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Page after page, after page... Grey and Yuna read through the documents Countess Tifania gave them and the two read them at extreme speeds as always, eyes shifting left and right as they flipped through them.
Most of them were vague reports and testimonies, the citizens of Ortega and the travelers doing the best they could to give the most reliable detail they could. There weren't many witnesses but it was a good start.
Some adventurers who just managed to luckily come back were also able to give some rough details about where the Wyverns are making nests. So far, after all the testimonies they have collected, they were able to narrow the areas of suspicion.
"Northwest... That's quite vague, isn't it?" ［Grey］
"I truly apologize, Your Highness. The forest surrounding Ortega is far too big to scour, and we were only able to pinpoint the general direction." ［Tifania］
"No, it's more than enough. It's better than nothing." ［Grey］
"I see... That's a relief..." ［Tifania］
Ortega is a big city, rich in resources and filled with various landscapes where one could gather all sorts of things. In the east and southeast there were plains, in the northeast was a winding river leading to a lake, and other else was a massive forest.
It has only been 2 days since the Wyverns started attacking, and judging from the ink marks on the map atop the office table, Countess Tifania has been gathering all the reports she could and narrowing down the place where Wyverns are nesting.
And though the problem only started 2 days ago, it seems that someone had spotted one much earlier, about 4 days ago. The Wyverns have arrived to hunt in the nearby forest, but somehow, one ended up wandering too close to the city.
There was one, and then there were 2, and then many more. More and more Wyverns gathered around the city with every passing hour, attempting to break down the barrier and feast on the humans under its protection.
"Countess, we heard that you already sent scouts to the forest. Do you still not have a word from them?" ［Yuna］
"I have, but it was no use. The forest is too big and the Wyverns are too alert... We had a few scouts spot some Wyverns, but they were all chased with their lives on the line, some losing their limbs, and some..." ［Tifania］
The Countess couldn't finish her words, clearly trembling in anger and dismay as she clenched her fists. She had already sent the best scouts of the city, and yet, there are a handful of them who haven't returned.
Worst of all, they were only able to figure out where the nest's general location was because of the sacrifice of their scouts. They crossed out the directions where the scouts didn't return and sure enough, they were able to narrow it down.
"Haah... Please calm yourself down, Countess. There's nothing wrong with getting angry, but we can't have our emotions get the better of us." ［Grey］
"O-Of course. I apologize for my thoughtless actions." ［Tifania］
"Maybe, you're just too stressedー Ah! Maybe this will help." ［Yuna］
Said Yuna as she suddenly took a couple of things from her storage ring. There was a teacup, a teaspoon, a thermos bottle, and some instant tea powder they sell in the shopping mall. It was a small box with about a dozen packs.
It was Chamomile tea which is greatly known for its soothing and relaxing effects. Yuna would have loved to serve her a more appropriate refreshment, but they aren't exactly in a situation where they could afford to waste time.
"Please have this, Countess." ［Yuna］
"Umm... This is...?" ［Tifania］
"It's tea. Well, you'll see when you taste it." ［Yuna］
The Countess was curious and a little cautious, but there was no use being too wary. She soon took Yuna's offer and held the teacup in her hands. She had a little whiff on it, and some mild yet fragrant scent tickled her nose.
She soon took a sip, and a refreshing tinge of sweetness played on her tongue. It was mellow yet notable, feeling smooth and silky. There were also some notes unique to floral teas present, soothing her mind quite a bit.
"What wonderful taste, and the aroma... Pardon me for asking, but may I know what this is, Your Highnesses? I think I already made a liking to it." ［Tifania］
"It's Chamomile tea, something we have been working on. If you want, we can give you the whole box." ［Yuna］
"I can't possibly have something so preciousー" ［Tifania］
"Fufufu! It's not that precious at all! We still have a lot in stock anyway, and... I think you would need it more than us." ［Yuna］
"... I see... Then I will happily accept. I am very grateful, Your Highness." ［Tifania］
Said the Countess as she took another sip and refreshed her mind a little. She had been working tirelessly for the past two days, and hadn't even had a proper meal since the Wyvern attack. The servants are worried for her.
Moreover, she really isn't in her peak anymore, her age slowly catching up to her. Had Grey and Yuna arrived a little late, she might have collapsed from working too much. The life of a feudal lord really isn't easy.
"Right, where were we again?" ［Tifania］
"We were talking about the nest." ［Grey］
"Oh, right... There is also one thing we found out..." ［Tifania］
Her mind now refreshed and her heart calm as a placid lake, the Countess soon continued her briefing and gave Grey and Yuna some important notes. They may have nor gathered much, but they still had something.
