Ch.269269. Goden Mikhail Likhabart (1)

Looking at Junon, who expressed himself honestly, Renias was content with this.

“It’s something that he even shared this much. So I just glossed over my request to hear two more things as ‘the rest.'”

It was supposed to be a promise that she could rely on him like today if anything happened.

“Soon, twice as many monsters as this number will appear.”

Another weather forecast made her eyes widen in shock.

‘Big brother Junon… isn’t the type to joke about something like this.’

Then it must be true. The story that twice the number of monsters they just dealt with would invade the village.

“I don’t think this is something we should discuss here, brother.”

Renias spoke as she picked up her basket again and moved. Junon agreed with her opinion and quickly headed home.

After entering the house, she peeled a fruit and placed it on the table, knowing the conversation might be lengthy.

Once she brought drinks to wet their throats, the conversation finally began.

“You mentioned earlier that monsters would appear in Sirah again, right? Do you have any basis for that?”

“…You might doubt me for saying this, but I don’t.”

Uncharacteristically, Junon evaded the answer vaguely.

‘He doesn’t? Why?’

Her head tilted involuntarily at the fact that someone who never acted without reason was predicting monster appearances yet couldn’t provide a single piece of evidence.

But thinking about it differently, it made sense.

‘Is that why it was difficult for him to tell me?’

Even if he knew this contradiction was true, without solid evidence, there weren’t sufficient conditions to inform others of the truth. There had been similar incidents recently.

The Mirpark nobles trying to interfere with the parade. The research facilities spread throughout Mirpark.

In a way, it was hard to say either of these moved based on any concrete evidence.

So she could vaguely guess that this wasn’t nonsense.

But even if there wasn’t a reason too difficult to verbalize, it didn’t matter if he acted once based on speculation. Or even if he followed uncertain things like emotions and intuition.

“Doubt? I told you I would never doubt you, brother. I said I believe in you.”

Because there was no falsehood in what he said. That was enough reason to help.

Renias completely cleared the clouds of doubt from her mind and continued her questions.

“It will be difficult to prepare, so should we evacuate the residents to Levrant?”

“No. We can’t do that. Levrant is…”

Junon withdrew his words once again.

This must mean there were circumstances he couldn’t talk about again.

“What about requesting support from Levrant Academy?”

“…That’s right.”

If that was true, it was quite a bleak situation.

Sirah was experiencing increasingly frequent monster appearances, starting with Stumps and Legators. And since there had already been one forecast that came true, there might be actual casualties next time.

Therefore, even if not for subjugation, conducting a defensive battle would be efficient, so residents needed to be evacuated…

Shut was out of the question, being covered in mountains, and Algenib was still not fully recovered, making it even more unsuitable.

The only place left with sufficient facilities and equipment was the capital, Levrant, but if they couldn’t evacuate there, Sirah would ultimately have to face the monsters head-on. Moreover, with obvious difficulties in defense, calling for reinforcements was the only option.

But they couldn’t call for support… no, he said they shouldn’t call for it.

In other words, Sirah had to independently block the monster invasion.

“Wouldn’t it be okay to gather people in Alperatz, Sirah’s central city, and relay the information?”

“No. I see that as an option that must be avoided at all costs.”

“What? Why…”

“Sirah lags far behind other administrative regions in population, resources, and facilities. With no nobles or lords, there’s no higher authority to select and train people for combat positions. Moreover, all of them are precariously maintaining this society by fulfilling their duties.”

“That means… if those people are gone, Sirah will…”

“Be abandoned. If that happens, it would be impossible to reclaim Sirah, and it would just be a waste of land and manpower.”

The region of Sirah was holding them back.

Could they make rational judgments in the face of a foreseen monster invasion? Would those who couldn’t even properly handle mana stay in Sirah and fight?

Of course not. Terrified residents would desperately try to flee to save their lives.

Fear is the most avoided emotion on the battlefield. Even if all those people participated in battle, proper coordination couldn’t be expected, and even if countermeasures were established as before, it was uncertain whether they could be properly executed.

