Published: July 3, 2025
The sun had completely set, and the members of the kingdom delegation were spending their time as they pleased.
Normally, even at this time of day, it would be standard for someone to stand guard in shifts.
However, there was no guard in sight.
The only instruction given was, “Don’t wander too far.”
This was due to the ice wall having a radius of one hundred meters...
“In times like this, I can’t help but think how convenient water attribute magic is.”
“Indeed, indeed.”
Nils nodded repeatedly at Ryo's honest remark, clearly pleased by the compliment.
“Actually, it feels more like it’s just Ryo who is amazing…”
“Including the disciples as well.”
Eto said with a wry smile, adding that Amon had created an ice wall thanks to Ryo's disciples from the Gecko Merchant Association.
Such a peaceful and relaxed time came to an abrupt end.
By a man running from the direction of the city gate.
He was running, but he seemed unsteady.
He didn’t appear to be injured, but it seemed like his legs wouldn't cooperate due to fear.
Ryo opened the ice wall just enough for the man to pass through and closed it again once he was inside.
It would be a disaster if something terrifying came chasing after him afterward...
“What happened!?”
The leader, Hugh McGrath, shouted at the man who had run up.
His voice awakened the entire kingdom delegation.
The adventurers quickly stood up and readied their equipment.
The officials immediately entered the carriage to avoid being a hindrance to the battle.
This was the established protocol for the kingdom delegation during breaks.
Because they understood quickly what they needed to do, it was fine to relax when nothing was happening.
“The delegation inside... was attacked. Please help!”
“Tch. They got inside. What attacked you?”
“Spirits…”
Hugh clicked his tongue at the man’s report.
The small nation delegation that had been in front of the kingdom had entered the city.
“Nils! Head to ‘Room 10’ and ‘Room 11’ for assistance. If reinforcements are needed, cast light-type magic. Eto, Zeek, can you do it?”
“Yes.”
Nils, Eto, and Zeek responded.
Eto and Zeek’s light magic was based on light attribute magic and was particularly visible at night.
A cooperative party requiring two of the six priests.
They would be optimal for dispatching to a ruined city.
“Hugh, what about me?”
“Ryo, stay. You’re the only one who can open and close the ice wall.”
Hugh replied immediately to Ryo's question.
Since what Hugh said made perfect sense, Ryo had no choice but to accept it.
All he could do was nod at the six others.
The six nodded back.
Then, they ran towards the city gate.
The six from ‘Room 10’ and ‘Room 11’ passed through the city gate.
Inside the city, there was a fairly wide road extending straight ahead.
It was a so-called main street.
“There!”
Amon pointed far down the road.
A group of carts and horses seemed to be surrounded by something.
“Let’s go!”
With Nils' command, the six ran towards the group.
Meanwhile, what was happening in that group was...
“Damn it, damn it, ugh…”
“[Turn Undead]... I’m out of magical power…”
“There’s no end to this…”
“Stop, help me…”
There were about ten wraiths.
However, no matter how many they defeated, new ones kept appearing...
This was abnormal.
If a soul is purified by something like [Turn Undead], wraiths should disappear.
Wraiths originate from the souls of those who died with grievances.
You could say they were spirits that couldn’t find peace...
Because of that, there should be no 'rebirth' or 'new births.'
But... something unusual was happening there.
“Impure soul, return to the heart of the Lord now. May your sins be forgiven, I wish for this here. [Turn Undead].”
Priest Eto cast [Turn Undead] while running.
Since it affected the entire group, all the wraiths were purified and vanished.
However...
“They’ve appeared again!”
Nils said, and Eto grimaced.
In the meantime, Priest Zeek, who had reached the small nation delegation, thrust his staff at a wraith.