Flying high up in the sky, a large shadow flew across the land. With wings and hard scales, a creature only few are able to ride.

Two people could be seen talking with each other while ignoring the tremendous height separating them from the ground. This showed how much trust they put into the creature they were riding.

“There. That’s where we’re supposed to meet up.”

A boy around his late-teens points at an isolated castle set up in the middle of a barren wasteland.

Following the boy’s instructions, the flying creature lowers its altitude in order to land near the structure. When they neared the castle, all around it were people of various races running around in armor and weapons at hand, soldiers that belonged to their respective country’s army.

“Oh, those two are already here, huh. Guess we’re a bit late, right Randel?”

“It is as you say.”

“Now, now. Don’t be so stiff! Hahahaha!!!”

Getting off the creature after it had landed, the two turn to face it,

“Thanks for the lift Garun!”

“No problem. I’ll just be here, resting. My wings are pretty tired after all, gahahaha!!!”

“By the way, Garun. Why have you never shown us your human form?”

“Gahahaha!!! That is something you do not need to know hero! Now go on, before they scold you once again!”

“Ahahaha…….yeah, you’re right. We’ll be back!”

After bidding farewell to their companion, the Dragon, the two young men pass through the castle’s gates. As they walk through the corridors, every single soldier saluted upon seeing their figures.

“I know I’m a hero and all, but I just can’t get used to this kind of atmosphere……”

“You should have gotten used to it by now. It has already been a month, you know?”

“I know, I know. But all I’m doing is helping you guys fend off the Demons, right? I mean, everyone is doing all they can to help with that.”

“That talk is for another time. Look, the room they’re in is over there.”

“Ah, you’re right! Let’s go!!!”

Entering the room which was large enough to fit 3 large families with space to spare, the two found the last remaining seats and sat there.

Aside from them, there were 5 other people in the room. This room, although large, only contained the bare necessities for a formal meeting.

A table made of rare wood was placed in the center. Placed along each side were 2 chairs each, made from wood and high quality cotton to accommodate the user. In one side of the room, placed in front of the table side which had no chairs was a transparent screen reminiscent of flat-screen TV’s on Earth.

“As all of you are now here, let us begin this strategy meeting.”

The man standing beside the TV-like magic tool spoke.

He was a man nearing his 50s. Wearing a military uniform decorated with a dozen medals, graying blue hair and sharp features that showed he had experienced many battles before, the current general of the west side’s frontlines, Mathew Nakrim.

“Wait, before we begin, I have a question.”

“Ah, yes, what is it Lady Sayuri?”

Speaking out before the meeting could begin was a girl in her mid-teens. Sporting short black hair, black eyes and glasses, she was the stunning image of an honor student. Her height was normal for a girl her age and that too could be said about her physique. She wore a simple black robe adorned with several stitches forming elaborate magic enchantments onto it.

The summoned hero fighting in the frontlines of the Elf Country of Forsten, Sayuri Aibu.

Sitting next to her was a girl with the same age and physique as her. However, she had pink hair, blue eyes, pointed ears and a cute face. Contrasting this were the two swords hanging on her waist and the battle-damaged armor that was exuding a surprising amount of pressure.

This girl, whose identity is the Forsten King’s most powerful warrior and daughter, Solana Forsten, remained quiet while her country’s hero spoke.

“I understand that a strategy meeting is important from time to time. But to call us away from the frontlines just for one is strange. Which means the matter we’re about to discuss is of extreme importance, am I right?”

Gazing at the general, she spoke out her thoughts.

“Yes. It is exactly as you say. This also requires a certain amount of secrecy as to not let panic ensue amongst the people.”

“I see. Very well, then please begin.”

Having said her piece, she sits back down in her chair.

“Ah, yes. I also have a question.”

Raising their hand was a boy in his late-teens. Sloppily long black hair, his eyes only half-open and an aura of disinterest could be observed from him.

Even his body showed no signs of leaving contact with the table, which he had his upper body on. The spear leaning next to him that was radiating remarkable power and his armor that emphasized mobility, these were the only things that could label him as the Beastkin Country of Wildern’s hero, Masaru Genda.

“Will we be heading back to the frontlines immediately after this?”

The girl next to him whispers into his ear. Her white hair, blue eyes and petite body giving off the urge to protect her. However, differentiating her from the other people in the room are her cat-like ears on top of her head and long tail coming out from her lower back, a trait that beastkin belonging to the cat family possess.. Hanging onto her back are two curved daggers which possess a silver tint.

Her carefree nature blends perfectly with Masaru Genda’s lazy demeanor. One of Wildern’s most infamous criminals, Cyzia the Phantom Thief.

“Oh, and where’s the canteen in this castle and if we’re allowed to eat the food being served there……..was it?”

Masaru glances at Cyzia for confirmation.

She simply nods at him.

“Errr……..it will depend on you heroes if you will leave immediately, but it is recommended that you do so. Also, the canteen is just past the corridor before the training grounds. Of course, Miss Cyzia is allowed to eat to her heart’s content.”

Only being able to make a forced smile while answering their questions, the two nod at his answers and motions for him to continue.

“O-okay then. Umm…..Sir Koin, would you, by chance, have any questions?”

“Hmn? Nope, none at all! How about you Randel?”

The boy with carefully combed black hair and cheerful eyes passed the question onto the boy next to him. Koin Ikina, the hero of the Human Country of Nacioldas. Placed beside him were the weapons granted to him by their king, a sword and shield which, when used together, would give the user an enormous boost to his abilities.

Next to him was Nacioldas’ King’s very own son and heir to the throne, Randel Nacioldas. With aqua blue hair and eyes, along with a serious personality and outstanding skills in politics, he was given the title of ‘Once in a Millennium Ruler’.

