With the wave of monsters and spirit creatures still ongoing in real-time, the Academy students had no luxury to peacefully travel across the continent.
"Everyone, please stand on the magic circle."
At the mage’s instruction, two professors and nine students stepped onto the magic circle.
"Using a teleportation circle may cause some nausea due to mana instability, so please be prepared."
After this brief announcement, the magic circle began to glow.
"Destination: Artk, the capital of Altriark. Twelve people traveling. Activating the magic circle."
The magic circle emitted a bright light. In the blink of an eye...
The world changed.
"Welcome! Professor Grad Xant, Professor Rosalia Wienderk, and nine students—is that correct?"
The surrounding facilities and the mage had changed. Professor Grad handed over an identification badge, which the mage verified with a nod.
"Welcome to Altriark! I am Knight Dade of Altriark."
"Professor Grad of the Academy."
A knight standing with the mage greeted them.
"Please follow me. I will guide you."
"Are we meeting the Count?"
"No. Although the Count was quite looking forward to the arrival of the Empire’s young sprouts, he is currently at the barrier. You’ll be able to meet him there. Today, I’ll first show you to your accommodations."
Artk, the capital of Altriark, appeared so peaceful that it was hard to believe a war was taking place in the territory.
People’s faces showed little worry or concern as they went about their daily routines - buying fresh bread from local bakeries, gossiping near ornate water fountains, and haggling over prices in colorful market stalls. There were no signs of destruction or corpses, no wounded soldiers limping through streets, no widows dressed in mourning clothes. The city’s ancient limestone walls stood pristine and unmarred by siege weapons or magical attacks.
Though Artk was quite distant from the barrier where fierce fighting was taking place - separated by rolling hills and dense forests that served as natural buffers against the chaos - the serene atmosphere also indicated how deeply the people trusted Count Altriark. Their unwavering faith in their leader’s military prowess allowed them to sleep soundly each night despite knowing that monsters clashed with their countrymen mere leagues away.
’Or maybe they’re just used to it.’
In the distant past, Altriark had continuously fought against spectral spirit creatures descending from the frost-covered northern mountains, their ethereal forms bringing terror and destruction. And now they battled against grotesque monsters pushing in from the scorching Tacklakan Desert, creatures with too many limbs and unnatural anatomies that defied logic. The changing of enemies had done little to alter the rhythm of life here.
Spirit creatures might be special, but battle and war were everyday matters for these people.
"What do you think? That’s a statue of the first Count..."
"...and that is the famous Bell of Pasa. Left behind by the founding Emperor who established the Empire..."
Dade guided them while explaining various features of Artk. His face beamed with pride for Altriark.
What caught Gerhard’s attention was the Bell of Pasa.
As Dade explained, it was an artifact left by the first Emperor. It was said that the bell’s sound contained the power to defeat evil, weakening demons.
The reason it was "said to" rather than "does" was because there had been no demons for the past thousand years, so the bell had never been used.
But according to the prophecy book, it was genuine, and its effect was certain. That’s why the demonic species would desperately try to destroy it.
’So that means there’s a demonic creature hiding around here...’
"You look murderous."
Gerhard snapped out of his thoughts at the emotionless eyes suddenly approaching him.
"What do you mean?"
"Your face while looking at that bell looked like you were about to kill someone. Are you perhaps a demonic creature?"
"You say strange things."
"Not amusing?"
"Was that a joke?"
"Never mind."
What was that? Gerhard let out a hollow laugh.
"Here we are."
The place Dade led them to was the lord’s castle in the center of the city. Their accommodations would be the bedrooms inside the massive castle.
"Thank you."
"Not at all. The Count had originally planned to greet you himself, but he couldn’t because he’s at the battlefield."
Dade explained that not only the Count but also his wife and children were all at the barrier.
This wasn’t particularly surprising.
It was common knowledge that the Countess of Altriark was the household’s finest knight, and that all of the Count’s children were exceptional knights as well.
When the Monster Wave occurred, they had taken the initiative and rushed to the battlefield themselves.
"Instead, the Steward will dine with you this evening."
"I see."
"You’ll stay here today and head to the barrier with the knights at dawn tomorrow. If you need anything or have questions, please pull the bell cord. I’ll see you later then."
The twelve assigned rooms were all spacious and classical in style.
"No need to divide the rooms formally. Just pick one each and rest."
The students each claimed a room and went inside. However, Gerhard remained standing.
"What is it, Gerhard? Do you have something to say?"
"May I go out and explore the streets during our free time?"
"We are not here for sightseeing."
"I’m not going for sightseeing either."
"Then?"
I’m going to search for the hideout where the demonic creature is lurking.
"I want to do some market research."
"In this situation?"
"Because of this situation, it’s actually more valuable to investigate."
"Not allowed."
Gerhard held out a small pouch.
"Do as you wish. Just don’t cause any trouble."
"May I go with other students?"
"Do as you wish. Ask Sir Dade first, though."
"Yes."
Gerhard entered his room and pulled the cord.
’Today is our only day staying here. I must find the hideout within that time.’
There was no time to waste. Depending on whether he found the hideout or not, his future plans would change slightly.
"How may I help you?"
Shortly after, Dade arrived.
"Would it be possible for me to go out until lunch?"
"Of course. However, I must accompany you, if you don’t mind."
"Not at all."
This was somewhat expected, and actually better.
If they discovered it together, the credibility would be higher.
"Could we go right now then?"
"Certainly."
Dade nodded.
==
"Would you like me to guide you to the market first?"
"Please."
Gerhard put on his coat and went outside with Dade.
He deliberately didn’t bring Aint or Luina. Not knowing where the creatures were hiding yet, he couldn’t just drag them around recklessly.
"There seem to be many shops selling weapons and armor, probably because of the war."
"Yes, knights and soldiers mostly receive supplies from the Golden Turtle Company, but mercenaries don’t. Though they’ve increased due to the war, it’s not a significant difference."
"I understand."