Chapter 17: preparation

When a Filipino got Isekai'd with a twist! "Only I can summon those!!"

Chapter 17: preparation

I stagger slightly as the elf's embrace catches me off guard, the warmth of her welcome contrasting sharply with the chill of the night I just endured. Her long, flowing hair glimmers in the morning light, and her bright green eyes sparkle with joy.

"Thank you! It's good to be back," I manage to say, my voice still shaky from the adrenaline and exhaustion. I glance around, taking in the bustling activity of the Ingrasia Kingdom. Elves are moving about, preparing for the day, their laughter and chatter filling the air with a sense of peace that feels almost surreal after my harrowing night.

"Are you ok? " she asks, pulling back slightly to look at me, her expression shifting to one of concern.

I nod, a smile creeping onto my face as I remember the ornate box and the chaos I left behind. "Yeah, a bit, but it wasn't the concert. Now, I have something that might alarm us. There were lieutenant demons and a demon everywhere, and I had to use some… unconventional methods to escape."

Her eyes widen in surprise, and she takes a step back, clearly impressed. "You faced demons, lieutenant, and lived to tell the tale? You truly are a hero!"

I chuckle, feeling a mix of pride and humility. "I wouldn't say I'm a hero just yet. I just got lucky and had a few tricks up my sleeve."

"Luck is part of it, but bravery is what counts," she replies, her voice earnest. "Come, let's get you something to eat and rest. You must be exhausted after all that."

"Yeah, I'm starving."

As we walk through the gates, I can't help but feel a sense of belonging. The Ingrasia Kingdom is vibrant and alive, filled with the sounds of nature and the laughter of its inhabitants. I take a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill my lungs, and for a moment, I forget about the demons and the chaos of the night.

As I relay the news to the elf king, their eyes were shocked, but I assure them that they won't attack anytime soon, but we definitely need to prepare for an attack. And with that, the king ordered his royal knights to assemble an army and guard the surrounding areas and scouts. While I relay the good news to my team.

"So you got it?" Josh asks with concern in his voice.

"Yep, I just hurt my knees in the process of escape, but I managed to outrun them, luckily," I replied.

"That's good to know. Just stay put. We're going to be late a day or two because of some demons attacking near villages here, so be safe, brother, Josh said, then we turned off the console.

I let out a sigh, the weight of the situation settling heavily on my shoulders. The news of the demon attacks near the villages was troubling, and I couldn't shake the feeling that we were on the brink of something much larger than just a few skirmishes.

"Are you sure you're alright?" the elf asked, her voice breaking through my thoughts. "You seem a bit distant."

I forced a smile, trying to mask my concern. "I'm fine, really. Just thinking about everything that's happened. It's a lot to process. "

She nodded, her expression softening. "I understand. But you're safe here now. We'll figure this out together."

As we entered the grand hall of the castle, the walls adorned with intricate tapestries depicting the history of the Ingrasia Kingdom, I felt a sense of comfort wash over me. The elves moved gracefully around us, their movements fluid and purposeful. I could see the determination in their eyes, a shared resolve to protect their home.

The king, a tall figure with silver hair and a regal presence, stood at the head of the table, flanked by his advisors. He looked up as we approached, his expression serious but welcoming. "Welcome back, brave one. I have heard of your encounter with the demons. Your courage is commendable."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," I replied, bowing my head slightly. "But I fear the danger is far from over. We need to be vigilant."

The king nodded, his gaze piercing. "Indeed. We will not underestimate our enemies. I have already sent word to our allies, and we will bolster our defenses. But tell me, what did you learn from your encounter?"

As I relayed to the king the news about the demons activity and their search for the artifacts to resurrect the demon god, I stole the second artifact from them without their lieutenant noticing it.

The king's eyes narrowed as I spoke, his expression shifting from concern to intrigue. "You possess one of the artifacts?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "This is significant news. The resurrection of the demon god would spell disaster for all realms."

