Chapter 65: The Beginning of The Change (2)
“So, let’s turn this place into a very big torch,” I said briefly.
But Sigren’s eyes questioned what I was talking about. “Does this mean we’re all going to be grilled together?”
I laughed briefly. “It’s not like that… Anyway, I’m going to burn down the entire headquarters.”
‘If you’re going to do it, you have to do it right.’
“So, that’s what you mean.”
“Exactly. Except for the central barracks, I’ll burn down some of the trees after gathering all the people there. This way, I can control the monsters and only need to protect this place.”
Fortunately, the central barracks was the largest in the headquarters, which is why it was called ‘central.’ Also, its location on the edge meant there was no fear of being surrounded by flames. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
I continued to persuade him. “You know, we can’t kill all the monsters or wait for reinforcements to arrive.”
“Isn’t this plan a little dangerous?”
“If it’s a wildfire, don’t worry. I’ll control it to some extent, and it’ll rain soon. Rather, I’m afraid it will rain before the operation begins.”
That was the reason I was in a hurry. If it started to rain, there would really be no way out.
“No, what about your body? Is it okay if you use that much power?”
“Me?”
Hmm, in fact, my remaining mana was scarce. The number of monsters was large, and my remaining mana couldn’t create an explosion strong enough to kill them. Even before I could unleash the explosion, my strength would be depleted. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com. So, if I wanted to use all my energy, I needed a more efficient way to use my remaining mana. I found the answer: there was no need to kill all the monsters. We could just stop fighting them. Retreating rather than fighting was a way to ensure survival. That was my point.
“I think I’m okay.”
“I hear your questioning tone. So, it doesn’t look good.”
“No, wait. Well… I’m going to faint anyway… I can endure that much. Besides, I can’t just watch people die; this is a way.”
There were very few options, considering there weren’t enough people to protect the noblemen and ladies, non-combat personnel, and to stop the monsters, especially if it rained. Reinforcements would definitely be delayed.
My strategy was also a bit of a gamble. If the transformed monsters overcame their instincts and realized they had become stronger, my plan could fail. However, I considered this possibility to be very low. Although they had transformed and a considerable amount of time had passed, it wasn’t enough for the monsters to fully comprehend their newfound strength.
At my persuasion, Sigren finally nodded, though reluctantly. “Okay, let’s do that.”
Fortunately, it didn’t take long to gather people. The non-combat personnel and the wounded were already in the central barracks, and only the combat personnel were fighting the monsters. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com. In the end, all we had to do was gather those who were barely holding on.
Sigren and Abel helped the people to retreat. As soon as Abel saw me, he flicked his finger lightly at my forehead.
“It seems that this ignorant plan came from you as well.”
“Ouch… Sigren is here too. Why do you think it’s me?”
“Sometimes, you’re so bold that it’s scary.”
Really? I honestly didn’t know. All I did at Heilon was kill monsters.
“Okay, let’s start playing with fire.”
I secretly stuck my tongue out at his choice of words. ‘Playing with fire’? He really was too much. I’m doing this to save people.
Abel and Sigren stood on either side of me, as if they were protecting someone. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com. The monsters made growling sounds and scratched the ground with their front feet, perhaps sensing something strange.
I spoke without sincerity.
“Yes, yes. Now we’re starting the whole roasting operation.”
***
The operation to hold the monsters back was starting, and no one was allowed to leave. Nevertheless, Eunice poked her head out of the tent. The noble lady who had helped her evacuate was not inside. As soon as she looked outside, her eyes squinted for a moment due to the intense brightness. It was as if a wave of fire was sweeping through the area. Surprisingly, the fire was not lit close to the tents, so breathing was not difficult.
Once Eunice’s eyes adjusted to the bright light, she finally took in the scene. It was an amazing sight. She couldn’t believe she was seeing such a large fire up close.
‘This is magic.’
There weren’t many mages, and most of them stayed in the capital. Eunice, who lived in the countryside, rarely had the chance to see a mage. Enthusiastically, Eunice slowly turned her gaze around and saw an even more astonishing sight. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com. A woman in her late teens was standing far in front of the central camp. It was not an exaggeration to say that she was standing in the middle of the flames. Yet, the woman looked unharmed. Vermilion sparks flew around her silver long hair, but not a single strand was burned. The flames seemed to be decorating her hair like jewels. Her red eyes, clear and vibrant like red jade, reflected the sway of the flames.
Eunice couldn’t take her eyes off the woman. The scene was truly strange. Despite being a lady of her own age, the woman stood confidently amid the flames. Against the vermilion backdrop, she smiled faintly and shifted the direction of the flames as if she were playing. It was a sight that defied the common notion that people are burned by fire. The inhuman appearance evoked a profoundly foreign and terrifying feeling. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
‘No, it’s not just fear. It’s more than that—’
“As expected, Fiona Heilon.”
Eunice was startled by the voice. Next to her stood a man and a woman. Like Eunice, they were also looking outside after rolling up the fabric at the entrance. Both were well-known figures: Arrendt Clovis and Livya Priscilla.
Arrendt looked at Fiona and remarked, “She’s more powerful than I thought. That Lady Fiona.”
He had gathered some information about Fiona, though it was difficult because Abel had tightly concealed it. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Livya, too, had similar sentiments. “You’re right. It’s truly mind-blowing, but at the same time, it’s a very terrifying sight.”
“Absolutely enchanting,” Livya added, narrowing her eyes and smiling. “I hate to agree with you, but you’re right, Marquis Clovis.”
Eunice, listening to their conversation, quietly agreed with both of them. Everything they said was accurate. People often reject what is peculiar, but sometimes they are drawn to its oddness. The sight was alien and gave a sense of danger, yet it was irresistibly alluring.
‘Lady Fiona.’
Eunice thought that she would like to talk to her one day. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
***
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