The atmosphere within the King's mansion was abruptly punctuated by a resounding explosion, causing an immediate upheaval. Guards sprang into action, shielding King Luke, Lady Arisu, and the premises from potential danger. However, the reverberations of the blast were palpable even within the confines of the mansion, hinting at the intensity of the event transpiring outside.
Boom!
Yet another explosion followed, intensifying the sense of urgency and concern that hung in the air. For Riku, this situation was particularly troubling, considering his recent interactions with the villagers and the inherent suspicion that often surrounded him due to his outsider status.
A scowl marred his features as his gaze locked onto Cuifer, a man of middle age and pointed ears, who was seemingly at the center of the response efforts. Riku's growing discomfort intensified as Cuifer's accusations pierced the air, laying the blame at his feet for a crime he did not commit.
Riku's voice rang out in protest as he was forcibly subdued by two guards, his determination to prove his innocence unwavering. He deftly maneuvered his body, employing his physical prowess to outmaneuver the guards' restraint.
Seizing the opportunity to confront Cuifer, Riku's frustration was evident. "Why persist in fabricating falsehoods? I am not responsible for the explosions that have occurred."
As the commotion escalated within the mansion, Arisu watched the unexpected sequence of events unfold with a mix of confusion and concern. Her curiosity deepened as she observed the Worn level man's ability to subdue the Warrior level guards.
However, amidst the tumult, the guards' expressions shifted as a new revelation came to light. Riku's intent to face the situation head-on and possibly utilize his abilities was cut short when a guard returned, delivering news that a monster was currently assailing the village. The urgency of the situation was further emphasized by the guards' orders to rally all forces in response.
As chaos continued to reign, the Arzotoc village found itself confronted with threats from both within and without, leaving Riku and the villagers to navigate an unpredictable and perilous landscape.
As the situation unfolded, the guards swiftly redirected their focus from Riku to the imminent threat posed by the monster's attack. With their attention redirected, Riku felt a momentary sense of relief, realizing that the explosions weren't tied to him and that the real menace was the monster outside.
Taking the initiative, Riku knelt before King Luke and Lady Arisu, offering a sincere apology for his rash actions. "I apologize for my actions, King Luke, and Lady Arisu. I am still affected by the guards' treatment, and I acted out of self-preservation," he explained with humility.
Cuifer's vehement protests against Riku's actions were met with resistance from both the guards and King Luke himself. However, it was King Luke's intervention that silenced the heated dispute. The king's authoritative command halted the proceedings, prompting a begrudging retreat from Cuifer and the guards.
Cuifer's insistence on having Riku punished was met with an irritated retort from King Luke, who staunchly supported Riku's actions. In a surprising twist, King Luke's response seemed to reflect a certain level of empathy, even suggesting that he might have acted similarly in Riku's place.
Cuifer's posture shifted from one of defiance to one of subservience as he begrudgingly acquiesced to the king's authority. While King Luke held sway, Cuifer's thoughts veered towards devising strategies to achieve his goals – whether it be attempting to coerce Riku's departure from the village or plotting other means to maintain control.
The ongoing dynamics within the Arzotoc village underscored the tension between tradition and progress, authority and innovation. Amidst this delicate equilibrium, Riku and the villagers found themselves entangled in a complex web of ambitions, rivalries, and challenges.
The unfolding events illustrated the dynamic between the village's leadership and its citizens, with King Luke taking a calculated approach to managing the crisis caused by the attacking monster. Cuifer's expertise as a tactician made him a crucial asset in devising a strategy to confront the threat.
Arisu's eagerness to join the defense against the monster highlighted her determination and combat prowess. King Luke, while concerned for his daughter's safety, acknowledged her abilities and ultimately granted her permission to participate, provided she adhered to certain guidelines to prevent unnecessary risks.
Riku, recognizing the urgency of the situation, expressed his desire to contribute as well. His request was met with a measure of skepticism due to his lower status as a "Worn," but King Luke's willingness to allow him to accompany the group demonstrated an openness to his involvement.
