Chapter 195 – The Domain of the Undead
Chapter 195
The Domain of the Undead
Date : Day 3 of Frostfall 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Hyoren tightened his grip around the mithril spear. The realization of just how dire their situation slowly settled over everyone.
Every casualty—could strengthen the enemy.
Every fallen ally—could become another Living Dead.
For a brief moment, the weight of that truth threatened to overwhelm him.
But, he was the leader. He couldn't allow himself to drown in despair. He had to think. And think quickly.
He took a deep breath before barking out his orders.
"Everyone!"
His voice immediately gathered everyone's attention.
"This changes everything. Our priority now is preventing any deaths. So the enemy can't gain more forces."
He looked at each of his companions.
"When we're fighting. Instead of focusing only on the enemy, watch each other's backs. And protect one another!”
Jackey immediately raised one of his twin axes.
"Yes, Big Bro! I'll be careful!"
Elise and Arianna also nodded firmly.
"Okay, Hyoren."
"We understand, Leader."
Hyoren nodded in satisfaction.
"Good."
His gaze shifted toward Ina and Holley.
"Change of plans. Ina. Holley. I need both of you to move around the town. Check the rear lines as well. Search for anyone who's injured. Use as many healing potions as necessary. Prevent as many deaths as you possibly can."
He paused briefly.
"We can't allow the enemy to gain any more Living Dead."
Ina immediately nodded.
"Understood, Hyoren."
She lightly tapped her storage bag.
"The Adventurer Guild stocked plenty of high-grade healing potions before we departed. I'll make a full round of the town."
She gestured toward Holley.
"Let's go, Holley."
The ferryman tightened his grip around his curved sword before nodding.
"Right behind you, Mistress Ina."
The two immediately departed.
Watching them disappear into another street, Hyoren couldn't help calling after her.
"Please be careful, Ina!"
Ina looked back over her shoulder. She waved once.
"Leave it to me!"
Then she and Holley disappeared around the corner.
Hyoren turned back toward the remaining members of Freedom Party. Elise. Jackey. Arianna.
"Our role hasn't changed."
He pointed toward the south.
"Let's head to the front line."
The three immediately nodded.
Without another word—they broke into a run once more. Heading in the opposite direction from Ina. Toward the southern district of Riverville Town. Where the sounds of battle continued echoing beneath the unnatural black sky.
As Hyoren ran, his mind continued evaluating the coming battle.
I can't use Provoke… And I might need to cast magic...
After only a few moments of consideration, he made his decision.
Still running, He unstrapped his trusted Steel Kite Shield from his left arm before storing it inside his storage bag in one practiced motion.
Without slowing his pace, he shifted the mithril spear bearing the Aetovacus banner into his left hand. Now that his right hand was free, he drew Dawn Breaker. The familiar sword left its scabbard. Now, he ran with the banner in his left hand and Dawn Breaker in his right.
Dual wielding spear and sword.
Elise glanced toward him. A gentle smile appeared on her face.
"Looking good now, Hyoren. So you're becoming a warrior again? Fufufu."
Hyoren smiled wryly before shaking his head.
"No, Elise. Only for this battle."
He briefly lifted the banner.
"If I can't use Provoke… Then carrying a shield doesn't help much."
Jackey suddenly accelerated. He spun around then ran backwards. Giving Hyoren an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
"Big Bro! Dual wield! Looking good! Just like me! WOHOO!"
Then another thought crossed his mind. His eyes lit up. As he spun around to faced front again, he teased Hyoren.
"Oh! And just like the Goblin Ruler! HAHA!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Jackey was right. The Floor Two Guardian they had defeated inside Akela Dungeon—the very Goblin Ruler that had dropped the Étendard Sacré du Lys—had fought while wielding a flag bearer in one hand and a longsword in the other.
Just like Hyoren now.
Hyoren looked at the two weapons in his hands. He smiled.
"I was thinking… If the militia are still fighting... Our banner should strengthen them."
He lightly spun Dawn Breaker once before returning it to a ready stance.
"And since Living Dead can't be provoked… There's little reason for me to carry the shield."
He looked ahead.
"I can still defend myself."
He raised the banner slightly. The image of Aetovacus fluttered proudly above them as they continued running.
"And parry with this if necessary."
Elise smiled.
"You're right. That makes more sense."
Arianna quietly nodded.