I nodded, feeling the weight of the ornate statue hidden beneath my cloak. "Yes, I managed to take it during my escape. I believe it's one of the four keys to their plans, but I'm not entirely sure how it works or what it truly is."

The king leaned forward, his silver hair cascading over his shoulders like a waterfall of moonlight. "We must examine it at once. If it is indeed one of the keys, we need to understand its power and how it can be used against them."

As I let the king's mages examine the key (statue), Princess Lyra and I go to the castle walls because I want to reinforce their walls using my permanent summons. I'm going to put explosive cannons around the walls, but it wasn't a cheap one; each of them cost me a lot. But I have many summon points, so it's no big deal.

"Ahm… sir hero? Uhm… why did you bring me here?" She asks, her face blushing.

I turn to Princess Lyra, a hint of a smile playing on my lips at her bashful demeanor. "I thought you might want to see how we can fortify the kingdom's defenses. It's important that everyone feels safe, especially with the threat of the demons looming over us."

Her eyes widen with curiosity, and she nods, her initial shyness giving way to intrigue. "I see! You're going to use your summons to help protect us?"

"Exactly," I reply, gesturing toward the castle walls. "These explosive cannons will serve as both a deterrent and a means of defense. If the demons come knocking, we'll be ready for them. and my summons will give them a run for their money," I said, with a wide grin on my face.

Princess Lyra's eyes sparkled with excitement as she took in the sight of the castle walls, her earlier shyness forgotten. "That sounds incredible! I've never seen anything like it. How do your summons work? And…what are explosive cannons? "She asks, so I just explain that it's from my home world.

I take a deep breath, ready to explain the concept of explosive cannons and my summons to Princess Lyra. "Well, in my world, explosive cannons are powerful weapons that use gunpowder to launch projectiles at high speeds. They can create a significant impact, especially against large groups of enemies. The idea is to set them up along the walls so if the demons try to breach our defenses, we can fire at them from a distance. But it was a weapon just for killing, a weapon made only for war."

Princess Lyra listened intently, her bright green eyes wide with fascination. "That sounds both terrifying and amazing! But… is it really necessary? I mean, we've always relied on magic and our archers for defense."

I nodded, understanding her hesitation. "I get that. Magic and archery are powerful, but the demons are unlike any foe you've faced before. They're relentless and cunning. We need every advantage we can muster. The explosive cannons will provide a layer of defense that can help protect your people while we figure out a more permanent solution."

She bit her lip, contemplating my words. "I trust your judgment. If you believe this is the best course of action, then I'm with you. But… I hope we won't have to use them."

"Me too," I replied, my voice softening. "But it's better to be prepared than to be caught off guard. I've seen what they can do, and I don't want to see anyone here suffer because we underestimated them."

With a determined nod, Princess Lyra stepped closer to the castle wall, her fingers brushing against the stone. "So, how do we start?"

I grinned, feeling a surge of energy at her enthusiasm. "First, I'll need to summon the cannons. Each one will take a bit of time to set up, but once they're in place, we can start reinforcing the walls with magical barriers to enhance their strength." As I set up the first cannon, I hear a system notification.

System notification!

Quest: fortify the Elvin kingdom

Artilleries: 0/6

Reward: 20000 summon points.

Note: By doing this quest, you will impress the elf princess and will have the king's approval for marrying his daughter (Princess Lyra).

The fuck system, are you going to start again? Fuck off; I don't need a reward. I'm just doing this out of kindness.

System: Uh-huh.

Fuck off! Stop teasing me, you annoying system!

As I grumbled internally at the system's persistent notifications, I focused on the task at hand. The first cannon materialized before me, a sleek, dark metal structure adorned with intricate elven designs. I could feel the weight of its power, and I knew it would serve us well against the impending threat.

"Wow, it looks even more impressive up close!" Princess Lyra exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "How does it work?"

