The Water Magician

"Stampede?"

Both Ryo and Abel tilted their heads in confusion.

"I will check the 'image' from the 'observation bird' immediately."

With that, Chukudi stood up.

It seemed he finally remembered Abel and Ryo.

"My apologies, your majesty. I recommend that the people from the kingdom return to the ship and head out to sea as soon as possible."

"Out to sea on a ship? What exactly is a stampede?"

"In a word, it is a massive rampage of monsters."

"What?!"

Ryo and Abel were left speechless.

At that moment, the door swung open, and someone rushed in holding something that resembled a human head-sized crystal ball.

"My lord, we have received the 'image' from the 'observation bird.'"

The crystal ball was placed on the table.

What was displayed there was...

"What is this number...?"

Indeed, it was a massive rampage.

"Thousands? No, there are tens of thousands..."

"Bears, goblins... and even ogres?"

"It's a scale that happens once every hundred years."

Chukudi said this and took a deep breath.

However, he quickly composed himself and began issuing orders.

"Declare an evacuation alert for the entire city. Guide all residents to evacuate to the sea."

"Yes, sir!"

The subordinate who brought the crystal ball dashed out.

"Your majesty, we should evacuate as well."

Scotty called out from behind Abel.

The other squad captain, Zack, had already bolted out of the room and was heading towards the Skizblaznil vessel.

He was going back to prepare for departure.

Meanwhile, Abel was still watching the monsters reflected in the crystal ball.

Ryo leaned in to take a look as well.

"Looks like it's about thirty to forty thousand?"

"There are no griffins or behemoths."

"What do you think, Ryo?"

"Yes, we can handle this."

That was the entirety of their exchanged conversation.

Abel turned to face Chukudi, who was preparing to issue further commands.

"Chukudi, how about this? Could we assist in the subjugation of these monsters?"

"Your majesty? As you can see, it's a massive horde exceeding tens of thousands of monsters. While we will do our utmost to buy time for evacuation, the subjugation itself..."

Chukudi continued explaining with a look of skepticism.

In that moment, Abel changed his tone and called out.

"Duke Rondo."

"Yes, your majesty."

Abel had referred to him as "Duke Rondo" instead of "Ryo."

Ryo followed suit.

"You are skilled at subjugating monsters."

"Of course. Please command us as you wish."

"You say there are tens of thousands of monsters. Is that a problem?"

"Whether it's ten thousand or a hundred thousand, it poses no issue."

Ryo responded respectfully.

"That settles it, Chukudi. If there are no effective means for subjugation, why not test our strength?"

"That... I wonder if it's appropriate to request such a thing..."

"If it leads to fostering friendship between our nations, I would be more than willing to cooperate."

Abel said this with a smile.

Chukudi thought for a moment before nodding deeply.

"Your majesty, can we count on your cooperation?"

"Understood."

Abel nodded once and turned to Ryo.

"Duke Rondo, cleanse the monsters attacking this city."

"Imperial decree acknowledged."

The group moved to the southwestern city wall of the City of Bolen.

Abel, Ryo, Scotty, and Chukudi, along with his close aides.

From a distance, a cloud of dust was rising, and they could see it approaching.

"What is this...?"

Chukudi couldn't help but exclaim.

"My lord, only about ten percent of the residents have completed their evacuation to the sea! We won't make it in time!"

Desperate reports continued to come in.

Chukudi looked at Abel, who maintained a calm expression beside him.

"Your majesty, is this still acceptable?"

Though lacking a subject and object, the meaning was clear.

When faced with an overwhelming situation, words can be omitted and still be understood.

"Don't worry, Chukudi."

Abel said this and looked at Ryo.

Ryo nodded silently, gazing at the approaching dust storm.

Now that it was this close, he could recognize each individual monster.

"[Floating Magic Circle]"

Sixteen magic circles floated up behind Ryo.

Furthermore...