Herald: Sorry about this, Mr. Barrus. Father thought that it was a good idea to have you here given that you have experienced the fight with the monsters.
Brock nodded.
Moo: Don't worry, I understand.
Herald nodded in relief and guided Brock, Marcel, and Delirious inside the hall.
Currently, our three idiotic retards were in the city hall. The city lord had convoked a meeting with the leaders of the adventurers and hunter parties plus the powerhouses in the city. The meeting was to discuss the strategies to face the monster's wave.
Plus, he also sent messages to other nearby cities for aid not too long ago.
Herald had gone to the three's house in the morning to invite them to the meeting, and none of them did not refuse.
For them, this was a good opportunity to share what they knew about the monsters.
When Brock, Delirious, and Marcel entered the hall, they realized that it was already full. More than one hundred warriors and mages were seated or standing inside the hall. Each one of them sported serious expressions and were looking anxiously in the direction of the city lord.
Especially there is some demi-humans or beastmens among the group, but rarely so.
The three members of Team 6 were surprised when they observed the people here. Thet realized that there were another three A-rank practitioners in this hall besides the City Lord.
One of them was a buff man with a greatsword resting beside him, the other was a refined-looking old man seated in a chair with his eyes closed, and the last one was a mage-like woman standing behind a group of warriors with an ice-cold expression.
Each one of them emitted a sense of pressure that intimidated the people in their surroundings. It was obvious that they were the top people in this city.
When most of the people invited arrived, the city lord started his speech.
City Lord: Ladies and gentlemen, we are reunited here due to the disaster our city is facing. I think that everybody here knows the gist of the situation, so we will not explain that. Instead, I will focus on defensive strategies.
The city lord then talked about the plans for the defense, the number approximated of monsters, the logistics during the battle, the distribution of the hunters, and some other things.
But when he reached a certain point, a commotion arose in the hall.
Random Guy: City lord, are you saying that we are forced to participate in the defensive battle?
An insidious looking man asked. He had a scar in his cheek, and his eyes seemed filled with venom.
Random Guy: Why would we risk our lives in a battle like this?
City Lord: It was an order of the kingdom. If any of the people in the city runs away, the kingdom will brand them as traitors and punish them.
Random Guy: Hahaha, city lord, stop joking. Many of the people here are not from this kingdom. To be honest, the only reason I'm here is that it's more convenient to hunt in this city. As for risking my life for this city? Hahahaha, you need more than a threat like that to make me stay. To be honest, I don't care if I'm branded as a criminal. At most, I will leave this country.
The city lord frowned. He could see that although only the insidious-looking man spoke, many of the warriors and Adventurers in the hall seemed to share the same thought.
In the end, not many people were noble enough to risk their lives to fight a 100 thousand strong army of monsters for a city and people they barely knew.
In the end, the city lord sighed.
City Lord: I understand. How about this, the city hall will pay double the price of all the spoils you get in this battle. That is enough as a reward, right?
The insidious-looking adventurer smiled and closed his eyes. It was obvious that he was content with the city lord's words.
At that moment, it was the buff looking man, one of the three A-rank beside the city lord, turn to speak.
A-rank Buff Man: City lord, I heard the kingdom is sending a Demigod here. Do you know how much he will take to arrive here, and what demigod is it?
The city lord shook his head.
City Lord: Unfortunately, I don't receive information about his/her identity, but he will arrive tonight. Well, no Demigod is weak. I'm sure whoever that demigod is, he will make the battle much easier.
The buff man nodded.
After that, some others asked some questions, and the city lord replied to them. After half an hour, most of the questions were replied.
City Lord: Any other opinion?
The city lord asked after replying to the last question.
Nobody raised their hands, so the city lord heaved a tired sigh and got readied to put an end to this meeting.
But at that moment, someone spoke.
???: I have something to say!
Everybody turned in direction of the voice.
