"Y-Yhness...! A new report has e in!"

  A loud decration echoed loud and clear throughout the room as a ragged knight suddeered the room. All eyes were on him as his body trembled, holding onto the sides of the door frames, trying to catch his breath.

  Specutions already started brewing ihe Lord's mind as soon as he heard the knight's words, but he tried to calm himself down. He ched his fists tightly and realigned himself, his eyes glimmering a serious and plint.

  "Speak." ［Reisner］

  "The monster flood is already spotted in Rusphalt's viity! One hour estimate before impact!"

  It was a heavy report, one which greatly shook everyone present, leaving their mouths hanging wide open and their hands trembling in ay and frustration. But the one who was the most affected was the Lord himself.

  'Sylvia...' ［Reisner］

  A single person appeared on his mind as soon as he heard the report. It was his lovely daughter who he treasures so dearly. He could feel his heart sink in the depths of darkness and despair as a cold chill swallowed his heart in its ey.

  It was a few days ago, wheold his daughter to send messeowards the towns and cities ierritory, the tter volunteered to do it herself and make sure that everything is done perfectly. Apanying her were another B-rank ander and a group of elite k knights.

  One might think that such a party is already a powerful force, and that is correct... By normal standards, that is. In front of a single A-rahey are all nothing but mere toys, not worthy of fighting. Don't eveion Camity-Css, they'll be decimated before they have the ce to even fight.

  He had always taught his children about "Noblesse Oblige" or the responsibility of the privileged. But in this situation, he couldn't help but wish that he didn't. He wished that even just this once, Sylvia would act selfishly and save herself.

  "Yhness, we await your orders..."

  "... We shall proceed with the pn. Fortify the Kosalvier's defenses. Don't spare any resources and use the treasury if needed." ［Reisner］

  "But Yhness... What about Rusphalt?"

  To a ander's question, the Lord became silent. He tried to think of a solution but nothing came to mind. As he gritted his teeth and ched his fist, only a heavy answer came out of his mouth.

  "Form a rescue team and prepare a camp for the refugees. Make sure that it has everything they will need." ［Reisner］

  The end has already been judged. While the Lord made it sound more appealing, his statement couldn't be any graver for those who were present in the meeting. A dark and depressing atmosphere loomed over the whole room.

  It would have been different if the Lord said "Reinforts", but instead, he used the term "Rescue Team". It meant that they won't be able to send help whilst the town is under siege, only survey the pd look for survivors once everything is already done and over.

  "Refugees"... It meant no differeh the word "Survivor". With it, it is basically firmed that the town would be destroyed. The only ohey could help would be those who mao survive if there is even any.

  But even in such a situation, none of them could bme the Lord. Deep in their hearts, they khat they could do nothing but wait and wish for a miracle to happen.

  Rusphalt is a medium-sized town located roughly about 600 kilometers southwest of Kosalvier. Even if they hurry up and form reinforts, Rusphalt would already be in fmes and ruins the moment they arrive.

  Not to mention that if everyoo hurry as fast as they could, they would be exhausted by the moment they arrived in front of the horde. Fag such a horrifying disaster whilst tired is nothing short of a death sentence for the reinforts.

  'Rusphalt... Rusphalt... I think I've heard of that name before...' ［Grey］

  But of course, it's only impossible when sidering normal standards. Fortunately for everyohere is a pair of unusual youths with them today. They have only just arrived but they already have a full grasp of the situation.

  Grey, is Rusphalt far? ［Yuna］

  Hmm... It's about a hundred kilometers short than the distaween Galderia and the Royal Capital. ［Grey］

  Then it should be fine, right? ［Yuna］

  Yeah. We should be able to make do with what we have... Though the problem is how we'll deal with the boss... ［Grey］

  Unbeknownst to everyone present in the room, the two were already making pns iheir mind about what they should do to solve the problem with the boss monster. It was a quick exge doh telepathy.

