Roland stood on the city wall, looking to the north. For the past month, he has repeated the three-point and one-line cycle of the castle, the mining area, and the city wall, checking every detail that may have been forgotten.
The militia team's stabbing action became more and more skilled. Under Carter's repeated drills, they were able to stabilize the barrel of the gun. Only when the hunter in charge of the observation shouted the attack slogan, did they send out the long gun.
Standing behind them was the Orion Team. All hunters who stayed in Border Town and were good at using bows and crossbows were incorporated into this team. These experienced hunters are the main force in killing evil beasts. They shoot at the corners of the twelve-foot-high city wall, and there is almost no chance of missing.
Finally, there was a supplementary team composed of Iron Axe, Carter and two other elite hunters. The four front-loaded flintlock pistols built by the blacksmith shop and assembled by Anna welding have been delivered for use. Only when encountering a thorny monster or mixed-species demon beast that cannot penetrate the skin of a bow and a crossbow, the repair team will kill it. Their positions are very free, and they can roam this distance of about 200 meters, appearing wherever they need it.
As for the explosive packs, they were stored in a well-guarded warehouse under the city walls. When you need to save the field, you can transport it to the city wall alone - after all, if something happens to this thing, it may cause more damage to itself than the evil beast. The teeth of the evil beast can't bite the cement and rubble, but the explosives can send the entire city wall. God.
So far, Roland has organized two actual combat drills, including the use of explosive packs. Thanks to these two drills, the embarrassment of the militiamen being scared by the loud noise of explosives and throwing away their weapons during the official defense war was avoided. Another advantage is that when everyone found out that the prince still had such a powerful weapon in his hands, the morale of the team suddenly rose.
"His Royal Highness," Barov tightened his collar, "most of the income from the ore transaction has been spent. If the Demon Moon is as long as the astrologers say, I don't think it will last until the end of winter."
"Then fill in everything in my vault," Roland said without hesitation, "and don't stop the transaction with Liuye Town. The first steam engine has been delivered to the mine, and the cleaning of the collapsed and gravel is basically done. It's done, we can still get a little output throughout the winter. Especially the rough gemstones, don't have to stress about the price, and sell them as soon as possible. It's always right to store more grain and jerky."
Barov nodded, "I'll do it, Your Highness. It's just..."
Seeing the assistant minister's expression of hesitating to speak, Roland certainly understood what he wanted to say, "Don't worry, I have arranged a small boat. If the situation really collapses, I will leave the town."
"Then I'm relieved," Barov breathed a sigh of relief.
Roland smiled at him, "Go and do your thing, I'll take a look alone."
After Barov left, the prince slowly ascended the watchtower. This is the highest point in the middle of the city walls, from which you can overlook the vast jungle and rolling mountains ahead. The cold wind was howling, but he didn't care. Only on this empty high platform will his nervousness when facing the war calm down.
"You're lying to him," said someone next to you, "you didn't intend to leave at all."
"Life is so difficult, and some things are better not to be exposed."
"I don't understand what you are talking about. If the status of a prince is considered difficult, then what are we?" Nightingale showed her figure, "Even if you can't be a king, as long as you live through the five years of fighting for the king, you will still be Lord of the party. Rather than worrying about this, it's better for you to stay with Anna more, I'm afraid... she doesn't have much time."
Roland was silent for a moment, "I don't think she can't survive the Devil's Moon."
"Why?"
"She said she wouldn't lose to Demon Devourer," he paused, "I believe her."
"You actually believe in a witch," Nightingale shook her head, "We are the ones cursed by the devil."
"Really? I trust you too."
"… "
*****************
Brian, dressed in casual clothes, was standing in front of Greyhound's gravestone.
He gently stroked the brand-new stone tablet, and a line of words was engraved on the pure white tablet: "Unknown but enduring. Hero who sacrificed for Border Town."
"Greyhound."
"I have realized my dream, and when the month of demons ends, His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince will hold a canonization ceremony for me."
"But I don't want to sit in a hospital bed and wait."
"My wounds have healed, and the wall is where I should be."
"The Moon of the Demons is coming soon. The evil beasts may be terrifying, but they will slam into the defense line built by everyone's concerted efforts and will not be able to move forward."
"I will take your share and wield a long sword to guard this town."
"It's not over yet."
"The person who framed you is still alive... but he will not live forever. This is His Highness's promise to me."
"I'll bring good news when we meet again next time."
Brian bent down and placed a bouquet of flowers in front of the tombstone.
"Goodbye then, my friend."
*****************
"Sister Anna, aren't you afraid?" Nana asked while lying on the bed with her calves crossed.
"What are you afraid of?"
"The devil eats the body. Nightingale said it's winter, I only became a witch in autumn. This year is the first time..."
"The first time," Anna thought for a while, "it will be very painful, and sometimes you even want to die immediately."
"Ah!" Nana exclaimed, and immediately covered her mouth.
"But you will survive, just like me."
"I don't know..." Nana whispered, "I'm not as strong as you are."
"I'm not that strong," Anna closed her eyes, and the scene of meeting Roland for the first time came to her mind. In that dark and cold dungeon, he draped his clothes over himself and whispered that he wanted to hire himself—until now, she still felt unbelievable, "You will also encounter some things that make you want to live, even if it is a struggle. to live."
"for example… ?"
"Like a steak covered in sauce," she sighed. "How do I know what you want—huh?"
Looking at Nana who was staring at her, Anna wiped her face with her hand, "Is there anything dirty on my face?"
"No...," the latter shook his head, "I'm just a little surprised. You've never talked to me so much before... Sister Anna, you looked so pretty when you closed your eyes and thought just now."
Anna rolled her eyes, jumped out of bed, and walked to the window.
Nana followed, "What are you looking at, Hidden Forest?"
"The forest is in the west," Anna said angrily, "only the Chishui River can be seen here."
"Sister Anna, look!" The girl pointed to the sky.
Anna was stunned, then opened the window, and a cold wind mixed with a little snowflakes poured into the room.
She stretched out her hand and pinched the crystal clear snowflake, and a chill came from her fingers.
"Snowing."
*****************
"… "
After a long silence, Nightingale said, "You didn't lie."
"Of course," Roland laughed, "I rarely panic."
Nightingale didn't speak any more, she turned her head away, and there was an unsure look in her eyes.
Suddenly, she felt a chill on her neck and she could not help shrinking her neck. When he raised his head, he realized that, at some point, snowflakes had already floated above the city wall. There seemed to be countless white elves in the gray sky. They danced in the north wind and flew everywhere with the slogan of the militia team training.
… The Demon Moon has begun.