"It should maximize the banner's effectiveness, Leader."
Jackey laughed loudly.
"Big Bro looked cooler too!"
That earned another round of laughter.
Without slowing their pace—Freedom Party continued charging toward the sounds of battle that echoed through Riverville Town.
***
Freedom Party continued running through Riverville Town.
Gradually, the scenery around them began to change. The elevated wooden platforms supporting most of the town slowly came to an end. The solid thumping of boots against timber disappeared. Instead, stone pavement greeted their feet.
Hyoren glanced around while maintaining his pace.
This section of Riverville had been built upon one of the large patches of naturally raised ground surrounding the town. Because of the firm foundation, the buildings here were different from those standing above the river.
Large stone workshops lined both sides of the streets. A blacksmith's workshop. A carpenter's workshop.
Several spacious warehouses used for storing goods. Lumber storage. Shipbuilding facilities. And other storehouses supporting Riverville's industries.
Most of them had already been abandoned.
Workshop doors stood open. Half-finished timber remained where craftsmen had left them. Wood shavings still covered the floors of the carpenter's workshop. Nearby, stacks of freshly cut lumber remained untouched.
Everything suggested the evacuation had happened suddenly. No one had time to clean up. No one had time to return.
Freedom Party continued running.
The sounds of battle steadily grew louder.
Metal clashed against metal. Desperate shouts echoed through the gloomy air.
Then—they finally reached the southern edge of Riverville Town. Unlike the riverside districts. This section possessed defensive walls.
Although only constructed from massive timber logs. The wooden walls were thick and impressively sturdy.
There wasn't a proper gate. Instead, a broad opening served as the town's southern entrance. Beyond it, the Greyveil Marsh stretched into the distance. A wide road built upon solid raised ground cut straight through the wetlands. It extended a kilometer southward. Toward the looming silhouette of the Still Forest.
And from that very direction, the undead horde continued advancing.
Just outside the entrance, the town guards and militia had hastily erected several wooden barricades. Crude, yet effective enough to slow the approaching Living Dead.
Two enormous piles of burning firewood blazed beside the barricades. The orange flames illuminated the battlefield. Without them, the unnatural darkness cast by the ritual would have left the defenders nearly blind.
Hyoren immediately assessed the battlefield.
About ten militia remained standing. Most carried simple iron spears identical to those wielded by the guards they had met earlier. Despite their exhaustion, their formation remained disciplined.
Hyoren quickly noticed something.
They had already realized what happened to the fallen.
No one fought alone. Two, sometimes three militia members worked together against a single Living Dead. None overextended. None recklessly charged.
Whenever one militia got overwhelmed. Another militia immediately covered the others. They had adapted remarkably well despite the horrifying circumstances.
Even so, the situation remained grim. Several fallen militia already lay scattered across the battlefield.
Hyoren instinctively activated Magic Eyes. His gaze swept across every body.
They had already become Living Dead once… Their Aethell Core is destroyed.
The militia had learned. They no longer left their fallen comrades to rise unchecked.
Yet, those weren't enough. The defenders were barely holding. Their breathing had become ragged. Their movements noticeably slower. New Living Dead continued emerging from the direction of the Still Forest. There seemed to be no end.
Hyoren shifted his gaze toward the enemy. It was pure chaos. His Magic Eyes rapidly identified one undead after another. Living Dead level 3. Living Dead level 2. Living Dead level 5. The battlefield was filled with Living Dead. They were low level, but numerous.
They came in countless forms.
Recently deceased humans. Decomposing corpses. Goblins. Horned Rabbits. Vyans. Moss-back Squirrels.
Even skeletons whose original races could no longer be identified.
Some shuffled on two legs. Others crawled on four. Some possessed horns. Others had only exposed bones.
Every one of them was labeled simply—Living Dead.
Floating above the battlefield, Three Wraiths drifted silently through the air. Their translucent bodies glowed faintly beneath the false night sky.
Hyoren immediately understood.
Those things… They're the biggest threat…
Every time one swooped low over the barricades—the militia visibly flinched.
Fear spread across their faces as their Aethell was depleted. Their determination wavered. Their movements slowed for only an instant. Yet that single moment was enough. The surrounding Living Dead immediately surged forward.
Hyoren continued analyzing.
