The day doesn’t seem to be special in any case. The villagers are doing their early morning activities as usual. The merchants are setting up their tents. The smell of baked goods envelops my smell. The Parents going to an early shopping while their kids are still sleeping. Today is just like any other day.

The sun rising in the horizon and slowly enveloping the whole land with its rays. The Chirping of the Birds outside the window. The Unchanging Scenery Unfolding your sights every waking day. The Gentle Breeze that touches my skin, bringing in the Fresh Air to breathe. The Day doesn’t seem special in particular. Today feels like another normal peaceful day.

…

…

…

Oh, and also, there seems to be an invasion of some army or whatever. And they probably want to destroy this place and slaughter the citizens. But that’s not really that relevant, so… just like another day for Oreius, I guess?

Enough sarcastic narration for today. The problem at hand seems to be looming around the corner. I guess we need to start prepare.

And on that note, a certain someone is already banging on the door yet again.

“Hey, Hans! Are you awake!”

“Yes, I am Awake. I’ll just get myself prepared so just wait. Also, stop banging the door every single time.”

“Ok, I’ll head downstairs and wait for you there.”

And with that, she rushed downstairs. Looks like she didn’t even care about the ‘banging the door’ part. Well, that’s that. I guess I’ll start preparing before she bangs my door yet again.

“You’re slow!”

I found Eri sitting on a table while fidgeting her dagger and looking at me.

“It hasn’t been even 10 minutes yet. I would say that I did pretty much what I could considering that I just woke up a little bit earlier before you start banging my door.”

“Whatever. Let’s just go.”

“But I haven’t had breakfast yet!”

“Go have your breakfast after we meet with the others. We need to know every detail about the location of the said Army, right?”

She’s right. No time must be unwittingly sparred. I can’t help but just sigh.

“Okay, let’s go.”

We head towards the Guild Building to meet with others and fully set our plan in motion… And I need to finish this as soon as possible so I can eat my Breakfast.

While walking, I can’t help but notice that Eri is more cheerful than usual. Even though you can’t really tell the difference, having been together with her while we’re travelling tells me a lot about her. And I can tell that she looks like she’s really in a good mood. Not that she shows it too much, but she really is.

“You seem to be on a good mood.”

“Huh? I’m not.”

“You can’t hide it. And I know why you’re in a good mood.”

“Hmm?”

“You’re looking forward for our fight, right?”

She smirked.

“How’d you know?”

“Well, knowing you, a battle-hardened person, you will undoubtedly get excited when presented with an opportunity to fight and kill someone. Especially when there is a large group involved.”

“You really know me well.”

“Of course! I’m observing you ever since we started travelling together. Partially because I am interested in what you’re thinking and mostly because I don’t want you killing someone randomly. That’ll be a pain in my ass to handle. If I could, then I would’ve already put a leash on you.”

“Try me. You’ll regret it.”

“Would I? Let me remind you that in all the times we’re travelling together, you haven’t managed to defeat me in a single match.”

“You know what? Yes. I admit that I’m looking forward into the upcoming fight. But you just ruined it. I just wanted to have fun killing enemies, but you just went ahead and ruin the fun. Ahhh! You’re the worst!”

Eri stormed towards the Building while I follow her. Looks like I went to far with the teasing. I need to apologize after the meeting.

A few more minutes have past and we arrived at the Guild Building. The Guild is overflowing with people as usual. Looks like the assistants are having a hard time sorting out the job that they must do. Izuna was in the counter assisting as many people as she can. We decided to walk past her since she had a lot of people to attend to but she still noticed us. She waved at us while shouting our names. In return, we waved back.

“Hans! The others are in the conference room already. I can’t bring you there right now because, as you can see, my hands are full.”

“Don’t worry, we can go there on our own. See you later.”

“Ok! See you Later!”

We head towards the conference room at the back of the Guild Building. Upon reaching the room, we saw all the participants sitting in silence while waiting for us. Lord Mereid had a serious look in his face while the others are minding their own business. As usual, William is not present. I guess he hasn’t recovered yet from the injuries he sustained in our previous brawl. As soon as we reached our seats, the questioning began.

“Now that the both of you are here, we can now start this meeting.”

“So, what will we be going to talk about?”

“The upcoming attack, of course.”

“But we told you that you can leave it to us, right?”

“That’s not really reassuring. Considering that you’re implying that the two of you would handle the hordes of Demons heading towards us.”

“You still don’t believe us?”

“I can’t just leave the fate of the villagers in the hands of arrogant people whose plan was just to leave the problem to them!”

“*sigh* Ok then, I’ll tell you all about my plan, but since this is the plan that I decided to follow through, I won’t accept any objection. Is that clear.”

