Everything in front of my eyes turned pitch black.

Could it be Serbion in Central?

Kwong!

As if confirming that suspicion, another explosion sound echoed.

Everything became pitch black.

Did they lure Idrish and Terminus away?

Was Central their real target? It was a big problem. Most of the weapons and elite soldiers were dispatched as the 1st and 2nd army. There was no Idrish, who commanded the army for defense, and no Terminus.

“This can’t go on. I have to leave right away.”
I took five big steps backward. Then, I recalled the past when Idrish pushed the door open with his shoulder.

He definitely did it like this. I can do it too. I am a completely strong hedgehog.

I extended my shoulders forward and rushed into the door in one go. If the door didn’t open, I exerted all my strength, even risking breaking my shoulders.

Hoping that the door would fall, I closed my eyes tightly.

Huh?

At the moment I thought my shoulders would be impacted, my body flew through the air. Then, landing with a soft and warm sensation, I tumbled together.

“Ouch.”

Heron, who had hit her forehead, murmured below me. It was the exact spot my shoulders unintentionally attacked a little while ago.

“He, Heron?”

“Sesilia, it’s Serpian’s attack!”

Responding to my call, Heron struggled to stand up. Her forehead was swelling in real-time.

“You can’t stay here. We have to avoid it!”

Heron grabbed my hand and pulled me. I ran without saying a word. Even without her explanation, I could guess the situation well enough.

It wasn’t like we neglected the defense of Central. We installed walls in various places and put gunpowder around them. The bombs, designed to explode when stepped on, were the primary defense line. Thanks to the gunpowder gathered in Idrish’s White Tiger Mansion.

After that, we installed surveillance outposts and made sure those who could shoot guns defended according to the instructions.

It would be difficult for any ordinary force to break through that defense line.

But seeing the command for me to escape to the center of Central…

Not only did the defense line collapse, but it also meant that Serpian would soon arrive at the center of Central.

It probably meant there was a force beyond ordinary.

I bit my lips painfully.

How long will it take for Idrish to return knowing this fact? He probably hasn’t even reached the territory yet.

However, the moment I went outside, my despair grew even more significant.

“Don’t run away! Raise your guns!”

Someone shouted loudly. But some had already thrown away their weapons and turned to run.

Serpian hadn’t reached the inside yet, but in the distance, explosions could be seen. Did the first defense line completely break? Why?

The Central residents, frightened by the approaching bombing sounds, screamed and ran in all directions.

At this rate, it was only a matter of time before the entire Central was engulfed.

“Heron, who is currently commanding the soldiers?”

Heron quickly shook her head.

“I don’t know. It should be the Knight Commander, but… I haven’t seen him since earlier.”

She grabbed my hand and led the way. I followed her without a word, trying my best to understand the situation.

In the place Heron took me, the lord of Central and his family, who had been in Central, were gathered. Around them, their guardian knights surrounded them to protect them.
“We need to escape from Central. If we go to the rear where there are no Serpian soldiers, we can leave inconspicuously. Hurry!”

Pinoria, the leader of the Crow Tribe, made preparations to leave as soon as I arrived. I stood still.

“Wait a minute. Are we just going to run away while the soldiers are still fighting? Are you suggesting abandoning Central altogether?”

“Of course! The soldiers will handle the fighting. Our job is to preserve our lives. Besides, Serpian would prefer us dead!”

“No! If Central is taken away, that’s the end of it! What’s the point of having a lord if there’s no land?”

“Cecilia Eriso!”

“Look at the soldiers sacrificing their lives. They’re struggling because there’s no one to lead them properly. If someone unites them and allows them to follow the original training, we have a chance.”

“I, I don’t know. I can’t wait any longer. We’ll all die at this rate!”

“If you’re going, then go. I’m not going.”

Upon my words, other lords seemed to hesitate. I turned away from them, broke through the guardian knights again, and went out. The battlefield came into view again.

“Cecilia! I’m coming too!”

Heron followed me.

Oh no!

Even if those adults dislike Heron, I shouldn’t forcibly take her with me! What do they want me to do with a child while going?

“Heron! Go back! It’s dangerous!”

“I’ll fight too!”

Oh, really.

But there was no time to wrestle with her. I dragged her without hesitation.

“Okay, then wait here for a moment.”

Leaving Heron in a corner, I stepped on a overturned carriage and climbed onto the roof. From house to house, going higher, Central looked vast.

It’s broken over there.