kscans

Chapter 205 - Interlude: What is an Adventurer

The Saint's Church.

Morning. Before the knights' barracks.

It was the time of day before the monsters became active. Pope Altorine, the knights, and the adventurers had gathered.

The discovery of the Earth Bear in the previous investigation posed a direct threat to the Church's survival. This country was a city of nature, surrounded by forests—prime feeding grounds for a monster that could manipulate trees.

Altorine addressed the assembly. "Until today, we have fought defensively. As long as the nature of this turmoil remained unknown, we judged that we could not act rashly and have thus endured. However, now that we know multiple high-ranking monsters are present, continuing to defend in this manner is suicide. Therefore, we have decided to execute a counteroffensive. Is there anything you wish to say?"

An adventurer spoke up. "Um... I heard yesterday... is it true that we're almost out of food?"

His face was a mask of hope, praying it was a lie.

However, Altorine's response was cold. "We still have some, but half of our stockpiles were lost in the recent attack on the warehouse district. Are you concerned about what's to come?"

At her blunt reply, the adventurer grew agitated. "Of course I'm concerned! If we run out of food and the monsters are still here, we'll just be trampled! And it's not like there's any path or place to escape to! How are we supposed to fight?!"

This sentiment was shared by everyone present.

Unease spread, and it seemed the operation itself might not even get off the ground. The knights were internally panicking. Altorine, however, seemed to have anticipated this situation and remained calm.

Before she could say anything, a voice boomed from within the crowd.

"Pathetic! You call yourselves adventurers?!"

A roar echoed through the square.

Everyone turned to see the Guild Master, spear in hand. He was supposed to be in the infirmary, resting his bad back.

The Guild Master continued, his breath heavy. "Youngsters shouldn't be whining! Are you adventurers or not?! An adventurer is someone who sees, hears, and fights in all sorts of places! Are they safe? Are there new discoveries to be made? It's our job to find out! Doesn't that mean you have the experience and strength for it?! Isn't this the very moment to prove it?!"

The adventurers fell silent.

What he was saying was a chaotic mess, but they understood his point. If the powerful adventurers were to run away now, who would protect the powerless?

Why have we been gathering herbs and slaying monsters until now? For money? That's part of it. But this is no time for such talk. In any case, there was no guarantee they would survive even if they fled.

If that's the case, it's a hundred times better to die protecting someone.

An adventurer burst out laughing. "Hah! Hahaha! You're right! There's no point in complaining now. If this is how it's gonna be, I'm going all out! I'll fight 'til the bitter end!"

He raised his sword and made his declaration.

Other adventurers followed suit. "Yeah! Let's do this!"

"We'll die even if we run, so I'd rather die fighting!"

"I'll take the monsters down with me!"

One after another, they voiced their resolve.

The knights were swept up in their momentum. Their passion was infectious.

Seeing this, Altorine spoke. "Everyone! Thank you for finding your fighting spirit. However, please do not act recklessly. We knights have a strategy to ensure our survival. Please, follow our instructions."

Her eyes were serious, filled with a commanding presence.

It was a dictatorial tone, but for those who had seen the Pope's daily life, it was the first time they had seen such a stern expression. She had cast aside her bright and gentle demeanor to ensure her orders were followed.

It was clear that Altorine was serious.

The Guild Master roared, "That's right! The goddess of victory is with us! Fear not the monsters! Gather beneath our goddess and fight!"

At his cry, the adventurers raised a war cry.

"""Oooooooohhhhhh!"""

The chancellor standing next to Altorine remarked dryly, "It seems your role has been completely usurped."

Altorine replied with a dismissive air, "It matters not. What's important is that we survive this. That is the highest priority."

She spoke as if it were someone else's problem.

The chancellor felt a sense of relief at Altorine's mindset.

The Guild Master shouted, "Alright, let's go, you lot! Our goddess will handle the high-ranking ones! We'll take care of the small fry! Follow me!"

He raised his spear and started running.

As the adventurers began to follow, the knight captain cried out, "W-Wait a moment! The briefing isn't..."

He tried to stop them, but at that moment...

Goki!!

A loud crack echoed through the air.

The adventurers stopped in their tracks to see the Guild Master drop his spear and clutch his back.

"Aaaargh... N-Not... now... of all... times..."

He collapsed.

Silence descended upon the space.

Altorine, regaining her composure, ordered, "Take the Guild Master to the infirmary."

The knights carried him away.

Looking at the scene, Altorine addressed the adventurers. "We will carry on the will of the valiant Guild Master and advance. Now, I will explain the plan."

Everyone listened in silence.

"First, we will form a defensive line," Altorine began. "There is a possibility of an intelligent creature among the monsters. We will make it believe we are using the same pattern as before. During that time, a detached force will move to the flanks and launch a surprise attack on the monsters. This will likely cause confusion. At that point, those on the defensive line will charge all at once. The high-ranking monsters will likely be in the rear. The same tactics won't work on them. Above all, the Earth Bear manipulates trees, making a diversion through the forest impossible. Before we confront it, we will burn the surrounding trees."

At this plan, an adventurer cried out, "What?! Won't that cause a disaster?!"

Unease rippled through the crowd.

It was a natural reaction. Burning trees could easily spread sparks to others, causing a massive forest fire.

"I am aware of that," Altorine said. "We will only burn the trees around the Earth Bear when it appears. If even half of a tree is burned, the creature can no longer control it."

She explained the Earth Bear's weakness.

The Earth Bear could only control the natural trees around it. In other words, it couldn't manipulate anything that had been touched by human hands.

There was a collective sigh of relief. Pope Altorine had no intention of turning the land into a barren wasteland. However, the Earth Bear still had Earth Magic.

They could not let their guard down.

An adventurer asked the most important question. "When it appears, who will fight it?"

Altorine replied, "I will. A few of the knights will also participate. Are there any among you who wish to join?"

At her words, no one raised their hand.

They might be called cowards, but when the opponent's strength was far superior, one did not fight recklessly. This was an ironclad rule for adventurers. Of course, Altorine and the knights knew this.

No one in this situation would laugh. Anyone who did would be beaten to a pulp before they ever fought a monster.

Altorine said, "Very well, then. All units, to battle!"

With her cry, she took the lead herself and began to walk.

Behind her, the knights and adventurers followed.