Chapter 29: Beast Tide (Second Chapter)

The city's bells suddenly rang, their deep and urgent toll echoing through the air for a full twelve strikes.

Each strike felt like a hammer on people's hearts, bearing a heavy and pressing sense of oppression.

Robin snapped his eyes open, brows knit, his expression grave.

He rose quickly, his gaze sweeping toward the source of the bells, a foreboding feeling welling up inside him.

"Twelve strikes…" Lily murmured softly, her face turning pale, "It's the city's alarm for a great crisis!"

Eric also stood, gripping the long sword at his waist, his tone edged with tension: "What exactly happened? A beast siege? Or an enemy nation's invasion?"

Tomson looked a bit panicked, his voice trembling slightly: "What… what should we do?"

Robin inhaled deeply, forcing himself to stay calm. The more such moments arise, the less one may panic. He quickly assessed possible threats and said in a low voice, "Whatever happens, we can't sit idle. First, head to the Grand Training Ground to report and see what orders are given."

The four hurriedly gathered their gear and sprinted toward the Grand Training Ground.

The camp's Grand Training Ground lay outside the Buluote Territory lord's castle, on the opposite side.

The streets were already in chaos, citizens fleeing in panic, merchants scrambling to pack up stalls, children crying and searching for parents; the whole city had descended into disorder.

Robin ran while observing the surroundings.

He saw a fully armed squad hurrying toward the city walls, their faces etched with tension and vigilance.

Clearly, the crisis was imminent.

"Faster! Even faster!" Robin urged, quickening his pace a few more strides.

When they reached the camp tents, they found a large gathering of soldiers and knights.

Damia Great Knight Leader stood on the platform, his expression solemn as he commanded the troops. His voice rang loud and powerful, instantly silencing the surrounding clamor:

"All personnel, listen! Immediately follow the preset plan and move to your defensive positions! Archers on the walls take your stations, the knight corps assemble and stand ready! Civilian evacuation is handled by the logistics units; ensure the populace's safety!"

Robin and his three companions quickly joined their respective units, awaiting further orders.

Damia Great Knight Leader's gaze swept the crowd, finally resting on Robin and his group, and he gave a slight nod.

"Robin, Eric, Lily, Tomson!" he shouted loudly, "You four will follow Fitz Knight to the east side of the wall for support! That spot is a weak point in the defense; hold it at all costs!"

"Yes!" the four answered in unison, swiftly following Fitz Knight toward the east side of the wall.

On the way, Fitz Knight briefly briefed them: "Malizi Knight was dispatched to investigate the wizard's matter and is temporarily away from the lord, so for the time being you'll be under my command. According to scout reports, a massive horde of beasts is approaching the city. Their numbers far exceed previous ones, and there appear to be high‑rank beasts leading them. We must hold the wall and never let them breach the line!"

Robin's heart sank; the beast horde's threat was far graver than they had imagined. He tightened his grip on his long sword, his gaze firm: "We will definitely hold!"

When they arrived at the east side of the wall, they found many soldiers and knight apprentices already gathered.

In the distance beyond the wall, dust swirled, and a looming black mass of beasts could be seen surging toward the city.

Their roars and footfalls mingled, as if the very ground trembled.

"Prepare for battle!" Fitz Knight commanded loudly; the archers on the wall immediately drew their bows full, and the knights gripped their weapons, standing in strict formation.

Robin stood at the wall's edge, his eyes fixed on the distant beast horde. His heartbeat quickened, yet his mind remained unusually calm. He knew this battle would decide the city's fate and each of their lives.

"Lily, Eric, Tomson," he whispered, "remember, we are a team. No matter what happens, we must support each other and never fall!"

The three nodded, a steadfast light flashing in their eyes.

The beast horde drew ever nearer, their roars deafening, their snarling faces becoming clearer amid the dust.

Robin stood on the wall, his gaze like a torch, long sword clenched, his knuckles whitening from the strain. He inhaled deeply, forcing himself to stay calm, then swiftly snatched a strong bow from a nearby archer.

"Let me borrow it!" Robin whispered, his tone unwavering.

The archer froze for a moment, but seeing Robin's resolve, nodded and stepped aside.

Tomson stood beside Robin, his face pale, fine beads of sweat beading on his forehead. He asked anxiously, "Robin, when will Malizi Knight Captain return? He… he won't be hurt, will he?"

Robin sensed the worry in Tomson's tone, turned his head and saw anxiety filling his eyes.

Clearly, Tomson was deeply concerned about his uncle, Malizi Knight Captain.

Robin patted Tomson's shoulder, his voice steady and firm: "Don't worry, Malizi Knight Captain is highly skilled and experienced; he'll be fine. What we must do now is hold the wall and wait for his return."

Tomson nodded, though the worry in his eyes lingered. He tightened his grip on his spear and whispered, "Hope so… hope he returns safely."

Robin said nothing further; he knew that comfort could only be fleeting now. True confidence came from their own actions.

He swiftly drew the bowstring full, his gaze locked on a high‑rank beast charging ahead at the front.

It was a massive wolf‑shaped beast, its body cloaked in jet‑black scales, eyes flashing with blood‑thirsty red.

Its speed was extreme; in the blink of an eye it surged to the base of the wall.

Swoosh—

Robin released the bowstring; the arrow flew like lightning, striking the beast's eye with pinpoint accuracy.

The beast let out a mournful howl, its massive body crashing to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

"Well done!" Eric praised from beside, his long sword already drawn, ready for combat.

Lily stood on Robin's other side, her short bow also drawn, eyes sharp as a hawk.

Her Breathing Method had reached its peak, a faint energy ripple surrounding her.

Robin stood on the wall, the powerful bow in his hands like a bolt of lightning; the bowstring repeatedly stretched and released, arrows raining down toward the beast horde below the wall.

His movements were smooth and swift, like a precise machine, each arrow bearing lethal threat.

Swoosh— swoosh— swoosh—

(End of Chapter)