Instantly, they saw a black-skin young man in the middle of the crowd alonside two other men and one Iron Golem. The three look fairly handsome a bit but not that much. All of their faces were very calm, like they seem like they were experience.
When the city lord saw the young man, he frowned.
City Lord: Basically, what is it?
Basically: City lord, I fear the information you have is wrong.
City Lord: Huh?
Random Adventurer Girl: Wrong? What do you mean, young man.
Basically: The number of enemies is not 100 thousand, it's over two million 😐
Everyone(Except the Three): !!!!!!!!!!
Instantly, a commotion ensued in the hall. Some of the adventurers stood up, while others turned pale. But nobody was able to remain calm after hearing those words.
A-rank Old man: And who are you, boy, and why would we believe you? Could it be you are trying to lower our morale.
Instantly, the pressure of an A-rank attacked Marcel.
But Xavier won't let that happened, who was beside him. He instantly blocked the pressure as though it was nothing and looked at the old man with menacing look.
Anyway, he had already shown his strength before the Forest Dragon attacked, so it did not matter if he showed it again, at least while they were in this city.
The old man's eyes narrowed. Not only him, but every strong person in the hall looked at the giant Golem in pale as anybody near it step backwards.
The city lord furrowed his brows.
City Lord: Everybody, stop! Mr. Cunningham, can you tell me how did you get this information.
Marcel nodded.
Basically: Well... you see. We have this device.
Then, Basically spawned a surveillance drone our of nowhere.
All the people in the hall were surprised. They never seen some weird creature like this in their life.
Well, it sounds kinda like a stupid move for Marcel but in truth, the reason why he did it is because he and his friends shown their equipments too much for the past few days.
Basically: Well, this creature or what you called has the ability to allows us to connect the same perspective and let me to see things far, far away from me. Yesterday in the morning, I used it to find the number approximate of monsters... And believe me, 2 million is a conservative estimate.
The capabilities of the ddroneswhat Marcel said was the half-truth technically.
The city lord was stunned. He fell silent for a moment to consider Marcel's words.
In fact, anyone would realize the uniqueness of the floating creature after seeing them once, however, it was the first time the city lord heard of such unique creature came from them, so he could not just believe Marcel's words without proof.
City Lord: Do you can prove your words, Basically? How do you know if your words about that thing is true.
Marcel looked fixedly at the city lord and shrugged.
Basically: Why do I need to prove them? You can decide if you want to believe me or not. I don't care.
The city lord narrowed his eyes.
City Lord: I see, you are right. By the way, is there anything else you want to say?
Basically: None.
City Lord: Okay, so... are we ready to—
???: I got a few words to say.
The city lord, the people in the hall especially the three look at the source of the one spoke reveals to be a figure laying in the wall, the shade blocks the person's view that none of the people could able to see em. But the only clue the people get was it is a girl based on her voice.
City Lord: Is there something to say, young miss?
???: Yeah, one more thing. Be careful from the black things.
City Lord: Black things?
???: Don't ask me, thats all you should know. I only know that these things are the real culprits behind all of this.
And just like that, the person left the mansion, leaving the people confuse on what her words meant.
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Herald: Hey, Basically. Were your words true earlier?
Herald asked after the meeting ended.
Marcel looked at him indifferently and shrugged.
Basically: Why would I lie about something like this?
Herald: That is true. Anyway, thank you for the information. I'll make sure that father takes it seriously.
Marcel nodded and boarded the carriage followed by Delirious, Moo, and Xavier.
Basically: We'll go to make our preparations for tomorrow's battle.
Although Herald wanted to talk with Basically a bit more, he did not have an excuse to keep him behind. Thus, he could only watch him and his friends and the others leave.
As the four were in the carriage in silence, the first one who spoke was Delirious who peeks through the window looking at Herald.
Delirious: I hate that hypocrite. How I would like to punch him in the face. At least once, no, twice, wait no, let's add a knuckle bracelet.
Moo: Me too. But we can't be rash. Punching the city lord's son is the same as putting the entire city against us.
