Chapter 51 – Crumbling World
Sheto breathed tiredly in the bushes and then looked down to the bottom of the cliff.
Half of the village was already engulfed in flames. And the area around it was almost as bright as day.
“Woo…”
Guto stuck out his head next to him. His jaw was covered in fresh blood, and there was still an excitement in the bloodshot eyes.
“Salia, sorry. Took time to escape them.”
‘I didn’t think they would have soldiers posted there as well. Does the Demon King mean to kill all of the humans on this land!’
Salia sounded agitated. Sheto felt great anger as well. Goblins and orcs were patrolling the forest above the cliff, and Sheto had only been able to reach this spot because Guto distracted them.
“Keita. Where are you now?”
‘I finished lighting the houses on fire and dealing with the soldiers. Right now, I’m headed to the north gate to meet up with the others.’
‘The way through is to the left. It was hidden under grass and vines, so it should be…’
Sheto crawled through the grass and reached the strangely planted vine. Then he began to climb down. A path that was difficult for humans was nothing for a light kobold and a star wolf.
‘Sheto, I will lead you from here. When you reach the main street, rush in the direction of the north gate. Even if you see enemies, do not engage in combat.’
“Fine.”
The blazing heat seared his fur. And it brought back memories he had nearly forgotten.
The day that his fate had changed. He thought of his burning village.
‘Sheto…are you alright?’
“…I’m fine. Let’s go, Guto!”
He climbed onto his partner and they rushed forward.
The main street had turned into a forest of golden flames. And there was a stench in the air along with the corpses.
But it wasn’t just villagers, goblins, orcs and even mountain urchins were among the dead.
“Wh-why are there, mountain urchins, here!?”
‘They were launched in as the opening attack. They got through the barrier and started attacking the villagers. And the chaos was used to destroy the gate.’
As Salia talked, he saw the scene in front of him. The place he had passed through just a few days ago was destroyed.
“Sheto!”
“Keita!”
Someone shouted from the other side of the street. Keita was filthy and dripping with sweat, but looked relieved as he ran towards Sheto.
“…Thank you. For coming.”
“Thank me, later. What should we do, now?”
‘First, you two should join the other villagers at the north gate.’
They nodded and began to run together. Salia continued to watch from above and give them instructions.
‘Thanks to Keita’s magic, the spears and archers were stopped. However, it bothers me that the ogres haven’t moved yet. They have likely gone around and are waiting near the north gate.’
“…To be honest, while I’ve recovered a little, I don’t think I can use that magic again.”
“Wyvern poison, have ten left. Can I use it, on the ogres?”
‘There were at least thirty who destroyed the village gate. I do not think it’s enough…’
As they talked, they left the burning buildings and came out into a chilly path through the wheat fields. There was an apple orchard to the back. So far, it had avoided being damaged.
‘Canila. How are your blessings?’
‘I used it all up with the invisibility earlier… And you?’
Indeed… I have a few left.’
The goddess declared and then said to Sheto,
‘Our promise… Unfortunately, I will have to break it. I have no choice but to use a large blessing in order to save the villagers.’
“That. Do it at the very, last.”
Sheto clenched his fist and shook his head.
“I, will do my best. To help them. Don’t sacrifice, others.”
‘Really…why are you able to say such things.’
“I, am your Hero. Of course, I would be odd too.”
‘You fool.’
Salia chuckled.
‘Canila. Is there another way to sneak out of the village?’
‘No. This was the only emergency escape route.’
‘I see… In that case, Sheto and Keita. You will have to fight an even more severe battle.’
“I see. Leave it to me.”
Sheto replied calmly. Keita’s eyes widened, and then he smiled.
“I see… You’re used to this kind of thing.”
“It has never, been easy. Salia, give me an easy battle, already.”
‘I will do my best. Now then…I’ll explain the plan to you.’