Chapter 1 ~ Dawn of The End

A considerable number of Orcs wandered in front of the fortress, blocking the way. They are still far with the fortress wall and there is no sign of them approaching. Perhaps it felt threaten to be in the distance that arrows can reach.

I got off the carriage after it stopped. It seems impossible to break through if we are not excluding the Orcs. The Orcs noticed us and gave a war cry. Then they start coming over here while swinging their weapons.

I feel that there are quite a few numbers of them. No, there really are lots of them. If we are not careful them they might get 2 or 3 of the adventurers. I guess this can be kind of scary. I knocked the arrow to the bow and start shooting the Orcs. Once I entered in the range, I started preparing my magic.

By the looks of it, the fortress seems to have notice the movements of the monster. I can hear the fortress gate start opening and then tons of soldiers came out.

“We are also here!” “Oh!”

After the instructors raised a yell that would by no means inferiors compared to the Orcs, all of us start charging towards the group of orcs without faltering. My magic incantation has stopped. But if I shoot it now then it will likely cause friendly fire.

By my observation, I determined the area where not many adventurers are fighting and I went there instead. I do not have the courage to went straight into the group of orcs after all, and I rather guard within the perimeter.

Adventurers and the group of demons start clashing, and then the soldier from the fortress rushed, causing the battle to became more intense. Violent sound came from clashing of sword and the Orcs cub. I also managed to defeated a few that were easy to target with my magic.

But the battle end quickly.

The Orcs is being overwhelmed by our numbers and start collapsing. I thought we would be in difficulty but the adventurers are simply too strong. The assault was a success, and apparently, that’s the only thing I remember. I’m glad that I did not charge alongside with the larger group…. “Aren’t they strong?” “We have a lot of strong members and a larger team, that number of Orc is nothing to us.”

Sergeant – dono who was waiting together explained so. Definitely, it was easy for the reinforcement team to break through. The annihilation was a success, because our team members were excellent.

“Sati, are you really okay?”

I ask her as I saw her coming towards me.

“Yes, I managed to defeated lots of them.”

I take a look at Sati’s menu, she managed to level up by 1 level. I also managed to level up by 1. After that I raise Magical Power to level 3 and increase MP Recovery Power to level 3. All my point is gone now. As for Sati, I raised her Physical Strength to 3 and it consumed 5P.

Masaru level 12 skill 0 point

Sati level 14 skill 1 point

By the time I finished configuring skills point for both of us, the battle has completely end. The adventurers who charged ahead of us walked towards the fortress, while some of us went in with the carriages.

Gorbas Fortress is more like a fortified city, rather than your usual fort.

Inside the fortress wall we can see the sight of an ordinary townscape. However, since it is a base for defence and sortie of magic, there are many institutions for safety and military, quite a different atmosphere from Siory town.

We adventurers were guided to plazas that are considered to be training grounds in such military facilities.

“Hear, it’s about two hours to sunset, and I want the enemies around the fort to be killed as much as possible before the sun goes down!”

Sergeant – dono declared to the adventurers that are getting of the carriage. Ooooh, the adventurers replied with loud voice.

The second team will also arrive tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. We must ensure that no danger is presence. Simple units are assembled.

I was called by Sergeant – dono when I tried to get away with Sati.

“You are here. First we have to unload the supplies goods.”

So what he said. I was carrying the goods that I had transported within my item box. Together with Sergeant – dono and Sati, we are guided by soldiers and go to the collection point of goods. I spout supplies to the designated place and it easily turn into a mountain.

“All this by yourself…”

” Aaah, he is our secret guy. Do not scout him.”

“I got it, Sergeant – dono. But isn’t it better to use Transfer if you are good at space magic? ”

“Unfortunately, I can’t”

“Really…It will be easier to move if the number of Transfer mage increases even by one person. No, I’m sorry. Thank you for bringing our supply. This really has helped to decrease our workload.”

“Um, excuse me! Can you please tell me what happened inside the Starting village?”

“”It was destroyed.”

“!?”

“Ma, Masaru – sama!”

I was supported by Sati as my feet suddenly becomes unsteady. My knee is trembling, shocked with the current news.