System notification: You have gained +1 (pogi points). "Shut up!" I internally shouted to the system.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts before explaining the cannon's mechanics to Princess Lyra. "This cannon operates by using a combination of gunpowder and a special ignition mechanism. Once it's loaded, we'll aim it at our targets and fire. The explosive projectiles will create a significant blast radius, making it effective against groups of enemies."

Her eyes widened in awe. "That sounds incredible! But… will it be safe for us to operate?"

I nodded, appreciating her concern. "Absolutely. I'll make sure to train a few of your knights on how to use them properly. Safety is a priority, especially with such powerful weapons."

As I began to summon the second cannon, I felt a sense of urgency. The demons were out there, and every moment spent preparing was crucial. I could see the determination in Princess Lyra's eyes, and it fueled my resolve.

"Let's get to work," I said, summoning the second cannon. It materialized with a soft glow, the elven designs shimmering in the sunlight. "We'll set these up along the walls, and then we can reinforce them with magical barriers."

System notification:

Artilleries: 2/6

"Right!" she replied, her enthusiasm infectious. "I'll gather some of the knights to help us with the setup. They'll be eager to learn about these new defenses."

As Princess Lyra dashed off to gather the knights, I took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the Ingrasia Kingdom. The sun was rising higher in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the landscape. The castle walls, adorned with vibrant greenery and flowers, stood tall and proud, a testament to the resilience of the elven people. But beneath that beauty lay a tension that I could feel in the air—a sense of urgency that propelled me forward.

I focused on the task at hand, summoning the third cannon. The process was becoming more familiar, and I felt a sense of satisfaction as each piece of artillery materialized before me. The intricate designs on the canons seemed to resonate with the magic of the kingdom, blending seamlessly with the elven architecture.

System notification:

Artilleries: 3/6

As I finished summoning the third cannon, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. I turned to see Princess Lyra returning with a group of knights, their expressions a mix of curiosity and determination.

"Here they are!" she announced, her voice filled with excitement. "These are some of our best knights. They're eager to learn how to operate the cannons."

The knights stepped forward, their armor glinting in the sunlight. I could see the resolve in their eyes, and I felt a surge of hope. With their skills and training, we could make a formidable defense against the demons.

Welcome, knights," I said, addressing them with a nod. "Today, we're going to learn how to operate these explosive cannons. They'll be a crucial part of our defense strategy, so it's important that you understand how to use them safely and effectively."

One of the knights, a tall figure with a scar across his cheek, stepped forward. "What do we need to know, hero?"

I smiled, appreciating his straightforwardness. "First, let's go over the basics. Each cannon requires careful loading and aiming. I'll demonstrate how to load the cannon, and then we'll practice firing it. Safety is our top priority, so I'll be here to guide you through every step."

As I began the demonstration, I could see the knights leaning in, their attention fully focused on me. I explained the loading process, showing them how to handle the gunpowder and projectiles with care. The knights listened intently, asking questions and taking notes.

"Once the cannon is loaded, we'll aim it at our target," I continued, gesturing toward a distant hill. "The key is to ensure that everyone is at a safe distance when we fire. The blast radius can be significant, so we need to be cautious."

Princess Lyra watched with wide eyes, her admiration evident. "You make it sound so easy! I can't wait to see it in action."

After a thorough explanation, I turned to the knights. "Now, who wants to give it a try?"

A few of the knights stepped forward, eager to take their turn. I guided them through the loading process, ensuring they understood each step. As they practiced, I felt a sense of camaraderie forming between us. They were skilled warriors, and I could see their determination to protect their kingdom shining through.

System notification:

Artilleries: 4/6

As the knights took turns firing the cannon, I felt a sense of pride swell within me. Each shot echoed across the valley, a reminder of our preparations and the strength we were building together. The explosive blasts sent plumes of smoke into the air, and I could see the excitement in the knights' eyes as they successfully hit their targets.

"Great job!" I encouraged them, clapping my hands together. "You're all natural marksmen! With a bit more practice, you'll be ready to defend the kingdom."