The Living Dead themselves were not individually powerful. Most possessed relatively low levels—mostly under level 5. Their movements were sluggish. Their attacks lacked technique. No Skills. No martial arts. No proper coordination. Only crude swings. Mindless lunges. Clumsy bites.
They were easy to wound. Easy to knock down. Easy to overpower.
But, their power wasn't what made them terrifying. It was their relentless tenacity. A spear through the stomach—they kept advancing. A severed arm—they kept attacking.
Even after losing their heads—their bodies continued swinging wildly. Some had already lost both legs. Yet they still crawled across the muddy ground. Dragging themselves forward with their hands. Still trying to seize the living. Still trying to kill.
Freedom Party stood silently for several heartbeats.
Watching the desperate battle unfold before them.
***
Hyoren didn't hesitate.
Every second they stood still, another militia member could fall. Another corpse could join the enemy.
He immediately barked his orders.
"Arianna!"
The crimson-haired mage looked at him.
"Target the Wraiths first. Then thin out the Living Dead."
Arianna nodded confidently.
"Understood, Leader."
Hyoren turned toward the Cat-clan Beastkin.
"Jackey!"
Jackey grinned while spinning one of his twin axes.
"Don't overcommit. Fight carefully. If you're wounded… Use a healing potion immediately. Don't take unnecessary risks."
Jackey nodded firmly.
"I got it! I'll whack them carefully! WOHOO!"
Hyoren looked toward the silver-haired elf beside him.
"Elise."
Her emerald eyes met his gaze.
"Target the most dangerous Living Dead. Especially those overwhelming the militia."
Elise calmly nocked another arrow.
"I understand, Hyoren."
Hyoren nodded once.
He lifted the banner high. The black Aetovacus spread its wings proudly above him.
"We can do this!"
Without another word—he charged toward the barricades.
As he ran, he raised his voice. There was no hesitation. No modesty. No humility. No trace of uncertainty.
At this moment, he wasn't simply Hyoren. He was the commander of the battle. The leader of Freedom Party. If he wanted to rally the defenders—he needed to sound worthy of following.
"We're here to help!"
His voice echoed across the battlefield.
"We were sent by Baron Akela himself to save Riverville Town! We are Freedom Party! And I am the leader… Hyoren Enjo!"
He thrust the banner high into the air. The image of Aetovacus fluttered proudly beneath the unnatural black sky.
"Under this banner of Aetovacus… We will become a wing of victory!"
The reaction was immediate. Several exhausted militia instinctively looked toward him.
"Freedom Party? I've never heard of them!"
Another guard immediately shouted back while thrusting his spear at an approaching Living Dead.
"Who cares?! We need every bit of help we can get! Thank Luminara!"
Almost at the same moment—a blazing spear of fire streaked over everyone's heads.
SWOOSH!
It pierced straight through one of the Wraiths. The attack struck its glowing Aethell Core perfectly. The ghost released an ear-piercing shriek. Then—its translucent body dissolved into countless particles of Dark Aethell.
One of the militia stared with widened eyes.
"W-What incredible magic!"
Another tightened his grip around his spear.
"We can win this! Freedom Party has arrived!"
Then, after militias started to recognize Freedom Party and their leader as their symbol of hope—the banner's true power quietly revealed itself.
An invisible wave spread from the fluttering sacred standard. It washed over the nearby defenders.
The exhausted expressions on the militia gradually changed. Shoulders that had begun to droop straightened once more. Their breathing steadied. Fear lingering within their eyes slowly gave way to renewed determination. Their grips around their spears became firmer. Their stances stabilized.
When they thrust—their attacks carried slightly greater force.
When they blocked—their movements became subtly more solid.
The increase wasn't overwhelming. It was small. Almost impossible to notice at first glance. But, the greatest change wasn't physical. It was their spirit.
Hope returned to the battlefield.
The sight of the soaring Aetovacus banner. Combined with the arrival of reinforcements. Reminded every defender that Riverville Town had not been abandoned.
They were no longer fighting alone.
***
Hyoren's eyes swept across the chaotic battlefield.
His role had changed.
He was no longer the immovable shield standing at the very front, drawing every enemy toward himself. Without Provoke, that strategy no longer worked against the Living Dead.
Now—he was the commander.
He still stood at the front, but instead of focusing on a single opponent, his attention constantly moved across the battlefield.
Which militia was being overwhelmed. Who needed immediate assistance.
His gaze suddenly stopped.