No one answered. Not even Luluca and Derek. Looks like they’re all taken aback with the condition I set before saying my plan. I can’t blame them if they would have difficulty in agreeing to me considering that there are lives that’s directly related to it.

“Fine, I’ll tell my plan. Well, just the gist of it.”

“Why don’t you tell us the whole plan?”

“A good performer doesn’t reveal their secrets, or so a magician once said.”

Derek looked at me and smirked, looks like he had a grasp of the situation.

“Why don’t we trust the boy? Seems like he’s confident with his ability. After all, I decided to trust him the moment he told us to leave it to him.”

Looks like Luluca got what Derek was trying to do and tried to help him.

“Me too, I trust him to handle the situation at hand.”

“It’s rare for you trust a person, let alone a human, Luluca. And Derek, you really trust this boy, huh… Well then, If an Elf and the Guild Master trusts you, then I have no choice but to put my trust on you too.”

“That’s Great, now I can finally move on to the next part of my plan.”

“Can you please tell us first what is that plan of yours?”

“Oh, it’s just simple. I’m just going to set them ablaze, literally.”

“That’s all?”

“Well, technically, that’s just, like, 50% of the plan. But that’s enough, right?”

“What would you do to those that can resist fire?”

“Oh, they will know what Hell feels like.”

“Um, what is ‘hell’?”

“Oh, I totally forgot that I’m not in… Well, that’s just a really, really hot place.”

“Ok?”

“C’mon, let’s not dig deep into technicalities. The only thing you need to know is that I will set them on fire, and it will be effective, for sure. And you don’t need to worry about the Fire-resistant demons. They will be taken care of.”

“If you’re really that confident, then I won’t pry with it any longer.”

“That’s good. Now, let’s talk about something that I would need.”

“Huh?”

“I want to reduce unnecessary casualties as possible so I need all of your help with that. With that said, Derek, does the guild have barrier user adventurers?”

“A barrier user? There are several people in this village that can use that.”

“Can they also create a barrier that can stop gas. Like poison or something like that?”

“I believe all of the barrier users can do that.”

“That’s great! I want you to gather them all. Also, I need to know what direction the horde of Demons would appear.”

“According to the reconnaissance group we sent, the horde of demons will be likely to attack the West Gate since it was the largest gate in the Village and it was the nearest gate to the forest.”

“Good! Now, the only thing that we need to make sure is that no civilians should be out of the Gate before the attack happen. If possible, everyone should be inside the village.”

“We’ll make sure that no person will be outside the village. Leave it to us.”

“That’s great, Altus.”

“That’s all that I want to talk about. If there’s no questions left, then we will go and set-up everything that is needed to set-up.”

“We’ll not delay you any longer. I’ll leave the Town to you, Hans.”

“Thank you, Lord Mereid. I’ll make sure to meet your expectations.”

“Good! Go ahead and prepare everything. May the gods bless you.”

“I’m pretty sure that I’ve been blessed. But not by the gods but by a ghost.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Nevermind, let’s go Eri.”

We left the Conference room and went to the lobby of the Guild. There, we saw Izuna taking a break after the crowd was gone.

“Good Work, Izuna.”

“Oh, Hans, Eri, Good Work too. How did it go?”

“It’s fine, we’re heading towards the West Gate to set the traps.”

“I’ll go too!”

“Sorry, Izuna. But this time, it will be just Eri and me. You can still watch us later while it’s happening.”

“That’s a bummer.”

“At least I’ll be able to fulfill my promise. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bummer or not. We will complete the task that you gave us”

“If you put it like that, I don’t think I can argue. anymore I’ll just wish the both of you good luck.”

“Thanks, we’ll be going then.”

With that, we head towards the West Gate.

The West Gate is incomparably huge, probably 2 times the size of the South Gate in which we’ve entered before. I guess that’s why the Demon Army targeted this particular gate. The Forest also appears a lot closer here than the other gates. All those conditions are probably the reasons why the demons chose this particular area to attack.

Upon reaching the West Gate, we started preparing for the attack. In front of the West Gate is a Field of Open Plains that is really suitable for setting underground traps and avoiding stealth maneuvers by the enemy.

“Eri, I want you to scout the enemies in the forest but do not engage. Just observe their movement and let them attack. However, if, in the middle of their attack, some of them were to run away from the battlefield, kill them. Do not let anyone escape. And also, I think that their commander, leader or whatever they call the one in charge of them will stay outside the battlefield. If you found him, or her whatever, subdue him. You can do whatever you want but don’t kill them. I’ll head there after the battle concluded, I will handle him.”

“I still want to kill their leader though. But fine, I’ll let you have the leader. As long as I can kill the deserter, that will be good.”

“Oh, and also one other thing.”

“What is it?”

“Do not, at any cost, come back here while the battle ensues. I don’t want you accidentally getting caught up in the commotion and in my traps. Focus on the task I gave you.”

