The sun has risen yet again and the sky started to brighten, turning into the light shades of blue, with patches of white flowing slowly like mossy logs along a calm river. It was a beautiful morning.
Yet, on such a beautiful morning, it was neither the clear, resonant morning bells nor the chirping of the birds nor the fresh morning breeze which greeted the guards atop the ramparts. Rather, it was a sight none wanted to ever see.
"Huh? What the..." ［Guard 1］
One of the guards stopped on his tracks as he looked over the horizon, squinting his eyes ever so slightly. Following him, his colleagues also looked over, one of them holding a spyglass to see what peculiarities were unfolding over the distance.
What he saw was the first he had ever witnessed his whole life. It was a humongous cloud of dust swallowing the horizon, accompanied by the minute yet perceivable rumbling of the solid ground. A horrifying sight.
The guard looked closer, and soon enough, his mouth hung wide open in agape as a cold chill traveled down his spine. It was a nightmare. A marching nightmare of fire and lava was approaching the city.
"I-It's a flood! The monster flood is heading towards Torvis!" ［Guard 2］
"Wh-What?!" ［Guard 1］
"Hurry up! Ring the bells!" ［Guard 3］
At the guard's words, chaos quickly befell the ramparts. Some were frozen, some were in disbelief, while some started trembling uncontrollably. Nevertheless, they all shared one certain emotion, and that was what one would call "Dread".
Sharp cries of metal echoed throughout the town as the bells were rang rampantly and erratically. The guards atop the ramparts were now running in panic as they tried to inform the others. It was a scene of utter disarray and chaos.
...
Fear, concern, despair, helplessness... No matter where one looked around the city, one could notice such emotions painted over the people's faces. Such emotions were especially visible in the eyes of Grey and Yuna as they walked around the city.
It has only been a few minutes yet the news has already spread faster than wildfire. Each and every household has already heard the news and were either in a state of panic or disbelief. After all, it was the biggest disaster the city has ever faced.
The only ones whose expressions were different were Grey and Yuna. They were as calm as one could be as they headed to the Adventurers' Guild, aiming to propose a plan for the greatest good, or at least that was the plan, but...
"Guildmaster, what should we do?!"
"We only have a couple of hours at most, do we even have hope?!"
"Arghh! I have still yet to get a girlfriend! Why is this happening?!"
... as soon as they entered the guild, it was even more chaotic than outside. Even the Guildmaster was having a difficult time reigning the adventurers and trying to calm them down. Not even the staff members could do much.
"Wahh... What a mess..." ［Yuna］
Yuna couldn't help but comment as she saw the chaotic scene unfold. Neither her nor Grey wanted to enter with the guild the way it currently is. As soon as they step foot, they'll surely be swept around by the crowd and be stuck like sardines in a can, not something they look forward to.
"Grey, what should we do...?" ［Yuna］
"What else could we do? We'd go with Plan B." ［Grey］
"Plan B... Ugh..." ［Yuna］
A cringing expression floated over Yuna's face as she recalled their other plan. She wanted to avoid it because of how troublesome it was, but now that they couldn't reach out to the Guildmaster, she has no choice left.
What was plan B, one might ask? It was the plan to cooperate with the city's lord and higher ups to exterminate the threat. It was a pain in the ass since it involved nobles and the likes. A troublesome route to solve a troublesome problem.
Well, there was still a Plan C. It was just to head towards the enemies and slaughter them. Even when there were a lot of enemies, it wouldn't be a problem for the two to wipe them out. Rather, it would serve as a good "exercise" for them.
The only problem with it was that it might cause further confusion and panic if the people see explosions and such over the horizon without knowing whether they are from enemies or allies. They would at least like to inform an authority with their actions before doing it.
"Well, let's go." ［Grey］
"Ugh... I hate this..." ［Yuna］
Unwillingness present on her face, Yuna had no choice but to follow the plan. She wanted to turn back many times but with her hand being held by Grey, she couldn't really do much. Her heart was beating rapidly for reasons more than one.
The destination was the lord's mansion located at the heart of the city. There, the very moment they arrived, the two saw a familiar face amongst the guards standing in duty. It was a convenient coincidence for them.