Delirious: If you guys want, I can kill them by putting blocks of TNTs.
Hearing that conversation, Marcel rolled his eyes.
Basically: Were supposed to hide most of our equipments. You are not putting effort into it.
Delirious: Huhhh??? I was not going to let that old man humiliate us. Besides, the city lord and all of the Adventurers and people in that place already witnessed the surveillance drone you just demonstrated! Even showing more people of our weapons and armor in our previous fights! There is no point in hiding our equipments anymore.
Brock smiled wryly and heaved a sigh.
Moo: Anyway you two, I hope they truly pay attention to Marcel's words and don't ignore them. In fact, the ideal would be if they evacuate the city.
Delirious: Evacuate the city? So serious?
Basically: Delirious, do you think this town has the strength to fight against a wave of two million monsters? Even with a Demigod what they called, the will unable to protect the entirety of the city walls. And once a monster gets inside the city, even a C-rank like us, the number of casualties on the population will be immense, like shooting a flamethrower to an ants hive.
Delirious: Then, the city lord...
Moo: He probably will not evacuate the population.
Delirious: I see.
Basically: There is simply too little time. Besides, if the population evacuates there is the possibility that some practitioners will take the opportunity to desert. The best conclusion is the city lord leaving behind a special team to take care of the monsters that break through the defensive line.
In the end, he could only wish for the best.
Moo: I hope not too many people die this time.
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(At Night, In the City Lord Mansion)
City Lord: Ms. Leviantine, it's an honor to have you here.
Samantha: Don't be so courteous, city lord. I'm here in orders of the Queen.
The city lord smiled, but he kept a respectful and humble attitude. And desperately try to ignore her stunning beauty. Of course he looks 10 years older than her but in reality, they age were a mile apart. Being a Demigod, once they ascended into one, their age stops, halting their appearance until they died for the next 1000 years. While Samantha was over 200 years of age, her appearance is more like in her early 40s.
City Lord: To be honest, I'm surprised. When I heard that the Queen was going to send a Demigod here, I was not expecting The Queen's most trusted bodyguard! Also known as the Captain of the Golden Paladins of the Church of the Golden Dawn herself!
Samantha just looked briefly to the city lord and ignored his obvious attempt to flattery.
Samantha: How is the situation?
The city lord then proceeded to explain everything to Samantha.
Samantha frowned. And when she heard that the estimate of enemies was between 100,000 and 2 million monsters, she scowled.
Samantha: 100,000 or 2 million? How can your intelligence to be so inaccurate.
The city lord smiled wryly.
City Lord: In fact, our intelligence indicates that the number is around 100 thousand, but… This morning, someone came here and told me that the number is actually 2 million.
Samantha: Someone? Is that person reliable?
City Lord: I think so. However, I have been unable to confirm his words.
Samantha furrowed her brows. It seemed that it was right of her to come here.
Samantha was the personal Bodyguard of the Queen, she could be considered as the Leader of the Holy Paladins of the Church of the Golden Dawn. She was a Sainthood Demigod that took care most of the military matters in the kingdom.
Thus, she normally would not be sent to this kind of mission, if it were, she only just gonna sent a small numbers of A-rank combatants and one Trascension Demigod in here, but she only here for one reason. Being here is not just helping the city from the horde of monsters. No, thats not her real purpose, her real purpose of being here is to find something or someone... or a group of people of course according to her Queen's orders.
But hearing that two million monsters were about to attack the city, even she could not remain calm.
Samantha: Have you evacuated the citizens?
The city lord turned embarrassed.
City Lord: We were too short on time. Besides, I didn't want to cause chaos.
Samantha: I see. I need to know tomorrow's defensive strategy. But first, I will take a look at the situation and confirm the number of enemies.
City Lord: I understand.
The city lord bowed respectfully.
At that moment, though, he put on a hesitating expression.
City Lord: Ms. Leviantine, can I make you a personal question?
Samantha: Hm? Do ask.
