New chapter of Reincarnated Hero is out! (8/10 chapters)

I’m Counting on You All

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Riding on Saintess Mona’s ship, Leon and the others were heading toward the royal capital. Yesterday’s large ship was apparently under repair, so this ship was more than one size smaller. Naturally, the escort was also fewer, but since they had already defeated the Sahagin Lord, it seemed they judged there was no problem.

After running for about 20 minutes, the island that had only been faintly visible in the distance gradually became clearly visible. It was a rather large island, holding the entire royal capital of the Holy Kingdom. Most of its surroundings were cliffs and steep walls, functioning as a natural fortress.

“An island!” (Arc)

“Big!” (Iris)

The twins standing at the bow were excited, seeing an “island” for the first time in their lives. Soon, the ship entered a port made between cliffs.

“This is strange… There is no one at the port.” (Mona)

Saintess Mona murmured with a suspicious furrow of her brows.

Although the Sahagin outbreak had made coming and going at the port impossible, it was still strange that not a single person was visible.

“…Something seems to be happening in the royal capital after all.” (Mona)

“After all? What do you mean, Saintess-oneechan?” (Leon)

“Well, I had thought it was strange. The royal capital should have been aware of the Sahagin outbreak in the lake. If so, the knights stationed permanently in the royal capital should have immediately started a cleanup operation.” (Mona)

Nevertheless, Saintess Mona, who had just returned from her pilgrimage, had to form her own extermination squad.

“Could it be that the knights couldn’t move due to some circumstances?” (Leon)

“That possibility is high. Everyone will head to the royal capital from here but be sure to stay alert.” (Mona)

After calling out like that, Mona looked at Leon and said:

“I’m counting on you all.”

Leon grimaced. It might she deliberately brought Leon on the ship anticipating this situation. The royal capital was at the center of the island, and from the port, there was only one road. Climbing up the maintained slopes and stairs, something resembling the city soon came into view. It was a beautiful circular city, with a street view that rivaled the scenic lake. Instead of sturdy castle walls, it was protected by a triple-layered barrier.

“The barrier… is disappearing?” (Meltera)

However, one of those barriers had completely disappeared now. It was an important barrier surrounding the outermost part of the city. They hurried toward the city.

What awaited them was a deserted city. A large street stretched straight to the city center. Normally, it would be bustling with many people, but not a single person was in sight. The city did not look particularly vandalized. Except for some scattered items here and there, it was clean, giving the illusion that the people had suddenly vanished.

“What is this? Could it be that the residents really disappeared?” (Arc)

“No, that’s not it. They probably evacuated.” (Meltera)

Mona shook her head at Meltera’s words.

“Evacuated?”

“Yes. Before the third outer barrier was destroyed, they must have fled inside the second inner barrier.”

According to Mona, the donut-shaped three zones created by the triple barrier were the temple district on the inside, the residential district in the middle, and the commercial district on the outside. Most of the royal capital’s residents lived in the residential district and would come to the commercial district to work during the day. In emergencies, they trained regularly to evacuate back to the residential district.

“An emergency, huh…” (Leon)

While listening to her explanation, Leon muttered quietly. With the triple barrier and such preparedness, the city must have been expecting some hostile force regularly.

“So, does that mean the residents are safe?” (Arc)

“I hope so. But since the third barrier has already been broken, the situation seems quite serious.” (Mona)

Mona’s sharp gaze fixed on what appeared to be the second barrier. To ordinary people, it looked invisible and as if nothing was there, but Leon and Meltera could confirm the barrier with their eyes.

“Hmm, it’s quite a splendid one. However…” (Meltera)

“It’s on the verge of disappearing.” (Mona)

The barrier seemed to be reaching its durability limit. It had probably suffered considerable attacks already. Eventually, they reached the second barrier. Before it was a plaza surrounding the entire residential district, which divided the two zones cleanly alongside the barrier. The plaza was damaged in several places, showing signs of fierce fighting.

“Th-that is… Mona-sama!?” (Knight)

“Mona-sama!” (Knight)

“You’ve returned!” (Knight)

Beyond the barrier, those on guard noticed them and began shouting. They were the knights protecting the royal capital. They hurried toward them.

“Mona-sama! You’re safe!” (Knight)

“As you can see. So, what happened?” (Mona)

“Y-yes! Actually, a horde of demons…” (Knight)

The knight told the following. A few days ago, the royal capital was attacked by a sudden large horde of demons. The knights fought the demons. During that time, the residents evacuated into the residential district inside the second barrier. The enemy was powerful. Despite the knights’ efforts, the first barrier was destroyed. The frontline retreated to the second barrier.

Meanwhile, ships sent to request aid from neighboring cities sank due to the Sahagin’s mass outbreak in the lake. While this happened, the demons started attacking the second barrier. With no reinforcements, the knights resisted with all their might. They have managed to hold for now, but the barrier is near collapse and likely cannot withstand the next attack.

“The situation seems more critical than expected.” (Mona)

After hearing the report, Mona frowned.

 

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