In the end, the foreseen monster invasion was forbidden information that couldn’t be shared with them, and shouldn’t be shared.

“Then what should we do…?”

“…There is one way. It’s not that there isn’t a method.”

“What is it?”

“Support from another unit.”

“Another unit… Ah. I see. The Imperial Army has the Tembris Party!”

If not from Levrant Academy, support from another unit meant only one thing.

Setting aside information about the monsters, the method was to reallocate some of the Imperial Army currently conducting siege warfare in Mirpark to this side for defensive operations.

‘I was thinking the same thing, but… sigh…’

Junon didn’t deny the solution he proposed. However, he was troubled by the fact that even he couldn’t be certain if this method was the right answer.

But if asked whether another path existed… undoubtedly, it did not.

“Let’s request support. There’s no other way, right?”

“Yes.”

It was an unwanted method. The very situation of having to ask them for support was a reluctant approach.

But they couldn’t just ask those people to die either.

So Junon sent another letter to the Tembris Party, his former colleagues who were commanding the Imperial Army.

***

“They’re requesting support from Sirah?”

“It says monsters have appeared. The circumstances and details are quite thoroughly written. Goden, would you like to read it yourself?”

“Sure. I’m not doubting it, but the timing is rather strange.”

“I think so too. Here.”

Goden took the letter Senia handed him and read it.

The letter stated that monsters had appeared several times in Sirah, a remote village where the frequency of monster appearances should have been low.

While Stumps or Halifs occasionally appeared along the Irob River basin, such cases were at a level where a few lazy sentries or villagers could suppress them.

But according to the letter, monsters had invaded Sirah in groups.

‘And it says this has happened several times already…’

Since they were requesting support, the village must be in a weakened state. They needed to quickly reorganize the Imperial Army units and send some soldiers to Sirah.

But unit reorganization was only possible when they had the luxury to do so.

“Why now of all times?”

In the past few days, the Imperial Army had launched a raid on Mirpark.

With sufficient forces and information, the surprise attack had proceeded successfully.

However, right after breaking through the gates, an unknown ritual was being performed in the center of Mirpark city.

Those who had used humans, Mirpark Road School students, as monsters for soldiers would likely have used even more sinister magic, so they tried to quickly stop the ritual, but something awoke there as if it had been waiting.

That monstrous life form, with decaying flesh, blood contaminated with magical energy, and bones clearly visible throughout, was undoubtedly a monster and ultimate weapon created by Mirpark.

Like a dog raised through training and breeding, the monstrous life form only listened to the Mirpark nobles and attacked the Imperial Army.

So they didn’t move rashly and reorganized their lines, but even so, the Imperial Army had to retreat.

Quite a few were injured, and some of them died. Since they had no information about that monster, which wasn’t just something that popped out of a colony or cave but was deliberately created, they first needed to understand how the situation would unfold.

In fact, today they brought an analysis team to gather information about that entity.

The result.

At least A-rank. They had estimated it to be Lord grade, but the figures came out even higher.

S-rank, Named grade.

That rattling, half-dead monster was given the name Feltibourgos.

‘This is difficult.’

On one side, defending Sirah; on the other, the appearance of a Named monster.

The Imperial Army, having broken open the gates, now had to face this new enemy, a contaminated monstrous life form. Under such circumstances, could they really send soldiers to Sirah?

But if they split the unit to send to Sirah, supplies would have to follow, and while Feltibourgos might be quiet now, would they have a chance against a Named monster if they divided their forces?

It was a weighing of options that gave his mind no rest.

Amidst this, Senia settled the dilemma with her answer.

“You should take a unit to Sirah, Goden.”

“…Senia?”

“That side is more urgent. I don’t think Feltibourgos is an opponent that can be resolved by your movement anyway. The rank might have been inflated due to the soldiers’ testimonies.”

Senia pointed to her eyes with her finger, indicating she had checked with her magical sight.

“That’s just a monster created by sacrificing other life forms. A sacrificial offering technique similar to what was engraved on Defornice III’s heart is inscribed at its core. And it’s set to circulate infinitely.”