“Do you think those traps could kill me?”

“Yes, potentially. But I don’t think you’ll let something like that kill you, right?”

“You really know me well.”

“Enough talking! I’m going to start preparing, head to your position.”

Before she went to her position, she looked back on me while wearing a serious expression.

“Hans, I have something to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“Why are you collaborating with those humans? Knowing you, you can easily wipe out the whole Demon Army in a blink of an eye if you really want to. I just can’t understand. What’s the point of cooperating with those humans when you can just end it all by yourself, as fast as you can?”

“You really don’t understand at all?”

“That’s why I want you to tell me why.”

“Well, isn’t obvious? Because it’s more fun this way.”

‘Eri continued to look at me in the eyes for a few seconds, seems like she’s waiting for a follow up of my answer.

“Wait, is that it?”

“Yes!”

“*sigh* I should’ve known it based on your personality.”

“Well, it’s not only because of that. I want them to acknowledge me. Well, not everyone, but those selected people that knew my identity. I want them to know that messing with me is not a great plan at all. I want them to realize how powerful I am. If I do what you said, killing the Demon Army while they haven’t arrived on this Town, then it will just be pointless labor. Might as well not do it at all.”

Looks like Eri is not expecting that kind of answer. She’s looking at me with her eyes wide open.

“Now, I understand what you want to do. Indeed, our team is the strongest. And I also want them to know that. Now I’m fired up!”

“Let’s do this with no holds barred, then!”

“That’s what I’m planning to do from the start.”

“Oh wait, I almost forgot.”

I materialized 2 black walkie-talkie that can be used to contact each other. I don’t know if this will work aspects but since I specified what it should do, then it should work as I intended it to do.

“What is that?”

“Here, hold on to this. That is a communication device that you can use to communicate with me while we’re far away. If you want to talk, just push the button on the side of the device and talk. Tell me if there are sudden changes in the movement of the Demon Army.”

“Ok.”

“Head to your position now. Remember to contact me if there are sudden changes in their movements.”

Eri head towards the forest and disappeared from my sight. After she departed, I began to set-up the traps. Traps that will explode upon contact. Specifically, Anti-Tank Mines.

What I’m going to set up below the ground are Anti-Tank Mines like TM-46 Land Mine but with an operating pressure of an Anti-Personnel Mines. Basically, I’m going to plant an Anti-Tank Land Mine that can be activated with just a pressure that can be exerted by a normal human. Oh, and also, Rack it up with 10 Kilograms of Explosives. That may sound as an overkill but since I do not know the nature of the enemies, I am not sure how strong or durable they are. Therefore, I made it so that no potential lives can survive once the explosives were activated.

I walked in a zig zag manner to materialize the explosives within the 10-meter radius that my ability can reach. While moving, I’m materializing Land Mines. The Land Mines were separated in a way that they would not explode when another mine was detonated. But not too far that it won’t be detonated by the enemies at all.

I walked around for almost 30 minutes to make sure that the place is littered with Land Mines. The Land Mines that I planted were 40 or more in total. If my calculations were right, then that would be enough to cover the entire open field. The moment I finished planting land mines, I realized that I did not put any marker to indicate that there is a land mine in the area. That in itself might be a good thing but if anyone were to wonder around this area after the battle ended, then it would be really bad for them.

“Oh well, I’ll just dematerialize all the remaining mines after the battle.”

And with that, I finished my initial preparation. And at the same time, Lord Mereid and the others arrived together with the Barrier-Users that I asked them to bring. There are 27 Barrier-Users with them, more than enough for the job. But I guess the more people, the more effective the barrier will be, so… it’s fine, I guess?

“How’s the preparation, Boy?”

“Hey Derek. I’m done with the initial preparation.”

“But I don’t see any changes in here.”

“Don’t worry Lord Mereid. The Fields outside is properly armed. I advise not to wander somewhere outside the Gate. I want to avoid any pointless casualties as possible.”

“If you say so… By the way, what will you do to these barrier users.”

“I’ll brief them with the plan later. Right now, I ‘ll take a quick rest first.”

“Where is Erylla, Anyway?”

“Don’t worry about her, she’s in position now. She’s only waiting for the attack to happen. Can you let me rest for a bit now?”

“Honestly, I’m restless when I think that an all-out attack will happen here. But if you can rest despite that, then that means that you really are confident in your plan. That’s why I decided to fully trust you now.”

“Thank you, Lord Mereid.”

After that, they went away and let me rest.

When I woke up, the sun is already at it’s fullest. Meaning, the attack will happen approximately 3 to 4 hours from now. I head towards the Gate and saw Derek, Luluca and Moris with the 27 Barrier-Users waiting for me.

“Oh, the boy’s awake. That’s good.”