One group of militia had begun losing ground. A goblin Living Dead slipped through their formation. Its rusted dagger swung toward a tired militia's unguarded side.
Hyoren immediately charged.
CLANG!
Dawn Breaker intercepted the rusted dagger before it could land.
Sparks scattered from the collision. The undead staggered. Hyoren didn't waste the opening. The banner fluttered proudly as he thrust forward with the mithril spear held in his left hand.
SQUELCH!
The spearhead pierced straight through the Living Dead's chest. Its Aethell Core shattered instantly. The undead froze. Then its body collapsed onto the stone pavement.
Hyoren immediately stepped between the remaining Living Dead and the exhausted militia.
Without looking away from the battlefield, he shouted,
"Hey! You're wounded! Fall back! Find our mage or our archer! Ask them for a healing potion!"
The militia instinctively nodded. His eyes briefly lingered on the fluttering Aetovacus banner.
"T-Thank you!"
Without another word, he retreated toward the rear.
Hyoren's gaze immediately shifted elsewhere.
A Moss-back Squirrel Living Dead suddenly leaped from the side. Its claws reached toward his shoulder.
Dawn Breaker flashed.
SQUELCH!
The blade cleanly split the monster apart. The strike also passed through its Aethell Core. The Living Dead instantly stopped moving.
Hyoren didn't even watch it fall.
His eyes continued scanning the battlefield. While making sure every hit was connected to the Living Dead weak spot—their Aethell Core.
Another militia was in danger.
Two goblin Living Dead had cornered him. One kept him occupied from the front. The other quietly circled around his back.
Hyoren immediately aimed with his right hand.
"Precision Throw."
The Ninja Gloves on his right hand glowed.
SWOOSH!
A hidden kunai shot straight from the glove. It streaked across the battlefield with deadly precision.
SQUELCH!
The blade struck the goblin Living Dead squarely in the chest. Its Aethell Core shattered. The undead immediately crumpled onto the ground.
Freed from being surrounded, the militia thrust his iron spear into the remaining goblin's chest.
SQUELCH!
Its Aethell Core broke apart. The second Living Dead also collapsed.
Hyoren nodded once.
"Return."
The fallen kunai vanished from where it had landed and returned to the Ninja Gloves.
Without pausing. Without admiring the successful attack. Hyoren's dark eyes swept across the battlefield once again.
***
A group of human Living Dead suddenly charged forward.
At least three of them rushed through a gap between the wooden barricades, heading straight toward a group of militia.
The defenders were already occupied. Their iron spears were locked against several goblin Living Dead pressing from the front.
One militia desperately held his spear against a goblin's rusted sword. He couldn't disengage. He couldn't even turn around. The charging corpses would reach him first.
Hyoren's dark eyes locked onto them.
The distance between them was substantial. Jackey couldn't reach them in time. Arianna had just finished shooting down the second Wraith. Elise was still focused on thinning the Living Dead attacking the left flank.
No one else could stop them.
The decision came in a split second.
"Accel Zone."
Light Aethell spread beneath Hyoren's feet. The area around him glowed faintly as the support spell activated. His body immediately felt lighter.
Without hesitation—he dashed forward.
One of the human Living Dead had already raised its farming sickle. The rusted blade began swinging toward the distracted militia.
Hyoren's eyes narrowed.
Not enough time!
He immediately lowered the tip of the mithril spear toward the charging undead.
For a brief moment—a familiar feeling returned.
Ever since changing his fighting style into a sword-and-shield tank, he had never used this technique anymore. His old trusty spear skill. The one that had accompanied him since his struggle in the Forest of No Return.
Now, with Étendard Sacré du Lys once again in his hands—it naturally returned.
He activated his old, trusty spear skill.
"Piercing Thrust."
A sonic boom erupted beneath his feet. His body shot forward several meters in an instant.
SQUELCH!
The bladed tip of his mithril spear pierced straight through the Living Dead's chest before its farming tool could strike the militia. Its Aethell Core shattered. The undead villager immediately crumpled onto the ground.
Hyoren pulled the spear free.
Without stopping the motion—he rotated the shaft.
CLANG!
The butt end of the mithril spear knocked aside the second Living Dead's pitchfork. The attack harmlessly slid away.
The third corpse lunged.
Hyoren sidestepped. Then thrust Dawn Breaker.
SQUELCH!
