fighting like this.
“Fortunately, Naitō’s skill isn’t perfect. Outside of the battlefield, its coercive force weakens considerably. Most soldiers, once captured or incapacitated and moved away from the battlefield, stop resisting.”
Kanehama added, explaining the characteristics of the brainwashed enemy soldiers.
“That said, they’re still troublesome opponents. And for those Naitō has strongly brainwashed; like our classmates or enemy commanders, even capturing them doesn’t free them from his skill’s control.”
“So it doesn’t solve the problem.”
Understanding the situation, I nodded.
“I understand. For now, Otogi Trading’s defense division will take over from here. Everyone, please fall back and get some rest.”
As I said that, everyone let out a sigh of relief.
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E/N:
Dang, this is nuts! Brainwashing is no joke!
Also, apologies for the delayed upload, I had to attend a party last night and was too tired to upload after returning home. ORZ! (1/2 chapter)
Stay tuned!
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