Chapter 61

Chapter 61

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 61: Crisis And Cooperation (1).

The wreckage of carriages scattered messily outside the fortress, bloodstains, flesh, and all sorts of trash.

“Damn it…”

This unbelievable sight dumbfounded the group. The villagers were weeping in despair, and the mercenaries were cursing under their breath.

It was safe to say this was the worst-case scenario imaginable. Even Allen had not anticipated it would come to this.

‘…Those bastards, to think they would ransack a defenseless place in such a way.’

Especially since the atmosphere was already ominous due to the dark mage, and both the merchant groups and the mercenaries had left, the moment those with actual skills left to save the village, a significant gap was created in the city’s defenses.

Of course, it wasn’t a complete void, but no one could have anticipated that they would dare to raid the city. Naturally, everyone was off guard, and they were thoroughly caught by surprise.

The group passed through the shattered city gates, hanging by threads, and entered the city. The romantic and leisurely western city had vanished without a trace, turning into a literal desolate ruin with not a soul in sight.

The interior was so empty that not even a mouse could be seen. …Where the necromancer passed, only a hollow silence remained.

Haaa—.

A collective sigh of disillusionment burst forth. This must be how it feels to return from a mission only to find your home completely ruined.

Now, beyond money or anything else, it was time to think only of survival.

Group Leader Rudra first ordered the villagers to search the homes for food, then gathered all the other group leaders. Of course, their expressions were all of utter dismay.

“As you can all see, Hegel has fallen. Now, we must devise a plan for survival. …Does anyone have any suggestions?”

After hesitating, one of the group leaders brought up an immediate concern.

“How long are we supposed to take responsibility for these people? Our mission is over. We risked our lives to bring people here for the mission. …But now the city has fallen. What does the mission or responsibility have to do with us anymore?”

“Shouldn’t we also try to survive? At this rate, we’ll all really die.”

Group Leader Rudra was not unaware of this. …No, everyone here was all too keenly aware of it.

The fact that they can no longer keep taking them with them. That there’s no reason or meaning to it anymore—.

Group Leader Allen stood with his arms crossed, staring blankly at the dirt ground. Everyone was subtly watching him, waiting for his agreement.

“…I also agree that it’s difficult to take them with us.”

Realistically, it was not possible. And it’s not like he was a person filled with a sense of justice.

“So, Group Leader Allen thinks the same.”

“Definitely, it’s unrealistic. We don’t owe them that much, either. We’ve done our part by bringing them this far—!”

With Allen’s agreement, the Danjus excitedly talked amongst themselves, convinced they were right.

…Then, Allen suddenly continued with a contrasting statement.

“However.”

Looking at the ground, Allen’s intense gaze slowly rose and then swiftly scanned the faces of the group leaders.

That gaze had a kind of audacity and nobility that overwhelmed the opponent.

“If there’s a good way to take them, then it’s a different story.”

Then, an impatient group leader raised his voice. His own life was hanging by a thread, so he had no room to care for the lives of others.

“If we take those people, we’ll be tied down—! They’ll slow us down way too much—! Then even we’ll all end up dead—?!”

“…That’s why, as long as they don’t slow us down, wouldn’t it be fine?”

“Ha—It seems like you’re thinking of putting them in a cart, but there are no living beasts left in the city. Look. It’s not like we can pull that, can we—!”

Allen nodded as if he agreed.

“Of course, if we walk, your words are correct. ……However, what if we use the river?”

“Ah—!”

Only then did those who understood Allen’s meaning clap their hands.

“Boat… yes, we can just take a boat—!”

“Right, why didn’t we think of that? That’s a good idea, Group Leader Allen!”

“Yes, if we have a boat, it’s a different story—!”

Everyone had momentarily forgotten due to the shocking thing they witnessed.

…However, the problem was whether there were any boats left—.

Probably, there would be some boats left. Considering the attack they experienced in the previous village, there would hardly be anyone who had escaped the city. In the first place, it would be impossible to operate a boat with just a few people.

If there were no boats, they could scrape together wood from the city and make a raft if necessary. Wood was precious here, but it’s not like there were none at all.

…Of course, if that happens, they wouldn’t be able to carry people, but there’s nothing that could be done about it. He’s not a saint who would sacrifice his own life to save them.

“Quickly, let’s find a boat—!”

Having already dreaded the thought of walking to the next city, now that a good means of transportation, a boat, had become available, it was natural for the group leaders to feel excited.

