Chapter LXXVIII - Armir (part 1)

On the northern side of the Mazino kingdom, rather far from the capital.

A small village, in the midst of life and death.

Unending siege of monsters.

It was unclear where the monsters come from, but they were first sighted when they attacked the wood cutters in the forest not far from the village somewhere around a week ago. Slowly, they started to approach the village.

They get closer, to the point where if they don't get any help from the kingdom, their lives can and will be counted by mere hours.

It is only… a matter of time.

Many encounters with the monsters, many attempts to fight them. And yet, the villagers have not killed a single one. 

Not a single one.

Their bodies are huge. Humanoid, with four arms and two large fangs coming out from their mouth. Its body is mostly covered in fur, but it didn't matter because their skin is as tough as steel. There's sharp bone spikes coming out of the skin from their spines.

But, what's scarier than all those fearsome bodily features… are their intelligence.

They can create weapons... use them in battle, as if they are a bunch of professional warriors. They can make armor, despite having only the powerful ones wearing it. They are smart enough to the point that they can lure the villagers into a form of trap.

These monsters… are not a simple type of beasts.

It has only been a week, and twelve adults from the village have died from the attacks from the monsters. What's worse, is that only three of these monsters were spotted.

Only three… and twelve adults have died. Could there be more… hiding within the forest?

What will happen if they all came out at once? Will this village be able to… stay a village?

This matter is a big one. Only three monsters, and yet it already caused the village this much issue.

The situation is critical.

The village will not survive any more of these attacks. What's worse, is that they will have no clue whether or not there are more of those monsters.

Even if they killed one, there are still more. It is simply impossible for them to survive without calling for help.

And so… they did.

.

"Hey, Armir!! Chief wants to see you!"

A twenty year old young man turned around, disregarding his business to see who was calling him. 

Armir, was his name.

He was plowing the ground at the farm that the village owns. Since it is about to enter winter, the villagers might as well start farming everything from the field. Otherwise, the crops will just die from being frozen.

The sun is still out above their heads, and sweat is covering Armir's face. He lifted his left hand that is not holding a tool and wipes away the sweat from his forehead. His gaze turned and fell on the young boy calling him from the distance, outside the farming field.

He lifted his free palms towards the kid, gesturing that he will be there.

"Thanks, Aldre! I'll be right there!"

Armir shouted at the young boy, Aldre. Aldre gave a thumbs up at him, and turned around to leave. Aldre is only fifteen, and he is Armir's younger brother.

Armir picked up the tool from the ground and marched towards the storage house at the side of the farm. He walked past a couple of other farmers and greeted them as he tried not to step on the farms.

"Sorry! Looks like I will be leaving early."

"Alright Armir, take care."

"Hey, Armir! Good luck!"

"Thanks!"

Armir said to the other farmers as they bade farewell to him. Armir dropped his tool and leaned it on the wall of the storage house before releasing his dirty gloves. He then marched towards the chief's house to answer his calling.

As he walks, plenty of adults are running here and there in the village. Most of them are geared and armed, some of them are bringing in weapons.

The village… is under full alert. The monster has been sighted on the nearest part of the forest recently, and they are doing everything they can to protect themselves.

Armir lets out a slight pissed sound when he remembers about the monsters, but this is the only thing he can do.

He slowly increases the pace of his walk. Finally, he arrives at the chief's house.

"Excuse me."

Armir knocks on the door and lets himself in. The chief is already inside, waiting for him at the sofa in the guest room. Right in front of him, is a man with a fancy outfit. Armir recognizes this man as a messenger, who travels around the kingdom to send letters.

Armir closed the door behind him and sat down next to the village's chief. The two of them are now facing the messenger, ready to talk.

"Just like we have talked, Armir. You will go with Sir Belland to the kingdom, and you will be the one to get help."

"I understand... Mister Belland, we will be counting on you."

Both Armir and the chief bowed their heads at the messenger, who seemed to be confused.

"Ehh, no need for that! It's okay, I will get us the fastest route to the kingdom and make sure you get the mission requested! We'll get those help in no time!"

Belland the messenger said confidently as he waves his hand to stop the two from bowing.