Chapter 4: The Ogre Army ①
—February Record—
Flashback
This is the Guild Master’s office on the second floor of the Adventurers Guild.
The guild master of this branch, Volks, stood there with his arms crossed, deep in thought over the information just delivered by the Royal Knights.
At that moment, the office door burst open and the receptionist Cecilia rushed in, her face pale.
“Volks-san! Is it true that an army of Ogres is advancing from the northern wastelands?”
“It’s true. We received word from the Knights just now. They are requesting that the Adventurers Guild provide as much manpower as possible. This operation will be a joint effort between the Royal Knights and the Guild.”
“Together with the Knights… Is the Ogre army really that large in scale?”
“Yes. At least ten thousand have been confirmed. And to make matters worse, the one leading them is a Unique Monster—the Ogre Lord.”
“An army of ten thousand led by an Ogre Lord… Even if we cooperate with the Knights…”
“I know. But if we do not fight, the powerless civilians in the city will be sacrificed. We must act, if only to buy them time to escape.”
“Volks-san…”
“Cecilia, notify all adventurers of B-rank and above registered with the guild. The operation will commence in three days. We will deploy to the northern wastelands alongside the Knights and intercept the enemy. However, participation will not be mandatory. Only volunteers will take part.”
“…Understood.”
—Three Days Later—
The joint forces of the Knights and the adventurers had formed ranks along the border, preparing to intercept the army led by the Ogre Lord.
“Guild Master Volks-dono, on behalf of the Royal Knights, I thank you for your cooperation in this matter.”
The Commander of the Royal Knights, Axe, expressed his gratitude to Volks.
“Not at all, Commander-dono. Our desire to protect the city and its people is the same. Even if we cannot defeat them outright, we will at least show them our resolve.”
Both the Knights and the adventurers steeled themselves for the fierce battle that was about to begin.
At last, a lookout stationed on high ground shouted at the top of his lungs.
“Ogre Lord sighted! They’re coming from the hill ahead!”