kscans

Chapter 182 - The Nations' Response

The sudden, simultaneous appearance of monsters in four nations.

While the populace and soldiers were in turmoil, the leaders of these nations strove to respond calmly.

Why were they able to remain so composed?

Let's turn back time.

Imperial Royal Capital.

Emperor's Chambers.

Emperor Yorune was looking at four devices on his desk.

There were three wireless transceivers and a small mirror.

This mirror was created based on one that the Dwarves had once used to communicate with another world. They had succeeded in linking the mirrors, but they couldn't transmit voice or image.

Believing it would eventually succeed, one was delivered to the royal family of each nation.

However, there was no progress from there, and just as they were about to give up, the story of a certain man's wireless transceiver emerged.

The method of radio waves made it possible to receive and transmit voices from afar. However, the drawback was that it couldn't reach very far without a relay point.

The mirror came to mind as a way to overcome this weakness.

If they were connected, perhaps the radio waves alone could pass through.

After repeated experiments, they succeeded splendidly.

The wireless transceivers were promptly delivered to the royalty of each nation.

Yorune spoke into the transceiver.

"Queen Olivia, can you hear me?"

After a moment, a voice came from the transceiver.

"This is Olivia. I can hear you. This is an amazing device."

Her voice was filled with surprise and admiration.

From another one.

"This is Lustolfo. I can also hear Queen Olivia's voice. Your Majesty the Emperor, can you hear me?"

The Emperor replied.

"I can hear you. It seems you have no problems either."

Finally, Yorune spoke into the last transceiver.

"Pope Altorine, can you hear me?"

Immediately, a voice came back.

"I can hear you. And of course, the voices of the other two as well. To complete such a technology, the Dwarves do wonderful work."

Her voice held a tone of admiration.

Olivia said.

"It seems we've successfully connected with each nation. Now then, Emperor Yorune, let's get to the main topic. I'm sure everyone has noticed, but it's about the movements of the monsters, isn't it?"

To this question, Lustolfo replied.

"Yes. In the Republic, the incidents of monster settlements in the forest being attacked have compounded the tension and anxiety that is spreading. We are investigating, but there has been no progress. The nobles have the gall to use this as an excuse to ask if they should increase taxes."

His irritation was palpable.

Altorine said.

"Here, the monsters have disappeared, and the citizens are pleased by the lack of threat in the surrounding areas. But there are many voices of dissatisfaction among the adventurers. I'm assigning them work for now, but I don't know how long we can hold out."

Her voice was weary.

Olivia said.

"It's the same here. Some of the merchants are overjoyed, but they haven't considered at all what will happen when a major incident occurs."

Her voice was tinged with a sigh.

Yorune said.

"So similar things are happening in every nation. I feel uneasy about this. What if the monsters were to launch a large-scale offensive? How is everyone dealing with this?"

To this question, Olivia answered.

"On my end, I am gathering several skilled adventurers from each city. Four A-rank adventurers should be arriving soon. If I were to attack, I would aim for the center—the Royal Capital. As a countermeasure, we are strengthening our security."

Altorine said.

"Here, we have positioned knights around the city and issued security requests for the dissatisfied adventurers. We have also evacuated the people of Owari Village to the city."

Lustolfo said.

"The same here. The head of the Adventurer's Guild is quite capable. He said he would stand on the front lines himself if a battle were to occur."

Yorune said.

"On my end, I have sent two A-rank adventurers to the front-line base. I considered having them guard the Royal Capital, but I feel that the root cause of this incident is in the monsters' stronghold. If we can just defeat it, I believe it will all be over."

In response to this, Olivia said.

"In other words, until a conclusion is reached on the Empire's side, we will be forced to fight a defensive war. To be honest, a tough battle is inevitable."

The others fell silent.

A defensive war isn't just about protecting.

If surrounded, one becomes isolated, unable to replenish supplies, let alone medicine or food.

Each nation had prepared supplies accordingly, but with so many people, they would eventually run out. Moreover, they didn't know how much strength the enemy possessed.

They needed the Empire's warriors to do their best.

Yorune felt the fate of all resting on his shoulders. The thought weighed down on him like a heavy burden.

Sensing this, Altorine said.

"Emperor, be strong. If you were to fall now, that would truly be the end. It's alright. Our warriors are not so weak. They can hold out for about a week. Right?"

To this question, Lustolfo replied.

"Of course. My country is not weak. In fact, I'm thinking we might as well just advance as we are."

At his slight jest, Olivia said.

"I just said it would be a tough battle, but I take it back. I have plenty of leeway on my side as well. If you'd like, shall I dispatch a few people?"

Her voice held a smile.

At the voices of the leaders, Yorune understood. Everyone was encouraging him.

They themselves had no room to spare. Yet, they didn't complain to Yorune or hold him responsible.

At their words, Yorune said.

"Heh heh. No need to worry. We will do our best here. Please wait for good news with peace of mind."

He raised his voice, though it was a bluff.