As we continued our training, I summoned the fourth cannon, feeling the urgency of our situation pressing down on me. The demons were out there, and I knew we had to be ready for whatever they might throw at us.

System notification:

Artilleries: 5/6

With only one cannon left to summon, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The knights were gaining confidence, and Princess Lyra's enthusiasm was infectious. I could see her excitement as she watched her knights learn and grow stronger.

"Once we finish setting up the last cannon, we can reinforce the walls with magical barriers," I said, turning to the group. "These barriers will provide an additional layer of protection, making it even harder for the demons to breach our defenses."

The knights nodded, their expressions serious. "We'll do whatever it takes to protect our home," the scarred knight said, determination etched on his face.

Just then, I heard a commotion from the castle gates. I turned to see a group of elves rushing toward us, their expressions frantic. The king's advisor, a wise-looking elf with silver hair named Kazarim Valca, approached me, urgency in his voice.

"Sir Hero! We have news. Scouts have reported increased demon activity near the outskirts of the kingdom. They're gathering forces, and we fear an attack is imminent."

My heart sank at the news. "Fuck, I think they opened the box," I imagine, Who is the unfortunate soul who opened the box and got his ass blown up by the C4 I put in it?We need to finish setting up the last cannon and reinforce the walls immediately. Every moment counts."

The urgency in Kazarim Valca's voice sent a chill down my spine. I turned to the knights, who were already gathering their gear, their expressions shifting from excitement to steely determination. "We need to move quickly," I said, my voice steady despite the rising tension. "Let's finish summoning the last cannon and then reinforce the walls with magical barriers. We can't afford to be caught off guard."

With a swift motion, I summoned the fifth cannon, feeling the familiar surge of energy as it materialized beside me. The knights watched in awe, their confidence bolstered by the sight of the powerful weapon. "This is it," I said, gesturing to the newly summoned cannon. "Once we set this up, we'll be ready to fortify the walls."

System notification:

Artilleries: 6/6

Congratulations! You completed the quest; you will receive 20000 summon points.

"Perfect!" I exclaimed, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me. "Now, let's get these cannons positioned along the walls. We'll create a strategic layout to maximize their effectiveness."

As the knights and I worked together to position the cannons, I could feel the tension in the air thickening. The distant sounds of the elves preparing for battle echoed around us, and I knew that time was of the essence. I glanced at Princess Lyra, who was overseeing the knights with a fierce determination in her eyes. "You're doing great," I encouraged her, feeling a sense of pride in her leadership.

"Thank you," she replied, her voice steady despite the chaos around us. "I just want to make sure everyone is ready. We can't let fear take hold."

As we finished positioning the last cannon, I took a moment to survey our defenses. The explosive cannons were strategically placed along the walls, their dark metal gleaming in the sunlight. I could see the magical barriers beginning to form, shimmering with a soft glow as the mages worked diligently to reinforce our defenses.

"Now, let's talk about the plan," I said, gathering the knights and Princess Lyra around me. "We need to be prepared for a multi-pronged attack. The cannons will provide us with long-range firepower, but we also need to ensure that our archers and mages are ready to support from the walls."

Kazarim Valca stepped forward, his expression serious. "We've also dispatched scouts to monitor the demon movements. They'll report back as soon as they have more information. In the meantime, we must remain vigilant."

I nodded, appreciating the urgency of the situation. "Good. I want everyone to be in position and ready to respond at a moment's notice. If the demons breach the walls, we'll need to fall back to the inner courtyard and regroup."

The knights nodded, their expressions resolute. "We'll protect our home," the scarred knight said again, his voice filled with conviction.

As the preparations continued, I felt a sense of camaraderie building among us. We were all in this together, united by a common goal: to protect the Ingrasia Kingdom from the impending demon threat." Okay, now that the walls are fortified, it's my turn to receive all of my upgrades.

To be continued....