That night, we all gathered in a single room to hold a strategy meeting. We had rented three rooms at the inn, and this one was our only single room, which belonged to me. We had put away all our valuables using storage magic, so leaving the rooms empty wouldn’t be a problem. Incidentally, the girls’ room—which included Claira—was sandwiched between my room and the one that belonged to Daggers and Cross.
Our first order of business was discussing how to handle a likely upcoming demon attack. Until now, we had only encountered monsters, which seemed perfectly natural. There had been no signs of any demons.
But the closer we got to the capital, the more likely it was we’d encounter them. According to Abel, the demons were likely going to move into the royal capital, not just the empire’s territory, which included the imperial capital. Still, that was just Abel’s prediction.
However, the demons had to know that the empire’s defenses were thorough. Currently, we were approaching the royal capital via the long route. But if the capital was our destination, our journey was partially predictable. And if the demons were planning on recapturing Claira, then...
“It’s about time we may start encountering some demons.”
“Indeed. Do you think they’ll send a small squad of elites?” asked Silica.
“I think that’s the most likely scenario.”
This was the kingdom’s territory, which meant it would be hard for the demons to launch a large-scale attack. Instead, they’d almost certainly send a small number of elite forces to ambush us—if there would be an ambush, that is.
“We need to be extremely cautious from here on out...”
“But not you, Lloyd, right? I mean, what else could you possibly do?” asked Cross.
“He’s right. I’m only just hearing about this now, but even if you’re using an adjusted detection spell that helps you save MP, you’re still constantly using up mana, right? I think you’re working hard enough already.” Yui was right. Working hard didn’t matter—I was already doing everything I could, and that was exactly the problem.
Hard work alone was pointless. Effort and perseverance alone weren’t enough. Thus, I decided to make a suggestion. “Let’s stay in town for a little bit, even if only another five days.”
“Then you want to make some preparations, I take it?”
“I do, but I won’t force the matter.” I wasn’t in a position to insist if the others were opposed.
“Hmm...” Yui glanced at Daggers.
“I’m for it. I want to get ready for our next battle myself.”
“Me as well. I’d like to test out some of the spells I’ve been taught and try casting them without reciting an enchantment.”
Daggers and Silica were onboard, and apparently Cross wanted to repair his bow too. As for Yui, she apparently had nothing she needed to prepare, but no reason to rush either. “Then can we leave guarding Claira to you, Yui?”
“Roger that! Leave her to me!”
I was a bit worried about leaving Claira in her hands, but Cross would apparently join her as soon as he was done with his bow. While that didn’t completely alleviate my worries, that was the best we could do. I wanted to make sure we were in the best condition possible while it was still unlikely we’d suffer an attack.
“I’m so sorry for causing trouble for you all,” said Claira with a guilty frown, staring at her feet.
“It’s fine! Don’t worry about it! Just leave everything to us!” said Yui, trying to cheer her up.
“B-But...”
“Really, it’s fine! We’ve got Heroes on our side, after all! There’s two of them in the capital, and this is enemy territory for the demon army!”
“Yup. I mean, Allen’s Allen, but... Those two have long records as heroes. We’ll be fine,” said Cross.
This time around, two Heroes had already gathered in the royal capital to protect Claira. Since Allen had never been interested in meeting any of the other Heroes, I had no idea how strong they really were, but they had to be pretty tough. To be honest, I was looking forward to meeting them, and maybe even learning a thing or two from them. I wanted to get stronger and continue to fight by this party’s side.
And for that, I still had a long way to go.
✦ ✦ ✦
While Lloyd and the others held their strategy meeting, a certain alchemist was at work.
“I guess it’s about time I make my move,” muttered the man. Spread across the table before him was a myriad of potions. Each vial was filled with various colored liquids, some so viscous they hardly looked drinkable. “I suppose that’s all I need to prepare. Though I’d like to avoid stirring up trouble with one of the Four Fiends if I can.”
The alchemist Wil couldn’t deny that possibility. Worst-case scenario and they could encounter a demon on the level of the Four Fiends.
“I’ve stored some away with magic too, but I wonder how well I’ll be able to keep up in this battle? If possible, I’d like to avoid any who can’t use physical attacks—weapons, especially.” He muttered as he put away the potions on the table.
“Well, then.” As soon as the table was cleared, Wil stood. “I guess I better get going.”