The cargo Elias was tasked with delivering was contained within a small wooden box, compact enough to fit within the folds of his cloak. Though he was unaware of its precise contents, the potent magic emanating from within suggested it was indeed a catalyst for large-scale spellcasting. With this in mind, he and Frenn set off toward the frontline fortress.
The deadline for delivery was two days away. While the allotted time seemed generous, perhaps due to the considerable distance, Elias and Frenn’s pace allowed them to make the trip in a single day.
Navigating through the dense forest, they encountered several monsters along the way. However, upon sensing the overwhelming magical energy exuding from Elias, every creature fled before an encounter could even take place.
“The monsters here barely register as a threat. At most, they’re ranked as Level One in danger. It’s a testament to how well this region has been secured.”
Frenn glanced around at the relatively peaceful surroundings.
“Even so, there aren’t any knights or heroes patrolling the area.”
“They likely don’t see the need. If the high-risk monsters have already been dealt with, maintaining patrols is an unnecessary resource drain.”
Their conversation continued as they emerged from the woods and approached the fortress.
The stronghold loomed before them—its massive stone walls and sturdy fortifications exuding an imposing presence befitting the northernmost frontlines. Built against the mountain range, it was evident that the kingdom had poured immense resources into its construction. This alone spoke volumes about the RuneDell Kingdom’s determination to expand its dominion through relentless frontier development.
Upon arrival, they promptly handed over the shipment. The knight who received the box offered a curt nod of gratitude before swiftly disappearing into the keep.
“That’s the job done.”
“Shall we take a look around?”
“Might as well, though from the looks of things, it’s best not to disturb anyone unnecessarily.”
The fortress bustled with activity. Soldiers and knights moved with precision, their movements sharpened by discipline and urgency. Even the heroes stationed there had abandoned their usual bravado, seemingly absorbed in their tasks. This was not an environment where approaching people for idle conversation—or recruiting assistance—would be well received.
“They’re putting in more effort than I expected.”
“That speaks to how much of a threat Older truly is.”
“Yeah… Maybe we should—”
Elias’s words were abruptly cut off by the tolling of an alarm bell.
The instant the sharp chimes resonated through the fortress, the soldiers sprang into action. Being at the northernmost front, their response was swift and practiced—reports were exchanged, orders issued, and warriors positioned in defensive formations.
Frenn turned to Elias.
“What should we do?”
“If we act now, we might be able to leave before things escalate—”
But it was too late.
The fortress gates were already closing.
A knight approached them, his demeanor calm but firm.
“You are the ones who delivered the supplies?”
“That’s right.”
“We’ve detected monsters within our surveillance range and have initiated lockdown procedures. For now, please remain inside the fortress.”
Elias exchanged glances with Frenn before nodding in agreement.
“Understood.”
Guided into the inner courtyard, they observed the controlled chaos unfolding around them. Knights and warriors rushed to their posts, spellcasters prepared their incantations, and runners conveyed urgent messages to commanding officers. The air crackled with energy—not of fear, but of hardened readiness.
Frenn noted the tense atmosphere.
“It doesn’t quite feel like panic… but the tension is palpable.”
Elias crossed his arms, surveying the scene.
“Feels a lot like pre-battle preparations back in the Eastern Front.”
“I had the same thought. So, what now?”
“Technically, we should stay put since we’re outsiders, but… I’d like to observe how they handle this battle.”
Frenn exhaled softly.
“That might be difficult, given the current restrictions.”
Before Elias could respond, the distant sound of war cries erupted. The battle had begun. Magic flared in the distance, and the unmistakable booms of explosions followed soon after.
“Seems like we’ll have to sit this one out.”
Elias muttered in frustration, though his instincts itched for more direct involvement.
The initial engagement had only just begun when another bell rang—this time, the tone was unmistakably different.
The shift in resonance caused the gathered soldiers to stir uneasily. A wave of murmurs spread throughout the courtyard as even the more seasoned knights exchanged worried glances.
Frenn narrowed her eyes.
“Something changed.”
Elias turned to a nearby soldier.
“I’m from one of the rear-line forts. What does that particular alarm signify?”
The soldier hesitated for a moment before responding.
“That tone signals the appearance of a major threat—either a high-ranked monster or a named-class entity.”
Elias’s expression darkened.
“A named monster…?”
Before he could finish his thought, another surge of battle cries echoed from the battlefield. The intensity of magic being cast increased, along with the frequency of explosion-like impacts.
He clenched his fist. Damn it. If only he could confirm the situation himself. But stepping out of line here would undoubtedly cause issues.
Just then, a ranking knight hurried into the courtyard and reported to a superior officer. Whatever was said caused an immediate shift in tension. Then, as quickly as the crisis had escalated, orders were given to stand down.
A moment later, the fortress gates reopened.
“Looks like it’s over.”
Elias turned to Frenn.
“Shall we?”
“Yes.”
As they walked toward the gate, Elias flagged down one of the returning knights.
“If you don’t mind, could you tell me what happened out there?”
The knight hesitated, his gaze briefly flickering toward the Holy Knight insignia on Elias’s chest before offering a reply.
“Monsters approached the fortress, but more importantly… a distant sighting confirmed the presence of Older.”
Elias’s eyes sharpened.
So, the true target had made its appearance.
“I see. Thanks for the information.”
With that, he and Frenn stepped out of the fortress—moving with renewed urgency toward what they now knew would be a decisive battle.