  "How many soldiers and adventurers do we have on Kosalvier right now?"

  "We'll he Bcksmiths' and Merts' Guild to prepare as much equipment as possible. Potions and traps would alp be helpful."

  "Then we should also tact the Alchemists' and Enters' Guild."

  Such statements flew left and right as the meeting tinued. Whilst Grey and Yuna engaged in their own versation, the others also made a detailed pn, utilizing all resources and mahey have avaible.

  Not only the defense of the city, they are also thinking of how to evacuate the citizens the moment the defeart crumbling down. Although the matter with the other towns and cities still weighed on everyone's minds, they didn't let it get in the way of their work.

  Of course, even Julius and Amelia pitched iime after time again. They may still be young but they are also children of high-pedigree brought up with the best education and resources. They will be amongst the future figureheads of Alfriohere was no way they would just sit still.

  "Archduke, do you have a map of the territory here?" ［Grey］

  The discussion was only broken when Grey suddenly voiced out his query. It was the first time he said something ever sihe discussion started and so everyone was quite puzzled. Not to mention he asked for a map of all things.

  "Y-Yes... We do, but why do you ask?" ［Reisner］

  "Nothing too plicated. We just have a proposition to make." ［Grey］

  Grey ended his statement with such a bright smile on his face, everyone couldn't help but get even more fused. Evehe Lord simply followed Grey's request and had a map be brought to them.

  The map was then id out atop the meeting table, at a position everyone could see. Although it was unfortuhat the map only taihe cities, towns, and majeographidmarks, and no vilges and hamlets marked out, it was still useful.

  "Archduke, where is the most barren area near Kosalvier?" ［Grey］

  "Hmm... If it's the most barren, it would be... here." ［Reisner］

  The Lord's fingers were poiowards a snowy pins just west of Galderia. It was an area where lements could be seeo high poputions of arctic beasts. There were also no important sources of ine located there. It was the perfect pce frey and Yuna's pce.

  "Hmm... I see. Then, please prepare a trap or an array there by tomorrow afternoon. Only bring those who are E-rank and above and prepare for the worst. We'll be luring the monster flood there." ［Grey］

  Now, everyone is even more fused by Grey's words. Even the Lord and the anders who had several years of experience couldn't fathom what he was thinking. They were speechless at such sudden requests,

  "Lrey, by luring... You mean..." ［Reisner］

  "That's right... We'll be aggravating the boss and lure the monster flood away from the towns and vilges. This way, we secure the least damaー" ［Grey］

  BANGGG

  "Don't be absurd!" ［Fizzel］

  A resounding bang echoed as Fizzel smmed his hands against the tables, his rge voice following soon after. There was a grave expression on his face as he looked at Grey and Yuna, his eyes lit abze with anger.

  "Are you saying you'll be ag as bait towards a Camity-Css boss?! What kind of nonsense is that?! That's nothing different from seekih!" ［Fizzel］

  Although there was only silen the air, everyone was in agreement in Fizzel's words. While they uood how powerful they were, in their eyes, Grey and Yuna were still children. It was unthinkable of them to let such youths sacrifice themselves while they remain in safety.

  It wasn't a matter of pride and arrogance, but guilt and sce as a person. For such youths to suggest an insane pn, they could only get angry and disappoi their own powerlessness. Julius and Amelia were especially against it.

  "Lord Fizzel, have you ever camped inside a Labyrinth's 9th floor?" ［Grey］

  "No. I haven't..." ［Fizzel］

  "We have. And I assure you, it isn't easy." ［Grey］

  There wasn't a more absurd statement than what Grey had just said. Everyone ihe room was shocked at his question. After all, the 9th floor isn't just a pce for pying, it's a pce even High-rankers fear. A hellhole full of absurd monsters.