Thus, the group headed out of the north gate towards the riverbank. Fortunately, there were boats. Most of them were small fishing boats, but there were also a few of considerable size. Since most cities in the West have a resort feel, it was natural for many to enjoy leisure activities on these calm rivers by launching boats. And these large boats were all built for that purpose.

“There is. There’s a boat—!”

Everyone cheered and rejoiced as if they had all survived. It seemed that if they packed in tightly enough, they could all fit. If there really weren’t enough space, they’d have to resort to taking a raft or something.

The group was divided among three large ships and five medium-sized ships. Though there was hardly any space even to lie down, they managed to load everyone.

Since the ships moved by the power of oars rather than sails, anyone who could exert strength, regardless of gender, headed below deck to the rowing stations. Of course, most of them had never even been on a ship before, so they had no idea what to do. This time, Allen couldn’t offer them any help either.

Fortunately, there were a few among the group who had experience working on ships. They showed the others roughly how to row a few times and then practiced rowing together in rhythm.

“My lord, the preparations are complete.”

“Then let’s depart.”

“Yes.”

Allen took on the role of captain of a large ship. Of course, there wasn’t much he could do, but still, it was right for him to make the significant decisions.

Flags signaling readiness fluttered from each ship. Then, the ship carrying Group Leader Rudra set off first, followed by the ship Allen was on.

Naturally, it felt somewhat unsatisfactory at first to move forward, but as time passed, the speed gradually increased.

‘…It’s done, we did it…!’

Only then did Allen let out a sigh of relief. He was so surprised when he learned the city had fallen. No matter how much one craves money and fame, it’s not more important than life.

‘…Maybe there’s someone who became a Lich.’

With Hegel fallen, it was right to consider all possibilities.

The boat complied with the slow flow of the river, heading deeper into the west. Despite the river’s sluggish current, rowing against it to go upstream was too much for them. For now, joining any city to sort out this difficult situation was the priority.

Exhausted from rowing fiercely, those who had taken their turn came up on deck for a brief rest. Billy, with his bald head soaked in sweat, drank water voraciously beside Allen, embracing the cool river breeze with his whole body.

“Damn, I feel like I can live now… Group Leader, we’re still in luck. If we keep going like this, we might safely reach the next city. …It’ll take, what, about three days?”

As he said, ‘if they keep going like this,’ they might indeed arrive at the next city safely. …But whether that happens as easily as the wind is the real issue.

“Complacency is forbidden. We’re not safe yet.”

“Ah, come on, we’re on a boat; how could they attack us? Ghouls can’t swim, right? …Right? They can’t swim, can they?”

“Yes… ghouls can’t cross rivers.”

Ghouls can’t swim. That’s why, even in [Guild Master], when going up against necromancers, one could strategically use rivers to their advantage. …The problem was there were situations when swimming wasn’t necessary.

For now, all they could do was hope that they weren’t being targeted. If they were capable of taking down Hegel, facing them directly would be nearly impossible. At least being on the water was a small mercy.

‘…Damn it, this is really messed up….’

Risking even danger, he worked his ass off, but since he didn’t get paid, honestly, it would be a lie to say he didn’t feel wronged. In fact, that’s why he briefly thought about rummaging through the baron’s castle to take anything valuable. Still, in this situation where necromancers were rampant, he just couldn’t afford to do that. He was also very scared. …And the baron must have already taken everything valuable.

As Bald Billy took a moment to catch his breath and rest, the Red Robe Wizard, who had been looking after the children, quietly approached Allen’s side.

“Is it very dangerous right now?”

“It’s still okay. It’s much safer than walking. …But we can’t be careless. We don’t know how they might attack us next.”

They remained enticing prey. It wouldn’t have been surprising at all if some tried to take a bite, knowing they couldn’t actually eat.

“I will be your strength. Just command me whenever.”

Allen looked at the milk-jug mage and smiled faintly.

“Yes, thank you. You don’t know how much strength your presence gives me.”

Their tender exchange touched each other’s hearts. …At that moment, his penis almost sprang up without understanding the situation. Truly a reaction befitting a [Sex Maniac]!

“Don’t worry too much. What could possibly happen?”

Allen offered hopeful words, but he didn’t believe them inside.

Regrettably, Guild Master was not a blissfully happy game for toddlers but a fucked up game that had shattered countless gamers’ keyboards and mouses.