Chapter 27: Urgent Report

“We’ll head back as soon as possible, including camping. The following investigation teams and military should come at a reasonable pace.”

“Yeah, I’ll see to that. After all, it’s from one end of the kingdom to the other.”

Two days after the audience with the king.

Shaking hands with Greg, the Vice commander of the Royal Third Army, who had come to see us off at the huge castle gate, we exchanged some words.

The audience with the king seemed like a simple and formal confirmation.

It was explained by Saran that I am the Hero, the re-emergence of “Culling” is being feared, and therefore, much help is needed… and the king nodded in agreement.

Not long ago, Rolo mentioned that Saran was fit to be a king. I understand now.

He seems more like a part of the mechanism that moves the country than a human.

He’s a dangerous version of Saran, who doesn’t see individuals but rather the country.

By the time we had the audience, several situations were already in motion… and one of them is Greg, who is standing in front of us now.

The king chose to mobilize the Royal Third Army in the capital city, implementing my proposal… Of course, it would have been with Saran’s recommendation as an expert and perhaps with the Pope’s endorsement as well.

Even so, it’s quite swift.

“I’m sure the military and adventurers are already moving in various places. Some of the nobles were against it, saying it was a waste of public funds… but I’m with you, Jurg.”

“Yeah. It’s not the worst, but if nothing happens, that’s the best.”

“Right. Take care on the road!”

Greg tapped my shoulder lightly and walked away.

Watching his back as he left, I headed back to where my companions were, already prepared to depart, mounted on horses.

“Jurg’s good at making friends, huh?”

“He’s just a good guy. Well then, are we ready?”

My companions nodded in response to my confirmation.

From here on, it will be a forced march unlike the journey here.

We must return to Malhas as soon as possible and begin investigating and devising countermeasures.

We don’t know what will happen or where.

At worst, there’s still a possibility that a god from another world may rise in that place.

“But you’ve thought about it a lot, Jurg.”

“Huh?”

Riding side by side, Saran squints and smiles.

I don’t quite understand his amusement, but well, it’s better than angering him.

“I didn’t expect you to launch an offensive on the dungeons in various places.”

“Even if the ‘Dungeon Homogeneity Theory’ is true, it’s a simple strategy to weaken Malhas’ dungeon by cutting off the resources sent to it. Whether it’s really effective or not, who knows?”

“If nothing else, it will be useful data. Even if it doesn’t work out.”

I had hoped that Saran would come up with a more practical plan, but I never thought he would push through with brute force.

“It’s a realistic plan, Jurg.”

“Gregure!”

Fimia, riding alongside me, nods in agreement.

Come to think of it, she also pushed this plan through to the headquarters of the Church.

“Gathering everyone in Malhas is not realistic, and it could lead to panic. In that case, weakening the very existence of the dungeon with adventurers and the military is not a bad move, I think.”

“I agree with Fimia-san. At least the data suggests such behavior. Then, your plan could be effective.”

“All right, but first, let’s get back to Malhas. Let’s hurry!”

Upon my words, Rolo and Fimia, who nodded, cast strengthening magic and vitality-enhancing magic on the horses.

We raced through the roads still covered with remnants of snow in the pre-spring weather.

◆

Ten days passed as we raced through the northwest road and arrived at Advante.

We, who had offered to meet with the mayor, expecting that word had already reached him and the Adventurers Guild, ended up receiving reports instead.

“Stay calm and listen. We’ve received reports of an Overflow Emerging from a settlement in the pioneer city.”

“Where’s the information from?!”

I couldn’t help but raise my voice, and the mayor flicked my forehead with his finger.

As I staggered from the intense blow, the mayor slowly spoke.

“I told you to calm down, you brat.”

“…Sorry. So, what’s the situation?”

“The information comes from Hiltte. For now, we’ve received reports that they’ve successfully pushed it back. Vigilant eastern lords are organizing defense forces. A few backup adventurer companies are being dispatched from the adventurer city Uchi.”

I breathed a sigh of relief at the old lady’s words.

However, since an Overflow Emerging had occurred, the situation was urgent.

Damn it… Even if spring is in the air, it doesn’t mean we all have to cheer up at once!

“We’ve also received word about the situation you briefed us on in the capital. Leave that to us.”

“Yeah, sorry. Thanks, Old lady!”

Leaving the mayor’s office with my companions, I headed toward the stable.

Already, the sun was setting, and we had originally planned to stay here overnight, but we couldn’t afford to do so now.

It’s a bit reckless, I know, but I couldn’t stand still.

Saran suddenly grabbed my shoulder with an unusual strength.

“Jurg, impatience is not the way.”

“Saran, if we don’t hurry…!”

Saran shakes his head as my words trail off.

“Both Rolo and Fimia are exhausted from using magic continuously day after day. Even though we’ve strengthened the horses and Gregure with magic, they’ll collapse if we continue like this.”

“Then, I’ll go alone…”

“Calm down!”

Saran, who rarely raises his voice, shook my shoulder with strong force.

Finally, I managed to calm down as I looked at the face of the staff officer who showed no sign of composure.

He’s just like me.

“I’m sorry, Saran. And to both of you.”

“It’s okay, Jurg. I’m just as eager to hurry.”

“Me too. I’m worried about Mother too.”

Looking at their faces, it’s clear they’re exhausted.

It’s only natural since they haven’t had proper rest all this time.

I’m not fit to be a leader if I’m trying to rush out in this situation.

“We’ll have a specialized healer with animal magic potions sent to the stable. They should be feeling better by tomorrow. Similarly, we need nutritious meals and beds.”

“Yeah, I understand. Sorry, Saran.”

Saran sighed softly as I bowed my head.

“As long as you understand. I apologize for yelling too.”

“I guess I’m just not cut out to be a leader after all.”

If I were as stupid as Albert, maybe Saran could handle the reins better.

Come to think of it, maybe he deserves some praise after all.

“Let’s rest today, anyway. Fimia looks like she’s about to collapse from overusing vitality magic.”

“I’m sorry, Jurg…”

“No, it’s my fault. Can you walk? Let’s go to the inn.”

Gently picking up the pale-faced Fimia, we headed towards the Dancing Duck Inn.

It was my mistake to push them too hard.

…Let’s calm down for now. Everything will be okay.

With those words echoing in my mind, we walked towards the inn on the moonlit main street of the adventure city.

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