The next day, Lilith and I went to the North Gate as agreed.
This is the "Langusoya Plain".
It is the only way to reach the city of Terunea.
Olivia made this a rallying point for a reason.
This route is the best way to reach the Colombo Mountains, rather than going directly through the wetlands and forests.
The Colombo Mountains, located in the northern part of Kylorans, serve as the main route between the two countries.
Before the main road was even established, the kingdom had already sent adventurers to drive away most of the monsters.
What remains are only some low-level monsters, which will not affect trade between the two countries.
Goblins are among the most common and lowest-level monsters in the mountains.
Although it is a social monster, its combat strength is comparable to that of a seven-year-old child.
According to Olivia's description, large goblins appear in the mountains, and there are quite a few of them.
This belongs to a type of goblin mutation.
The combat power of large goblins is far superior to that of ordinary goblins, and their most notable characteristic is that they possess intelligence.
It can mimic human movements, fighting skills, or swordsmanship.
There is another type of goblin that can even use magic, and they are called goblin wizards.
However, in summary, such mutated goblins are extremely rare.
It is highly suspicious that they would appear in large numbers in the Colombo Mountains.
"It's highly likely that someone is behind this."
According to records, there is indeed a type of "amplification magic" that can cause people to go berserk or greatly increase their magic power for a short period of time.
However, none of that matters anymore.
Even if someone is really behind this, it's a matter between the two countries and has nothing to do with me.
...
In the middle of the vast Langusoya Plain, there is a road without any forks, and dozens of carriages are moving along this road.
Olivia, Lilith, and I sat in the carriage at the very front.
There were also two middle-aged men nearby, who seemed difficult to communicate with.
They were sent by the government; the captain and deputy captain of the guards.
The two carriages behind carried the other adventurers who were participating in this expedition.
There weren't many people; they were mostly temporary adventurers.
after all.
There are basically no squads that meet the requirements for a raid.
Further on, there was the guard regiment sent by the government.
Most of them are ordinary people; there seem to be very few who can use magic or swordsmanship.
Although the number of people was as high as a thousand, and the scale of the event was enormous, it gave me a very bad feeling.
Therefore, to be on the safe side, adventurers like us are very likely to be sent to the front lines as vanguards.
I have never seen a mutated goblin, and my knowledge of them is extremely limited.
However, they will put the humans they catch into a huge steamer.
Like steaming "meat buns"...
Some humans, mostly women, become their playthings.
That so-called third princess is none of my business.
"Can Marta hold out until we arrive?"
This has become my biggest worry right now...
For some reason, I always felt a vague unease in my heart.
Lilith, on the other hand, looked completely relaxed.
Too……
In terms of strength, she can be considered the strongest member of the entire expedition team.
Although having her with me makes me feel much more at ease.
but?
Will everything really go smoothly?
I guess so……
It took about two and a half hours to drive.
The boundless plains had already receded into the distance.
The view that comes into view now is a valley.
After passing through this valley, you will find three forks in the road.
A road leading to the city of Terunea.
A road leading to the Kingdom of Robebia.
And the other one...
That will be the end of our journey.
Head to the main road of "Sunderland Bristol", the capital city of the Kingdom of Kylorans.
"Colombo Mountains".
The carriage was completely silent throughout the journey.
There were occasional violent jolts, but no one spoke.
Olivia kept her eyes on the road ahead, and once they reached the vicinity of their destination, she would probably signal the group to stop.
The other two men kept their eyes closed, as if they were resting.
Having grown accustomed to the discomfort of bumpy rides, I sat between Olivia and Lilith.
At times like these, being overly worried will only hinder the battle ahead.
Take two deep breaths to relax.
...
About two more hours passed...
I saw Olivia tell the coachman to stop.
After the entire group moved slowly for a while, it came to a standstill.
"Have we arrived yet?"
The first to jump off the carriage were the two men, followed by Olivia.
Then it was me, and finally Lilith.
"Um……?"
The moment I jumped off the carriage, what wafted towards me was...?
A strong smell of blood and decay.
What's in front of me?
A wrecked carriage, bloodstains everywhere...
No human corpses were found.
on the contrary……
More often, however, were goblin corpses, mangled and bloody.
They are all ordinary goblins.
The battle was indeed a terrible sight.
The surrounding area was barren land, and behind the hillside, a forest could be seen.
That is...
"Wetland forest?"
"Everyone! Assemble!"
The one who shouted that was the captain of the guards.
I was stunned for a moment, then Lilith pulled me into the party. Olivia was there too?
"Wasn't she the one leading this expedition?"
"After all, he's the commander of a knightly order from a neighboring country?"
Although I had this question in my mind, however...
Olivia's personal knightly order appears to have been completely wiped out.
Now, she's practically no different from an ordinary knight.
"Everyone! We are facing a large horde of goblins. The danger is unknown. Please prioritize your own safety!"
It was clearly a human voice, yet every word was powerful and resonant.
It's not just shouting; it has an exhilarating effect.
When I glanced at Olivia, I noticed she had a furrowed brow.
"...?"
Is it recalling bad memories?
The team that was once as close as family is now reduced to just her.
Where is Princess Nishino Lu?
A questioning voice came from beside me... It was Olivia.
"Of course, while ensuring your own life, don't forget to save Princess Nishino. As for Lili Marta, if she's alive, save her while you're at it; if she's dead, evacuate as soon as possible!"
"...?"
"What did you say!"
I almost rushed towards the man, but Lilith pulled me back in time.
Yet, a strange anger rose within me.
"Who are you? How dare you speak to me like that?"
"What do you mean by 'rescuing her incidentally'? Our purpose in coming here is precisely to rescue Princess Nishinoru and Marta, isn't it?"
"Hmph! Our orders are only to exterminate the goblin horde and rescue Princess Nishino. As for Martha, that's the guild's business, not ours!"
"you!"
Someone who wants to break free from Lilith—how can someone like that be fit to be a captain?
"Enough! Leon! This is military discipline. If you keep yelling, get back inside!"
As Olivia spoke, I turned my gaze to her.
"Well……"
Although she was gritting her teeth and her face was very ugly, she held back.
Seeing her like this, I had no choice but to give up.
"Alright, if there are no questions, check the equipment on the spot! Be ready to strike at any time!"
After saying that, the man waved his hand in acknowledgment.
As for us, we didn't even glance at it.
Damn it!
They are indeed a group of people who are afraid of death. When faced with absolute danger, their first thought is whether they can survive.
"That's it... Leon! He's right. Her Highness the Princess and Lilimarta's fate is unknown. The best we can do is ensure our own safety first!"
"..."
I didn't answer Olivia; negative emotions were swirling inside me.
It's both conflicting and painful.
“Leon…”
Seeing my expression, Lilith felt bad, but she understood that the team she was in was not the same as the adventurer team she used to be in.
For Olivia, this is the army, it's military discipline.
Even if you are extremely unhappy, you can't show it.
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