“Gilbert, do you understand the meaning of that signal fire?”
Dolf asked as he gripped the reins on the swaying coachman’s seat. After a brief nod, Gilbert replied with a serious expression.
“…That’s a signal often used by the Knights Order, but it’s also understood by the private armies and mercenaries of each territory. The addition of magical powder mixed with the light indicates that it’s not a request for aid. It likely means they’ve launched a coordinated attack from that position, or that the front lines have advanced to that point…”
Dolf frowned.
“So, you’re saying there’s a big problem that requires such measures?”
“Most likely. The question is… whether it’s just a stray magical beast causing havoc in the city, or something more…”
Gilbert hesitated, glancing at Dolf, who was now staring intently at the city in the distance.
“Gilbert, no matter what happens, don’t act recklessly. Also, we currently have no Holy Water on hand. If that’s an Undead Beast, we’ll need to procure some Holy Water from the church in that city first.”
“Yeah… you’re right…”
Gilbert tightened his grip on the handle of his battle axe.
“We’re already quite close to the former northern front. If we’re going to catch up, it should be soon.”
“Is Lionel there?”
“I can’t say for sure. But the chances are high.”
Dolf kept his gaze forward for a moment, deep in thought, before raising his voice.
“Barbara, Flora-chan, gather the parts you’ve prepared.”
“Got it!”
“Understood!”
Hearing the three voices, Gilbert fixed his gaze on the city’s walls, which were gradually growing larger, along with the rising signal fire beyond them.
Upon arriving at the small town with remnants of an ancient fortress, they found numerous Clergy members setting up barriers along the fortifications and tending to the injured.
As they passed through the gates and made their way to the central square with the carriage, a man who appeared to be the lord of the area was engaged in a serious discussion with his private army.
Noticing their arrival, the lord rushed over.
“That battle axe—are you mercenaries? I’m sorry, but we need all the help we can get. I can offer a reward! Please lend us your strength!”
“If there’s something we can do, we’ll help. But first, could you tell us what happened?”
Dolf replied, holding back the eager Gilbert.
“This morning, an Undead Beast appeared in the nearby forest… The Knights Order’s return order came too soon… What is His Majesty thinking…?”
The lord grumbled, his face twisted in frustration. Dolf calmly inquired, “So it is an Undead Beast… We saw the signal fire from a distance, but the extermination isn’t finished yet?”
“…No. Our private army is already stretched thin, and fortunately, some Clergy members remained in the north, along with Sir Lionel from the Royal Knights Order who has come to assist us.”
At the mention of Lionel’s name, Gilbert jumped down from the carriage and rushed toward the lord.
“If he’s not here, then he must be at the signal fire.”
“Yes, that’s correct. He’s drawn the threat away from the city. The situation is quite troublesome…”
The lord furrowed his brow and let out a heavy sigh.
“We managed to handle the large one since it was just a single beast, but shortly after, a massive swarm of smaller ones appeared. I can’t count them, but there are a significant number.”
“Smaller ones…? Are you saying a horde of Undead Beasts has come?”
Gilbert asked, his expression darkening as the lord nodded gravely.
“Yes. Normally, smaller magical beasts or creatures would die before becoming Undead Beasts. So, to see such a large number appear at once is unprecedented…”
This town, close to the northern region, occasionally faced single Undead Beasts once or twice a year. That’s why the lord had some knowledge and was accustomed to dealing with individual threats.
“During the recent large-scale extermination in the north, they said the most they encountered in a swarm was about ten medium-sized beasts. But today, the number attacking this town is far beyond that.”
Both Dolf and Gilbert’s faces twisted in confusion.
“Could it be that we’re facing a variant species…?”
While larger magical beasts are usually more troublesome, with Undead Beasts, the sheer number becomes the primary concern due to the complexity of extermination. Weapons must be blessed with Holy Water to sever their heads, but the blessing quickly fades, requiring a tedious re-blessing for each beast.
“Will we be able to obtain Holy Water?”
Gilbert asked urgently, eager to rush to Lionel’s side, but the lord shook his head.
“We just used the last of it. Right now, the Clergy members are working together to prepare more.”
“I see…”
Gilbert lowered his gaze, clenching his trembling fists. Dolf, noticing this, turned to the lord.
“Is Lionel alone?”
“No, he’s accompanied by several high-ranking Clergy members and a few skilled members from our private army. Once they gain some distance, they’ll temporarily contain the threat with a barrier. If all goes well, they should return before sunset.”
Hearing this, Dolf nodded and patted Gilbert on the shoulder to encourage him.
“Then we need to prepare for what comes next.”