As the scene unfolded, Arisu and Cuifer prepared to depart, with Riku joining their ranks under King Luke's approval. The impending encounter with the monster would be a test of unity, strategy, and resolve for the Arzotoc village. Amidst the challenges and uncertainties, the intertwined fates of these characters continued to unfold in a world both familiar and yet entirely foreign to Riku.
Swoosh!
Riku's observation of Arisu and Cuifer's swift departure underscored the toughness and determination prevalent among the villagers. Their preparedness to confront danger head-on was evident, leaving Riku with a sense of surprise at their efficiency.
However, Riku was resolved not to fall behind, his determination fueled by his daily training regimen. The stamina built through his routine of running ten kilometers a day motivated him to keep up with their pace, ensuring he wouldn't be left trailing far behind.
Arisu's curiosity was aroused by Riku's unexpected agility. Given his Worn level, she assumed he would have a limit to how much distance he could cover in a short span. This perception led her to wonder whether he possessed latent abilities he had yet to reveal.
Indeed, Riku concealed certain transformative abilities that could alter his physical appearance. Although the village was accustomed to seeing non-human creatures, Riku had the genetic makeup of a crow, endowing him with a lightweight body conducive to flight and exceptional speed.
Meanwhile, the villagers opted to remain indoors after the explosion, recognizing their limited capacity to influence the situation. Their strategy aimed to minimize potential casualties by allowing the guards to handle the threat while safeguarding the villagers within their homes. This pragmatic approach illustrated the village's priority of preserving their community's safety.
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As Arisu, Cuifer, and Riku arrived at the northern part of the village, a substantial force of eight hundred warriors had already congregated to confront the looming threat of a single monster. Riku couldn't help but remark on the high number of guards present, suggesting the potential risk of depleting their resources should more monsters appear on other fronts.
Arisu acknowledged Riku's observation without vocalizing her agreement, as she recognized the validity of his point. Instead, she gestured toward the monster responsible for the explosion, identifying it as the Garaga monster. She explained that this creature possessed both speed and strength that enabled it to eliminate warrior-level guards with ease.
The name "Garaga" struck Riku as somewhat awkward, considering his familiarity with similar mythical monsters from Earth's low and mid-level dungeons. In essence, the Garaga resembled a lion, albeit much larger and significantly more aggressive. With a single horn on its forehead and a violet crystal adorning its chest, the monster's imposing presence left no doubt about its formidable nature.
Riku was quick to assess that he lacked the strength necessary to single-handedly defeat a creature of this caliber. Meanwhile, Cuifer advanced to the front lines to converse with the first commander, Albert, inquiring about the ongoing situation. Cuifer noted the monster's destructive impact on the village's defenses and questioned the apparent lack of offensive action from their side.
Albert expressed regret to Cuifer, explaining that the Garaga monster had proven to be much stronger than anticipated. Despite its resilience against arrows and swords, they were awaiting the arrival of a cannon that could potentially offer a more effective means of defense. However, Cuifer's impatience led him to issue a command for the guards to attack the Garaga monster, emphasizing the dire consequences should the creature breach the village's defenses.
The guards promptly responded to Cuifer's order, launching arrows and wielding weapons against the monster. However, their efforts were futile, as the creature's impervious nature thwarted their attempts, resulting in the loss of twelve additional guards.
Riku couldn't help but express his disdain for Cuifer's decision, perturbed by the tactician's apparent disregard for the lives of the guards, even though they had mistreated him. He voiced his frustration, lamenting the loss of guards who could have easily overwhelmed the monster.
Arisu, however, explained the grim reality of the situation – letting the monster enter the village would result in even greater loss of life. Determined to take action, she readied her swords, poised to engage the monster and support the guards.
Riku interjected, urging Arisu to wait momentarily. He conveyed his belief that he possessed an idea to defeat the monster, expressing confidence in her ability to deliver a decisive blow.
Arisu listened attentively, intrigued by Riku's proposition and his faith in her prowess. She nodded in agreement, her focus shifting from the ongoing skirmish to Riku as she awaited his plan.