“Among the people who are in Starting village, do you know whereabouts of a party called Akatsuki Battle Axe?”

“…I heard that nearly half of those in Starting Village are dead. Those who survive must still be fighting against those monsters. I do not know about the exact details. Anyways, it’s been a total chaos for several days already.”

Oh right, the Templar Knights! The people should be fine if the strong Templar Knights are with them!

“Don’t you know where the Templar Knights are?!”

“The Templar Knights should be at their shrine. The location is…. Well, let me guide you there. I know where is the shrine located. It is close to the guild.”

Saying that Sergeant – dono start moving.

“I intended to go to the shrine originally. There you also can take charge of treating the wounded.”

“Yes sir.”

So I answer, yet my mind is still in unsteady state.

Elizabeth, Elizabeth. Please be safe…

“However, if the Akatsuki Battle Axe party in the guild, you might as well get to them. So, what will you do?”

Well, that is also true.

“Let’s go to the shrine. After that I’ll go to the Guild.”

“All right”

Both me and Sergeant – dono increased our pace to the shrine. As for me, I can’t wait to arrive there any longer.

Soon we arrived at the shrine.

Just like in my memory, the location of the shrine is the same as how it is in Siory town. It is located near the Fortress gate on the side of Demon World.

The shrine hall is full of injured people and seems to be functioning as if the waiting room of a clinic.

Sorry. I want to heal you guys but my first priority is Elizabeth’s whereabouts…

I heard a voice from a man who looks like a shrine priest treating the injured.

“Excuse me. Are you from the Kongo’s (Vajra?) squadron?”

“If you are then you should go and protect the gate you know.”

Oh shit. I was found out.

“But some people who are injured are still okay.”

“Hey can I see them?!”

“Forgive my rudeness, you are….”

“Oh, I’m sorry. My name is Masaru, an adventurer from Siory town. People from Kongo’s squad had help to save my life before.”

I thought whether to give the name of the head priest, but he said not to tell others about him, and this person doesn’t necessarily need to know too. That’s why I tell him vaguely.

“If that so, then let me guide you.”

As soon as I left the shrine, we are going ahead to another building.

“This is the dwelling place of the Order of the Shrine. Please wait a moment.”

Apart from the resident Knights, it seems that there are dedicated dormitories assigned to the Kongo squad. I was asked to wait at the entrance for a moment, then someone came out.

“Aa, I remember you Masaru – dono. Thank you for the wild rabbit meat last time.”

It seems that someone from the squad remembers me. I don’t remember him at all though. Because there are one hundred of them.

“Yes, so, I heard that Starting Village was destroyed.”

The man’s expression turns cloudy.

“It was a terrible fight. I managed to escape from the Starting Village, but I met a large group of enemies just before I managed to enter the fort….”

“Hey! Do you anything about Akatsuki Battle Axe party?”

“Well, certainly there was a master. Akatsuki Battle Axe party should have escaped together properly. Just that the situation at that time was too much in chaos so I can say it for sure. If it is captain, then he may know something.”

“Is that so. Were the Kongo squad okay?”

“We had been reduced to half.”

“That is….”

I became speechless. No words are coming out of my mouth anymore….

“It’s okay. I don’t mind. They all died honourably. We are prepared to die.”

The Kongo squad which easily repelled the Harpy’s attack, half of them had fallen. This really is a very fierce battle.

“Excuse me. I’m worried about Akatsuki Battle Axe members so I’m going to find them. I will come again.”

“Really, I hope my teacher is safe.”

Should I go and find Captain Tessian – dono? No, I do not know where I currently am, and the guild is right ahead.

“Let’s go to the guild, Sergeant – dono.”

“Alright.”

Then I follow Sergeant – dono. The guild is in a short distance from the shrine which is also close with the wall of Demon World side.

A person who seemed to be a good worker greeted me when I entered the guild. All the guild personnel were also armed with weapon. Most of the personnel here are former safety guard. They will fight as soon as they finished preparing, aren’t they?

“Oh, instructor Vaucort. He always come by. Are the adventurers still fighting around the fortress?”

“Yeah. Seems like you are having it rough over here too. But be still, tomorrow new reinforcements should be coming.”