It seems like the case wasn't as simple as it seems, as there was not just one, but two flocks of Wyvern who were migrating south together. They arrived just about the same time, and are now causing double the trouble to everyone.
They know it was for certain because the scouts managed to spot two distinct pairs of True Wyverns and distinct Wyverns following after them. The True Wyverns haven't attacked the city yet, but they couldn't just wait in assurance.
By their estimate, other than the 4 adult Wyverns, there are at least 20 adolescents at the higher end of B-rank, and at least 50 juveniles scattered through C-rank and D-rank. All in all, there are close to 80 Wyverns.
"Hmm... This is even much bigger of a problem than we thought..." ［Grey］
"Two flocks... Aren't they fighting over territories?" ［Yuna］
"There are a few minor scuffles between the juvenile Wyverns from time to time, but surprisingly, they get along rather well, Your Highness." ［Tifania］
"What a bugger... It would have been easier if they took each other out." ［Yuna］
"They have probably been migrating together for a long time, or one of the parents are siblings or are related. There could be many reasons." ［Grey］
"Right... Wyverns treasure their kin, after all." ［Yuna］
The biggest problem they have in hand is the fact that Wyverns could be called social beasts. If one of the nests gets attacked, the other group might help them out and make things difficult for any attack force trying to subjugate them.
Moreover, with such a number alone, even an entire army would find it hard to defend against them. After all, just one True Wyvern is enough to occupy Alfrione's General, much more if there are 4 of them. It was trouble.
Well, not that the same common rules apply for Grey and Yuna anyway. They may be outnumbered by a long shot, but all they need to do is lift a single finger and obliterate a beast at the higher ends of A-rank.
The moment they find the nest, it shouldn't even take half an hour to subjugate them all. The only problem is that they don't where that neat is. Grey would have to use his "Divine Eyes" again to pinpoint the exact location of the nest.
"That's all we could share with you, Your Highnesses. I may not be much, but I hope this information helps you out." ［Tifania］
"Yeah, it will be very helpful. And, could I ask one last thing?" ［Grey］
"Yes. Anything, Your Highness." ［Tifania］
"Then... Can you take us to where the injured are?" ［Grey］
Grey asked with a stern tone in his voice, taking the Countess quite aback. She didn't mention it because she didn't want to trouble the two any more than she already is, but with the two asking insistently on their own, there was only so much she could do.
Grey and Yuna already heard from the coachman the amount of victims there are, but from the Countess' words, it seems like there are much more than they initially thought. The Countess' expression was filled with gloom and guilt.
"It may be burdensome to bear, but please follow me, Your Highnesses." ［Tifania］
There was no time to waste. With her heart now steeled, Countess Tifania then led Grey and Yuna to the church's wards where the injured victims are being treated, an atmosphere full of gloom looking over it.
Grey and Yuna have yet to enter the place, but they can already hear the wails and cries of despair from the people inside. Some had lost their loved ones and some are in a critical condition, flames flickering in the thin line between life and death.
There were also a handful of people going inside the church, some having deep wounds all over their body and some with decapitated limbs. It seems like they are the scouts the Countess was talking about.
"Yuna, do you think you can handle them on your own?" ［Grey］
"Hm? Are you going somewhere?" ［Yuna］
"I was thinking of going over the walls and scouting ahead. If I use my eyes, I should be able to pinpoint where they're coming from." ［Grey］
"I see... That does sound more efficient... Please go on ahead, I'll follow after you. And, I know you'll already do fine, but… Good luck, Grey." ［Yuna］
"Yeah. I'll make sure to spot them. Then I'll leave everything to you!" ［Grey］
There was no need to ponder for long. With Yuna taking responsibility for everyone, Grey quickly leaped away with the power of wind magic to aid him. He was practically flying, soaring high up towards the city and rushing beyond the walls.
Everyone was surprised, but Yuna still has something to do. She soon headed to the church with Countess Tifania behind her, and surely enough, much like what the Countess had said, it was not a scene for the weak-hearted.
There was blood, bandages, and herbs all over the place, the whole floor filled with victims from left to right. Some were in severe conditions, and some had already passed away, everyone clinging on to the dim glimmers of hope.
There were also priests and healers present, and a lot of healing potions as well, however, it was still not enough. The priests and healers are clearly tired, yet they continue to push through, drinking mana potions again and again to recover.
