Chapter 958 Second Wave
I was still sorting out the potions when Akira rushed into my room.
"Brother, it seems the second wave is about to start. Avos-san said that his sentry wards detected the next wave incoming."
"That soon?! I haven't even made much preparation, and they've already returned? Geez, come on then," I gathered up all of the potions I had already sorted out, along with those that hadn't been sorted, and pushed them inside my inventory before leaving with Akira.
In the living room, everyone was already watching the scene displayed on the sentry ward that Avos had cast. It functioned like the best surveillance spell and acted as a surveillance camera in the location where it was placed.
On the display, the beastmen could be seen walking in the distance, approaching the area where we had fought them earlier. They were carrying torches with them, indicating their intention to attack once night fell.
"Looks like they plan to attack at night," I commented.
"Right. They've prepared for this second wave. It seems the earlier wave was just a test to gauge how the Elven Kingdom would respond. Since that attack didn't work, they've moved on to the next stage of their plan, which is what we're seeing now," Avos said, shaking his head as he clicked his tongue.
"By now, the guards should have noticed them, right? I doubt they'd just let them be, especially since they almost breached the defenses during the earlier battle," Alena speculated.
"I don't think so. Considering we didn't receive any assistance from the elven guards during the previous attack, it's either they're too complacent or we incapacitated all of them during our assault on the castle, although I highly doubt the latter," Mila said, shaking her head.
"If they are planning a nighttime attack, we will have to fight them during the night, which could be disadvantageous for us, as we are not beastmen. Beastmen can see well in the dark and pose a significant threat if we don't address them promptly. Let's go, Mila. Guys, I won't force any of you to join us in defending the kingdom. This is our issue, but we would greatly appreciate any help you can provide," Avos said, looking at us.
"Don't worry, we'll help. We have some unfinished business with the beastmen, and we don't mind engaging in combat. We're trained to fight enemies like them all day," Akira said with a determined grin.
"Yes, you can count on us. We may be outsiders at the moment, and there's no obligation for you to ask us, but we're willing to offer our assistance," Pandora nodded.
I stood up and looked at both Avos and Mila.
"Avos-san, Mila-san, I have something to show you both before we proceed to battle the beastmen. It's something essential that may aid both of you."
Avos and Mila appeared a bit puzzled by what I was saying, so I pulled out the weapons and armor I had crafted with the assistance of the Spirit Blacksmith.
"These are the armor and weapons that the Spirit Blacksmith and I created when we returned from the raid in the palace. I designed them, and the Spirit Blacksmith helped me with the process of making and designing the intricate details of the armor. You can say that these are joint projects between the two of us blacksmiths, aimed at creating gear that can maximize the power of their wielders and armor that will protect them from the most dangerous attacks their enemies might use. Withstanding an attack has never been easier."
Both Avos and Mila's eyes lit up as they picked up the armor and weapons I had placed on the table. The armor I laid down is lightweight armor and a robe, designed for magicians and martial artists to maintain their mobility and ease of movement. After all, what's the point of making heavy armor if the wearer can't fully utilize its strength?
They went inside their rooms for a while and began to change into the gear I had crafted. It took them some time, but when they emerged, they were donning their new outfits and equipped with the weapons I had created for them.
"These fit my body perfectly. I can't believe it," Mila exclaimed, moving around to see how seamlessly her armor integrated with her body.
"The Spirit Blacksmith used the measurements he took when you requested the armor before, and I designed and added the necessary components. He then worked on the overall look of the armor to make it both functional and aesthetically pleasing."
"My old staff doesn't even compare to this new one. I felt energized just by holding it, and I believe I can unleash my power if I desire," Avos said, swinging his new staff with clear delight.
"That's because the crystal embedded in the staff has a passive mana-recovery effect, which is why you felt energized. It's also quite durable, making it suitable for close-quarters combat."
"Wow, this is incredible! How much do we owe you for all of this? We insist on paying," Mila said, clearly delighted with her new items.
"No need for payment. This is a goodwill gesture, and it will help us achieve victory in the upcoming battle without any casualties."
The two smiled and nodded, expressing their satisfaction with their new gear. As for the others, I only provided them with supplies. After all, the equipment I've given them is currently the best available. That's why they won't be receiving anything new, except for Mila and Avos.