"Oh, kiddos, what're you doing here?" ［Roen］
"Good morning, Roen. Is the lord present at the moment?" ［Grey］
"Yeah, he is... Why? Got somethin' for His Excellency?" ［Roen］
"Actually, we have information about the flood..." ［Grey］
The very moment Grey mentioned those words, not only Roen, but the other guards beside him also became interested. It was the perfect bait to garner everyone's attention at such a sensitive moment.
Successfully getting the other's attention, Grey quickly acted out the script he had prepared beforehand. He was so fluent at acting that one might mistake him for a professional. Not a professional actor, but a professional con-artist.
Grey told them that with the use of his familiar, he saw what kinds of monsters were in the flood and how many there were. They were indispensable information which could be used to create strategies. It was hard to pass off such valuable information.
"This... Kiddo, are you sure about this...?" ［Roen］
"Yeah. I can bet my life on it." ［Grey］
For a hot moment, Roen's eyes locked with Grey's. All the latter could see was a strong determination and conviction which made it hard for him to deny. He has no other choice but to accept it.
"Haah... Alright, follow me." ［Roen］
"Oi, Roen, what are you doing?! We can't let outsiders iー" ［Co-guard］
"Do you even know what situation we're in?! This is valuable information we're talkin' about! It can save the city!" ［Roen］
"Well, that's..." ［Co-gaurd］
The other guards were left speechless at Roen's outburst. While they wanted to perform their duties, but they also couldn't deny his words. After all, their families could also be saved with such information.
"Don't worry, I'll take responsibility for this." ［Roen］
"Ugh... Dammit..." ［Co-guard］
No other choices left, the guards opened the room and Grey and Yuna were let in. They were then led by Roen inside the mansion all the way towards the meeting room where every higher-up had gathered.
They met other soldiers and even some knights along the way, but with Roen's words, they were all let through without much issue. Despite his usual tendencies, It was truly the correct choice to rely on Roen.
"Oh, Roen, what brings you here?" ［Knight］
The knight also looked at Grey and Yuna with suspicion, but with a few words from Roen, his wariness was turned to surprise. He then headed inside the meeting to relay the information towards the higher-ups.
A few moments later, the Knight headed back out with permission from the Lord. His eyes were still looming over Grey and Yuna but he didn't say anything as he let the two of them in.
The very moment the doors opened, a heavy atmosphere pressured down Grey and Yuna's shoulders. There was not a speck of bright expression on the people's faces, only seriousness and gloom. Even for Grey and Yuna, it was a little intimidating.
"I heard you have some valuable information..." ［Lord］
"Yes, that is correct, Your Excellency." ［Grey］
"I see... That's good... But let me tell you this beforehand... If you end up only wasting our time, I will be holding the both of you accountable. Do you understand what I'm getting at?" ［Lord］
The Lord's voice was calm, but his eyes couldn't be any different. There was only sternness, just like the other people in the room. He was not one who took jokes kindly, especially at such a sensitive situation.
"Of course, I am prepared for that." ［Grey］
"Alright, let's hear it then." ［Lord］
Just like how he explained it to Roen and the other guards, Grey said the same thing to the Lord and the higher-ups present. The latter listening attentively, not missing even a single bit of information.
According to what Arcturus reported, the one leading the flood was an A-rank, fire-attribute elemental monster called a "Vulcan King". Accompanying it was a large and powerful army consisting of a couple thousand strong.
The monster flood's nature as it is, just like the Orc Horde from before, the monsters following the Vulcan King were only its lower variants. There were a couple dozen Greater Vulcans, a couple hundred Vulcans, with the rest being Lesser Vulcans.
The layout of the monster flood was that the stronger monsters were placed on the back. At the front, all there were to be seen was the Lesser Vulcans, G-rank monsters which the soldiers could fight on equal grounds against.
Thankfully, while the familiars couldn't quite fight against the flood, they were able to protect the villages along the way. Well, Grey has no plans on revealing such information to others. He was planning to only keep it to themselves.
"Hmm... A Vulcan King, huh..." ［Lord］
The room turned quiet after Grey's words. While it was certainly a helpful bunch of information, even with it, the people only saw a small chance of victory. They could already see what future lies behind them. It was one filled with destruction.
Compared to the enemies, Torvis only boasts a single C-ranker and several D-rankers as their most powerful force. Even if they have the help of ballistas and cannons, it would still be hard. They would need a greater force than that.
