บท 18: Beast Wave
Chapter 18: Beast Wave
Before long, Raven returned with two notebooks and passed them to Athena and Shirley.
"Sis, the book in your hand is called the 'Shadowstep Dance' sword technique. In truth, my Teacher said that this book has far more profound knowledge than any sword technique and could even help you activate more sword skills. As long as you reach the 'Basic Swordsmanship,' you might really have the power to battle a Radiant Knight on your own." He said calmly and slowly turned his attention towards Shirley.
"Aunt, this book is actually called 'Inferno Blade Arts.' This sword technique is made for pure destruction and greatly aligns with your knight technique and aptitude. And, that's all I heard from my Teacher about this technique." As Raven ended his speech, none uttered a word for a whole minute.
Athena and Shirley looked at the sword technique page by page and felt each sentence had a mysterious force. After some time, Shirley closed the Inferno Blade Arts book and shifted her attention to Raven.
Although he was still the same child she knew from birth, she felt he had matured.
"Haa, what am I thinking now. Raven, you go back to your room and do your homework. I will call you after making dinner."
Raven didn't say anything and quietly left the living room.
As soon as Raven disappeared, both looked at each other and sighed deeply.
"This is too much for my mind to handle, Aunt. Also, isn't he maturing too fast?"
"He is unique even from the birth itself, Athena. But this gift really came at the right time." Shirley said as she looked at the mysterious book in front of her eyes and then added.
"The wave might start by the end of this month or the next month. Although we tried our best to clear the small monsters in the outer region, our scouts have found out that a large settlement 30 km away from the outer region."
"Beast wave?" Athena fell silent as she heard those words and soon asked.
"How large will the beast wave this time?"
Shirley shook his head and spoke.
"I don't know. But there should be at least a few high rank monsters like Orcs leading the wave."
"And there should also be a Leader in that group, isn't it? Also, you said that the beast wave will occur more than a year ago itself, Aunt. But from the looks of it, the magic beasts are using 'Attrition Assault' war tactic and weakening the Town's strength. And more importantly, you've always said the mercenary teams lost some Apprentice Walkers or Official Walkers during many scout missions." Athena furrowed.
"You are suspecting that a Magical Beast will be leading this wave?" Shirley showed an impressed smile and nodded.
"We are also thinking the same. And you are indeed right on the mark. During the past 2 years, we've lost more than 80 Apprentice Walkers and 20 Official Walkers."
"That's one tenth of our town's battle force!" Athena's eyes widened.
"That's why I'm so glad that we got this Swordsmanship technique from Raven's master. If I'm not wrong, his master might have also anticipated the upcoming danger and helped us." Shirley felt there was finally a hope to save Raven and became more determined.
"I'm going to stop doing scout missions until the beast wave arrives and will train my swordsmanship." She stood up from the chair with a stern look and then added.
"You should also take temporary leave and train in isolation. Of course, you have to submit a report that you'll be taking leave to train yourself and will participate in the upcoming wave to Baron. After all, Town's personnel army and the elite squad can't handle all the monsters alone. Moreover, the largest combat force in this Town is not the military but your police department. I think you guys will be battling the monsters at the frontline and at the highest risk. As long as you awaken that invisible aura, your strength shouldn't be below any Radiant Knight. There will be hope for us to survive at that time even if a Magical Beast leads this Beast Wave."
"Won't baron bring soldiers from other towns and his main city to defend this town?" Athena asked with a frown.
"It's politics, child. If he brings soldiers from other towns, it is way easier... No, if he brings his personal Knight Walkers, he doesn't need a minute or two to clear the beast wave. But he or any other noble won't do that. Also, I heard that 'Whitbard Household' is going through some internal struggle and trying to stop Baron from getting help from other towns and the main city." Shirley's words confused Athena's face.
"Why is that? Are they that stupid to play politics in this situation?" Athena asked.
"It's all about money, lass. Any beast wave is considered as natural disaster that could be capable of razing a town itself. The more the damage occurs to the Town, the more funds they could claim from the Royal Family for the damages. For example, if the Town lost more than a hundred of people and even end up getting damaged, the Royal Family will have no choice but to give a large number of sums to console the family and the town people. Last time, Royal Family actually gave a sum of around 40,000 gold coins to Baroness Thalia Wyrmguard as to compensate the loss during the beast wave. So, it's a good opportunity for the Whitbard family to earn more money. They could not only take a large portion of the money from the compensation but also could sell the monster materials and earn a fortune too. I'll tell you another secret. I heard some secret information that the Baron himself is a Radiant Rank Walker and is capable of battling a Magical Beast alone. But he is purposefully hiding his strength to look weak."
"Tsk, these nobles are so complicated."
Athena grunted and decided to do as her Aunt said.
The following day, Athena and Shirley went to the Town's administration and took a temporary break from their jobs. Although they only took temporary leave, it still caused a lot of commotion. But both didn't mind the commotion and went to a Blacksmith shop named 'IronFort' on Merchant's Street and ordered new equipment for both by spending more than 30 Gold Coins.
Shirley and Athena had only around ten gold coins by this time. After ordering new equipment, they didn't stay anywhere and returned to 15A Alm Street.
After that, they isolated themselves and started training in swordsmanship with the help of swordsmanship technique books.
Once again, days passed quietly.
Before long, it was already September 2nd.
On this day, huge shocking news spread through the Town, followed by summoning letters for Athena and Shirley from Baron Alexander himself to participate in the Wave Assault Team. Railway stations, cotton mills, coal industries, and other common shops had been closed due to the emergency.
"From the scout's information, a large number of movements seem to have appeared only a few km away from the Mirage Woodlands' outer region. The battle is near. That's why he sent out an order for all Walkers to participate in the upcoming wave." Shirley said as they were having breakfast.
"I'm more worried about Raven. What will happen if the monsters manage to breach the town wall and run on a rampage here? Won't my brother be in danger?" A concerned look appeared on Athena's face.
"My teacher said he will protect me." Raven noticed the worried look on his sister's face and said.
"You are thinking too much, Athena. Remember, we are not the only powerful Knights in this Town. There are many hidden experts hiding here and even wizards."
"I understand." Athena relaxed upon hearing those words and soon finished the breakfast.
After that, they warned Raven not to leave the house when he was alone and hurriedly left it.
As he saw them leaving the house, he couldn't help but sigh.
"I hope nothing dangerous happens."
[Don't worry. What you have to do is trust them and wait.]
...
Athena and Shirley left Alm Street in Commoners' Borough through a carriage and moved to the Town's Administrative building next to Noble's Street.
The Town's Administration building was a three-storied stone building with a massive yard at the front.
Inside, the bustling atmosphere indicated the urgency of the situation. Police officers in their dark greenish uniform dresses hurriedly moved about, exchanging information and receiving orders from higher-ranking officials. Athena and Shirley went to Baron Alexander's office, guided by familiar faces among government officials like Sub-Inspectors, head constables, sergeants, Army Lieutenants, and other members.
Gravity filled the air as they entered the Baron's office. Upon their arrival, Baron Alexander, a middle-aged man with a stern countenance, looked up from his desk. He had short brown hair with a bit of baldness on the front, cold blue eyes, a broad forehead, and a muscular body, and he wore silver breastplates, gorget, helmets, chainmail accents, and hardened leather boots.
His eyes reflected the weight of the impending danger the Town faced.
Other than Baron, Athena also saw the Town's Superintendent of Police, Henry, Crime Branch Inspector Elijah, two of Baron's personal Elite Knights, and finally, a brown-haired young man in his twenties. They all wore similar dark greenish uniforms; some even held long rifles.
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