Chapter 6: Escort Request and Undead Subjugation – Part 03
For the next two days, we focused on strengthening our party’s capabilities in the E-Class Dungeon. While I considered heading to the town outside Euron to acquire new skills, it seemed that the large-scale subjugation mission was approaching, so we decided to earn some money and upgrade our equipment instead.
With the intention of taking on the role of a shield bearer, I decided to switch to a larger shield for practice. Until now, my style had been one where offense was the best defense, but with Larni’s recent enhancements through her Vital Strike and Herculean Strength skills, I felt it was necessary to adjust our party’s balance. Of course, this also made it easier to protect Freinir.
Freinir already had a good staff, so I upgraded her armor. It was concerning that she might find herself in a situation where she would take damage, but preparation was essential nonetheless.
Larni, who had rapidly acquired skills since joining our party, seemed unsatisfied with the longsword she had been using. She obtained a new sword with a blade nearly twice as thick and was diligently getting accustomed to it.
On the morning of the third day, when we visited the guild, the long-awaited notice for the undead castle subjugation mission was finally posted on the bulletin board.
When I approached the receptionist, Mariane, she greeted me with, “The mission has finally been issued. We ask for your participation.”
“By the way, I heard there might be additional information to gather. Has reconnaissance been conducted beforehand?”
“Yes, it seems another party was commissioned to carry out the reconnaissance. The undead castle has been confirmed as per the information, which led to the issuance of this large-scale subjugation mission.”
“I see. So it’s confirmed to be the undead castle.”
“Indeed. It is rare for undead to establish a base, but when it does take the form of a castle, it indicates the presence of significantly high-ranking undead.”
“That’s quite concerning… Naturally, high-ranking adventurers will be participating, right?”
“Anatoria the Crimson, along with our guild’s top party, the Fortuner, will be joining. We should have no issues in terms of strength.”
That name sounded familiar. Well, I suppose they are the top force in the Barius Viscounty.
“Understood. I’ll review the notice and prepare accordingly.”
“Thank you very much.”
As I stepped away from the counter, Larni perked up her ears and spoke to me.
“I’ve been thinking for a while now, but you seem to be on good terms with Mariane. Many parties avoid her because they say her demeanor is cold.”
“If you talk to her properly, you’ll see that she responds normally. I guess people might misunderstand her way of speaking.”
“Is that so? What do you think, Freinir?”
“Um? I think Mariane is a nice person. She was kind to me from the very beginning.”
Now that I think about it, Mariane did seem to treat Freinir differently from the start. It felt like she knew something.
“I see. I might just not know her well since I haven’t spoken to her. By the way, what are we doing today?”
“We’ll confirm the schedule for the large-scale subjugation mission and gather what we need. Of course, if we have time, we’ll head to the dungeon.”
“Right. If we’re going to storm the undead’s stronghold, we need to be as strong as possible.”
“Freinir’s magic may become crucial. Please be prepared for that.”
“Yes, Soushi-sama. I will strive to ensure my spellcasting is as swift as possible.”
Looking at the bulletin board, I noted that our departure was set for early morning three days later. This was similar to before. Until then, I would focus on leveling up my skills, even if just by one, in preparation for the inevitable irregularities that would arise.
On the day of the large-scale subjugation mission, hunters and soldiers gathered in front of the castle gates of Euron. The numbers were similar to when we faced the goblins, with about 100 adventurers and 200 soldiers.
However, the soldiers were primarily tasked with transporting supplies and recovering magic stones and materials. The adventurers would bear the brunt of the fighting.
“That must be Anatoria the Crimson. She doesn’t look much older, but she certainly exudes an A-Rank vibe,” Larni remarked, observing the crimson-armored elven knight issuing commands from a distance. Freinir was glancing at her too, but for some reason, she was hiding behind me.
“Adventurer parties with members capable of using Holy Attribute Magic, please come forward,” Anatoria called out in a clear voice. She likely wanted to identify those who could use magic effective against the undead. We couldn’t afford to remain silent, but Freinir tugged at my sleeve, looking anxious.
“Soushi-sama, do we really have to go?”
“Yes. She is the leader here. We cannot ignore her orders.”
“I understand…”
There seemed to be something more to Anatoria than met the eye. However, there was no way to avoid this situation.
I led Freinir and Larni over to Anatoria.
Only three parties had gathered. It seemed that Holy Attribute Magic was indeed a rare skill. After giving instructions to the first two parties, Anatoria finally approached us.
“Hmm, I recognize you,” she said, her well-defined brows raising slightly as she looked at me.
“We met during the goblin subjugation in the town of Tolson,” I replied.
“Ah, yes. You are Soushi, if I recall correctly. I look forward to working with you again. So, you have formed a party. Who among you can use magic?”
“That would be Freinir here. She is E-Rank, so she can use two types of Holy Attribute Magic.”
In fact, Freinir had just learned her second Holy Attribute spell, Purification. As the name suggested, it was a spell that cleansed impurities from its target. It seemed particularly effective against the undead, but it also had some physical effects akin to disinfection.
As I introduced her, Anatoria turned her gaze to Freinir. “Hmm,” she murmured, her eyes narrowing slightly. However, when Freinir looked down awkwardly, Anatoria quickly shifted her gaze back to me.
“If you can use Holy Light and Purification, that will be sufficient for our strength. Physical attacks are less effective against spiritual undead. Very well, your party will accompany me. Stay close to me during the march.”
“Understood.”
“Good. Then I will rely on you. Please remain there until we depart.”
I bowed and stepped back to the designated area Anatoria indicated.
I never expected to be ordered to accompany the commander. Considering her reaction when she saw Freinir, it seemed this arrangement was related to Freinir’s true identity. Freinir herself looked apologetic, murmuring, “I’m so sorry…”
Well, Larni was saying, “How lucky we are to see Anatoria in action up close!” so I suppose there was no need to think negatively. Being able to fight alongside former A-Rank and C-Rank parties was a special opportunity for an E-Rank party like ours.