  "While we uand your worries, we aren't just suggesting this out ance. We have already cshed with several Camity-Css monsters in the month we stayed oh floor. Risking our lives isn't o us." ［Grey］

  The room was silent, not a single sound to be heard. While everyone is against the thought of sending them to such a dangerous task, they couldn't argue anymore after Grey said it in such a way.

  "Don't worry. We also value our lives so we won't be taking anything too risky. You rest assured we'll be arriving here in one piece." ［Grey］

  "Un! And after we return, we'll be expeg a thhly made trap, okay? Ah! And make sure not to overwork yourselves. We still have a battle to fight." ［Yuna］

  Evehey were in the most dangerous positions, Grey and Yuna still had the leeway to worry about the others. It wasn't that they were saints or anything of the sort. They were just normal people, trying to do what others would have done if they had the power.

  Now, there was no possible way they could turables anymore. As silened over the room, it was already decided that they'll be agreeing to Grey and Yuna's pn. They could only shake their heads in resignation.

  "Haah... Sihat's that, then I'll be going, too. It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth knowing that kids are sacrifig themselves for our sake." ［Fizzel］

  "A-Ah, no, Lord Fizzel, you really don't have toー" ［Grey］

  BANGGG

  "No! My decision's final! I o keep an eye on you two and make sure you won't be dying on us! It's either I join or you won't be leaving!" ［Fizzel］

  Fizzel was firm on his words. His eyes were like an immovable mountain, taining a bzing and stubborermination. He held the look of someone who would never back down no matter what you say to them.

  In the end, Grey and Yuna ended up agreeing to Fizzel's demands. The h-Rankers also tried to voluhemselves, but luckily, Grey and Yuna were able to stop them. They appreciated the thought, but they still o devise a pn and y out the traps, after all.

  "Then, we'll be relying on your traps ter on. See you again tomorrow afternoon. Don't be te, alright?" ［Grey］

  "You rest assured... And may fortune shine upon you..." ［Reisner］

  There was a smile on the Lord's face as he sent off the three, but it wasn't one which tained happiness. It was one which was riddled with relief and sadness, a deep gloom still gnawing away on his heart.

  "Ah, and Archduke, please don't be too sad. Lady Sylvia will be safe." ［Grey］

  "P-Pardon...?" ［Reisner］

  "We have a special ride, you see. If we hurry up, we should be able to arrive there in ten minutes or so." ［Grey］

  Shock. Such was what the Lord felt at Grey's words, but that shock was soon repced with an overflowing relief. The heaviness he felt the whole night was now lifted as if everything was all but a passing lie.

  If it wasn't for the fact that there were other people present, he would have more than likely shed a tear or two. It may be unbeing and undignified for a lord, but for a father who loves his daughter dearly, such a thing was only natural.

  "Thank you... I will never fet this debt..." ［Reisner］

  "Hahaha, just a sider it a gift from us," ［Grey］

  "Ah! But I could use some sweets! Some herbs would also be nice!" ［Yuna］

  "Hey, Yuna... Don't you already have enough sweets?" ［Grey］

  "They're so delicious! What's wrong with wishing for more?" ［Yuna］

  It was such a warm se that one wouldn't even think that they were in a dire situation. The Lord couldn't help but smile as he looked at the two youths argue a little over such a trivial topic.

  "Uood. Then I'll prepare the best sweets and herbs there are in Kosalvier. I swear this on my name as Archduke Farmalte." ［Reisner］

  It was aravagant promise, but it was one which was full of siy. There wasn't a single response from Grey and Yuna, only smiles blooming on their faces as they finally left the pd headed towards the castle's ramparts.

  The silver moonlight shone ever shtly and the melody of the night was sung ever so smoothly as three pairs of footsteps echoed in the air. Three figures walked proudly on the ramparts, their eyes clear as day.

  "Poris, e forth." ［Grey］

  At Grey's call, the nightly wind started to howl, the clouds parted, and the shadows started to tremble as if greeting the dest of a king. The very moment, a rge figure appeared out of nowhere, its ptinum scales shining brighter than the moon itself and eyes rivaling the beauty of the stars.

