Emergency in Marina!

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[Event]

Discover and retrieve the Thousand-blood Flower in Farnodt Kingdom. The teleportation feature will be activated within the next two days. The teleportation point is situated in the southern region of the Farnodt Kingdom.

Reward: ???

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"...two days."

Cien stared at the screen of his cellphone, which surprisingly responded to his threat. With this, Cien was now certain that there was indeed a specific reason for his revival.

However, he chose not to dwell on it at the moment. He'd be better off focusing on saving his wife.

Two days and he would be teleported to the south, far from Marina in the northern part where Ethel and the group were located.

Cien feels that even if the phone compromises, it still will provide the mission with a particular difficulty.

"Which means, I have to break through the demon-occupied southern region to get up north. Ha, this phone seems to have a sense of humor. Tsk!"

Cien realized that infiltrating the demon forces would prove to be a formidable task. It wasn't that he wanted to give up, but he feared the possibility of failure down the line.

That was something he couldn't afford. Therefore, he needed to think of an alternative approach.

'I can't do this alone.'

Cien's anger subsided, allowing him to think more calmly and clearly.

He then picked up his phone and initiated a group call, utilizing a feature that allowed him to contact multiple people at once.

The individuals Cien called were Kirana, Mia, Legia, Reiss, Terrion, Old Man Sid, and Lilinette.

As Balmut was currently absent, Old Man Sid temporarily filled in his role as the village representative. That's why Cien directed his call towards the Storage Building manager.

Instantly, the call connected to the thoughts of everyone involved. Cien conveyed his message succinctly.

"Gather at the Meeting Hall right now!"

The message had a striking impact on those who heard it.

Cien's tone carried an air of authority, prompting everyone to realize that something was amiss.

Without further contemplation, they made their way to the already-standing Meeting Hall. This building was located adjacent to the school and hospital.

Kirana and Legia, who were in the midst of training with Fenrir, immediately relayed the message that Cien had called for them.

<Why the sudden call? >

"I'm not sure, but it seems urgent," Kirana replied as she sheathed her weapon, preparing to depart.

"Hn, I believe it's not just us being summoned. There are likely other key figures," added Legia.

Fenrir, overhearing this exchange, grew intrigued. Perhaps out of boredom, he offered to join as well.

The three of them finally made their way down.

Kirana briefly stopped by her house, but Sella informed her that her father had already left.

Kirana furrowed her brows, sensing that the situation might be even more urgent than she had initially thought. The three of them immediately headed to the Meeting Hall.

On the way, they encountered Reiss and Terrion, who seemed to be heading to the Meeting Hall as well.

As the five of them arrived, within the meeting room, they saw Mia, Old Man Sid, and Lilinette seated in chairs around a large rectangular table.

In the center, at the main seat, Cien sat with his eyes closed, deep in thought.

"Father," Kirana softly called.

Cien opened his eyes, offering a faint smile, and gestured for Kirana and the others to take their seats.

While sitting down, Kirana mentioned that Fenrir was outside the building since he couldn't fit through the door.

"…"

Cien truly didn't know how to respond. He had expected this to happen, which was why he hadn't called Fenrir. Unexpectedly, the Wolf had decided to come on his own.

Sighing, Cien contacted Fenrir through his phone.

Once connected, he informed Fenrir that he could listen in on the meeting through his phone.

Cien placed his phone on the table and activated the loudspeaker feature, enabling Fenrir to interact with the others as well.

"Let's begin."

Cien stated succinctly, then looked at the individuals who were seated, all of them wearing serious expressions.

"Something terrible has occurred. Farnodt Kingdom has been invaded by the Abyss."

""!!!""

The news shocked everyone present. Reiss, who hailed from Marina, immediately stood up in a panic.

"Lord Millard! What do you mean? Are you aware of the current situation?"

Cien gestured for Reiss to sit back down. He was about to explain the situation in Farnodt. He asked everyone to remain calm, including Kirana.

Listening to her father, Kirana's heart felt like it was about to shatter, knowing that her mother was on her way here.

'It can't be possible…'

Cien went on to explain the situation as he had learned from Cherry.

From the beginning of the invasion in the eastern part of the kingdom, to now where more than half of the Farnodt Kingdom had fallen to the Abyss, including the capital of the kingdom, Lumiere.

Cien also explained that he received this information from one of his wife's subordinates, who was currently trapped in Marina along with her and their group.

Reiss and Kirana trembled. Both of them seemed ready to leave the room and head to the battlefield.

However, Cien sought to calm them for the moment—not to deter them, but to elucidate the situation in Marina.

"Marina has been encircled by the enemy from various directions. The same goes for the northern region. The latest communication reports that Marina's soldiers and adventurers are still managing to fend off the demon onslaught, but I fear this won't last long. They're outnumbered and fatigued. Right now, they can only hold their ground without mounting a counterattack."

