The Land of the Rising Sun Transfers to Another World

Chapter 117: Tengoku's Finale

In the chilly early morning mist that still shrouded the battlefield-turned-castle town, the Celestials of the Tengoku faction stood in formation in a square a short distance from the castle gates.

"How long we have awaited this day!? Under the guidance of Lord Acharya Tengoku, we have continued grueling training, stained with blood, for the teachings and glory of the One True God, Meruela! To save the souls of heretics who commit the grave sin of rejecting and defying the noble and magnificent savior that is Meruela! And the first step toward that salvation begins here, in the Land of Owari, with Nobutake Oda and his followers!"

The words of Bakki, one of the Four Demon Kings—the Tengoku faction's most formidable warriors among the Celestials—were met with eyes brimming with a sense of purpose.

"Do not fear! We are the chosen ones! Even if blades or bullets wielded by heretics strike us, we will feel no pain or suffering! It is not we, imbued with holy power, who writhe in agony—it is they! Now, onward! Save the souls of those heretics!"

Drawing the sword from his hip and raising it high, Bakki made his declaration. In response, a thunderous roar, like the clashing of gongs, erupted from the surrounding ranks.

'We are the diversion. Maki and Gouki leading the separate unit will infiltrate through the designated passage. Roki and Kiara are the ones to watch out for... but there shouldn't be any issues.'

With Bakki at the head, the Celestials of the castle gate assault unit began their charge toward the gates in unison.

・・・

Inside the watchtower positioned just within the castle gates, a soldier caught sight of the approaching Celestials through his telescope.

"They're here!"

With the watchtower soldier's cry as the catalyst, the castle interior was instantly thrown into turmoil. The bells signaling an enemy attack echoed throughout, and soldiers who had been prepared to spring into action rushed about, weapons clanging as they armed themselves with swords, spears, and bows.

"Stick to the plan! Archers and gunners, take your positions on the walls and fire at will! The rest, prepare to engage the enemy at the gate!"

Roki, one of Nobutake Oda's trusted lieutenants and one of the Three Warriors, issued these orders. The soldiers moved with precision, heading to their assigned positions without wasting a moment. Roki himself wore relatively light armor, favoring mobility over defense. Clutching an exceptionally fine sword, he moved to the inner side of the gate.

'Our mission is one only we can accomplish.'

"SHOOT!"

At the command of their leader, a volley of musket balls and arrows was unleashed from the castle walls, hurtling toward the advancing Celestials. The distinct sound of gunpowder igniting and arrows slicing through the air could be heard even from afar.

The warriors and other soldiers waiting inside to repel the invading enemy hoped to hear their foes' dying screams. However, what reached their ears was only the clash of metal on metal—no cries of agony. The range was certainly within their weapons' reach. It was expected that some shots might miss, but for none to hit at all was beyond strange.

One of the commanders on the ground turned to the officer overseeing the gunners and archers atop the wall. The officer, wearing a bewildered expression, called out to the soldiers below.

"Sh-shields! They're using Nanban cuirasses!"

"What?"

The Celestials led by Bakki at the vanguard were running forward with Nanban cuirasses held like shields. These cuirasses, the ones deflecting musket balls and arrows, had been repurposed as protective barriers. The Nanban cuirasses featured an angled central front, perfectly designed to deflect projectiles.