Reincarnation into the Barrier Master

Escalina is scurrying around. She seemed to feel the same thing I did.

"I smell a beast. ......"

"Beast?"

"...... beast. It stinks."

I don't smell that kind of odor, but Escalina does. I look at Sadie, but she doesn't feel it either. She tilts her head.

I let the map unfold. To our surprise, we are surrounded by nothing but humans. The beasts that might be living in the mountains are not responding at all.

This is a common phenomenon. When tens of thousands of troops are staring at each other, the beasts can disappear. They may be trying to avoid collateral damage. But there are times when higher-ranking demons come to attack. I wondered if that was the reason for the bad feeling I had earlier, but it seems that's not the case.

It is better to end this battle soon. The longer this battle goes on, the more casualties will occur. ....... I have a feeling about that.

Sidi mutters to no one in particular. Of course I'm going to do it. That's why I'm here.

Nevertheless, the fate of the troops holed up in Karza Castle is already hanging in the balance. The enemy will have no choice but to charge the Seyfant Imperial Army with all their might, or surrender, or else die a desiccated death inside the castle. In that case, unless they are insane, they have no choice but to take the possibility of surrendering.

"Well, for now, let's go back to the house..."

With that, I set up the wards that would make us disappear and started walking toward the place where the transition wards were.

Julia would probably notice our absence again and look for us everywhere, but if she found us, we could just say that Sadie was sick or something. With this in mind, we entered the mountain, and suddenly Sadakichi appeared in front of us.

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According to Sadakichi's explanation, dragons called Malvern usually live in groups of several. They are very territorial and will not invade others' territory, but will not allow others to invade theirs either. They are usually easygoing, but once their territory is invaded, they will attack with deadly fury.

Malverns are gathering here. This is a very rare phenomenon. Sadakichi continues.

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Sadakichi then disappeared.

I unfolded the map and extended its range. I see a reddish area at the edge of the map. It seems to be Malvern.

"We'd better run!"

Sadie's voice is becoming more serious. She turns her head and looks to the sky.

"Malvern wants us. Malvern is after us. If we don't do something, those of us here will be severely damaged. I feel that the damage will be minimized if Safan and Norno Elsmo flee, instead of Master Linos putting up wards to avoid the attack. Let's go back, Mr. Linos. Let's go back and tell everyone to run.

"Okay. But I'm the only one who's going back. Sadie and Escalina, you go home for now."

"Yeah, ......, but ......."

You're going home.

"No, I think it would be better if we stayed too."

"And Escalina?"

Yes. I have a hunch. ......"

"Okay. But if I decide it's too dangerous... then I'll have to ward you and send you back to the capital. Understood?"

Sidi nodded cockily. Escalina did not react, but I took that to mean she agreed.

I turned on my heel and strode down the mountain.

"Oh!　Lord Kenshin!"

As we emerged from the mountain, we met Holm's group. He smiled and waved at me.

"What are you doing here? Were you worried about the enemy?　I'm fine. Our offer of surrender has been largely accepted. We even got them to agree to dig a hole. They were reluctant to give out hostages, but as soon as the work is done, they will retreat, which I am sure will satisfy the commander."

I ran as fast as I could to Holm and told him what Sadakichi had told me. At that moment, the color of his face changed.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I cannot reveal the source of the information, but it is solid.

"Gray Sahara is at ......."

"Gray Sahara?"

Something similar happened about a hundred years ago. Malvern came in droves and killed all the humans. I heard there were only a few dozen at that time, but this time it is too big ......."

Prepare to flee immediately.

Hey!

Holm nodded toward those who had been waiting around him. Before they had even heard the instructions, they scattered and dispersed.

"I will tell this to the main camp. "And you, Kenshin-dono."

"You and I are not as fast as you think we are. You go ahead. Don't worry, we'll be right behind you.

"...... Okay. My men have informed Castle Khaza of what you have just heard. He will be coming back here soon. You will go and get him and have him guard us. His name is Siste.

"You must be Mr. Siste. Yes, sir. Come on, come on.

My words prompted Holm to run toward the main camp. Despite his armor, he moved as nimbly as if he were wearing nothing at all. He is fast. It is a feat if he can move with such agility on the bad terrain.

I knew from the moment I met him that he has a high physical ability. It was evident from the way he walked.

His gait is heavy, probably due to the heavy armor they all wear. However, he walked without feeling the weight of such armor. He must have trained hard, and judging from the way he was treated by the staff members, he must have been a graduate from the ranks.

Such is the case with him and his men. I am sure he will be able to get the soldiers to flee together.

The biggest concern is the soldiers holed up in the Karza castle. They are probably at the end of their dry spell. It would be a heavy burden for them to retreat in such a situation. We would like to give them at least a glass of water to drink, but we would be caught in the middle of Malvern's attack.

"Escalina, can't we make it rain on Castle Khaza?"

"...... can do it. But not that many.

"Is that so ......?"

At that moment, near the top of the mountain, I saw a great number of birds flying toward the west. They were making a cry as if they were warning us of danger, which was truly eerie. Malvern might be on the move.

I unfolded the map again: .......