As night began to creep into the sky, the spirits in the mansion turned on the lights.
"It looks like it's time. Shall we get going?" Avos asked the group.
"We're always ready," Labo nodded, turning to Alena, who also smiled and nodded.
"No one dares to mess with the kingdom, not on my watch," Renatta declared with determination in her expression.
I snapped my fingers, and a Teleport Portal appeared, connecting us to the field.
"Then, let's get in there before they start their assault. The sooner we arrive, the better."
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In just a few seconds, everyone had arrived on the battlefield. Sure enough, there wasn't a single guard or soldier in sight and no surveillance of the movements of the beastmen. They were far too complacent.
"Ugh... If we're not here, does that mean this kingdom will perish? This is a truly disastrous situation," Avos expressed his discontent with how the kingdom was seemingly ignoring the beastmen.
I spread my wings and activated [Stealth] before taking flight.
"I'll scout the number of enemies attacking. This way, we can prepare in case there are too many for us to handle."
"Be careful up there, young man," Avos cautioned.
I nodded before flying straight toward the enemies' location. As expected, they were more numerous than I had anticipated, and they had gathered a significant number of siege weapons. It was evident that they were preparing for a full frontal assault.
Looking further into the distance, I noticed a small camp that seemed to hold more significance than the rest. Upon closer inspection, I saw a beastman sitting on a throne made of bones, being carried by servants. He had a large ax beside his bone throne, and as I observed it, the Versatile Weapon I carried started to vibrate. Although the Shadow Dragon was currently dormant, its ability remained in effect, indicating that the individual sitting on the bone throne was another Weapon of the Seven Deadly Sins. It seemed that Almira's intuition was correct.
While hovering, I sensed an overwhelming and malevolent presence approaching me. I glanced around and realized that the source of the bloodlust was none other than the beastman on the bone throne.
"Sh*t..."
I didn't want to get into trouble, and more importantly, I didn't want the entire army of beastmen on my tail. So, instead of staying any longer, I immediately returned to the group.
"Damn, it seems the beastmen's senses are no joke. Even when I was in [Stealth], he managed to detect me."
I needed to discuss this matter with everyone. I wasn't sure how dire the situation might be, but we needed to be prepared. After all, the leader of the beastmen was present and ready to engage.
Swiftly flying back to the group, I landed, and everyone looked at me, waiting for the news I brought.
"We are at a total disadvantage. Not only the beastmen are currently equipped with stronger equipment, but they also have more siege equipment that they can use. Their numbers are also numerous, much more numerous than before."
"I was right. The attack earlier is to gauge the preparedness of the kingdom. Now there are already more of them..." Avos shook his head.
"I am not done. I am also someone who I assumed to be the leader of the Beastmen. He is leading the group and he is stationed at the very last part of the lineup. I didn't finish scouting as he immediately noticed me flying even when I was under the [Stealth] effects.
"The chieftain..." Renatta frowned.
Mila noticed the glum look on our faces and immediately motivated us. No worries guys. If they attack, then we will do what we can do. Believe in what you can do. We will win this."
Then, an unexpected voice came behind us. "Grandma is right. We will win this. We will defend the kingdom and defeat everyone who tries to conquer and destroy it."
Renatta was surprised when she looked at the figure who arrived.
"Izmir?"
The one who arrived was none other than Izmir. But compared to before, she is now wearing modest combat dress that seems to resemble snow and ice. Although it still exudes sexiness, it does not exude a very lewd feeling anymore like it is trying to seduce anyone who looks.
"What are you doing here Izmir?" Mila frowned.
"I will be assisting in this battle. I didn't know the Beastmen are gonna be attacking so as one of the people who should be defending the Kingdom, I am here to offer my help."
"So you actually cared now? I didn't know you can change," Renatta said, still with the same tone of contempt.
"I know that you don't like me here, Sister. But I am not here to make amends with you. I am here to defend my home, so you can't make me leave."
"That's enough. We don't want internal conflict. If Izmir is going to help, then we will accept all the help we can get. So get ready. Once they start moving, we will strike them first. Now, time to deal with them and protect the kingdom," Avos said as he raise his staff.
Now, the second wave is upon us. Time to fight.
This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