City Lord: Does the surname Barrus, or Cunningham rings a bell?
Samantha: Barrus and Cunningham? That is an unusual surname.
Samantha then fell silent and started to think.
Samantha: I don't remember any demigod or hidden family with that surname. At least, there is none nearby. Except there is a name Kunninghun family from the Saraleves Kingdom at the Great Isthmus Region, but I don't think none of them never want to go to Goldrose.
City Lord: Is it so?
The city lord fell deep in thought.
Samantha: Why the question?
City Lord: Huh? No, nothing. I was just curious about something.
Samantha: Mhm...
Well, that question is out-topic, but for some reason, she couldn't help but felt a strange feeling hearing the surname Barrus and Cunningham. But she just shook her head and forget it.
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Moo: In other words, we will be a response force?
Herald: Yes. Father thought that it's the best position for you three. Although it will be a bit risky to face the monsters that pass through the defense line, the risk is less than in the frontlines.
Brock nodded. To be honest, he was happy with this arrangement. This way, he could try to protect as many civilians as possible.
Herald: You will be behind the defense line in the north of the city with another three parties. Also, although there are parties in the other parts of the city, you must be ready to reinforce them if the situation turns dangerous.
Brock simply nodded.
Moo: I understand. Don't worry, I know what to do... Young master Herald, can I ask how is the situation?
Herald: Things are not looking good. Yesterday, our intelligence went to recheck the situation and they confirmed that the number of monsters is over 2 million… It looks like your friend Basically was right, Mr. Barrus.
He continues.
Herald: Fortunately, the kingdom sent a particularly strong Demigod this time. You will not believe it, but they sent The Queen's Personal Bodyguard! Also known as the Leader of the Holy Knights of the Church of the Golden Dawn! With her, I'm sure we will manage to defend against the monster wave.
Moo: Oh? You said its a 'her'?
Herald: Wait, you don't know who she is?? She is a powerful Sainthood Demigod, she is also from the Leviantine family! She became a Paladin after her father Grave Leviantine.
Moo: Oh, I see. But I don't really know her because I came from a fery far country, I don't think I know her much.
Herald: Okay, I understand. Well, I have to go, Mr. Barrus. The monster wave will arrive in four hours. So get ready for then.
Moo: Right.
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(In Another Part of the City)
Skyler: Don't worry, Gracie. You'll be safe here.
Skyler patted her little sister's head with a smile.
Gracie: I know, sister. Be careful e.e
Skyler smiled gently. She took something out of her shirt and put it on Gracie's hand.
Skyler: Take this communication crystal with you. If something happens, tell me.
Gracie: I understand. Worry not sister, I'll be safe 😊
Skyler nodded with a frown. For some reason, she felt strangely jittery today.
Skyler: Then, I'm going.
With a last smile, Skyler turned around and left for the battle.
Gracie saw her sister go with a smile. Her smile was more beautiful and brighter than ever.
Even when her sister was far away, she was still smiling.
Gracie: *Whispers* It's better like this, sister. It's better like this.
Gracie knew that if she asked her sister to stay, Skyler would stay.
However, she did not do so.
Only one of them was the target of the shadows. Her sister must not come to harm due to her.
Gracie: I wonder if the heroes will come for me e.e
With that last whisper, Gracir closed her eyes.
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(In the Walls of Calice City)
Thousands of Adventurers were standing nervously. They were looking towards the horizon, waiting for the attack to start.
Delirious was among them. His body was standing straight, and both of his hair and jacket were blew by the wind as he held both of his machetes. He seemed like a heroic warrior ready for an epic battle.
But despite his battle-ready stance, his face had a dazed expression.
Guard: Are you alone, young man?
A young guard beside him asked curiously.
Delirious was startled, but he quickly recovered and nodded.
Delirious: Yeah.
Soldier: Eh? Are you not afraid?
The young soldier smiled.
Soldier: Well, it doesn't matter. Stay close to your mother, she will be sure to protect you when the monsters come under your bed. Haha!