“Thank god! We can’t hold out any longer…”

“You see, I am looking for a party called Akatsuki Battle Axe.”

“Wait a moment.”

The staff started asking around, then come back to me.

“Akatsuki Battle Axe party is in the guild’s dormitory next to here. They are in the 2^ndfloor fourth and fifth room. The fourth room is for man.”

I was saved because Sergeant – dono is here. If it was me alone then it would be hard to find them. Normally I won’t get to experience much of this back where I lived.

“I still have some more works. Masaru can come back here after you meet them.”

“Yes, Sergeant – dono.”

I dashed outside, and quickly find the dormitory. I found the two-story building right in front! Here!

It seems that the door is not locked, so I open the door without permission and see inside. Inside is a living room and I can see many staff wandering around. The stairs are…over there!

Although the adventurers are giving me weird look, I do not mind. Elizabeth!!

I skip the stairs by one step and go up.

Fifth room, fifth room. Found it.

My heart is beating so fast right now.

*Gachan* The door opened and Nania – san face appeared. I can see clearly that she has a crying face right now.

Immediately my heartbeat increased and my heart jumped. Don’t tell me something happened to Elizabeth….

“Masaru – dono…”

“O, oy…Elizabeth…”

Nania – san let me and Sati through the room, then she immediately starts crying again.

Behind Nania – san who weeps to hold back her sadness, we can see Elizabeth lying on the bed.

She is still wearing her usual black robe. Her hands were put together and lie on top of her stomach.

Her face is blue.

It is as if she is already dead.

Oi. Oi?

You’re kidding…

“Na, Nania – san, this is……”

My voice trembled.

“Eri she……always wanted to see you Masaru – dono…….”

I come nearer to Elizabeth.

“Elizabeth…….”

“Elizabeth – sama?”

I muttered in a very low voice enough to startled Sati beside me, then grasped my hand tightly.

I am afraid to confirm it. When I looked back at Nania – san, I can see she is weeping on the chair.

“Me……it is all my fault…”

She is muttering with loud tears, putting her face on the desk. Was I too late?

Damn! I should had come here immediately by Transfer when I first heard the news!!

I should had quickly master the space magic so that I could pick her up at any time!!

“Elizabeth…”

With wobbly feet, I started climbing onto Elizabeth’s sleeping bed. My face is full of tears till I’m unable to see in front.

“…Elizabeth!!”

“What, why are you so noisy? Oh, isn’t it Masaru. Sati too. You guys came here after all.”

Elizabeth said while she got up. She does so while having huge yawn.

I’m stunned.

Huh? Dead? Huh? What are you saying now?

“Nania, are you crying again? Don’t worry too much, Olba will surely forgive you.”

“A, a, that won’t do Eri. You should still be sleeping because you had used so much magic.”

Used too much magic?

“My worries have it basis. Masaru, do you have Magi tea? That thick man.”

“I, I have but…”

So, I take it out of the Item Box and hand it over.

Elizabeth gulped down the concentrate Magi Tea.

“This is good. This thing is as effective as ever.”

Elizabeth seems to be doing fine. Because I also drink the concentrated Magi tea, my complexion is getting better and better.

… Anyway, I am relieved.

“Hey, what actually happened to Nania…”

I can see her crying loudly.

“It happened during our withdrawal. Olba protected Nania and had his leg cut then.”

Elizabeth said he was cut from his knees. Wait, Olba legs was cuts!?

“You see, she thought that it was her fault, that’s why she keeps on crying.”

So you said…but isn’t Elizabeth wants to meet me?

This is confusing. But I’ll not get angry.

“Who are the others?”

“Only Olba is hurt. Leuven also has a terrible big wound, but he should have recovered after resting or a while.”

“So how is Olba – san wound?”

Elizabeth shakes her head.

“Other than his legs, all of it are just minor injury. But now there is no way he can continue as an adventurer.”

“This…this is my fault. *sniff*”

Nania – san fell on top her desk and started crying again.

“There, there Nania. It’ going to be alright. Olba has forgiven you, right? The guy which Nania loves is not a narrow-minded type after all.”

