Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord: Production Magic Turns a Nameless Village into the Strongest Fortified City Episode 11: The Ultimate Squad's Proud Counterattack

Van expresses profound reluctance, lamenting his journey to the front lines. He narrates his discontent, clearly not relishing the prospect of conflict. His group, including some tough-looking companions, travels to the fortress city of Skudetto, a place apparently under threat. As they arrive, they overhear soldiers discussing the Yernetta Kingdom's powerful new weapon, the 'Black Spheres,' and their wyverns, setting a grim stage for the battles ahead.

Suddenly, Van is face to face with his father, the Baron, a stern, authoritative figure. The Baron acknowledges Van's new title, then questions him about defeating a dragon. Van casually corrects him, specifying a Forest Dragon, a detail that shocks his father and the surrounding knights. When Van reveals he defeated it with a ballista, the disbelief turns to outrage, his father scoffing at the impossibility. Panamera then enters, playfully teasing the pair and confirming the King's interest in Van's new capabilities.

Van attends a tense war council with the King, Abelter, and Feldeinat, Arute's father. The discussion centers on the Yernetta Kingdom's swift conquest of Skudetto, attributed to their formidable wyverns and the mysterious 'Black Spheres.' The assembled nobles are at a loss for strategy. Van offers a simple solution, suggesting they defeat the wyverns quickly. His idea is immediately dismissed as childish and foolish by the King and other nobles.

When pressed to join the front lines, Van openly states his refusal, asking to remain in the rear. His reason, 'because I don't want to get hurt,' infuriates the King and the nobles, who deem him insolent. Van, however, changes his tone, seriously explaining that great nobles cannot understand the plight of a village lord. He emphasizes his dedication to protecting the small village he and his companions built, explaining its vulnerability without him. He concludes that he cannot afford to be injured.

The King, swayed by Van's sincerity, agrees to his proposal to build ballistas and catapults. Van, with a sly smile, claims he will construct them immediately. To the utter astonishment of the King, the Baron, and the assembled nobles, Van extends his hand, and with a brilliant blue light, magically conjures a fully formed ballista, then a catapult. His father, still unable to accept what he sees, scoffs and dismisses the magical creations as 'nothing special,' before returning to his military duties.

The King, unlike the Baron, is impressed by Van's magically produced weapons, commenting on their flamboyant nature. He places his trust in Van to secure a victory against the Yernetta forces. After the council, Arute sadly confronts her father, Feldeinat, asking about her mother. Feldeinat gives a curt, dismissive reply, clearly more concerned with war preparations, and walks away, leaving Arute in visible distress. Van and Tyrael offer her comfort.

In the command tent, Van meticulously organizes his forces, assigning Kamsin to the cavalry unit and relying on Sera's knight order for protection. Panamera discusses the shift in warfare, noting that the Yernetta Kingdom's new weapons have rendered traditional four-element magic obsolete. She observes that the true power now lies with those who can produce effective new armaments, a subtle nod to Van's unique abilities.

The battle begins with Van's father leading the charge against Skudetto. Meanwhile, Kamsin, commanding the Yernetta mages, prepares a magical counter-attack. He confidently unleashes a torrent of colorful projectiles that rain down on the Skuderia Army. To Kamsin's shock and frustration, Van's hastily constructed wooden shields absorb the magical onslaught with surprising effectiveness, protecting the advancing troops. Kamsin orders a second, more powerful barrage, still unable to break through.

As Kamsin unleashes his strongest spells, Kuseru and Puruel emerge to deflect the magical attacks with their weapons and bodies, proclaiming their prowess in close combat. Van watches calmly, waiting for the opportune moment. When Kamsin believes victory is his, Van steps forward, announcing the 'real battle' is beginning. He then unleashes his own magical attack, a wave of green energy that defeats Kamsin's mages and sends Kamsin himself flying. Van stands triumphant.

The Skuderia Army erupts in cheers, celebrating their decisive victory. Van, observing the sunset, reflects on the day and the evident absence of his father. Panamera joins him, complimenting his leadership. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over his village, Panamera expresses her desire to remain by his side. Van accepts her offer, and they walk hand-in-hand, facing a hopeful future together.