  "Long time no see, Poris. How's Liz?" ［Yuna］

  "It indeed has been some time, Master, Mistress. And you don't have to worry. Lady Eliza is doing fine, she's currently having dinner with her family." ［Poris］

  "I see... Dinner, huh... e to think of it, we haven't had o..." ［Yuna］

  There was only a casual versatioween Yuna and Poris as they talked about the ret happenings in their lives. They had already told him the details and so, he is already prepared for the harsh road up ahead, ready to serve his masters.

  But while such a friendly versation was happening, a single man was in shock. His eyes were wide open as he looked at the ptinum-scaled beast resting atop the ramparts, words uo get out of his mouth. He eechless.

  'You've got to be kidding me...' ［Fizzel］

  That was the only thought which ran throughout Fizzel's mind as he looked at Poris. He doesn't have any appraisal nor dete abilities, but he could tell quite well that the creature before him was on another league from him. It was one which had reached Camity-Css.

  Orbs of amethyst shone uhe gentle skylight, deep as the silent night and brilliant as the moon and stars above. Just a single gnce is all what's o take one's breath away. The magnifice of a king.

  ...

  Chatters and ctters, hustle and bustle, and clicks and ccks. Such sounds echoed throughout a rge rooms as people discussed their pns with each other. There were agreements and oppositions as times passed by.

  Such ses tio unfold for the hours to e, a detailed pn finally made after hundreds of ideas approved, rejected, and altered. It was by no means perfect, but it was already excellent sidering how little time they had. All that is left is to plete and execute it.

  "I am grateful to everyone for attending this suddeing. Rest assured, you will all be fully pensated... Everyone's dismissed and have a good night." ［Reisner］

  The night was deep, and oer ahe people ihe room slowly started heading out, their faces much more rexed thahey came in and giving their sincere farewells to the Lord before leaving.

  It wasn't long before everyone was out of the meeting room... Well, everyone except three people. There was the Lord, Julius, and Amelia. They don't have anything in particur to talk about. They just have no other choice but to stay behind.

  After all, Julius rind Amelia was a high-born noble dy. They were children of two important figures in Alfrio would cause diplomatis if they were to be put in harm's way. It was in their best is that they stay at the Lord's castle for the night.

  Well, the diplomatic retions with Alfrione really wasn't what weighed the most in their minds at that moment. Especially the Lord. Even wherusts the three, he still couldn't help but feel worried about what's about to e.

  "Is something b you, Yhness?" ［Amelia］

  "Ah, is it showing on my face?" ［Reisner］

  There was no direswer on Amelia's side, only a slight nod of affirmation. She didn't want to be rude to the Lord and only acted as how a noble dy should. It wasn't only her. Julius is also ag like a proper prince for once.

  "Hmm... It isn't much of a bother, per say... I'm just worried about Lrey and the others. I hope they would be alright," ［Reisner］

  "Yhness, if that's what you're worried about, there's o fret. You put your trust in them." ［Julius］

  It was unlike Julius. The man who would usually mess with the two was now full of fidence about them. He may not know how strong Grey and Yuna truly are, but he proudly say he knows them better than many people.

  "You seem fident about it, Prince Julius." ［Reisner］

  "Of course. They're Grey and Yuna, after all. If they say they will do something then they would definitely aplish it without fail. There is no pair more trustworthy thawo of them." ［Julius］

  "That praise seems a little excessive, don't you think?" ［Reisner］

  "No, not at all. Even if you were to ask my father, our Prime Minister, or eneral, they would all say the same thing. There's a reason why they are deeply respected as Heroes of Alfrione." ［Julius］

  It raise after praise. Although he admits himself that he is a bit biased as their friend, he couldn't deny anything of what he said. It wasn't only him. Amelia and the people who know the two of them also think of them that way.

