I Reincarnated as the Bastard Prince? Well, At least I'm OP!-Chapter 42: Battle

I slipped through the bunker door behind Krell, my footsteps silent as I shadowed the him down the dimly lit corridor.

The distant echoes of battle from the surface of the bunker shook the earth. The demon’s were getting more and more relentless.

What’s taking Gwyneria and the orcs so long? They should’ve engaged the demon king’s army minutes ago.

Krell passed through the final archway leading out of the royal chambers and into the hall that connected to the surface tunnels.

From his movement, I could tell he sensed he was being followed. He would stop at intervals and glanced behind him for a while before resuming his march.

At the end of the hall, Prince Rudolph stood waiting, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

He was clad in polished armor, his jaw set with determination.

Krell stopped in his tracks and bowed respectfully. "Your Highness."

Rudolph gave a firm nod. "Sir Krell. I’m joining the fight."

Krell hesitated. "But Your Highness, you’re not ready yet."

Rudolph’s eyes flashed with frustration. "And why’s that? Because I’m young? I’m fifteen—I can look after myself."

Krell sighed, his voice softening. "It’s not that. You’re skilled, yes, but demons are different. They fight dirty. They kill without honor. They’re unpredictable. You’re the heir to the kingdom. Your place is here, with your father. If anything happens to you, the Kingdom would suffer."

I watched silently from the shadows, studying Rudolph’s face.

He had always been the noble prince, eager to prove himself, to stand alongside his people rather than hide behind them.

He wanted his people to respect him not for his bloodline, but for his actions.

And truth be told, the kid had potential—I’d seen him spar with the elite knights, holding his own against seasoned warriors.

He could fight. He could win. Even against demons.

But King Godfrey would never allow it. The risk was too great. Losing Rudolph meant losing his only legitimate heir—his golden son.

And me? A bastard wasn’t exactly a worthy replacement in his eyes.

Knowing Godfrey, he would never risk the chance of having someone like me ascend his throne.

I glanced at Rudolph’s face—his jaw was clenched, knuckles tight around the hilt of his sword.

I feel bad for the poor kid. Rudolph was a good man, maybe even a great one, but his potential was being smothered by duty and fear.

He needs the challenge to help him grow. Sadly, that’s what holding him back. Everybody knows it. Even he knows it.

Rudolph’s hands clenched into fists, his eyes flashing with determination. "I’m going, whether you like it or not."

Before Krell could respond, a sharp voice cut through the tension.

"I forbid it."

King Godfrey strode into the hallway, his cape fluttering behind him, flanked by two of his generals.

His face was stern. He overheard the exchange between the prince and Krell.

Both Krell and Rudolph dropped into deep bows. "Your Majesty," they said in unison.

Godfrey’s gaze locked onto his son. "This is not a debate, Rudolph. You will remain here."

Rudolph opened his mouth to argue, but the king’s glare silenced him.

The prince’s shoulders slumped in defeat. "Yes, your majesty."

I exhaled slowly. This wasn’t my fight. I just needed to be alone with Krell.

Godfrey placed his hands on Rudolph’s shoulders, his grip firm but gentle.

The stern glint in his eyes softened as he leaned in, speaking low so only his son could hear.

"Rudolph," he said, voice calm with emotion, "you’re my son... and I’m proud of you. More than you’ll ever know."

Rudolph’s eyes widened slightly, his lips parting as if to speak, but the Godfrey continued.

"You have nothing to prove to anyone—not to me, not to the generals, not even to the knights outside bleeding for this kingdom. You’ve already proven your heart."

He squeezed Rudolph’s shoulders gently. "But this isn’t your battle, my son. Not yet. Let the knights do what they were trained to do. I can’t lose you... not like this."

Rudolph swallowed hard, his expression caught between pride and pain.

Then he forced a smile and gave a small nod. "I understand, Father."

Godfrey returned the nod, holding his gaze for a second longer, then turned to Sir Krell, who had risen to his feet once more.

"We’ve discussed a strategy. The eastern gates won’t hold much longer. We both know that."

Krell’s brow furrowed. "What’s the plan?"

Godfrey began. "When the walls fall, we’ll collapse the tunnel beneath the main bridge—mages have been stationed to explode it. The blast will take out the first wave of demons and buy us time to evacuate the civilians to the inner citadel."