"Your Highness... Please..." ［Tifania］
"Don't worry, Countess... Just leave it to me." ［Yuna］
There was only confidence in her eyes, the young lady soon walking to the middle of the room, a couple eyes falling towards her. Her eyes were as clear and calm as her heart, soon heaving a sigh as she casted a wide-area spell.
⟨⟨Holy Bell⟩⟩ ［Yuna］
Yuna's voice echoed in the air and soon a radiant beam of golden light shimmered all throughout the church. It swallowed everything and anything in sight, feeling the whole place with warmth and gracing the wounded with her blessing.
The blobs and fragments of golden light soon melded into everyone's bodies and slowly but surely, healed every wound in their bodies. Even the ones who had lost their limbs had them restored, their bodies slowly returning to their peak.
⟨⟨Perfect Cure⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Rejuvenate⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Serenity⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Purify⟩⟩ ［Yuna］
Yuna didn't just stop there and also casted other holy-attribute spells. She made sure not just to heal their bodies, but also rid them of disease, restore their bodily fluids and functions, calm their minds, and remove impurities.
It was a total recovery which was nothing short of a miracle, everyone completely healed in just a matter of seconds. The people were speechless, but soon enough, the sound of relief and celebrations echoed in the air.
Yuna couldn't bring back the dead, but even then, their loved ones were more than happy to be able to bury them with an intact and complete body. They were still weeping, but it was more than enough for them.
"I couldn't thank you enough, Your Highness. Truly, I am forever grateful from the bottom of my heart." ［Tifania］
"I'm just doing my job. I'm an adventurer, after all." ［Yuna］
"I see... It might take a while, but I'll be sure to repay you for everything you have done. Please don't hesitate to ask if you ever need something." ［Tifania］
"Hmm... Anything... Then could I ask a couple of magic plants?" ［Yuna］
Asked Yuna jokingly with a bright smile on her face, taking the Countess by surprise once again. However, this time, what followed was not a face of gloom but rather, a bright smile on her face as she giggled softly to herself.
"Then, I'll make sure to find you the best ones we can." ［Tifania］
It wasn't just the Countess, but every single person inside the Church which gave their gratitude to the young lady. They all rushed towards her when they were ready and expressed their gratitude the best way they could.
It was a little overwhelming, but there was nothing Yuna could do about it. It makes her wonder if Grey left the troublesome task to her after anticipating all that... Well, receiving thanks wasn't too bad either... Not too bad at all...
『Yuna, prepare yourself.』 ［Grey］
However, not all peaceful times last long, and such was the case this time. It hasn't even been a couple minutes since Yuna entered the church and terrible news already came ringing inside her ears, her eyes gleaming differently all of the sudden.
Grey was about to scout ahead to see where the Wyverns are coming from, but it seems like there was no need to. Before Grey could even rush off into the distance, he already spotted a huge flock of Wyvern rushing towards the city.
It was just like the Countess had anticipated, 4 True Wyverns leading the whole flock up front. Following them were about 23 Lesser Wyverns and 54 Juvenile Wyverns. It seems like they have finally decided to launch an all-out attack.
"Countess, please ready the people for an evacuation. The Wyverns are coming." ［Yuna］
"...!!! Yes! Please leave it to me, Your Highness." ［Tifania］
It was sudden, but thanks to the Countess' quick thinking, people were able to move efficiently and carry out Yuna's plan. They all moved the citizens using a makeshift evacuation plan and rang out all the alarms in the city.
There really was no need to evacuate, but the moment Grey and Yuna start firing spells, the barrier would be broken. They are confident they can stop all Wyverns but there was no harm in being too cautious.
As for Yuna, she quickly rushed away and headed straight to where Grey was. With the sudden usage of a wide-area"Holy Bell", and with the amount of victims, Yuna spent almost a third of her mana, but it was still enough to deal with some lizards.
Before long, she finally arrived at the outer walls, Grey standing firmly before her and the spirits standing beside him. All their eyes were focused on the Wyverns rushing straight towards the city. They were still quite the distance away.
"Grey, how many minutes left before they reach the city?" ［Yuna］
"A minute...? Maybe 2 at best." ［Grey］
"I see... Then there's no need to wait." ［Yuna］
The Wyverns are already rushing towards them at high speeds, and so what better greeting was there than some fierce torrents of magic. Grey and Yuna quickly gathered mana in the air and casted some advanced-level spells together.
Grey called upon the winds and created dozens of massive spears, all the while Yuna commanded over the frost and formed dozens of frozen spears along with Grey's spells, creating a cold tempest over the city.