Elizabeth is comforting Nania gently.

“But…but…”

Elizabeth stared at us, asking us to leave. So we went to the hallway.

For now, it’s good that Elizabeth is safe. I’m seriously glad. Really, really glad.

That was bad for the heart.

Suddenly I felt Sati holding my hands, watching me.

“I’m glad that Elizabeth is safe, really glad.”

“Me too.”

I wondered outside for a while and decided to enter the next room. I also want to know about Olba – san condition.

After knocking the door, a member of Akatsuki, Takusu – san come out.

Takusu – san is a scout member of Akatsuki Battle Axe. I do not know much about him though because we don’t have much chance to talk before.

“Isn’t it Masaru. Please get in.”

On the bed, there are both Olba – san and Leuven – san lying around.

“Oh, isn’t it Masaru! So, the reinforcements from Siory town has arrived.”

Olba – san get up from the bed as he said that. He has bandages on whole his body, but he looks just fine. Leuven – san only can turn his head, seeing that he can’t get up yet.

“Yeah, I came with the first team. Right now, other peoples are still cleaning up around the fort.”

“Is that so. There should be less of them now.”

“Hey, about the wound…”

“I can’t walk yet, but overall I’m fine.”

“I was managed to get treated because I came early and the Healer still has lots of magical energy.”

“I was saved. The hospital is not full also. Elizabeth too can’t afford to spend any more of her magical power to protect the wall.”

Then Leuven – san ask me to come near him.

“I’m sorry Masaru…*cough*. I will not fall easily with this kind of injury.”

Try not coughing and said that again will ya.

No, no, no, please do not push yourself! Just get back to sleep. You are coughing pretty bad, aren’t you?

You have lots of bandages too! You are seriously injured! Like critically injured! Now! I will cure it right now!

【Extra Heal】!!

“Oh, my arm is good as new now. Thanks, Masaru.”

Leuven – san got up and said thank you.

“Don’t be. Next is Olba – san.”

He showed me his leg.

His right leg is completely cut off from the knees. His leg is bandaged and doesn’t looks like it is bleeding, but I’m sure it still hurts.

Angela said that if it is completely cut off then it can’t be healed anymore. But will not it get better with extra heal?

I start chanting【Extra Heal】— Activate.

“Thank you, the wound has healed.”

However, my legs will not heal. That’s all to it.

“Let’s do it again.”

I will double my Magic power this time. Invoke 【Extra Heal】!! But…

“One more time.”

“It’s enough, Masaru. It’s enough. Don’t waste your magical power. When it is like this, even other people won’t be able to healed it anymore.”

“But…”

“What, there is nothing wrong as it is. I already earned enough money and I’m already planned to retire and do my work at the farm. It will be nice if Nania can comes along. It is a pity that I couldn’t be ranked A, but I’m good as long I’m still alive. If I can get a prosthetic leg then, I can walk again.”

“What about Akatsuki Battle Axe?”

What about Elizabeth?

“That’s right…Leuven or Turks. Any of you want to be a leader?”

“No, I will go back to the village with Olba.”

I don’t want to be a leader, says Turks.

“You always want to follow me, aren’t you?”

“Well, I’m always like this even from when we are kids. But, our life as adventurers so far are not bad. Because of that you never go out with someone before though.”

“How about you Leuven?”
“You know. I have always dream to be a great wizard. If our party are going to disbanded, then I’ll pursue my magical study.”

“Oh, this is the first time I heard about it.”

“Because it is a dream that no one can tell. My affinity with magic has been investigated when I’m still young, and I was told that I’m not talented enough. However, seeing Elizabeth makes me remember my long-lost passion back. I’m going to chased after my dream again.”

“I see. It would be nice if I can become a Great Wizard too.”

After that, after talking a little more, we returned to the guild but I want to hear Elizabeth’s voice.

I really wanted to talk with Elizabeth, but she was still comforting Nania – san, and I’ve kept Sergeant- dono waiting for a long time now.

Akatsuki is going to be disbanded too, but seeing that everyone could live and meet again, it doesn’t matter much anyway.

They are still lucky compared to Kongo squad that got reduced to half the original amount….