Evacuation was also out of the option. With the flood coming from the south, the Haltea Great Forest up north, and a mountain range westward, the only option was east. Even if they did escape, with how many civilians there are, thousands upon thousands would lose their lives in the process. It was a checkmate.
"Excuse me, everyone, we would like to propose something." ［Grey］
The one to break the silence was none other than the person who brought it. It was Grey who suddenly had raised his hand, successfully gathering the attention of everyone present in the room.
After all, the information about the horde was nothing but bait. It was simply for Grey and Yuna to be able to get inside the Lord's mansion. Their true intention was what Grey is about to propose.
"The flood, please let us take care of it." ［Grey］
"Hey, kid! I know you've brought helpful information but don't push your luck! This battle concerns the safety of the citizens! Do we look like we're playing house here?! This is a serious matter!" ［Knight Captain］
Despite only having good intentions, all Grey received was a retort from a certain knight captain present. All the other people sitting around the table shared the same sentiment with him, some even looking at Grey with eyes filled with rage and hostility.
"Haah... This is why it's so troublesome dealing with you people... Like I said, this flood... We'll take care of it. Don't make me repeat myself." ［Grey］
In just a single moment, the atmosphere inside the room was completely turned over. Not only did Grey change the tone of his voice, he also had the other people around taste a little bit of his aura, one which was even more domineering than a mountain.
Even the head of the knights couldn't move a muscle under the pressure of Grey's aura. It felt like he was being devoured whole by the abyss as fear crept inside his heart, his whole being trembling before the young man before him.
Even when he met the kingdom's General, he didn't face such pressure. He didn't want to admit it, but he could tell at a single glance that Grey was much stronger. Compared to the dragon before him, he was only a little, harmless rabbit.
What was even more surprising to him was that the young woman beside him was completely untouched and unfazed by such a display. It only meant one thing, she was on the same level as him. A powerful and overwhelming monster.
"Haah... Haah..."
"Wha... What was that...?"
The very moment Grey reigned in his aura, everybody could feel their shoulders loosen up. Suddenly, it was a lot easier to breathe again and even their hearts felt much lighter. It was as if it was just an illusion.
"So, our proposal... Will you accept it?" ［Grey］
Grey asked but none replied. The room was completely quiet. Now that they knew how powerful the people before them were, they couldn't act as impudent as they used to be. The power balance has completely shifted.
Even then, even when they knew how powerful they were, they couldn't easily hand over such an important role to people they don't even know. After all, they didn't know what intentions the two youths bore. But on the other hand, they have no other choice. It was a dilemma.
"If it's our identity you're worried about, here." ［Grey］
Thankfully, Grey already got everything covered. With a fwip of his hand, he threw his privilege card towards the Lord. After him, Yuna also followed suit and did the same with her own privilege card.
The people were shocked to see their cards, but even then, they still made sure to see if they were authentic. The Lord quickly placed them on top of a magic tool, but when he did, he became even more surprised than before.
Not only were they authentic, there was also a certain symbol on them which gave him goosebumps. It was the Royal Seal of Alfrione and attached with it was a certain title only a few people possessed.
"The... The Heroes of Alfrione...?" ［Lord］
At the Lord's words, all heads turned over the two youths once again, their mouths hanging open in disbelief and their eyes almost popping out of their sockets. Even their hearts felt like they were about to stop.
"Heroes of Alfrione", are the six individuals who were recently awarded the medals of honor in the Kingdom of Alfrione. Not only in their kingdom, it has spread to other countries and territories as well.
Ingrasia being a neighbor to Alfrione, it was only natural that the citizens have heard of their tales from the rumors floating around. Especially what happened during the founding festival. It became a hot topic for a certain amount of time.
Now, seeing two of those six heroes right before them, they couldn't be any more shocked than they are now. Not only shock, they also felt relief, awe, fear, and a variety of emotions at the same time. There was a swirling chaos just like the current state of the city.
"So, our proposal... I think you've already made up your mind, right?" ［Grey］
A little bit more provocation from Grey, everyone else in the room flinched a little. After a little bit of silence, the Lord took the initiative and stood up from his seat, wearing a decisive expression on his face.
"Your Highnesses, please lend us your help." ［Lord］
The Lord bowed his head politely as he asked for such a request. Following him, the others also stood up and bowed their heads. Even when their pride was hurt, they did not let it show in their faces.