“I’m still a bit groggy though. But yeah, let’s get started. By the way, where is Lord Mereid and Altus?”

“They head back to the Office. They said that they would leave it to you.”

“I guess they have a lot of work to do, huh? Well, let’s just do this. Oh, but before we start, let me finish the final preparation.”

“Final Preparation?”

“Yeah. Would you all like to accompany me? Oh, except the Barrier-Users, let them stay in here.”

“Sure!”

“Let’s go.”

We head outside the Gate and walk towards the mine field. We stopped when we were 2 meters away from the Mine field. After that, I began the final preparation.

I tried to imagine something that can be stationary and be controlled remotely. What materialized is a Turret and a remote control. The turret is 2-meter tall and had a long barrel and an ignitor below the muzzle. The body of the turret composed of a pumping mechanism and a huge canister in the back that will hold the liquid. What I materialized is an oversized flamethrower turret.

When I finished Materializing the flamethrower, the three people at my back were confused.

“Um, what is that?”

“This is a weapon, Moris.”

“I get that it’s a weapon, but what can it do?”

“Basically, it can spout fire.”

“Oh! A small Metal Fire dragon!”

“That’s a weird way to put it. But yeah, it basically is like a Dragon spouting fire.”

“I get that it can produce fire, but I don’t think that that would be enough for an army. Considering some of them might be fire resistant.”

“Don’t worry about small details, Luluca. I already know how to handle them. That’s is the reason why I want you all to gather all those barrier-user, after all.”

“So, you really expected all of that to appear, huh.”

“Of course! We don’t know the nature of our enemies. That’s why we need to be as prepared as possible. Let’s go to the next point.”

We end up setting 6 Flamethrower turrets in front of the West Gate. It took us a hour to set all of it up. With that, the preparation is completed.

After setting everything up, we went back to the West Gate and meet the Barrier-Users.

“So, now that everything’s finished, let’s discuss the plan. Especially the role that all of you, Barrier-Users, will play.”

“This is getting somewhat serious.”

“Shh! Just listen. We need to know what we would do.”

“Okay.”

“This is what I want you to do. When I give you all the signal, I want you all to…”

“Huh?! Is that really what you wanted us to do?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s unreasonable! Why would we do that?”

“Because we would be able to wipe out all the enemies if you all do that.”

“Are you really serious about that?”

“I’m serious.”

The Barrier-Users just sighed.

“Okay then. We’ll do it. If this will wipe them out like you say so, then we’ll do it.”

“That’s good to hear. Now, proceed to your positions while we wait for the attack.”

“””Okay!”””

The Barrier-Users all went to their position. After all of them are gone, only the 4 of us were left.

“What would you do now?”

“I’ll stay here and just wait for the attack. I advise the 3 of you to just watch from the comfort of the Town Wall.”

“We can’t leave you behind just like that!”

“Oh, but you need to. Otherwise, you would get caught up with the chaos.”

“Just leave it be, Luluca. Looks like he’s already decided to face it alone.”

“But Moris…”

“Let him be. Besides, I feel that he’s strong enough to handle the army alone.”

“You feel it?”

“Don’t take me as someone innocent, son. I know that William’s absence is somehow related to you. I also noticed that Derek and Luluca is quite fond of you so maybe, they already know or saw your strength before. That’s why I can say that you’re certainly strong.”

“You really are quite intuitive, Sir. Yes! I can handle all of them so I don’t need all of you here. I don’t want the three of you to be injured pointlessly.”

“Let’s just go.”

Derek looked at me.

“Boy! Good Luck!”

“Yeah! Thanks!”

They then went inside the Town. Now, it’s just me and the flamethrowers and land mines that I set up. I’ll just wait for the army to arrive. Approximately, an hour from now.

Eri hasn’t called me yet. It might be a good thing or a bad thing. I guess I should call her now to make sure.

“Eri?”

Static.

“Eri, can you hear me?”

Still, no answer.

“Eri?”

No Answer.

Maybe she doesn’t want to be disturbed? I can understand that, considering her job as recon. I’ll just give up on contacting her and just wait here. There’s still an hour or more, anyway.

“..ns”

I suddenly heard a sound coming from the radio.

“Hans!”

“Eri! I thought you didn’t want to be disturbed.”

“I do not know where did you get that idea, but now is not the time for that. The Demon Army began to-”

Suddenly, a combination of different roars and battle cry can be heard coming from the forest. The ground began to increasingly shake. I looked at the people looking in the guard tower and they looked terrified while someone is shouting “Ring the Alarm! Ring the Alarm!”.

“The Demons began to move earlier than expected. They are all psyched up too. Be ready, they are about to exit the forest.”

Eri sounded calm despite of the chaos that would happen a few moments from now.

I looked at Derek, Luluca, Moris and the Barrier Users.

“Get ready. The Demon Army has arrived.”