“Infinitely circulating? Don’t tell me… unlike ordinary monsters, it moves not to fill its stomach or prove its strength, but to endlessly devour living beings?”

“Probably. I see only one way to break that chain.”

“Sealing magic, I presume.”

“Bingo.”

Feltibourgos would constantly feel hunger and thirst, searching for living prey.

To erase the false survival instinct engraved in that contaminated body, the only option was to seal the technique itself. In such a situation, could Goden, even as a major combat specialist, be of help?

Not according to Senia’s view, formed by combining magical sight and insight.

“I can accept that explanation, but why do you assert that about the rank?”

“Calpusis was S-rank, Lord grade. Not because of perception, but while it might be a bit inferior in terms of magical power, it was a much more difficult opponent in combat, both offensively and defensively. Its resistance and stamina were no joke either.”

“So I wasn’t the only one who felt that way. Then does that mean I can handle it sufficiently if I go to Sirah?”

“Not necessarily. You’re good at everything else, but you can’t use sealing magic, right? That’s why I’m saying go to Sirah. The Fichel 5-formation, which has balanced frontline distribution, is most suitable for dealing with Feltibourgos anyway.”

Senia said with confident eyes that she had completed the analysis herself, so he shouldn’t worry and should just go.

‘Fichel 5-formation… Indeed, if I were here, that formation couldn’t be used.’

Moreover, if the tactics themselves were centered around sealing magic, his role would be almost erased.

No further weighing of options was necessary.

“I should select who to take to Sirah. Senia, I’d like your help.”

“I’ve already… selected them.”

“Aris?”

“They’re people who aren’t particularly helpful for this operation. Sealing magic… Erika and I have the most experience with it.”

Aris handed him a list with names she had personally selected.

Her judgment on sealing magic, being the most experienced, couldn’t be wrong.

“Alright. Then for supplies and food support…”

“You don’t need to calculate that either. I’ve already done it all.”

Charlotte, who had been hiding behind Aris, presented a ledger and another letter.

While the previous letter didn’t have the sender’s name, this one clearly stated it.

Junon.

Below the main text detailing the current situation in Sirah, his name was prominently written.

“You all…”

“We already suspected it, right? That we’re not completely without connection to that guy.”

“I’m… fine with being left out.”

“What are you saying? Please send our regards to the senior, including Erika’s share.”

Goden looked at the three of them in turn and let out a hollow laugh.

But why did it make his heart feel so relieved?

Was it because it proved that someone with such character would eventually be rewarded?

Well, it didn’t matter.

“Senia, you’re the deputy commander. Finish quickly and come support us. Understood?”

“Yes. See you later.”

***

Two days after sending the letter to Mirpark.

The news about monsters appearing should have reached them by now, but reinforcements still hadn’t arrived.

Around them were only those who were exhausted and on the verge of collapse. The eyes of those who had proudly said they would protect the village together were gradually withering.

It was clearly the limit now.

It wouldn’t be strange at all if someone died trying to protect the village any longer.

The moment they gave up this place, a direct gateway to Alperatz, Sirah’s central city, would open. They had been desperately holding on in case there might be a situation like in the past where they had to relocate the capital to Alperatz, but without reinforcements, there was nothing they could do.

Neither I nor Renias.

Just as I was about to speak among those swallowing their sighs—

—Reinforcements are here!!!

A hopeful voice that felt like seeing a ray of sunlight under dark clouds struck my ears.

After that, everyone got up and ran toward the sound of hoofbeats.

“You’ve all worked hard, everyone.”

A familiar voice. Someone who always entrusted his back to me, who persuaded me several times when I was about to give up and stand alone.

It was him.

“You can rest easy now. We’ve arrived. Let’s all take a rest first.”

When I got closer, I recognized him immediately because nothing had changed.

Well, that massive build couldn’t be hidden anyway.

“Oh, Junon! Fancy seeing you here too? Hahaha!”

The one who led the reinforcements to Sirah was Goden, who looked no different now than before.