『Yuna, I look like the bad guy, don't I?』 ［Grey］
『Fufufu, you could say that again! Grey looks super scary right now!』 ［Yuna］
『Haah... I might have gone overboard again...』 ［Grey］
『Fufufu!』 ［Yuna］
It was only when Grey looked at the situation again that he realized how overbearing he had been throughout the latter half of the conversation. He definitely looked like some kind of villain in the others' eyes.
Well, it couldn't be helped. If Grey didn't act with a domineering attitude, forget about them listening, he and Yuna would just be pushed around. There are times where coercion was needed. It just so happened that the current situation was one.
The important thing was that the desired result has been achieved. Now, their plan could go without anything in the way. They also have a way to clean up after their mess using those before them. It was like killing two birds with one stone.
While Grey wanted to go back to his usual self now, there was still something which needed to be done. It was time for the final and most important act. It was time for the negotiations to commence.
"Alright. We'll help you out." ［Grey］
"T-Truly?! We would never forgetー" ［Lord］
"But! Under one condition... You'll have to do us one favor." ［Grey］
The room which was just filled with the atmosphere of relief has become tense again in just a matter of seconds. It has become much heavier than before, tension rising all over the place and all over their hearts.
A favor, it was such a vague request that no one around felt certain about what to do. If they recklessly agree, it could lead them to losing everything. There was no way they would just accept such an unreasonable deal.
The only problem was that they weren't in any room to negotiate. The one who held power were the two youths before them. All they could do was grit their teeth and clench their fist in frustration. Frustration of being powerless.
"Alright... Your condition, let's hear it." ［Lord］
A smile quickly appeared on Grey's face as soon as the Lord gave his word. It was a smile which sent shivers down everyone's spine. Now, Grey truly looked like a villain. One with the perfect ominous smile at that.
The atmosphere as tense as it was, the negotiations between the two parties took place and it went without saying that Grey and Yuna were the ones who held the upper hand. It was one-of-a-kind.
...
Dust, sparks, flames, and ash. A cloud made of those four things grew bigger and bigger as they drew closer from the horizon. The closer they came, the more terrifying they looked. It was not just a disaster, it was a catastrophe.
The monster flood was only a couple hundred meters away from Torvis. Every time they took a step, they not only sent tremors to the ground but also shook the hearts of the people with fear, chaos, and anxiety, all working together to bring people despair.
The air became hotter with each passing second. The heat produced by the enemies was enough to boil water upon contact. Even when they were still hundreds of meters away, the people were already sweating bullets from the heat.
All the adventurers, soldiers, knights, and capable fighters were now readying themselves to fight. Some were atop the ramparts while some were waiting on the ground, all nervous for the upcoming fight.
"That's a lot of monsters, isn't it...?"
"Hahaha, you can say that again..."
"How much money do you think we'll earn this time around?"
In face of grave danger, all the people could do was to joke around. After all, it might be their last day in the world. It wouldn't hurt them to decrease the tension even by a little bit as they watch death draw closer.
"Hey, after this. Let's drink some booze, alright?"
"As long as it's your treat, I'm on board with that!"
"Hahaha, sure, surー"
Silence quickly swallowed the vicinity. Not because of the enemies before them, but because of another phenomenon which suddenly happened. Four large shadows painted the ground, appearing without any warning.
As the people looked up, what they could see were four similarly large figures whose bodies were clad in platinum and beauty incomparable to any other. They were beings who could only be said to be the true rulers of the world.
"D-D-D-Dragons!!"
All people were in panic, but at the same time, awe and admiration also sprouted in their hearts. It only took them a single glance to tell they were powerful beings, yet despite that fact, they couldn't move from their spots to run.
Next, there was shock. It all happened when, out of the blue, two figures jumped from one of the dragon's back, landing on the ground unfazed even after falling hundreds of meters from the air, only leaving a small crater on the ground.
The two figures, a man with silver hair and a woman with black, wearing black and white masks respectively. All eyes were on them as they looked towards the horde of enemies which were marching towards them.
Their eyes, hidden from the onlookers and the world itself, shimmered with a beautiful glint. Their hearts pumped wildly and their bodies tensed and relaxed repeatedly, readying themselves for what lay ahead. It was time for battle!
CHAPTER 134 END