There was a man on a cliff overlooking the Horizon.

　Would he be over sixty years old?
　There is a dignity that can only be found in those who have lived a long time.

　With a mixture of gray hair, he might look over sixty.
　That's how old he looked.

　However, the supremacy he wore was not that of an old man.
　It was worthy of a warrior of successive battles, and if a half-hearted person stood in front of him, they would be overwhelmed by his supremacy and would be unable to speak.

''Hmm.''

　The first man shifted his gaze from Horizon to the east, using the sword in his hand as a wand to support his body as he moved his gaze from Horizon to the east.

　To the east, the plains stretched out and a roadway stretched straight down the center of the plains.
　When I went off the road, I saw a forest.

　One by one, demons were appearing from that forest.
　They are multiplying like slimes, and it will never end any time soon.

　Slimes, goblins, orcs, ogres, chimeras.......and many more.
　At the bottom are the lowest ranked demons.
　Above was a variety of demons, even the A-ranked demons were gathering together.

　Stampede.

　A catastrophe caused by a mass outbreak of demons.
　That was exactly what was about to swallow Horizon right now.

　The first-year man who saw such a scene nodded in satisfaction.

''The outbreak was a bit slow, but if they were able to induce a stampede of this magnitude, then I guess they did a good job. I have done a good job, myself.

　The first man looked back over his shoulder.

Don't you think so?　It's Reese.

　

''Oh, you've noticed.
How could he not notice? You may have suppressed your magic, but we're your people, aren't we?　If you have your people around, you can sense it.
''Hmm, that's not usually the case. As usual, Weiss-san's ability to detect signs is amazing.
Did you show your face for a compliment?
No, no. Of course, it's your job.

　

'How's your work going, Mr. Weiss?　 To be able to induce a stampede on such a scale in such a short period of time. It's as good as it gets.
We'll see how it goes but I don't like the idea of you doubting my abilities.
'I'm sorry. I'm not doubting Weiss-san's ability. It's just that this strategy is rather high on my list of priorities.
I can understand that.
I'm glad to see that you understand the importance of this operation.
Are you mocking me?　Maybe we can wake up the Demon King and he's not so geeky as to not see the importance of that strategy.
'Hmm, yes. I beg your pardon.

　As they were talking, the roar of demons resounded at the bottom of the cliff.
　Before they knew it, the crowd of demons had more than doubled in size.

''Then I'll go and look in another direction on my own,''
Yeah, you got it.
'Oh, yes. What's going on with Krios?
I triggered the stampede three more times. I think I can manage without you for a while.
Well, that's a relief.

　Reese chuckled.

I'll see you later.

　Bowing gracefully
　The figure disappeared like a mist, and then it was gone.



----------



Stampede...?

　The outrageous words that came out of Natalie's mouth made me cringe.
　Tania and Rifa immediately turned stern as well.

'Is that true?　I've never heard of such signs before...
I can understand why Mr. Shroud would be suspicious. But we've had sightings from a lot of people and reconnaissance has been completed. A stampede has occurred in the east. Probably in another two hours or so, a swarm of demons will be coming to this horizon.
Oh my God.

　I never thought I'd see the stampede happen at this point in time...
　It's not normal.
　So if that's the case, it's still....

It sounds like it has something to do with the Krios case.

　Tania uttered that on behalf of my thoughts.
　I'm sure you'll agree with that, Rifa nodded her head in agreement.

''Hm. It's very likely. It's too convenient.''
But I don't see the point.

　The reason why I'm going after Krios is because it's a city where the demon race coexists.
　Demons, the strongest species is a nuisance to the demon race.
　It's not surprising that they would try to eliminate them if they had the opportunity.

　Just why go after Horizon?
　This is a normal city, and there's no reason for demons or demonic tribes to target me.

　Did you find out that Rifa asked me for help and tried to sabotage it?
　No, that's not right.
　Me and Rifa met just a few hours ago.
　I think the Stampede occurred before that, so the math doesn't add up.

　There must be a reason why Horizon was targeted....
　No, it's not for now.
　First and foremost, we have to think about protecting the city.

"Tania, I'm sorry. Can you get the word out?　And I want you to gather them here.
'That's fine but we can't have Sora and Luna, can we?　Those two said they're going to the spirit tribe's village, so I think they're already out there.
Shit, that's what I thought.

　The Lost Forest isn't eastward, so there's no need to worry about the two of us getting caught up in it.
　However, having to face the Stampede without the two of us is honestly a bit of a heartbreaker.

　However, there's nothing we can do about what we can't do about it.
　I'll have to do something without Sola and Luna.

''Or rather........''

　Tania looks inside the guild and says quizzically.

'Not too many adventurers?'
Speaking of which...

　The guild's staff has been scurrying around and...
　Among them, people who look like adventurers are tending to their armor.

　However, there are only a few of them.
　Normally there are more adventurers there, but.....
　They just haven't gotten together yet?

Well, actually...

　Natalie says apologetically.

'The timing wasn't right, and more than half of the adventurers were out...'
Really?
The only adventurers left are the people who are here now.
How big is the Stampede?
It's hard to say, but I'm guessing it's going to be around 20,000.
20,000...

　There are records of 100,000 demons occurring in the past, so it's not like it's an extreme stampede.
　It's just that there are about 50 adventurers...
　Simple calculation results in a strength ratio of 1:400.
　As expected, it's tough.

''What about the Knights?''
We're not in a position to clear evacuation routes or prepare the city for a siege, but there are about 150 of them.
But still, 200 people in all...
I've requested support from the various guild and knightly branches, but we'll see when...

　It's quite a desperate gap in strength.
　A few thousand or so might be manageable with the help of everyone else, but........20,000 is indeed too much.
　Violence in numbers is rather overwhelming, and when it crosses a certain line, it becomes almost invincible.
　Even the strongest species will be swallowed up.

　If that happens........

Okay, let's get as many allies as we can.