Seemingly relieved, Olivia said.

"Well then, shall we discuss our future moves?"

A long discussion took place.

Time returns to the present.

Kingdom.

In the throne room, Queen Olivia asked.

"So, do we know the number and types of monsters?"

To this question, a soldier replied.

"Th-the numbers are unknown, but we have confirmed dozens of Goblins, Ogres, and Orcs! Also, many Wolves and Slimes! And there are reports of individuals that look like Skeletons."

At this, Chancellor Alphonse said.

"Skeletons? Impossible. It's morning. They should be weak to sunlight."

The soldier said.

"W-well, about that… just before the monsters appeared, the weather suddenly turned strange. The sky is covered in clouds."

Olivia said.

"So they can control the weather as well. To think such a monster exists. You there. Contact Bardos-san and the others immediately. Tell them I want them to be ready to move at a moment's notice."

The soldier bowed and left.

Republic.

Lustolfo, having heard the report, asked a similar question.

"The numbers are unknown. The types are reported to be Goblins and Fighter Monkeys. We have also confirmed many Mantises and Geckos!"

In response to this, one of the nobles said.

"Impossible! Why would so many monsters appear at once? Is this not a mistake in your report?"

Unable to accept the truth, the noble hurled abuse.

The other nobles joined in, but Lustolfo said.

"Silence! Is this any time for such talk? Why don't you all just issue orders for your own guards to march out?"

At this command, one of the nobles replied.

"W-with all due respect, they are for my own protection. If, by some chance, I were to die…"

His response was timid.

The other nobles had the same look on their faces.

Seeing this, Lustolfo said.

"I see, what a shame. If you had achieved something in this incident, I might have reconsidered past matters. Very well. You. Immediately notify the soldiers and the Adventurer's Guild. Tell them that if they succeed in defending the city, they will be given a suitable reward."

The soldier bowed and left.

One of the nobles, hearing this unexpected turn of events, said.

"W-well, it can't be helped. I will send my excellent guards. They will surely meet Your Majesty's expectations."

His words were filled with fear, but also bravado and greed.

The other nobles followed suit.

Lustolfo was inwardly disgusted.

Their complete reversal was almost refreshing.

But Lustolfo had no expectations for the nobles' guards.

Because they protect nobles. They work and protect because they have an employer who pays them. If they were to act to prioritize the citizens, they would be dismissed or have to pay a penalty for breach of contract.

Therefore, they would not protect the citizens.

Lustolfo said.

"I have high hopes for you."

His words were contrary to his cold eyes.

Church.

Soldiers' Garrison.

Knight and soldier commanders were holding an emergency meeting.

Their subordinates had been sent to the main gate to carry out defense duties.

The topic of discussion was why the monsters had appeared, a rather pointless debate.

During the meeting, Pope Altorine entered, fully armed.

One of the knights said.

"We have been waiting for you, Your Holiness."

He bowed.

The others did the same.

Altorine asked.

"So, what is the situation?"

To this question, a knight replied.

"Yes, ma'am. Currently, the number of monsters is unknown, but we have mostly identified the types. We have found many Goblins, Bears, Wolves, and Anacondas. We are considering the possibility of others as well."

At the report, Altorine said.

"Thank you for your hard work. For so many monsters to appear so suddenly… There may be a high-ranking magician on their side. That would explain this change in weather. Is there any movement from the monsters?"

The knight replied.

"Yes, ma'am. The monsters have not moved since they appeared. However, we have received reports that they could attack at any moment…"

Just then, a soldier entered the garrison.

"F-forgive me! The monsters are on the move! A large group of Goblins and Wolves have attacked all at once! Currently, soldiers and adventurers are dealing with them. Also, something to note… we have reports that the Anacondas have disappeared."

At this report, the knights were optimistic, thinking, 'Did they run away?', but Altorine asked.

"Do you know what they were doing before they disappeared?"

To this question, the soldier replied.

"I do not know. Oh, come to think of it, one of the soldiers reported that 'the Anaconda went to the left.'"

Hearing this, Altorine said.

"The left? You there! Immediately take several knights and soldiers and head to the warehouse district on the left! The city walls there have just been recently repainted! The monster countermeasures have not been applied yet! An Anaconda could easily infiltrate!"

At this order, the knight saluted and left the garrison.

The walls surrounding the church were coated with a paint infused with a scent that monsters and animals disliked. It had no effect from a distance, but if they touched the wall, the scent would be released, and they would immediately flee. The main gate was not painted because many horses came and went through it.

That's why security could be concentrated solely on the gate.

However, the walls of the warehouse district had deteriorated, so they were being repainted. Of course, the final touches had not yet been applied.

Altorine was certain. There was someone with intelligence on the other side.

Otherwise, there was no way a monster would head for a place where it could accurately infiltrate.

Altorine thought.

(This looks like it will be a long battle. I should probably assume that there are high-ranking monsters as well.)

She discussed strategies for survival while looking ahead at the future that was about to unfold.