Siege Battle

Elves.

The inhabitants of the forest are said to have a lifespan of a thousand years and possess the ability to never age after reaching a certain age.
Skilled in archery due to residing in forests across the continent. Their distinctive pointed ears, similar to short daggers, assist them in manipulating magic… their affinity with magic is also high.

As a trade-off for their longevity, they face the challenge of extremely low reproductive rates compared to other races…
As a whole, they are a powerful race with strong combat capabilities, establishing autonomous districts in forests across the continent.

While not completely isolationist, they have built somewhat closed-off relationships with nations that border their autonomous districts.
Keeping outside influences to a minimum…
Living as they are with the forest…
That is indeed the pride of being an Elf.

Now, it is on the verge of collapsing.
None other than… due to the natural disaster of a massive outbreak of monsters.

The Elven autonomous district in the Harkin Margrave territory… is now on the brink of destruction by approaching monsters.

Small settlements were already abandoned in various parts of the forest, and the surviving Elves gathered in the largest settlement in the central area, essentially a place that could be called the Elves’ capital.

The Elves haven’t neglected preparations for the threat of a massive monster outbreak.
Indeed, this settlement is surrounded by a defense wall constructed of carefully chosen timber, with spellcasters evenly stationed on top of the wall, deploying defensive magic.

The defensive capabilities are astounding…

The village is enveloped by a bluish-white magic wall of defense, and occasionally flashing with lightning, it instantly turns any reckless monsters that touch it into charred corpses through intense heat.

What’s remarkable is that such powerful magic is maintained by just over twenty people.
If humans were to attempt the same…
If we use average mages from the Lombard Kingdom’s army, we would need at least ten times the number.

Surrounded by countless monsters unable to breach the virtually impenetrable magic barrier…

This was a scene that truly demonstrated the might of the Elven race.

…And at the same time, it revealed the near-stalemate situation in battle.

There are about 500 Elves defending the settlement.
Naturally, not all of them are combat personnel.
Approximately 300 are skilled in defensive magic.
In terms of a ratio, it was an impressive number, but it offered little solace…

Even with the skills of the Elves, maintaining such powerful magic requires pouring all their energy into it…
As a result, from the onset of the massive outbreak of monsters until now… about 250 have already depleted their magic power and are resting in the rear.

Just as physical fatigue is not easily overcome, depleted magic power is not easily restored.
Rather, since one can literally exhaust oneself to the limit if one has the will to use magic, the depletion is even more severe.

Since the massive outbreak was confirmed, it has already been three nights.
Holding for the fourth night… seems unlikely…
This unspoken certainty resided among the Elves defending the settlement.

And so, the ruler of this Elven autonomous district - Forsha, was faced with a decision.

“Father! If it’s come to this, we should take the offensive!”

In human terms, it would be akin to being in the throne room.
Inside the largest cloth-covered dwelling in the settlement, Forusha was pressed by his beloved daughter.

“Ente… that’s equivalent to throwing away your life.”

His age was roughly 800 years.
Since he had stopped counting, the Elf among Elves, who could only roughly estimate age, spoke coolly, seeming not to carry a trace of anger yet exuding an irresistible force.
In human terms, he would be in his early twenties. The words of the handsome young man with long silver hair, despite lacking any sign of anger, carry an overpowering presence that no one can oppose.
Except for one person - his own daughter, Ente.

“Staying holed up here will yield the same result!”

Expressing passionately while waving her hands, Ente’s appearance was far from that of a typical Elven girl.

Her long platinum hair, inherited from her father, was neatly arranged around her neck to not hinder movement…
Dressed in toughened monster hide armor on her upper body and short trousers like those of a boy, her healthy skin was boldly exposed…
It was a look that might draw raised eyebrows not only among elves but also outside the forest.

Her endearingly cute face, akin to that of a young feline, however, was now twisted in anger as she glared at her father…

“Our mages are exhausting their magic one after another, unable to keep up with recovery…!
If there are those who can fight in prime condition, we should strike now, fight valiantly… and perish!
That’s the pride of the Elves, right!?
Father! Entrust the soldiers to me! I’ll make sure to take down as many monsters with me as possible!
If it goes well, it could be a path for women and children to escape…”

“…Carve out a path.
However, Ente… you are still a girl who should be protected.”

“I’m better at using a bow than anyone else!
I can handle magic better than anyone else!
I’m a fine-grown adult!”

“Thirteen summers old at most… saying such words…
You are nothing more than a child to be coddled, not only by this settlement but even outside the forest…”

Facing the words and gaze of his daughter, Forusha sighed in response while Ente gritted her teeth in frustration.
To Forusha, an Elf of his caliber, it was nothing more than a young animal’s intimidation.
The Elven leader closed his eyes gently and began to speak quietly to his beloved daughter.

“Listen, Ente…
As the leader of the Elves living here, I will continue to choose the path with the highest chance of survival.
Your proposed plan is no strategy at all…
It’s the idea of the foolish who crumble under encroaching terror, clinging to false hopes.
Remember this…
A cornered rat is not in despair… it attacks because of hope.”

“Huh…!?”

Given such a decisive response, there were no words to return.
Ente also understood…
Her beloved father’s words were all true…

“B-But!
Are you thinking that by staying holed up like this, there’s a chance of survival, Father!?”

“Before the monsters gather in full force, I have gathered volunteers and dispatched them to the Margrave territory.
Although a young human, that person is quite noteworthy…
They will make every effort to help us.
Besides, if this place falls, it will be humans’ turn next.”

“Is there a guarantee it will be in time…?!”

“None.
However, this is the only way to survive.”

Appearing as a slender youth, the Elven leader spoke with a grounded posture, like a great tree.
Revolted by his figure, Ente tried to argue more defiantly.

“I-I report!
An unknown entity is approaching from above!”

The soldier who hurriedly ran over exclaimed these words.