However, right now, the prince only shook his head to show that he had no problem with the current situation.

“Okay then. Though the topic may have derailed for a while, I will now formally begin the meeting.”

At Mathew’s signal, the lights within the room are dimmed and magic power is transferred into the screen behind him. The six others inside the room are not surprised by this, although they were during the first time, and watched in patience. Appearing from the screen was a 2-dimensional map with several markers colored in blue, green, yellow and red.

“Now, as you may already know, the frontlines were barely being maintained in the past 25 years. Along with the dissolution of the United Country of Kashif due to being invaded by the Demons, the areas in which they could invade us from were spread across the three neighboring countries.”

Pausing to see if they were still listening, he continued when he saw 4 out of 6 still paying attention.

“But half a month ago, once you three had joined the frontlines, we have been steadily gaining ground. It’s not an exaggeration anymore to say that we might even be able to reclaim Kashif’s territory.”

“So, what’s the problem then?”

Masaru, who seemed to be sleeping earlier, asked with one eye open.

“Ah, yes. Well, from the damages and casualties they have suffered from all the battles they have had with the three of you, it wouldn’t be surprising for the frontlines to shift to the east.”

“““……”””

“However, here is the problem.”

Shifting their attention to the map, 10 large red markers pop up.

“From the recent reports of our scouts, 10 supposedly powerful figures have appeared. Each occupying a fortress scattered across the country. What’s more---”

Another even larger marker appears that is currently moving to the southernmost country of the west, Wildern.

“Another scouting party reported a large invasion force led by 5 more of these powerful figures. In total, there are 15 of these, we shall label them as commanders for now, confirmed and we are not sure if there are even more of them further into the east.”

“Hey, General Mathew! I don’t think you need to be so worried about those guys. I mean, we’re heroes after all!!!”

Saying those words brimming with confidence, Koin stood up with his fist held high.

“It would be troubling if you weren’t like that Sir Koin, but that is exactly the problem.”

An image then appears on the screen. Being shown is a man in his prime with red skin and white eyes.

“This man here is one of those ‘Demon Commanders’. To be more precise, he is an Ogre. From his attire, we surmised that he is the leader of the fortress he is currently occupying. When a member of the scouting party took this image, they felt a tremendous amount of magic power radiating from him. From their report, it can even be said that he is, more or less, at all of your current levels.”

“Hmmm…….that is troublesome indeed.”

Sayuri pushes up her glasses and looks closer at the Ogre with red skin.

“True, he does have that ‘I’m the leader! Come at me!’ feeling around him!”

Koin adds.

“Well, if we gang up on him, I think it will end well.”

Masaru suggests.

“Eh? But, Masaru, that’s not very heroic, now is it? We must face him in one-on-one combat!!!”

“What are you? Some kind of old-style hero?”

“Well, we ARE definitely heroes right now! So I don’t see what’s wrong with what I just said.”

Masaru sighs at Koin’s words and goes back to sleep.

“And so, what is it that you want us to take care of? The 10 Demon Commanders, or is it---”

“Exactly Lady Sayuri, it is about the large invading force further to the south. At most, they will arrive in about a month or so. I would like to request for all three of you to remember this information once you have returned to the frontlines. Although I’m sure Sir Masaru can handle them, if we are to suffer heavy casualties, I’m not sure Wildern will be able to recover from this.”

“Oh, is that all? Then don’t worry! As soon as they show their faces in Wildern, we’ll all rush there to help out the Beastkin!!!”

Koin fervently exclaims.

“Thanks. I’ll be counting on you then.”

“Listen you, just because we’re going to help doesn’t mean that you can take a backseat in this!!!”

“Got it……”

To Sayuri’s words of admonishment, Masaru replies half-heartedly.

“Once again, I’d like to appreciate all of your efforts! Dismissed!”

With those words, the three heroes, their companions and the general all leave to perform their own activities.

===

“So, Solana, what do you think of the Demons’ actions this time?”

Heading for the castle gate was the pair of girls who had just left the meeting.

“I’m not sure. For them to attack with such a large force is not surprising at all. But for them to choose Wildern out of the three is doubtful. The only country after that is the Dragon Country of Farbrent, and unless they have a way to get past their barrier, even if they come out victorious in this battle, they will gain almost nothing.”

As she let out her thoughts that she had been keeping since the meeting, Sayuri nodded.

“True. But just to be sure, we should have a hero on standby there in case anything were to happen. I know, what about the hero from Helgas, I’m sure he at least knows how to fight by now.”

“About that Sayuri…...”

“Hmn?”

“He’s missing.”

“Wha---?!”

The elf covers her mouth before she is able to shout out in surprise.

After telling her that she was calm now, Solana removes her hand.

“What do you mean missing? Now, of all times when we’re at war?!”

“Now, now. Calm down. From what the king of Helgas said, they’re currently in the process of retrieving him.”

“I see. I see. Fine, since Helgas’ hero is unavailable, how about Minarl’s then?”

“The Dwarf Country’s?”

“Exactly. They’re the closest one to Farbrent aside from Helgas so I don’t see any problem in that.”

“True. It was said that they have been training him to the bone ever since he had arrived here. And he seems to be willing at that, I’m sure that the difference in strength between him and Helgas’ hero won’t be too far apart. Alright, I’ll request for my father to contact Minarl’s king right away.”

“Thanks Solana, you’re always a great help!”

The two girls give each other a warm smile that they rarely show to others.

“So, what are we to do now Sayuri?”

“Hmn? Oh, well, I was thinking that we could try out that sweets shop in the town we passed by a while ago.”

“As expected from Forsten’s hero, the critique of sweets!”

“Geez, Solana, don’t say that out loud!!!”

“Don’t worry, I’m just joking.”

At this, they both laugh which bewilders all the soldiers nearby.