The atmosphere before a battle. Tension that stabbed the body and the heaviness of being closer to death.
While being illuminated by the light of the campfire lit for warmth that was surrounded by the adventurers, I was breathing deeply. Such an atmosphere was enveloping my body.
My chest was in pain as if it was tightening, as if it was being stabbed by a small needle.
I gazed at the surrounding adventurers. They were all youths in the their latter teens. There were some even younger kids as well. But that wasn’t really unusual.
But maybe, the ones around me were still not used to such battles—–it might even be their first time. Thinking like that, I breathed deeply again.
Now, we’ll be fighting. With Goblins. Along with numerous adventurers. Against countless goblins. A battle to the death.
There were those who were calmed by the fact that there were many comrades and then there were those who afraid of the fact that they’ll be fighting an incredible number of goblins. They participated due to their youthful enthusiasm but were now getting scared just before it actually started.
They looked similar to the old me. I gently patted Ermenhilde’s rim inside my pocket.
[What happened?]
“Just a little nervous.”
[……Don’t say it so openly.]
I’m used to fighting goblins. I have fought them many times. Killed countless of them. In the plains, caves, inside forests, within cities.
But that doesn’t mean I’ll stop getting scared anymore. Especially, when the comrades I have to entrust my back to—-those that’ll fight with me are so nervous, their nervousness was transmitted to me as well.
Looking up at the sky, the shining sun will soon reach its peak. Just a little more till the operation starts.
The participants were, approximately 50 people who could only fight in close combat like me. Magicians and Archers were approx 30. Leaving the Magic City Ofan, we were currently encamped approx 1Km south of the city.
Here, the goblins won’t be able to directly cause damage to the city and their movements could be seen from the defensive walls of the city as well. If any movement was seen they had been prepared to inform us through smoke signals.
And the goblins were—
“What a view. What a great view it is.”
[Yeah right. It’s disgusting.]
In my line of sight, in the middle of the plains was a huge group of earthen coloured goblins. Their distance was around 1Km away from us. There was enough distance that one wouldn’t see them if he didn’t strain their eyes.
RIght now, they are probably greedily devouring the meat we spread around for them there as lure. As a living being, it was enough to make you feel unpleasant. But to not even think of taking that food away back to their dwelling, I guess they really are just wild beasts.
Their number was more than 200. Probably close to 250 or something. We were only 80 so it’ll be around three goblins for everyone.
There really is a lot of them.
And I ended up feeling that something was behind all this. Goblins do have a tendency to swarm but this number isn’t small enough to be called just a group. Simply speaking, though higher number may equal more power but when the number is too big there will definitely be a need for a commander/leader.
Adventurers who are used to goblins should have already sensed that as well. That this situation was abnormal.
“I feel like I have been getting involved in too much trouble recently.”
3 months back, an Ogre suddenly appeared in a village. 2 weeks back, there was that black Orc that could use the Demon God’s flames.
And this time, a group of 200+ goblins. And I am willingly getting involved in this so I can’t really complain much either.
I wonder how Souichi and Aya are right now? Thinking that, i looked towards the place where the magicians had gathered.
7 students have participated from the Albana Magic Academy. Souichi, Aya, and there was even Miss Francesca there. With Souichi and Aya as the lead, the students had gathered with the others just a while back.
Those 2 had become totally used to this so, they seemed rather bold or should I say, relaxed. The rest 5 of them were nervous enough that it showed on their faces. They’re noble children. It should be the first time they’d be taking part in such a battle.
The scale of this battle wasn’t unusual when the Demon God was still active but even then, only trained and veteran adventurers and knights took part in such battles. Students and nobles were protected by their parents.
By the way, I haven’t greeted them yet. They shouldn’t be aware of my presence either.
In Ermenhilde’s words I’m being too difficult. I am aware of that as well.
“Are you fine?”
“Ueeh? Yes.”
I spoke to the adventurer beside me who had a blue face.
He must be in his teens. Looks the same age as Souichi. Well, Souichi is child-faced or rather, looks much younger than his actual age though.