Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 190

 At the end of the rainy season, monsters that had been taking refuge from the rain return, and following them, the big ones come as well.

This is a common occurrence, and adventurers and soldiers, including Alex, are always on alert.

However, once every few years, these fleeing monsters form groups. Moreover, when the big ones that were chasing them settle into the boss's position, they sometimes leave the great forest and attack human towns. This includes not only this town but also surrounding frontier villages.

It happened about five years ago too, although the interval this time is a bit shorter. The branch manager says it's probably just a coincidence.

But five years ago... I was also roped in to help with the treatment; that might have been it.

This time, it seems to be a group with a boss as well. I couldn't find it, but Seriana did. Apparently, there are over 100 of them that we know of...

Therefore, we need to deal with it, but it seems quite tough.

"We can't spare any more..."

"Isn't Lord Luban in the south? Then we can divert some of the freed-up resources to the north."

"The north has completed its moat, so it should withstand some pressure. The real concern is what to do about the villages further in."

The first meeting room has three long tables, each seating ten people.

Two of the tables are already full, and more people, who couldn't find seats, have gathered, occasionally glancing at us while having intense discussions and sending messengers. It's clear that just defeating and driving away the monsters to protect this town isn't enough, and that's what's troubling them.

They've devised several strategies, but none seem decisive, and they're hesitant to make a bold move.

As discussed, the northern and southern villages function as bases, along with other scattered frontier villages. We must avoid any damage to them. Because they've developed and gained value, we can't just abandon them.

Thus, we need to allocate people there as well. Despite the increase in adventurers and soldiers, spreading them thin raises concerns about whether we'll have enough hands.

There are two people who might turn the situation around: Jighart and Fiora.

They want to rely on these two, but since they have nicknames and are on Seriana's side, they can't bring it up.

There's no choice...

"Hey, wouldn't it be possible for Jighart and Fiora to go all out and defeat them all?"

I asked Jighart in a slightly louder voice so everyone could hear. As I expected, it had an effect; they stopped their discussions and turned towards us at the back.

"I think we could handle just defeating them."

There were cheers, but Jighart raised his hand to silence them as he continued.

"Ordinary beasts and monsters wouldn't be a problem, but if it's a magical beast, we need to choose the type of magic we use. If we're going to defeat them... it'll have to be fire."

I remember when he turned the monsters to ashes during a previous investigation. Is it going to be like that?

"Is that a problem?"

"It's dry in winter and there's wind. With my firepower, it would easily catch fire, and then, even if we defeat the monsters, we'd end up with a forest fire."

…That would ruin the frontier.

"What about luring them near the town?"

"Near the town, there are rivers and canals. Handling a large number while being mindful of our position would be tough, even for me."

"I see..."

To the west of the town is farmland, which produces crops not only for this town but for the entire eastern region. Although the wheat has already been harvested, they're still growing other vegetables. If the canals get damaged, those will suffer too.

…I get it. We can't act recklessly.

The knights, understanding this, looked grim.

"If we're going to do it, we'd have to set up a suitable platform and provide overall support and containment of the escaping monsters from there."

That's what it seems to be, knights.

"Thank you for the explanation, Jighart. Unfortunately, we can't have him as the main attack force. We can't afford to take more time; we'll proceed with the current plan. Auguste, Alexio, I'm counting on you."

As soon as Jighart finished his explanation, Liesel summarized and concluded the discussion. It had been dragging on, and although I might have triggered it, Jighart's explanation could have lowered morale. It was good timing.

Leaving a few behind in the room, everyone else went outside to give instructions to the soldiers. They need to do their best to protect the town too!

"Seria."

"What?"

"Can I borrow Serah for a bit?"

"I guess I have no choice. But don't overwork her, okay?"

"Of course."

…What’s going on?