Chapter 30: Road Blockade

The next day.

We were greeted upon our arrival in the dairy farming city of Hilte by stern soldiers and throngs of people.

Everywhere was crowded with people, and just by looking at the atmosphere, you could tell that something had happened.

“I’ll go talk to the viscount. Jurg and the others, head to the Adventurer’s Guild.”

“I’ll go to the church to find out what’s going on.”

“Got it. Let’s meet up at the Adventurer’s Guild.”

With anxiety tucked in our chests, Rolo and I walked along the main street.

Even the main street, usually traversed by several carriages, was heavily crowded today.

“…Looks like something’s happened.”

“Yeah… Oh!”

As we approached the Adventurer’s Guild, Rolo pointed to a certain corner.

Looking in that direction, I saw a familiar face sitting there looking troubled.

“Thomson!”

“…Jurg? And Rolo too!”

Thomson, standing up, approached us with unsteady steps.

His appearance was covered in mud and dust, stirring up my anxiety even more.

“What’s wrong? Why are you in Hilte?”

“I came to buy milking cows for Malhas. But then, the road was closed since yesterday, and I couldn’t go back.”

“What about the others?”

“There are a few, but some got separated. The soldiers just said it’s dangerous, didn’t explain anything… and me, what should I do?”

I lightly pat Thomson’s shoulder as he sighed anxiously.

Hold it together, I told myself. If I let my anxiety get the better of me and lose my temper here, it’ll only add to his anxiety.

“Let me check the situation here. Are you planning to stay here for a while?”

“Yeah, and there are no available inns…”

“Hey, come on, you’ve been sitting by the roadside all night?”

“I can feel your pain…,”

Glancing sideways at Rolo, I see him nodding.

It’s not good for anyone, especially a decent person, to wander like a vagabond, especially in such an uncertain situation.

“Thomson, let’s go to the adventurer’s camping ground on the outskirts. We’ll lend you camping gear, have something warm to drink, and calm down.”

“I’ll go to the Adventurer’s Guild to gather information. Being a guild master, they might spill some confidential information. So, Thomson, please wait with Rolo.”

“Oh, yeah. Got it. I’m glad to see you guys.”

I hand Thomson a waterskin with wine and leave the spot with a nod to Rolo.

If you look closely, there are quite a few adventurers around.

Among those being held up here, there might be some who came from the New City.

As I think about this, someone walks beside me.

Their presence and footsteps are subtle. A skilled scout.

“Welcome back, Guild Master.”

“Mox…! Is that you?”

I remembered upon hearing the voice.

Mox Verreau, the bard.

He was one of the scouts I commissioned when we founded the New City.

“What’s going on?”

“Yesterday, a martial law was declared, and the road to Malhas was closed.”

“I heard that already. What’s the reason?”

“It’s ‘Massive Stampede.'”

“Damn.”

“Please keep your voice down. I’ve come to deliver on-site information to the Hilte Adventurer’s Guild. I’ll share it with the Guild Master first.”

I take a deep breath and urge him on as we walk.

“What’s the situation?”

“For about two weeks now, there have been several small ‘Overflow’ incidents. Thanks to the barrier, there were no casualties, but the frequency and scale gradually increased. And a few days ago, signs of a ‘Massive Stampede’—a swarm of monster creatures—were confirmed deep in the forest.”

“Evacuation orders?”

“Defense and evacuation plans, led by Kati-san, were implemented beforehand, but there wasn’t enough time. Adventurers in the New City are still preparing for the defense.”

Mox’s words stir up a strong sense of impatience and unrest in my heart.

“What’s the damage?”

“I don’t know. I left Malhas immediately as the first messenger.”

“Evacuation has started, right?”

“Yes.”

“Got it. Thanks for the information.”

I nod slightly, and Mox rushes through the crowd.

It was lucky to have obtained the latest and most reliable information.

The fact that something has already happened is cause for great concern, but… there’s no better information to determine our course of action.

With that in mind, I turn back and head towards the adventurer’s camping ground.

If I were to go to the Adventurer’s Guild now, there’s a possibility I’d be detained as a local guild master from the disaster area.

I had considered it inevitable for the sake of gathering information, but thanks to Mox, I was spared the trouble.

“Hurry up.”

With that muttered to myself, I quietly ran through the crowded main street filled with confused people.

◆◆◆

“I’ve made all the necessary arrangements. Let’s go.”

Returning to the campsite, Saran informed us.

Although I wanted to leave immediately after sharing information, if the situation involved a ‘Massive Stampede’, there were plenty of things to take care of beforehand. So, I entrusted the top priority tasks to Saran and prepared for departure.

“I’ve rested a bit, so I have enough energy and magic power.”

“I’m ready too.”

Rolo and Fimia rested for a short while.

Considering the information brought by Mox, there was a possibility that the defense battle had already begun. If action was needed immediately after arriving in Malhas, I thought it necessary for the two of them to rest.

“I’m sorry, Saran. I wanted to give you some rest too.”

“I hardly use any magic on the way, so it’s not a problem. But more importantly, Jurg, are you okay?”

“No problem. Being sturdy is my only good trait.”

I lightly laughed as I tied luggage to the horse and Gregure.

There’s no time to spare given the situation. But I couldn’t afford to look unsettled. Besides our comrades, there were several others here who couldn’t return to Malhas.

“Well then, see you later, Thomson. I’m off. Feel free to use the camping equipment here as you please.”

“Jurg, you’ll be okay, right?”

“Of course. Who do you think I am?”

“—The ‘Frontier Hero’.”

I tilt my head slightly at Thomson’s words.

‘Frontier Hero’, huh? Not ‘Miscreant’ or ‘Heaven Break Strike’, but ‘Frontier Hero’. It’s the first time I’ve heard that nickname.

“Someone called you that.”

“I don’t know who… Well, it’s not bad. I’ll act accordingly. Leave it to me.”

Thomson, nodding at my words, smiles as best as he can.

Although he can’t fight, he’s trying his best to smile and send us off. So, I need to respond to that.

“Alright, everyone. Let’s go.”

“Yeah…! We have to save Malhas.”

“A few Holy Knights from Hilte are ahead of us. Let’s catch up with them.”

“It may not go as planned, but let’s do our best. Leave setting the stage to me.”

I nod at my dependable comrades’ words and gaze at the road extending to the east.

The sense of oppression Fimia mentioned crept slowly across my cheeks from beyond the darkness of the hidden moonlit night.

“Then we’re off. We’ll be marching at night, so proceed with caution.”

While suppressing my haste and enthusiasm, I gave the command to my companions to depart.

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