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“First, let’s put into perspective our current situation,” said the head of the Adventurer Association, Etic, who was visibly having trouble hiding his exhaustion.

Those gathered nodded their heads in agreement. Seletina, too, was desperate for information on the current state of Ulbdor.

Etic appeared to be in his late forties, and the back of his hand, pointing at the map, showed signs of age.

“A total of just under 10,000 people were trapped in Ulbdor, including nobles, commoners, wandering adventurers, and demi-humans who had missed their escape.”
“Ten thousand?” Seletina exclaimed.

Etic nodded in response.

“That’s right. However, we weren’t able to get a good picture on the Demons’ numbers. Most of them were still unhatched eggs or juveniles, so we couldn’t simply measure their strength. And their numbers are only increasing.”
“We engaged some Middle Ranks while defending the south gate. Do you think there are a lot of Middle Ranks or even stronger ones?”
“No, I doubt it. We didn’t see a lot of Middle Ranks. But their numbers are just too massive. If we leave them alone it won’t be long before an Upper Rank appears.”
“An Upper Rank…”

Seletina’s mind suddenly conjured up the image of the Defiler of Pride and Wisdom. It had evolved after absorbing a large number of Demons. If a Demon that could evolve in the same way were to appear here, then it wouldn’t be strange if an Upper Rank, or even something above it emerged.

“As you all saw, the gates that are now tightly shut can be breached just like that, I hope you understand that things are quite urgent.”

Seletina nodded honestly.

Lichter kept stroking the back of his head, as if the spot where he had been hit still hurt.

“So, if I may be so presumptuous as to ask, what did the three of you come up with?” Seletina asked, to which General Aubance answered.
“It’s impossible to save everything. Our plan was to have the civilians sacrifice themselves and then escape with the most important people using the best forces we could muster.”

“You are planning to use 10,000 people as bait?” Seletina asked, glaring at General Aubance.
“Putting it simply, yes.” General Aubance replied honestly.
“Are there no reinforcements coming?”
“No. I have been instructed by His Majesty to gather only what I need and get out. The option for reinforcements was never there to begin with.”

“What? General Aubance, why is this the first time I’m hearing this?!” Elvaro exclaimed, his face turning pale.
“Oh my, it seems I forgot to mention it. Sorry.”
“Has His Majesty Virden forsaken me?!”
“Forsaken is a bit of an overstretch, Elvaro. I believe the Emperor made the right decision. You should be thanking His Majesty given that you will be part of this group.”
“Damn it! Like I’d be thankful! This is ridiculous. You’re going to let me live only so that you can pin the blame of Ulbdor’s fall on me!”
“I cannot confirm, nor deny that accusation. You can just blame your bad luck.”

In contrast to Elvaro, whose shoulders slumped in disappointment, the General remained somewhat optimistic.

After taking just one sip of his tea, he turned to look at Seletina and Lichter once more.

“Well, this is how things are. You came here wanting money and fame, right? I, Aubance Giga Badinils, one of the Gildam Empire’s three Great Generals, guarantee that I can give you what you want, proven that you really want it. If you do, then I’d like to place you in charge of protecting the important people. That is the sole reason I called you here. It’s not a bad offer, no?” Aubance said, smiling as if urging them to accept.

Adventurers, after all, were nothing more than lowly scum who simply ate their lives away. Or, at least, that is how Aubance viewed them. That is why he believed they were easy to control.

Which is why– “We will have to decline your offer.” Seletina’s response shook General Aubance.

He put down his teacup and looked straight into her deep-blue eyes. Seletina’s eyes, too, responded straight away, not wavering at all.

“Why?”

It was a simple question. He had promised to provide them money and fame. He had also given them an assignment that would be fairly simple for them to complete. He hadn’t asked them to fight to the death. He’d asked them to gather the important people and escape while the decoys were doing their job.

Both Seletina and Lichter had proven that they were capable of that. If they were truly adventurers who wanted money and fame, then this job was a no-brainer. Yet, Seletina had refused.

“We… No, I cannot escape knowing that I’d be doing so at the expense of 10,000 people. I know this may sound naive, but I want to save as many lives as I can. That is the reason I came here, and that is why I am helping.”
“How naive. I’ve never seen an adventurer as naive as you.”
“Thank you for the compliment.”

“Are you trying to be a hero or something? Stop daydreaming! Haven’t you thought about dying? From what I can see I figure this is your first time in Ulbdor. Why are you willing to risk so much for a place you don’t even know?”
“……”
“Are you thinking it’s okay to die?”
“If death is the thing that awaits me after I have saved as many as I can, then I will gladly welcome it.”
“Ridiculous.”

The light in Seletina’s eyes showed that she was speaking the truth. Her neat face was serious, and contained no hint of arrogance. General Aubance felt so foolish that he slumped back in his chair.

Just what is he thinking? Was I wrong for publicly declaring that the citizens would be used as bait? No, but…

Aubance couldn’t figure Seletina out. He didn’t know whether she was simply a fool, or if she had something up her sleeve…

Silence descended. However, it took only about three seconds for it to end.

“I’ve come to report!”

A soldier yelled, throwing open the door and entering inside. He was visibly out of breath and was sweating profusely.

General Aubance let out a sigh of dismay when he saw him.

“You again… Didn’t someone teach you to knock before–”
“Winged Demons have entered the city from the north gate! Currently, Demons are rampaging throughout the city! The damage is enormous!”
“Lichter!”

Seletina’s body moved instantly. She grabbed Elyutinias, which had been placed standing next to her, and tucked it into the belt at her waist.

Lichter, in turn, licked his lips, glad that he’d finally be able to alleviate the boredom.

“We’ll go first! General, we’ll continue our discussion later! Lichter, let’s go!”

With that, Seletina ran out of the room. Before following her, Lichter turned to General Aubance.

“He’s always like that, old man.” He said before running out of the room after Seletina.
“Just what are those two trying to do?” General Aubance muttered bitterly.