I'm back now.

"I'm home.

Virum and Fumil appeared in the square where all those in the village were gathered, with a voice announcing their return.

At about the same time, Jenny, who was waiting at Satya's side, stepped forward and called out.

''Virum-dono, Fumil, thank you for your reconnaissance mission. I'm sorry to be so quick, but please report back.''

After listening to Hartia's story, Vilm, who had calculated the current position of the Rastabelle army backwards from the time it took for her to return from her debilitated state, and decided that there wasn't much room to spare, had gone out to reconnoitre with Fumil.

''From the results... it's a pretty bad situation.

The air in the place became tense at Wyrm's report.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot more information on this in the article. Their numbers are something like thirty thousand in the north, five thousand in the east, and seven thousand in the west.

Three...

Is that so...?

Oh, no.

Meldina and Cunaria are speechless, unable to hide their surprise at the unexpected number of troops.

The normally energetic Miselio is also anxiously standing by Meldina.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that there are 42,000 troops in total. It seems that they are planning to attack our village in earnest.

I've been told by Ha-chan that it's a magical tool that weakens us spirits. That's certainly not good for us.

Radia and Hinori wrinkled their brows and are searching for a solution to the problem.

The expressions of the spirits around them are also stern, and even Satya, the queen, has closed her mouth, unable to come up with a good plan.

''That alone is troublesome, though... Fu?''

Hmm. There's a strange smell coming from the south. Slowly, but in a straight line.

Even when the place is about to be attacked from three directions, this unknown existence was reported as a chase.

It's not possible to ignore it when there's even the slightest possibility that it's an enemy.

The air in the plaza becomes even heavier.

The only thing I have to say is that I have a proposal, Satya-sama.

In the midst of all this, it was still, or rather, Virum who broke the silence.

The gazes of all those present were focused on Virum.

''At the earliest, it's obvious that the story of us (spirits) dwelling in the Forest of Demon Fog has been conveyed to Rastabel. If that's the case, I thought we should strike out against them before they know the exact location of the village.

"Viru-boy...

That's not...

Hinori and Radia, as expected, do not seem to agree with the proposal to strike out...in other words, to make their existence public.

The fact is, it's a good idea to stay in the village and have the forest demons reduce their strength. But even if we are able to successfully repel them, if our presence is known to other countries from their mouths, won't there be more enemies advancing than this time?

There are many who desire the power of the spirits.

As Virum feared, if the existence of the village was known to the outside world, it could be predicted from a single adventurer to an invasion with the full force of the country.

That's exactly what happened, a number of enemies that can't be compared to this time will come in droves every day.

''If that's the case, if we defeat them head on and proclaim our power, they won't think to mess with us so easily.

The spirits listened to Virum's proposal, which was too bold but also on target, while being stunned.

''...That's right. As Virum said, if we continue like this, it's inevitable that our existence will be known to the outside world.''

The moment Satya, who had been listening in silence, opened her mouth, the heavy air that had been tense changed.

A warm and gentle air enveloped the entire village, filling it as if to wash away the negative emotions that lodged in the spirits' hearts.

''I grant Virum's proposal. But since we are going to implement it, we will not allow any half-heartedness. Do it thoroughly, so that no one from the outside world will think of messing with our village.''

As you wish!

Now that Satya's decision had been made, there was no hesitation in the spirits' eyes.

Their eyes were filled with a strong will and determination to protect their village and their beloved families.





''If Senior Spirit Sister Shi is barely able to fight, then only Sister Hinori, Sister Dia and Hu will be able to fight properly. I'd like everyone else to turn to cover attacks and defense of the village from within the forest. If you feel something wrong with your body, retreat immediately.

After the policy was decided, Satya went to rest, accompanied by Jenny and Meeni, as she had to work tirelessly to maintain the wards.

Virum saw to it, and immediately began to talk about his own plan.

'First of all, me and my sister Dia will hit the main force in the north. The number of enemies is the largest, and they have some troublesome magic tools, and there is a high probability that Sister Shi and the others will be trapped, so I decided that Sister Dia, who can change the terrain, would be the best choice. If I go with her, I won't have to worry about the remaining amount of magic power.

"Oye! I just wanted to thank them for messing with Sheil and the others. It's been a long time since we've had a real fight.

Radia, who vigorously slammed her fist into the palm of her hand, seems to be in high spirits.

As it is, she begins to ring her fists and smiles a horrible smile that contains anger at those who have harmed her family.

It's a good idea to have sister Hinori go to the west. Judging by the number of seven thousand, the annihilating Hinori sister is the right person for the job. Besides, there are some adventurers who may know me and Hinori sister. Some of them might lose the will to fight.

Okay~. Well, leave it to your sister!

Until a while ago, Hinori had a gloomy expression due to the heavy atmosphere of the village, but now that it was decided to strike out, she has regained her usual condition.

However, from the fact that her hair is wavering like a flame, she must be feeling the same anger towards the Rastabel Army as Radia.

''East wanted to ask Fu... how's that smell going?

"Hmm. It's not gone. They're still coming.

'Well... Meldina, Cunnalia, Miselio.

'What? Me?

Yes?

"Me too?

The three of them were upset that they had been called in, as if they hadn't expected to be called in, but the sudden appointment upset them.

'I'm going to have Huu go check out who's approaching us from the south. You can't force a defenseless place to be attacked during an engagement. If there is no harm done, they will join the war to the east, but if they are the enemy, a battle may ensue. In that case, I'd like the three of you to join with High Sierra in stalling the slave force.

Wow, could we possibly...?

You can't take on 5,000 people, can you?

''And you have a magical tool that can weaken the spirits, right? I'm not sure I'm the best person for you...

"Clu?

Even though they were slaves, the three of them were hesitant to confront five thousand troops.

Towards those three, Virum bowed deeply.

''Oh, Master!

Hey Ville!

What's wrong with you?

'Meldina and the others are the only ones who can deal with the slave troops right now. I don't want you to take them out. As soon as we're done, we'll come to you. The minute you feel threatened, you can run for your life. So, we're doing just that. I need you to help me. Please...!

Even though he is a companion who has traveled with them, he himself probably thinks it is a reckless request.

The sincere thoughts could be seen from Virum who kept bowing his head.

(Hoho? You have learned to rely on your friends instead of trying to do everything by yourself. It looks like you are growing up well.)

Radia seemed to have a thought and nodded with satisfaction.

''...I understand. I don't know how long I can fight, but it's for the sake of defending the village of Vil and Spirit-sama. I'll be able to help in a small way.

'Mel... Yeah, you're right! The masters have been helping us so much, now it's our turn to help!

'Vilm is asking you to bow down! Don't mess with us!

'What? ...Oh, thank you.

Vilm, who had not expected them to agree to fight for their lives, and that too at a disadvantage, looked up vigorously in surprise, but noticed that the three of them were smiling, and with a natural smile, he said the words of thanks.