Krell’s eyes widened. "Your Majesty—that tunnel is our only retreat path for the knights holding the gate! If we blow it now, they’ll be trapped outside. We’ll be sacrificing over a hundred knights. These are loyal men, your majesty—fathers, brothers, sons. There has to be another way"

Godfrey’s voice was steel. "We have no other choice. We didn’t have time to prepare for this war. If we don’t do this, everyone will die. We must protect the kingdom."

Krell’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides.

For a moment, it looked like he might argue further. His breathing grew heavy.

Godfrey saw his hesitation and barked with a hard voice. "That’s an order."

A muscle twitched in Krell’s cheek. Then, with a stiff bow, he gritted out, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Without another word, he turned and marched out of the bunker, his footsteps heavy with frustration.

I followed, slipping unseen behind him as he marched through the palace corridors.

The moment we were alone in the empty hall outside, Krell stopped abruptly.

"Come out, Archer," he said without turning around. "I know it’s you."

A smirk tugged at my lips. So he’d sensed me after all. I dispelled the invisibility spell, stepping into view.

"I knew you could feel my presence," I said. "Man, they don’t call you the strongest for nothing."

Krell glanced over his shoulder with a tired grin. "I’d recognize your quiet footsteps anywhere. You always did have the sneakiest aura I’ve ever felt."

I crossed my arms. "Fair enough."

Then his expression sobered. "So... what are you doing here? shouldn’t you be at the academy?"

I sighed. "Actually, I came back to check on my mother. See how she’s doing?"

"She’s doing well, Archer," Krell replied me like he was my big brother. "I told you, I’ll take perfect good care of her. I’m just sorry you had to come at a bad time."

I shrugged. "Well, you know what they say. It never rains but it pours. Actually, I think I can help with your little problem."

Krell’s eyes became sad. "You don’t have to, Archer. King Godfrey already gave his orders."

"You and I know that plan of his is suicide," I retorted. "You’re about to send good men to their deaths."

"I know that!" Krell raised his voice, clenching his teeth. "But what can we do? The demon king’s army are overwhelming. It’s not possible to defeat them."

"Nothing is impossible as long as magic is involved," I tilted my head. "Unless you’d rather sacrifice those good men. I can help."

Krell studied me for a long moment, his eyes widening. "How are you going to do that? Do you have an army of your own?"

I smirked. "As a matter of fact, I do. But I have a favour to ask you."

Krell leaned in. "Go on. I’m listening."

"Camilia isn’t safe here, Krell," I began. "She’s the reason why the demon king’s army are attacking."

Krell’s eyes glinted. "The ritual at the cave. You think it has something to do with it?"

"I’m positive," I replied him. "You must convince the king to send her somewhere safe. Somewhere out of the demon king’s reach. The longer she stays here, she puts everyone’s life in danger."

Krell took a long time to think about it. He is no dummy. He knows my theory made a lot of sense.

"It’d be hard to convince the king to let go of Camilia," Krell said. "He dotes on her. But if I can press him further, make him see the dangers involved on her life, he might see reasons."

I nodded. "So you’ll do it?"

Krell returned my nod. "I’ll do my best. I assure you, I won’t rest until her safety is guaranteed."

That was all I needed to hear. "Then we have an agreement. Now, I’ll fulfill my part. Order your men to retreat from the walls"

* * * *

Krell’s voice boomed across the battlefield as he barked orders to his men.

"Fall back! All units, retreat from the walls—now!"

Horn blasts echoed down the battlements, and the knights began a coordinated retreat.

One by one, they abandoned their positions, slipping into the shadowed tunnels that led back to the inner citadel.

Archers descended ladders. Swordsmen fell back in groups, carrying the wounded with them.

The moment the last soldier cleared the walls, I opened a portal, stepping through with Krell at my side.

We reappeared atop the highest tower overlooking the battlefield.

The demon king’s forces stretched across the horizon like a sea of shadows. Smoke rose from the outer village, blackening the sky.

Below us, the demons howled in triumph as the gates finally splintered, the massive doors collapsing inward with a thunderous crash.

Krell’s jaw tightened as he watched the horde surge forward, scrambling over the rubble.

His fingers clenched around the hilt of his sword.

"I’ve done what you asked," he said, voice strained. "Now what?"

I closed my eyes, reaching telepathically to Gwyneria.

"What’s taking so long, Gwyneria?"

Her voice echoed in my mind. "We’re already here, my liege. The orcs are in position. We’re just waiting for your command."

A slow smirk curled my lips.

"Very well," I said. "Attack."