When the knights were completely out of sight, Fi let out a sigh of relief.
His body felt terribly heavy. He had heard that using break arts would deplete a lot of energy, but as Fi did not have auto-recovery, the burden was worse for him.
“Is he always doing this…”
The difficulty of using three different blessings, taking the enemy by surprising, and landing a hit. He now felt like he understood the skill that Sheto had gained.
“Fi…are you alright?”
“Urak! You’re alive!”
The kobolds appeared from behind him.
“…Thank you, Fi. Because of you, the pack, safe.”
“A…Adara…”
The other kobolds followed their leader and bowed their heads.
Some were badly wounded from the magic, while others had been cut with blades. But they smiled through the pain and expressed their gratitude.
“Y-you can thank me later! More importantly, we have to run away!”
“Aye. Fi is right.”
And so once again, they began to walk. While leaving the dead behind.
“Urak… Do we really…have to…”
“There is no time, to bury them. Fi. You Are right. Don’t be, bothered.”
He shuddered when he thought back on what had happened. When it came to such a difference in strength, in the end, the weak could do nothing but run.
In fact, what had just happened here. The only reason they were not dead, was because the magician had listened to him.
“Fi…thank you.”
He realized that the child he had saved was there again, leaning against him. Fi felt the warmth, and his body stopped shaking.
“Wh-when a hunter says to get up, you have to get up! You have to listen to the Ganari!”
“Yes!”
He patted the kobold child on the head, and then contacted Salia through his smartphone.
“Hello. What is happening over there?”
—
When all of the preparations were completed, Salia heard Fi’s voice.
“What is it? Did something happen?”
‘Yeah. The Seer’s army nearly killed us.’
“What!? …But you are fine now?!”
Fi had to chuckle at the panic in her voice.
‘You are just like that old man. I wouldn’t be calling if I was dead. But…some of them died… But most are fine. It seems they thought that Sheto would be with us.’
“I see… And where did the Seer’s army go?”
‘They said they were headed to the northern gate of Lindle. Perhaps they may be able to do something about what’s happening over there?’
Another uncertain element had joined in. However, surely this was bad news for the monsters?
“Thank you for the information. Be careful while you run away.”
‘You too.’
After finishing the call, Canila looked anxious. Salia nodded at her and then turned to the mirror that showed Sheto and the others.
“It’s Fi. he says the Seer’s army is approaching Lindle. The kobold pack was attacked, but there wasn’t too much damage.”
“The Seer’s…”
“I don’t know what effect it will have on this battle, but we must do what we can… Sheto! Keita!”
The two had returned to the burning village. Sheto was riding on Guto now, and Keita had also finished with preparations.
“Listen, you two. Apparently, the Seer’s army is headed towards the gate.”
‘…I see. Will they, be here quickly?’
“I don’t know how they will move. But if things go well, they may protect the villagers.”
“You can leave that to me.”
“Canila?”
Her friend had already stood up and was about to leave the god seat. Her face relaxed and she smiled.
“I’ll leave the rest to you. And…Keita.”
‘…What?’
“The village. It is our problem. So…don’t expect any more blessings from Salia.”
“Oh, but I could…”
“No.”
Canila said firmly as she turned away.
“The protection cast on the villagers was already too much. I cannot allow you to do any more.”
“But…”
“You are going to continue to fight after this, are you now? And so we cannot expect more help than what you offered.”
She could say nothing to that. And so Canila left.
After a short hesitation, she turned to the mirror.
“Keita. While Canila said that, I…”
‘I’m sorry, but I agree with her. This is something we were supposed to do alone, but you helped us for free.’
The Hero said without hesitation. Salia sighed.
“Very well. I will not say anymore. Instead, promise that you will come back alive.”
‘Yes!’
‘Salia, we’re counting on you.’
The flames around the village were weakening. She could see rows of ogres with hammers standing by the north gate.
“Let’s go. You two. It’s time to put the plan into action!”
Salia said, and then Sheto and Keita acted at once.