State of Emergency
I was shown into the outpost and immediately began to explain the potential danger that might arise as a result of the incident that occurred in Gracela.
"I see... Just as you pointed out, there may very well be signs of manipulation at play."
"That said, it's only speculation on my part... I have no solid proof."
"Hmm... but it's definitely suspicious."
After taking a deep breath, Senior Road scratched his head. That habit of his hasn't changed.
"I don't think it's serious enough to require full-on countermeasures, but... I just wanted to make sure it stays somewhere in the back of your mind, just in case."
"You came all the way out here just for that? I appreciate it."
"Not at all. I'm glad I got to see you again, too, Senior."
"Likewise. It makes me proud to see a junior like you doing so well—hmm?"
In the middle of our conversation, Senior Road turned his attention to the window.
… Impressive. To be able to pick up on that faint change in presence.
As expected, he's not just any knight. If he had just a bit more ambition for promotion, he could have easily made it to sub-commander by now.
—But now’s not the time to be thinking about that.
"Senior... I sense a strange presence approaching."
"Yeah. There’s about ten of them. And they’re no amateurs."
"I’ll lend a hand."
"Much appreciated. I’ll have Carlos and Wing provide support from the rear."
"I agree."
Carlos and Wing must be the young knights we saw training earlier. From the look of their sparring, both had considerable potential—but they were still rough around the edges. They wouldn’t be able to handle a confrontation with these incoming individuals, and that was exactly Senior Road’s judgment.
On that point, I fully agreed.
He might struggle a bit on his own, but with me alongside him, we should be able to handle it.
We called the two young knights back to the outpost and prepared for battle.
Before long, we spotted figures emerging over the wilderness.
With no cover in the surroundings, it helped that we could spot the enemy from a good distance.
"Just as you said, there are ten of them."
"Looks like it. I was only guessing, but... turns out I was right."
He said it modestly, but he was definitely sure of it.
Now then, the group approaching were all on horseback, and there was no way they were simply travelers looking for directions. Each of them was holding a menacing weapon.
Just what exactly are they after?
What do you think about this chapter?
