Monster Stampede [2]

I had already made extensive preparations. Entering the Nux Family, I gained the patriarch's trust. Now, Orca had tasked me with ensuring no one escaped the territory.

As if I would heed his command!

I never questioned Orca's orders, so it was safe to assume he still relied on me. But, I hadn't gone deeper into his background, I still lacked crucial information about the Dragon Disciples.

Moreover, the impending disaster weighed heavily on my mind. The initial revival still loomed over the Nux Territory. So, I could assume that the targets for the revival depended on the locations they had studied. Nux Territory was far from other settlements due to its geographical location; hence, it would be difficult to escape from such a predicament.

Furthermore, we hadn't discovered this in my first life: Do they need the remains of the dragon they'd revive? They used the term "revival" since the traces of the magic circle indicated it was a ritual for revival. However, determining if the remains needed to be present was difficult, as they were already revived when we fought them. We hadn't had the chance to be ahead of them.

But I searched the whole town, and I didn't see any remains of a dragon. Still, it wasn't a sign to assume they didn't need any remains.

Despite these unforeseen developments, I had gathered the necessary elements to protect the people and confront Orca. I had already uncovered a lead to his documents. But despite that, with the current situation, confronting him was my only option.

It would be challenging... which was why I initially hesitated to confront him. My plan was to infiltrate and earn their trust to uncover vital information.

Despite our previous victory, in my first life, it was achieved under the work of the Subjugation Company. Hence, I should never underestimate him; after all, he was a Dragon Disciple. Additionally, his skills were unparalleled—a master swordsman and mage, armed with an array of gadgets and artifacts.

Of course, my sudden appearance raised suspicions. As I was known for my defiance towards Oliver, I still convinced them I wouldn't betray him while secretly working for Orca. I had gained the trust of both father and son.

Now, frustrated, I could only sigh as I hadn't yet found the documents revealing the whereabouts of the Dragon Disciples. I had observed him for nearly a year, approximately nine months, but he guarded his secrets closely.

So far, I had only learned his rank among the Dragon Disciples— the lowest among the ten in the circle. It was a decent piece of information gleaned from eavesdropping...

Damn it. The thought of confronting him gnawed at me; it was risky and troublesome. Despite my progress in cultivation and gathering artifacts, it wasn't enough.

During breaks, I hunted to earn money and continued improving Titan One, discovering another unique artifact resting in Giant Valley.

[Artifacts: Cog of Eternity, Boots of Aurora, Mana Gather, Brave's Call]

Brave's Call is a horn-sized artifact that could attract monsters. Its sole purpose was that, nothing more.

Damn... I'm at a loss. My thoughts are clouded with conflicting emotions right now.

To save the settlers from being sacrificed, I needed to locate the ends of the magic circle of the ritual and redirect the stampede's attention elsewhere, allowing Titan One to engage them. Over the past nine months, I had enhanced its durability and abilities. Confidence in my work helped me remain calm in the face of this disaster.

I hurried towards the entrance of Giant Valley where the stampede was expected to enter. I had already devised a plan before in case they arrived early, emphasizing Titan One's crucial role.

As I passed through the houses towards the outskirts, I spotted a familiar young woman. Memories of her disdain towards me flooded back. Her presence behind me unsettled me slightly.

The young lady with silver hair was dressed in a discreet outfit, a cloak obscuring her identity.

What is Lyra Montana doing here? Was she sent by the Nux family, or is she merely passing through?

Uncertain of her intentions, I decided to conceal my identity from her. I wasn't sure what she thought of me, but it was best if she didn't recognize me. Who knew if she might sabotage my efforts? Her anger towards me was unexplainable.

With over a thousand monsters now visible ahead the entrance—various figures, species, and classes—I prepared myself for a prolonged battle.

"Hey, can you fight?" I asked Lyra, turning away to hide my face.

I didn't know how she would react, but I hoped she would assist. Lyra had a strong sense of justice, typical of a knight apprentice.

"I can. But, who are you?" she inquired, sounding curious.

I shrugged, then swiftly cast a massive wall of earth that rose before us with a rumble. It would obscure their view of the town momentarily, buying us time until Titan One arrived.

Maintaining my composure, I called for Titan One. Strengthening its durability had slowed its response, but it would still arrive in time. Hidden atop the First Mountain with an invisibility spell, it awaited my command.

"You're a mage?" Lyra persisted, probing.

I simply nodded, refraining from further conversation. My focus needed to remain on summoning Titan One. Without the artifact to aid my concentration subconsciously, I had to split my attention carefully.

"Hey, why aren't you answering me? Did Count Nux order you here?" Lyra persisted, her questions disrupting my focus and slowing Titan One's response.

She's really getting on my nerves…

If it weren't for the people's safety, I would have shut her out and let the monster horde overrun us. But I needed to concentrate, ensuring Titan One arrived precisely when needed.

"Hey! I'll fight. Introduce yourself so I know if you're competent enough or just going to hinder me," she demanded, her noble arrogance palpable.

Dealing with nobles was always a challenge. Their arrogance tested my patience.

I redirected half of my concentration. Judging by the intensity of the ground shaking, the monsters were approximately a hundred meters away. Luckily, Titan One arrived just before the earth wall I cast.

"Don't distract me," I finally snapped, annoyance evident in my voice from her relentless questioning. "Kill whatever monster you can."

As the monsters approached the walls, Titan One grabbed hold of the legs of a Giant Tarantula. The earth wall would be useless if it climbed over.

The wall, supported by its own durability, required no further maintenance. However, with the number of monsters, it could only hold for about 30 seconds. I dashed and scaled the wall with the enhanced speed from the Boots of Aurora, ignoring gravity's pull. Reaching the top, I leaped onto Titan One's shoulder.

The scene at the entrance of Giant Valley was chaotic. A variety of monsters filled the area, making it difficult to discern their exact numbers.

Damn... Could Titan One defeat this many monsters? I doubted it, but I could unleash a wide-range explosive spell now.

"This number is no joke," Lyra remarked suddenly, causing me to flinch in surprise. When did she—?

"What's that? A metal golem?" she pondered aloud. "It seems familiar. But never mind. At least now I can be assured you're a competent mage."