36-72

EP.72 Lich and Hero – 2 

A conference room with an old-fashioned atmosphere. 

Commander Munch was studying the surrounding terrain with a serious expression. 

Although the battle with the lich had been a victory, the situation was not yet fully reversed. 

“This last battle was remarkable, but things still aren’t fully resolved.” 

“Well, we were outnumbered from the start.” 

Even though they’d reduced the number of undead, their side was still outnumbered. 

“And now, bad news has come.” 

“What is it?” 

“The enemy has surrounded the city and cut off our supply lines.” 

That lich… he’s pretty clever. 

They’d already been struggling to secure food. 

If the supply lines were completely cut, they wouldn’t last long. 

“It’s certainly not a good situation.” 

“We’ll probably have to go on the offensive.” 

A full-scale battle on the open plains. 

The previous fight had the advantage of defending from fortified positions, but in a direct clash, victory was not guaranteed. 

“Even with fewer undead, do we have a chance of winning in a head-on fight?” 

“...” 

A heavy silence filled the room. 

Judging by Munch’s thoughtful face, it wouldn’t be easy. 

“…I think our chances are better than before, at least.” 

“So you’re not confident of victory.” 

No wonder. 

Their last win was thanks to pouring huge amounts of holy water on the enemy. 

If they fought out in the open, they’d be limited in how much they could bring. 

No matter how effective it was, they couldn’t keep carrying full jars of water. 

“But we can’t retreat. Our food is running out even as we speak.” 

Time was short, and the odds were bad. 

No matter how you looked at it, defeat seemed likely. 

“I think we should try to find another way.” 

There’s a saying: the more urgent, the more you need to take your time. 

Of course, if they got isolated and wiped out, it’d be over, but charging in blindly wasn’t an option either. 

“I know what you mean, but we don’t have time. Unless you have another revolutionary idea like last time…” 

Munch looked at me, almost hopefully. 

But nothing came to mind. 

“We need something that works quickly.” 

“Exactly.” 

“Hmm…” 

If such a method existed, it would have been used both on Earth and in this world. 

If there was a way, an experienced commander like Munch would know it, so I tried to recall anything from Earth. 

“I’ll think about it.” 

I racked my brain for a way to quickly tip the battle in our favor… 

Tanks and jets were out of the question. Maybe something to boost infantry performance? 

But nothing practical came to mind. 

“Sigh…” 

A deep sigh escaped me. 

If they had time and resources, maybe something could be done, but nothing usable right now came to mind. 

“It’s tough, isn’t it.” 

“…Still, let’s keep thinking.” 

They had to maximize their chances. 

They’d already provoked and ambushed the enemy; if they lost now, the consequences would be unthinkable. 

Maybe from all the thinking, my head started to ache. 

I even wished for a painkiller. 

“Maybe I should take some medicine… Wait, medicine?” 

Thinking of medicine, something came to mind. 

Drugs. 

Dangerous substances that act on the nervous system with complex effects. 

But in this situation, they might be useful. 

After all, opiates are used for severe pain and have been used in war. 

“Is it possible to get drugs in the city?” 

“It wouldn’t be easy, but we could make some.” 

Drugs are potent for their weight and volume. 

If they had the right effect, they could be used like performance enhancers. 

“I need something that heightens alertness and boosts reflexes and agility. Enough for all the soldiers.” 

“You’re not thinking of giving this to the troops, are you?” 

Munch frowned at me. 

Even in this world, drugs don’t have a good reputation. 

For a good commander, giving drugs to his troops was not an appealing idea. 

“It’s better than all dying together. Is it possible?” 

“…It’s possible.” 

Good. 

This way, they could maximize infantry combat ability. 

I didn’t want to use it either, but for short-term results, some side effects had to be accepted. 

“By the way, how do you treat addiction here?” 

“We tie them up, feed them, and use healing magic until there are no aftereffects.” 

It was a rather rough treatment, but if there were no lingering effects, my plan was more practical. 

Even if magic made recovery tough, it was better than dying now. 

“Let’s go with this plan. If we want to raise our chances, this is the only way. Survive first, and then worry about addiction treatment.” 

Munch closed his eyes for a moment as he listened. 

He didn’t immediately object, which meant he was at least somewhat convinced. 

But it was understandable he’d be reluctant. 

There was no record of drugs being used in war in this world’s history. 

Long-term, it was a bad idea. 

But for a short, decisive battle, it was different. 

Win first, treat later. 

When Munch opened his eyes again, there was a calm resolve in them. 

“You’re right. In our situation, it’s the only way.” 

“If I had more time, I’d look for another solution.” 

“I know. Sigh… But I still don’t like it.” 

“I’ll take responsibility for the lich.” 

With this, all preparations were complete. 

The only thing left was for me to take out the lich myself. 

If our numbers held, the fight between me and the lich would decide the outcome. 

“I’m counting on you.” 

Munch looked at me with a resolute expression, trust for his comrades in his eyes. 

“Leave it to me.” 

I should probably prepare a secret weapon, just in case. 

People bustled about. 

Apothecaries carried white powder with a chemical smell. 

“Make sure everyone gets their share!” 

Following Munch’s orders, the soldiers lined up to receive the powder. 

They’d been briefed, so they all knew it was a drug. 

“At least there’s no problem so far.” 

Sitting on a hard wooden chair, I watched the soldiers’ faces as they received their doses. 

They all wore determined expressions. 

Normally, there would have been lots of complaints and resistance to drugs. 

Anyone sane knows the risks. 

But the desperation of the situation made them accept it. 

“Well… maybe that’s not the only reason.” 

Some prayed to the gods or looked at me with eyes full of awe. 

Especially those looking at me, as if I were some legendary hero. 

It made sense. 

They’d seen me fight in the last battle, and I’d been loudly advertised as a hero. 

People seek something to rely on when they’re anxious. 

And it’s not necessarily a bad thing. 

It’s better than panicking or deserting. 

After the drugs were distributed, Munch approached me. 

“All preparations are complete.” 

“All that’s left is to fight.” 

“Exactly.” 

I stood from my chair and looked around at the soldiers, acting as if victory was assured. 

“The hero is with us!” 

“Lady Rene is watching over us!” 

“The hero will defeat the enemy!” 

Just putting on a confident front raised morale. 

Sometimes appearances really do matter. 

Munch then shouted to the troops, his voice full of authority. 

“Everyone, prepare to march!” 

The sound of soldiers moving in unison echoed around us. 

Confident footsteps, the clatter of armor and weapons. 

They marched forward with grim determination, drugs in their pockets. 

First a cult leader, now drugs… 

If divine punishment comes, I can’t complain. 

“Well… I’m sure the goddess doesn’t want her followers to die, so it should be fine.” 

Thus began the historic moment of drugs being used in war for the first time in this world. 

Not exactly a proud chapter in history.