The blade pierced straight through the Living Dead's chest. The corpse collapsed.
Using the same momentum, Hyoren rotated his body once more. The Aetovacus banner fluttered proudly on top of the mithril spear.
He thrust again.
SQUELCH!
The spearhead pierced the final Living Dead. Its body immediately lost all movement before collapsing beside the others.
Only then—the militia finally overpowered the goblin Living Dead that had kept him occupied. He thrust his iron spear forward. Its body slumped onto the ground.
The exhausted militia turned toward Hyoren. His face was filled with gratitude.
"Thank you! You're so strong!"
Hyoren simply nodded. His dark eyes were already scanning another part of the battlefield.
"Be careful. And watch your surroundings."
The militia nodded vigorously.
"I will!"
Without waiting for another word, Hyoren immediately sprinted toward the next group that had begun to lose ground.
Behind him—the saved militia watched the black bird upon the fluttering banner soar proudly in the wind. The banner which symbolize a wing of victory for them.
"Freedom Party…”
***
Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield—Jackey charged headlong into the undead horde.
His hands tightly gripped his two axes. Bloody Axe in his right hand. Flying Kite Axe in his left.
His amber eyes immediately locked onto a decomposing human Living Dead shambling toward the militia.
"You stink!"
He swung Bloody Axe with all his strength.
SCREEECK!
The heavy axe gouged a massive chunk out of the Living Dead's chest. Rotting flesh burst apart. Its Aethell Core shattered from the impact. The undead immediately collapsed.
Jackey's eyes were already searching for the next target.
He spotted another militia who was almost overwhelmed by two human Living Dead.
One attacked from the front. The other quietly circled around.
"Not on my watch!"
Without slowing down, Jackey threw Flying Kite Axe.
SWOOSH!
The spinning axe cut through the air before burying itself deep inside the Living Dead's head.
SCREEECK!
The blade wedged firmly into its skull. Yet—the Living Dead didn't even slow down.
Its pitchfork continued thrusting toward the defenseless militia.
Jackey clicked his tongue.
"Tch. I forgot!"
The head wasn't its weak point. It was simply an attack out of his own habit.
He immediately activated his skill.
"Strong Legs."
Light Aethell surged through his legs. He kicked off the ground. His body leaped high into the air.
Bloody Axe was already raised overhead.
The Living Dead remained completely focused on stabbing the militia's back. It never noticed Jackey descending above it.
SCREEECK!
The axe carved deeply into the undead's back. The strike reached its Aethell Core. The Living Dead collapsed before its pitchfork could land.
Jackey landed beside it.
Without wasting another second, he grabbed the handle of Flying Kite Axe and pulled it free from the corpse's head.
Rotting flesh clung to the blade. He casually swung the axe once to shake it clean.
"They were stinks! And pain to whack!"
His tabby cat ears suddenly perked upright.
His instincts screamed. Something was wrong.
Jackey immediately looked around.
Five goblin Living Dead had climbed over the wooden barricades. The sharpened stakes pierced their bodies. Yet they completely ignored the wounds.
Their destination—the crimson-haired mage.
Jackey immediately moved.
Still empowered by Strong Legs, he dashed across the battlefield.
"Stay away from Miss Purple, you stinky skulkers!"
He lowered both of his axes as he sprinted.
Arianna finally noticed the goblins charging toward her. She immediately raised Quadraflux Weaver and prepared a spell.
But—she might already be too late.
Jackey desperately ran.
"Move, legs… MOVE!"
He might be too late too.
The others were not in position to help either. Hyoren was busy at the front, directing the militia while protecting them. Elise was supporting Hyoren from the flank. There was no one else who could save their mage.
Arianna's light-blue eyes widened.
She couldn't avoid the charge in time.
For the briefest moment, she froze while raising Quadraflux Weaver.
Then, Jackey heard the Voice of Aethell answering his prayer. Or, perhaps it was simply the culmination of all the training he had undergone finally blooming at the most important moment.
He heard a notification announcing skill acquisition.
"Physical Enhancement - Skill Acquired."
A skill that enhanced his physical parameters at the cost of Aethell.
Jackey's eyes lit up.
"Thank you, whoever gave me this!"
He lowered his stance.
"Physical Enhancement."
The new skill activated.
Combined with Strong Legs, his speed became absurdly fast. The scenery blurred around him. He reached the charging goblins just in time.