⟨⟨Winter Gale's Parade⟩⟩ ［Yuna］ ⟨⟨Northern Wind: Boreas⟩⟩ ［Grey］
Two ferocious spells were unleashed and several dozen spears of gale and frost rushed forth towards the enemy. All flew faster than the speed of sound, sonic booms rupturing the air time and time again.
It was all too sudden, the Wyverns not suspecting a sudden barrage of death bolting towards them. Most of the older ones were able to dodge the raging torrent, but the same couldn't be said for the younger ones.
KHIIEEEEEKKKK KUAAAAAKKKKM HIIEEEKKKKKKK
The Wyverns were swatted like flies, falling one after another with large gaping holes throughout their bodies. Even those who dodged weren't guaranteed their safety, the sheer pressure from the spears alone knocking them down.
It didn't just end there either. The Wyverns were so focused on dodging Grey and Yuna's attacks that they didn't even notice the spirits. Alpheratz' vines had already stretched long, slinging Markab's boulders and Algenib's glaciers towards them.
Scheat didn't just stay still either, shooting a torrent of fireballs and lightning bolts towards the enemies relentlessly. They didn't just damage, but distracted them as well, making way for everyone else to attack with the strongest shots in their arsenal.
Half a minute has passed, and the enemies' numbers dwindled to only a quarter to what it used to be. Most of the juveniles have been wiped out and only half of the Lesser Wyverns have been dealt with.
"A-Amazing... To deal with the Wyverns just like that..."
"As expected of the Heroes of Oiros... Even Wyverns are no match for them."
"Men! Don't just stand there! Be ready to support Their Highnesses!"
With just a quick display of power, all the knights and soldiers' morale rose through the sky. They all moved like never before, ready to assist Grey and Yuna whenever need be, raising their bows, and readying their ballistas.
All the Wyverns were infuriated, but with more than a couple kilometers of distance between them, there wasn't anything they could do. The closet they charged, the more accurate the projectiles became, endangering them.
"Ah, right... Wyvern materials cost a hefty sum, right? We should probably not damage them too much." ［Grey］
"Should we tone down our attacks, Master?" ［Markab］
"Hmm... Not necessarily, but if possible, please finish them off in one swift strike. That way, we can preserve their materials in the best possible state." ［Grey］
"I guess it's just better to freeze them then." ［Yuna］
"Make sure to not freeze the entire forest as well. Don't go overboard." ［Grey］
"I know, I know. You treat me like a kid too much." ［Yuna］
Casual as can be, Grey and Yuna soon changed their attack patterns and finished off the charging Wyverns in clean strikes. Grey cut them off with blades of wind, Yuna froze them whole and killing them with coldness, and the spirits also did their best.
It's a little annoying to deal with the Lesser Wyverns who are quite smart, but with overwhelming firepower, a single strike was more than enough. Alpheratz was especially helpful, using the forest to her advantage and binding the Wyverns.
Needless to say, the Wyverns were completely helpless against them. It was to the point that some stopped charging recklessly and backed off. They then started soaring higher, increasing their distance vertically.
"Hmm... These ones are quite smart, huh..." ［Yuna］
"They're probably being instructed by the parents." ［Grey］
"That's a shame... I thought it was going to be easy..." ［Yuna］
Their numbers down to only about a dozen, all the Wyverns had soared higher in the sky and hid themselves behind the clouds. The knights and soldiers tried to look up and searched for them but all that greeted them was the blinding sun.
Of course, Grey could still spot them perfectly, sharing his vision with Yuna and the spirits. They were soaring higher and higher, soon coming to a stop and charging towards the city once again. They all charged at the same time.
They darted down like massive bolts of lightning, diving straight down and betting it all in the battle. They have already lost far too much in the battle, never surrendering with their high prides and ferocious nature. It was all within calculations...
"Haah... How futile... Don't go crashing down the city now, alriー !!!" ［Grey］
... Or so they thought, however, Grey missed a tiny single detail. Though Wyverns may be of the null-attribute and could fire powerful shots of mana, like dragons and people, they can also use other attributes if they trained hard enough.
It was all too sudden, a massive pillar of ice rushing down towards the city at high speeds. It zoomed like lightning and headed straight towards the city without slowing down a single bit, packing enough power to blow away a whole sector.
⟨⟨Barrier⟩⟩ ［Grey］
Unfortunately for the Wyvern, it was up against Grey and Yuna. The young man simply created a barrier and shattered the whole attack with an impenetrable barrier, turning into a light shower of snow and diamond dust.
"Looks like we got a troublesome one in our hands..." ［Grey］
CHAPTER 477 END