The night shrouded the countryside, a cold wind blowing.
The crowd advanced in silence, the atmosphere oppressive, with only the disordered footsteps and the suppressed groans of the wounded remaining.
Whether soldiers, provincial knights, adventurers, or non-combatant groups like blacksmiths, laborers, and merchants, everyone’s spirits were low.
Gauss rode on a chocobo, with the ’Sturdy Scale Bloodline’ having cooled down, the energy scales and dragon claws around him vanished, restoring him to normal.
A wave of fatigue swept over him, but fortunately, it wasn’t too severe.
Aaliyah handed over a few pre-prepared magic power berries.
"Have some?"
"Thanks."
Gauss took the berries and placed them in his mouth.
A gentle warmth slowly spread through his body, alleviating some of the exhaustion, but the heaviness in his heart was difficult to dispel in a short time.
"Not in a good mood?" The half-elf Andri, who was riding the same chocobo with him, keenly sensed his emotions. The experienced adventurer asked softly.
"A bit."
Andri shook her head, her gaze sweeping over the dejected soldiers and the adventurers supporting each other, sighing. "You’re still young, Gauss. How could the road of adventure always be smooth sailing?"
"I understand. It’s just that I..." Gauss recalled those who couldn’t retreat in time and were pounced on by monsters, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
Not long ago, this camp was utterly peaceful, everyone indulged in a rare respite, and in the next moment, peace shattered like illusory blossoms.
"That’s right. You must remember the frustration of this moment. Gauss, you have the potential to change all this. Digest the gains of this battle well, especially your... new power." Andri turned her head and met Gauss’s gaze.
An unusually solemn look appeared in her eyes, and she spoke seriously.
"Gauss, I’ve experienced many adventures and met all kinds of geniuses, but Gauss, you are different. The potential and talent you possess in wielding power are unparalleled in my life. Given time, this borderland, even the wider world, won’t be your endpoint."
This was her first time witnessing Gauss in actual combat, and through the recent observation, she was utterly convinced that Gauss was a genius in the truest sense.
Whether it was his growth speed or his terrifying combat talent, it far exceeded the typical notion of a genius.
"Don’t put too much pressure on yourself."
...
As the group left the Jade Forest, the sky had already dawned.
Due to the need to guard against surrounding monster attacks along the way, coupled with the caravan’s presence, their pace wasn’t very fast.
After traveling for a while longer, until the lush panorama of Forest Crown Town appeared in sight, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
"Dada-dada-dada——"
The large caravan naturally drew the attention of the Forest Crown Town’s defensive soldiers.
A few riders came forward to meet them.
After understanding what had transpired, a hint of unease appeared on the scouts’ faces.
Outpost 11 had been completely uprooted.
This matter had far-reaching repercussions, especially for Forest Crown Town, which was close by.
"How could this happen?"
"..."
At this moment, Gauss had already composed himself, listening to the conversation not far away.
He glanced back towards the direction of the Jade Forest.
The knights responsible for the rearguard last night had returned safely.
However, President Rich, who left the camp earlier, along with other knights and cavalry, hadn’t appeared at all, their whereabouts unknown.
Judging by the Forest Crown Town scouts’ surprised reaction to their appearance, it was clear there was no prior intelligence, which meant they hadn’t returned to Forest Crown Town at the very least.
Moreover...
He suddenly thought of that somewhat mysterious noble descendant’s group on the way.
He noted that in the large caravan, there seemed to be no sign of them.
Logically it shouldn’t be. The middle-aged man named ’Uncle Mo’ possessed strength at least at the master level.
With such powerful strength, it might not change the battle’s outcome, but at least getting out with someone during last night’s chaos shouldn’t have been difficult.
Did they slip away in advance? Or were they related to the disappeared cavalry?
Shaking his head, no one could answer his confusion.
He was used to reflecting on everything happening around him after a significant action, even if he couldn’t get answers immediately, it helped clarify his mind.
He couldn’t help but associate this incident with the previous winter hunt when they were attacked by poisonous wyverns.
In both incidents, though different in time, place, scale, and target, the timing of the demon attacks was so precise it made one irresistibly suspect.
Was there a traitor?
His gaze wandered among the crowd.
If there was a traitor amongst the crowd, he wouldn’t be surprised.
In both the winter hunt and this garrison mobilization, there were quite a number of people, making it difficult to detect any malicious infiltrators.
Or perhaps someone with special abilities detected or foresaw the information?
This was, after all, a supernatural world; one couldn’t speak in absolute terms.
The large crowd surged into Forest Crown Town.
Soon, the residents of Forest Crown Town learned about the defeat at Outpost 11 from those entering the town.
The large crowd surged into Forest Crown Town.
The news quickly spread among the townsfolk like wildfire in autumn.
With so many people pouring in, it was impossible to keep the news hidden.
An uneasy feeling swiftly spread among the crowd.
"Demon wave... how terrifying!"