"AWOOOOOOH!"
His beast-like roar echoed across the battlefield.
"Whirlwind Slash!"
Jackey spun. His twin axes became a deadly storm.
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
The five goblin Living Dead were slashed apart.
SCREEECK! SCREEECK! SCREEECK!
Arms flew. Legs were severed. Heads rolled across the battlefield. Bodies were dismembered in every direction.
The five goblin Living Dead collapsed onto the ground.
But—they still squirmed. Jackey hadn't killed them, yet.
Even though they had been dismembered. Some crawled forward using only their arms. Some had lost their heads yet still struggled to move. Another had only one leg remaining, yet it still tried hopping toward Arianna.
Jackey grimaced.
"Damn these stinky skulkers were annoying!"
He then calmly went from one goblin to another. One by one.
His axes gouged each Living Dead's chest. Destroying every Aethell Core. Only after all five had completely stopped moving did he finally relax.
Jackey smirked. He rested Bloody Axe upon his shoulder and looked towards the genius mage.
"You fine, Miss Purple? I won't let any stinky one reaching you!"
The crimson-haired mage slowly lowered her staff.
A warm smile spread across her face. Not the gentle, noble smile she usually showed. But a genuine smile from the bottom of her heart.
"Thank you, Sir Jackey. I felt safe being protected by you."
Jackey grinned proudly.
"Leave it to me! Then I'm off!"
Without another word, he bolted toward another group of Living Dead.
Arianna quietly watched him disappear back into the battlefield.
She adjusted her wide-brimmed hat.
"Sir Jackey was truly dependable..."
Then her light-blue eyes sharpened once more. She raised Quadraflux Weaver.
"Fire Javelin."
A blazing spear of fire streaked across the battlefield. It struck a wolf-like Living Dead squarely in the chest. The undead immediately collapsed.
Then, she changed targets again.
Methodically eliminating the Living Dead one after another.
But—every now and then—her light-blue eyes quietly wandered toward the Cat-clan Beastkin darting fearlessly across the battlefield.
***
Elise slightly lowered Moonveil Bow. She let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"Thank Sylvana… I almost thought we might lose Arianna..."
The frightening scene from moments ago lingered vividly in her mind.
If Jackey had been even a heartbeat slower, she didn't want to imagine what would have happened.
But there was no time to dwell on it. Her emerald eyes quickly swept across the battlefield again.
Almost immediately, she caught sight of another goblin Living Dead attempting to slip around Hyoren's flank. Without hesitation, she nocked another arrow.
"I was late noticing..."
She drew the bowstring to its fullest.
"Good thing Jackey's instincts are always so good."
A gentle smile appeared on her lips. Then she released the arrow.
SWOOSH!
The arrow streaked through the air before striking the goblin squarely in its chest.
SQUELCH!
The goblin Living Dead immediately crumpled onto the ground.
Just then—one of the militia hurried toward her.
His left hand pressed tightly against a wound along his flank. Blood seeped between his fingers. Perhaps it had been inflicted by a pitchfork. Or a sickle. Or simply one of the countless rusted weapons wielded by the goblin Living Dead.
His breathing was ragged as he approached.
"P-Please… The leader said… If we're wounded… We could seek help from you or the mage..."
Elise lowered Moonveil Bow once more. She gave him a reassuring nod.
"Yes. Please wait just a moment."
She reached into her storage bag.
After searching briefly, she produced a bottle filled with sloshing green liquid. She held it out toward the exhausted militia.
"Here. Drink this."
The militia immediately accepted the potion with both hands.
"Thank you!"
He uncorked it without delay and drank every last drop.
Elise gave him another gentle nod.
"Return to the front only if you're able. Please don't force yourself."
The militia straightened his posture.
"I understand!"
After thanking her once more, he hurried back toward the barricades.
Elise was already raising Moonveil Bow again.
Her emerald eyes immediately found another target. A goblin Living Dead had begun climbing over the wooden barricade. Its claws reached for one of the defenders.
"Charge Arrow."
SWOOSH!
The arrow shot forward. The blessing of Sylvana's Lavalier left a faint emerald trail behind it.
SQUELCH!
It struck squarely through the goblin's Aethell Core. The undead instantly slumped from the barricade.
Elise calmly nocked another arrow. Her gaze never stopped moving across the battlefield.