Hearing this information only further drained the color from Reiss's face. That meant it was only a matter of time before his kingdom's final defense crumbled.

Reiss felt a surge of frustration with himself for leaving his hometown. He was eager to rush to help, but Cien stopped him temporarily, as he wasn't the only one itching to take action.

Cien turned to Kirana, saying, "Kiran, I can't leave from here."

"Father… Kiran will try to save Mom!"

Cien smiled warmly at his daughter before continuing. "However, two days from now, I'll be able to move to the southern part of Farnodt."

"!"

"I will do my best to reach you in the north later."

Kirana's lips quivered, wanting to say something, but she swallowed her words and could only bow her head while holding back tears.

Cien then turned to the others, his gaze saying more than words.

"Lord Millard, if you need manpower, I'm willing to help. Hahaha, besides, Reiss is no longer a stranger. I can't possibly let him go to the jaws of death alone."

Terrion responded with a thump on his chest.

Reiss wanted to decline the offer from his newfound friend, but the seasoned adventurer wouldn't accept no for an answer.

Meanwhile, Mia spoke up, "Lord Millard, the knights I brought here have orders to make this place safer and protect the residents of Death Valley. I don't have the authority to send them to the battlefield. However, if you're willing, contact Ian. He'll convey it to Her Highness."

Cien nodded, accepting Mia's advice. After gaining approval from the Princess's Aide, Cien would contact Ian once the current discussion concluded.

Old Man Sid and Lilinette remained silent; they couldn't do much about the situation outside.

Cien didn't ask them to participate in the war either. He only requested that Old Man Sid relay the news to the other villagers.

Lastly, there was Legia. She would accompany Kirana to rescue Ethel's group in Marina.

With this, a few individuals had already committed to heading to the battlefield: Kirana, Legia, Terrion, and Reiss. The four of them promptly left the room to prepare.

Observing their departure, Cien turned to his phone. Fenrir was still listening outside.

Cien knew that the Wolf wouldn't want to intervene in Kastia's current affairs, especially after being let down by the very nation he had protected for centuries.

However, Cien needed his help now. He required Fenrir's speed to transport Kirana and the others to the battlefield.

It would take about a week to reach Marina from the Death Valley village area, even if they rushed without taking breaks.

And in that week, everything could be resolved there. Farnodt might already be in ruins. Ethel and the others… Cien didn't want to imagine it. He wouldn't let it happen!

"Have you heard our conversation, Fenrir?"

<Hm, didn't expect Abyss to return.>

"Can you help us?"

<I won't intervene this time.>

"You don't need to. I just want you to take Kirana and the others to Marina. With your speed, they should arrive in two or three days. It would be a great help. Please, that's all I ask."

<...I understand. I'll take them there.>

"Thank you, Fenrir."

Cien promptly ended his call with Fenrir.

Next, he contacted Ian. Once connected, Cien explained the current situation and asked Ian to relay his message to Sravati.

"Send reinforcements to Marina."

He conveyed this message not only for personal reasons but also for the residents of Marina who were trapped there.

Considering Reiss and the Marina adventurers who played a role in fighting the demon forces in Blackwinter, Cien was confident that Sravati wouldn't stay idle.

The only issue now was whether Huntara would be willing to send their troops.

Cien wasn't certain. Hence, he wanted to at least ask Sravati for permission to borrow the knights in his village. With the weapons currently available in his shop, Cien could strengthen those knights.

Cien hoped Sravati would provide a prompt response. At the very least, before Fenrir and the others set off.

"I'll contact you again in an hour. Accepted or not, I'll accept your answer."

<I understand, Lord Millard.>

With that, Cien concluded his call with Ian. He then looked at the three individuals still in the room.

Cien entrusted the task of spreading the news to Old Man Sid and then allowed him to leave. This news may not really be important to those who live in the Death Valley. Moreover, hearing about the Abyss may make them panic.

But, Cien decided to share the news to others because he wanted them not to panic. If Sravati approved his proposal, the knights in the village would disappear. And it will make the villagers question the situations themselves.

So Cien thought, it's better to let them know the situation first than later.

As for Lilinette, his niece said something to Cien that left him taken aback, but he reluctantly followed her suggestion.

"Are you serious, Lily?"

"Hm. If Uncle can do it, why can't I?"

"Sigh… where did my Lily, who lacked enthusiasm, go? This isn't like you."

"Uncle, Aunt, Kiran. We are Millards. In Death Valley. For the sake of family."

Cien smiled warmly, "I understand. I will prepare for your request."

"Hm."

Cien then turned to the last person.

"I will wait here for news from Ian with you. Hey, Lilinette. Could you please bring some food and drinks here?" Said Mia, leaning back in her chair, gazing at the sky as if pondering something.