Roland stood atop the city wall, gazing northward. For the past month, he had been cycling through the same three points—castle, mine, and wall—revisiting every detail that might have been overlooked.
The militia's bayonet skills grew increasingly refined. Through Carter's relentless drills, they had mastered steady gun handling, only firing their long guns when the observing hunter called out the attack command.
Behind them stood the Orion squad, composed of all hunters who remained in Border Town and were skilled with bows and crossbows. These seasoned hunters formed the main force against the evil beasts, their shots from the twelve-foot-high city walls hitting the corners with near-total accuracy.
The final task was assigned to a finishing squad comprising Iron Axe, Carter, and two elite hunters. The four pre-assembled flintlock rifles—crafted at the blacksmith's workshop and welded by Anna—were now operational, reserved exclusively for eliminating those formidable monsters or hybrid beasts whose armor remained impervious to bows. With full freedom of movement, the squad roamed the approximately 200-meter stretch, responding to any threat that arose.
The explosive charges were stored in a heavily guarded warehouse beneath the city wall. When needed, they were transported separately to the wall—after all, if mishandled, these devices could cause more damage than the evil beast itself. While the beast's teeth couldn't break through the concrete rubble, the explosives could send entire sections of the wall flying into the air.
To date, Roland has conducted two live combat drills, including the use of explosive charges. These drills prevented the militia from abandoning their weapons during actual defensive operations due to the deafening explosions. Another benefit was that when the team realized Prince still possessed such a powerful weapon, morale soared instantly.
"Your Highness," Barov tightened his collar. "Most of the ore trade proceeds have been spent. If the Demon's Moon truly lasts as long as the astrologers claim, I doubt we'll last through winter." "Then fill my treasury to the brim," Roland said without hesitation. "And keep the trade with Willow Leaf Town going. The Steam Engine No.1 has been delivered to the mine, and the debris cleanup is nearly complete. We'll still have some output this winter—especially the gemstone roughs. No need to stress the price; sell them as soon as possible. Stocking up on grain and dried meat is always wise." Barov nodded. "I'll handle it, Your Highness. But..." Seeing the Minister's Assistant's hesitant expression, Roland understood his meaning. "Rest assured, I've arranged a small boat. If the situation collapses completely, I'll leave town." "Then I'm relieved." Barov let out a sigh of relief.
Roland gave him a smile. "Go ahead, you. I'll keep an eye on it." After Barov left, Prince climbed the watchtower. This was the highest point in the city wall's center, offering a sweeping view of the vast jungle and rolling mountains ahead. The cold wind howled in his face, but he paid no heed. Only on this open platform did the tension of impending battle begin to ease.
"You're lying to him," someone nearby said. "You never meant to leave." "Life is already so hard—some things are better left unspoken." "I don't understand what you're saying. If Prince's identity is already a struggle, what about us?" Nightingale appeared. "Even if you don't become the King, surviving these five years of the King's Order makes you a leader. Instead of worrying about that, you should spend more time with Anna. She probably doesn't have much time left." Roland fell silent. "I don't think she'll survive the Demon's Moon." "Why?" "She said she wouldn't lose to the Demon's Body Devourer," he paused. "I believe her." "You actually trust a Witch?" Nightingale shook her head. "We're cursed by the Devil." "Is that so? I believe you too." "...
Brian stood before the gravestone of the grey dog, dressed in casual clothes.
He gently stroked the pristine stone tablet, its pristine white surface engraved with a single line: "Nameless yet eternal in hearts. Heroes who fell for Border Town." "Gray Dog." "I've fulfilled my dream. When the Demon's Moon ends, Your Royal Highness will hold my coronation." "But I refuse to wait in bed." "My wounds have healed. The city walls are where I belong." "The Demon's Moon is near. Though the beasts may be fearsome, they'll crash into the defenses we built together—no further advance." "I'll wield your sword to guard this town." "This isn't over." "The one who framed you lives... but he won't live forever. That's Your Highness's promise to me." "Next time we meet, I'll bring good news." Brian bent down and placed a bouquet of flowers before the tombstone.
"Then goodbye, my friend."
"Sister Anna, are you not afraid?" Nana asked, leaning on the bed with her legs raised.
"What's there to fear?" "The evil demon devouring the body. Nightingale said it was winter, but I only became a Witch in autumn. This is my first time..." "First time," Anna mused, "It'll hurt terribly. Sometimes you'd wish you could die right then." "Ah!" Nana Wa gasped, covering her mouth immediately.
"But you'll survive, just like me." "I don't know..." Nanaava whispered. "I'm not as strong as you." "I'm not that strong," Anna closed her eyes, recalling their first meeting in the dim, cold dungeon. There, he draped his clothes over her and whispered about hiring her—still, it felt surreal. "You'll face things that make you want to live, even if it means struggling." "Like..." "Like a meatloaf drenched in sauce," she sighed. "How do I know what you want—well?" Anna wiped her face, her gaze fixed on Nanaava. "Is there something dirty on my face?" "No..." Nanaava shook her head. "I'm just surprised. You never used to talk to me like this... Sister Anna, your eyes were so beautiful when you closed them to think." Anna rolled her eyes, jumped out of bed, and walked to the window.
Nanava hurried after her, "What are you looking at? The Forest of Hide-and-Seek?" "The forest is to the west," Anna snapped. "All we can see here is the Chishui River." "Sister Anna, look up!" the girl pointed to the sky.
Anna paused in shock, then pushed open the window. A gust of cold wind, carrying specks of snowflakes, rushed into the room.
She reached out and held the crystal-clear snowflake, a chill running through her fingers.
"It's snowing."
"... After a long silence, the Nightingale finally spoke: 'You didn't lie. '' Of course, 'Roland laughed,' I rarely tell a lie.' The Nightingale said nothing more, turning her head away, her eyes now filled with an enigmatic God-like expression."
Suddenly, she felt a chill run down her neck and instinctively pulled it back. Lifting her head, she saw snowflakes had begun to drift across the city walls. The gray sky seemed to fill with countless white spirits, dancing in the north wind as they fluttered about to the rhythm of the militia's training chants.
...The month of evil has begun.