"I won't let another goblin reach the backline… Not anymore…”
The close call with Arianna had been enough.
She wouldn't allow the same mistake to happen twice. Her emerald eyes glinted with renewed determination.
One arrow after another left Moonveil Bow.
Each carefully chosen target was either threatening Freedom Party. Or pushing the defenders toward collapse. Every shot found its mark. Every arrow pierced an Aethell Core.
One Living Dead after another fell beneath the elf ranger's unwavering aim.
***
Hyoren quietly scanned the battlefield once again. His eyes swept across every corner of the frontline.
He had noticed what happened to Jackey and Arianna earlier.
The close call. Jackey's desperate charge.
But Hyoren wasn't worried. He trusted his companions. They had already proven time and time again that they could protect one another.
His attention quickly returned to the battlefield before him.
The majority of the Living Dead were still goblins. After that came the smaller monsters. Moss-back Squirrels. Vyans. Horned Rabbits. Human corpses were also plentiful.
The rest were unrecognizable skeletons whose original races could no longer be identified.
A human Living Dead thrust a rusted pitchfork toward him.
CLANG!
Hyoren deflected it with Dawn Breaker. Using the opening, he thrust the mithril spear forward.
SQUELCH!
The spearhead pierced straight through its chest. The corpse immediately collapsed.
As he continued fighting, something gradually caught his attention.
The number of corpse-type Living Dead was slowly decreasing. Instead, more and more skeletons were appearing.
I think since we arrived… about a hundred of them have already been destroyed…
A Horned Rabbit Living Dead suddenly leaped toward him.
Hyoren calmly swung Dawn Breaker.
SQUELCH!
The monster was bisected in midair. Its body fell lifelessly onto the stone road.
Hyoren narrowed his eyes. His gaze shifted toward the Still Forest.
Roughly one kilometer away, the dense forest stood silently beneath the unnatural black sky. He carefully observed the stream of Living Dead emerging from its edge.
Slowly but surely the number had decreased.
When Freedom Party first arrived—the undead had rushed forward in groups. Almost like a continuous horde. Now, only one or two appeared at a time.
Even so—Living Dead still continued emerging from the forest. But now, most of them were skeletons.
Did their stock of corpses finally begin dwindling...?
A wolf-like skeleton Living Dead lunged toward him.
Hyoren side step. The mithril spear shot out.
SQUELCH!
The spearhead slipped cleanly between the creature's ribcage. Its Aethell Core shattered. The skeleton collapsed into a pile of unmoving bones.
Hyoren pulled the spear free.
But I don't think we can simply wait until they run out of bodies...
His eyes swept across the defenders.
Fortunately, no militia had fallen since Freedom Party entered the battle.
But, even with the buff of Étendard Sacré du Lys, their exhaustion was becoming increasingly obvious. Heavy breathing. Slower movements. Arms that no longer thrust with the same strength as before.
Sooner or later, someone would make a mistake.
Hyoren tightened his grip around the mithril spear.
We need to defeat the source…
The pressure on the defenders had gradually lessened. But they couldn't continue fighting forever. Not against an enemy that could keep producing Living Dead.
Hyoren finally reached a conclusion.
We need to defeat the culprit soon…
He glanced toward the frontline one last time.
Now… The militia should still be able to hold… The number of Living Dead emerging from the Still Forest has already become much lower…
He quickly considered his options.
The best way… Is for us… The elite force… To charge into the Still Forest while the defenders are still capable of holding the line.
His grip around the banner tightened. He made his decision.
Hyoren immediately turned toward his companions.
"Elise! Jackey! Arianna!"
But before he could continue giving his orders—a tremendous explosion echoed across Riverville Town.
BOOM!
The sound rolled through the air.
Moments later, a thick column of dark smoke billowed upward from the northern part of the town.
Almost instinctively—every member of Freedom Party turned toward the source of the explosion. Their eyes widened.
Did something happen at the rear...?
A wave of dread washed over Hyoren.
His mind immediately recalled the horrifying sight from earlier. The dead guard. The wounded guard. How the dead had risen again because of the Domain of the Undead.
His heartbeat quickened.
His thoughts immediately flew toward the Cat-clan Beastkin Vice Guild Master who had gone to support the rear.
"Ina!"
He couldn't stop himself from shouting.
His voice carried both fear. And worry. For his companion. For the woman he loved.