  Well, now, they aren't only Heroes of Alfrione, but of Ingrasia as well. If the world knew of their hidden prowess, it would surely shake the current bance as people know it. But for now, it's enough that only a few know.

  "I see... Hearing that makes my heart feel lighter as well. It seems like all my worries were all for naught." ［Reisner］

  Said the Lord as he snickered to himself. He hought the day where he would be forted by such youngsters almost three times youhan him would e. It truly was an iing sight to see.

  "Oh, now that I think of it... Prince Julius, Lady Amelia, have you already had dinner?" ［Reisner］

  "Ah, that... We were called over before he had the ce to." ［Julius］

  "Ah... I truly apologize for such a sudden invitation. As apology, would you like to join me for dinner? It may not be anything fancy but I am quite proud of our dishes here in the north." ［Reisner］

  "Then, we would be imposing on you." ［Julius］

  "Thank you very much for the invitation, Yhness." ［Amelia］

  There wasn't too much to think about. While Julius and Amelia almost fot that they still haven't had dinner yet, after the Lord mentio, they quickly felt very hungry. The three of them walked towards the dining hall, gentle smiles pstered on their bright faces.

  ...

  The wind was cold and there was only darko be seen. The sky which was otered with stars was now only covered by dark, expansive clouds. If there was any light shining, it would be from the towns and vilges passed on the ground from time to time.

  Fortunately, there wasn't any snowfall, blizzard, or anything of that nature, otherwise, the journey would have been much harder. It was all thanks to Poris's speed and power that everythi smoothly.

  'Crazy... It hasn't even been 15 minutes...' ［Fizzel］

  It has been several minutes since Fizzel rode atop Poris' back but he has still yet to prehend hooris really was. The journey, which is supposed to take more than two weeks to travel by carriage, was easily covered in just several minutes.

  Fizzel still fbbergasted by susane speed, the flight tinued and sonis echoed oer another as Poris broke through the sound barrier time and time again. It wasn't long before a dark silhouette of a town came into vow from the horizon.

  Well, it wasn't only the city which was in sight. In Grey's eyes, there were also thousands upon thousands of undead skeletons marg just south of the town, some already engaging in battle with the knights, soldiers, and adventurers, the sound of chaos eg everywhere.

  Some skeletons wore armor, some wielded swords, spears, and shields, and others rode various beast-like skeletons. There were horses, wolves, vangirs, and even wyverns, blue fmes burning abze in their eyes.

  But the most terrifying one was the one furthest behind the horde. Adorned with armor dark as ivory, bck fmes raging in its eye sockets, and equipped with a pitch bck longsword as it rode atop a skeleton. There wasn't one more suitable to be the symbol of death.

  ??Appraisal?? ［Grey］

  -----------------------------------

  [Monster]

  [Species] Skeleton Tyrant

  [Status] Healthy

  [Type] Undead

  [Ability] ...

  [Mana Capacity] 55,785  [Mana Quality] S

  [bat Power] 18,832  [Threat Level] Camity

  [Attribute] Null

  -----------------------------------

  The hopes of fighting against a lower range Camity-Css boss was now crushed in a single instant. What was before them was a monsterー no, a monster amongst monsters. One which could strike fear even to anyone which sees it.

  Even Grey, who has seen his fair share of monsters couldn't help but feel shaken at such a sight, his body trembling a little before he even noticed it. It was the first time in years that he felt sutimidation.

  Still, such a thing would not crush Grey's resolve. If anything, his desire to battle strong oppos was only fueled as he looked at the enemy before him, a strong passion starting to burn ferociously inside his heart.

  "Everyone, get ready for battle." ［Grey］

  His voice resoundily yet clear as gss, everyone drew their ons and steeled their hearts. Their eyes now gleamed a different, fierce glint as they prepared themselves for the battle about to unfold.

  CHAPTER 184 END