Delirious frowned deeply, he wants to kill that bastard right now but it was not the time when their are upon millions of monsters just a few kilometers from them.
But if Delirious knew alot more about cultivation ranks, he would laugh very hard when he sees that the young man was just at <E+> rank, just a bit stronger than an average human.
Delirious: Yeah yeah, I bet you are the first person will die in this battle.
Soldier: What did you say?
Soldier 2: Hey Bob! Keep it down! That is not the time for messing around. The city was about to burn and we have to defend it in our lives!
Ignoring the arguments behind him, Delirious then use a binoculars and then spotted a black line that suddenly appeared on the horizon.
Thousands and thousands of monsters, or far more are advancing furiously towards the walls to destroy the city.
The Adventurers, Hunters, and Guards turned pale. Some of then even started to shake when they saw the great number of monsters marching towards them.
But Delirious just kept his serious look. Clenching his fist, he smiled in such a way that creates a terrifying aura around him, making all the people around him felt intimidating.
Delirious(Thoughts): I'm not even sure if I can see Liz and my childrens again.
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(In Another Part of the City)
The City Lord and his son, together with the three A-rank warriors of the city and some other important people were standing behind a blonde woman with a stunning look.
Samantha, The Queen's Personal Bodyguard, looked at the wave of monsters coming towards them.
Despite the overwhelming number of monsters, her expression did not change. As a Sainthood Demigod, Samantha did not fear the monsters in the slightest.
Samantha: I'm sure I will remember this sight for a long time.
Samantha muttered. She then grabbed a longsword that was leaning against a table and walked until the edge of the city wall.
Samantha: City lord, how are the preparations?
City Lord: Everything is ready. We have twenty thousand people ready to fight the monsters, and with the help of the city walls and you Ms. Leviantine, we are confident in defeating them.
Samantha: That is good. Make sure to keep the casualties at the minimum. The kingdom can't afford to lose much of its combat force.
City Lord: I understand.
The city lord replied seriously.
Samantha: Very well, I'm off then.
As soon as she spoke, the Leader of the Holy Paladins took a step forward.
But instead of falling to the ground, she stepped in the air as though she was stepping on an invisible foothold.
Then, she kicked the air.
And rushed towards the monsters at Massively Hypersonic Speeds.
The City Lord and the others looked at that scene with both envious and surprise expression.
A-rank Buff Men: So that is a demigod, huh. How powerful.
A-rank Woman Mage: Just the fact that she can fly makes her almost invincible against non-demigod opponents. Unfortunately, there is a huge gap between A-ranks and Demigods. I don't know if I have a chance to bridge that gap in my lifetime.
The other A-Ranks nodded.
Seeing such speed. To be honest, not even the City Lord himself and the other three A-rank warriors couldn't catch the speed. If all of them faced against her at once, no matter if they were extremely smart, clever, or work together in a very organized matter, no doupt that they won't last long in less than a minute.
Even facing against 100 A-rank combatants and mages or more against one Sainthood Demigod, no less it will be a total massacre.
At that moment, a man approached the city lord and told him something in his ear.
The city lord was startled, but quickly, his expression turned to one of contemplation.
Then, he looked at the three A-ranks beside him.
City Lord: My friends, can you help me with a little thing?
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Gracie was sleeping on a table. Her chocolate brown hair rested against the table and her moved up and down slowly.
But suddenly, she frowned in her slept.
Cold sweat flowed on her forehead, and her face turned pale. It was as though she was experiencing something incredibly frightening.
Less than one minute later, she opened her eyes.
Gracie: I wonder if I can change fate.
Gracie furrowed her brows. She could feel the shadows approaching her. There was not much time left.
However, Gracie did not want to give up so easily.
So, she stood up and walked towards the entrance.
Gracie: Even if it can't be changed, I must not give up.
With such resolute words, she left the house.
Strangely, none of the people guarding her noticed when she left.
But then.....
...the shadows were quickly approaching.