On the way to the end

"We will split into three teams. The first will clear the path with me at the front. The second will secure the supply line, while the third will defend the fort and handle any monsters that breach the first line. The supply convoy will soon arrive with an armed unit to attack the stragglers from the rear," Chreíos outlined.

"As for the first team, I will act as a mobile unit. Once the path is cleared, I will penetrate the enemy lines to kill the intelligent beast. This will break the monsters' unity and force them to scatter."

"Sir Chreíos, although you are powerful, it is unwise to venture alone in such an environment," Nasios interjected.

"Yes, Captain Nasios is right. Allow me to accompany you on the front lines. After all, it is my duty to cover your back," Gedrick added.

For a moment, the hero appeared startled. That idiot. Of course, you're coming with me!

Chreíos maintained the most serious expression he could, leading Gedrick to believe he was testing his resolve.

The truth was that, after his initial surprise, the hero was holding back laughter.

Here I was, trying to come up with a plan to cover his death, and now he's tying the noose around his own neck.

Dear Miss Maxwell, your husband tragically perished protecting the kingdom. I hope at least he won't be killed by some random monster. Out of respect for his moving speech, I'll be sure to collect his EXP.

"I'll leave my back to you, Gedrick."

The hero patted Gedrick on the shoulder. For Gedrick, this was an honor. He was proud of his mission, and the hero's trust exceeded his wildest expectations.

"Everyone, prepare for the next wave. We'll launch the operation at that moment."

"Understood."

The hero retreated to his assigned quarters and sat on the bed.

That bastard Gedrick. I let our past issues slide, and now he flaunts such a beautiful woman in front of me.

"I can't stand him anymore. He has to die, and that woman will be mine," Chreíos muttered.

He summoned the quest window, examining the quest's rank with disinterest.

"Tch. There's nothing to gain from this quest except the power of the egregore. My level won't increase much either."

Perhaps it was time to stop playing solo and assemble the hero's team to tackle dungeons or more powerful monsters, he thought. But assembling such a team wasn't as easy as it seemed. Thinking about it only aggravated him further.

"It's time."

Inventory

A window appeared, displaying all of Chreíos's current possessions.

"Earlier, there were skeletons among the horde. That means the enemy has a necromancer. I'll take this, then!"

Chreíos still didn't have the sacred sword. Given the circumstances of his summoning and the dissatisfaction of the other kingdoms, the temple had decided to delay its delivery.

Instead, he relied on other artifacts for advanced holy magic—just a precaution.

He was now fully prepared.

"Perfect. Now, let's go kill the boss!"

Chreíos grinned wickedly at his own status window, already plotting his next move.

All the skills he had acquired in this world made him someone not to be underestimated.

Finally, the watchers reported enemy movement.

"Valiant knights of the kingdom of Celestial, as your hero, I will lead you to victory. Follow me!"

This message, proclaimed by the hero, immediately resonated with the knights, galvanizing the troops. The entire vanguard followed in his footsteps.

Their fervor for this symbol, embodied by the hero, seemed almost supernatural. One could feel the fiery frenzy in their war cries.

Gathering people around himself was an inherent quality of the hero. Regardless of his leadership skills, his status, combined with the "Charm" skill, allowed him to influence the state of mind of those around him. So much so that now, these knights no longer felt fear—they were captivated by the hero's brilliance.

"Magnificent..." thought Chreíos.

Chreíos' "Charm" skill had two modes: passive and active.

In its passive mode, everyone around him felt slightly fascinated, whether out of interest or admiration.

The active mode, which he had to consciously trigger, caused the targets to develop a profound love and fascination for him. Chreíos' desires would override their own. Mastering this state even allowed him to produce an effect akin to an aphrodisiac: his body would release special pheromones that particularly stimulated the opposite gender.

On the battlefield, the operation had just begun. The hero and the first unit were clearing the way.

Under Quintallin's orders, the second unit was focused on cleaning up and securing the supply lines.

All operations were being overseen by Nasios, who was tasked with maintaining communication and defending the fort.

The hero, accompanied by his personal knight, Gedrick, had broken away from the knights' tight formation and was advancing deeper into enemy lines.

The terrain greatly favored the knights' unit. It was flat land, while the monsters, coming from rocky zones, were charging toward them. With the right formation, it was possible to minimize losses and fight efficiently.

Jorh, the leader of the first unit, was an astute knight. Watching the hero and Gedrick carve a path ahead, he issued precise orders.

"The hero is clearing the way for us. Deploy formation B-24!"

Even though the hero was opening a path, it was unwise to follow him directly, as it risked exposing the unit to a counterattack. The B-24 formation was the perfect response to the situation, according to Jorh's reasoning.

"Front row, raise your shields!"

"Second row, ready your spears!"

The monsters would crash into the shields and be impaled on the spears—a simple yet effective strategy.

Under sky, the knights stood on a vast, desolate plain, their armor gleaming in the dying light. The ground trembled as monstrous creatures advanced, their grotesque forms twisting unnaturally.

Sir Jorh, the leader, roared a battle cry as he swung his massive sword. The blade cleaved through the scaled hide of a towering beast, black ichor spraying across the cracked earth. Beside him, Lady Eira danced between enemies with precision, her twin blades flashing as she severed limbs and pierced hearts.

A hulking monstrosity lunged at Sir Kael, its claws aiming for his chest. He deflected the blow with his shield, sparks flying, and drove his spear deep into its gaping maw. The creature let out an unearthly shriek before collapsing lifelessly.

Status:

Name: ///////////////////////

Alias: Chreíos

Title: Iróas Ischyrós (given)

Race: Human

Status: Summoned Hero

Age: 17 years

Class: Knight-Mage, Alchemist, Healer, Thief

Level: 70

Mana: A-16/20

Strength: A-18/20

Skills: Military Swordsmanship, Presence, Elemental Authority, Negative Energy Resistance, Status Effect Resistance, Intent Resistance, State Alteration Resistance, Luck x3, Divine Blessing, Fireball, Cloning, Illusion, Divine Energy, Medium Healing, Charm, Night Vision, Clear Vision, Flight, Tornado, Slash, Life Giving, Eternal Rest, Divine Judgment, Remanence, Energy Transmission, Weapon Mastery, Perception, Invisibility, Piercing Damage Resistance, Projection, Hero's Soul, Summoning, Medium Alchemy, Magic.