Regressor Instruction Manual - Chapter 167. Monster Wave (3)
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Chapter 167. Monster Wave (3)

‘It was within the city…’

Since it was inside the city, it would make it easier for me to move around.

‘The western region…’

Other than the fact that the Castle Rock’s nobles lived there, there wasn't anything special about that region. Having a large underground site was difficult to imagine, but since Jung Ha-Yan confidently pointed to that area, I knew it was there.

“You’re sure, right?” I asked.

“Yes, I’m sure!” she exclaimed.

“Mmhm, okay, thanks Ha-Yan,” I said.

“Hehehe.”

‘I think it’ll be fine…’

The location wasn’t bad; even if it got mowed down, it wouldn’t matter.

‘It’s far from the castle as well…’

Seeing as how it was on the other side of the shrine, it wouldn’t matter even if that region disappeared from the map.

‘It’s not bad...’

Jung Ha-Yan looked at me while I was thinking and since I handled one major task, it was time for me to go to the meeting.

“Good job, Ha-Yan,” I said, complimenting her.

“Thank you!”

“I’ll see you later,” I said.

“Oh… okay,” she replied disappointingly.

I personally enjoyed puzzles, so matching another piece with the other made me feel good. Castle Rock’s situation was changing every moment even if I wasn’t doing anything.

When I left after patting Jung Ha-Yan’s head, I heard the news that Count Castlerock had summoned all the guild and clan masters, which improved my mood even further. It wasn’t exactly like a draft, but as free city citizens who lived in Castle Rock and within the Holy Empire, it was our duty to fight for the Empire. I was certain the same would’ve happened if we were within the Holy Empire.

‘It’s a really good situation.’

The Blue Guild brought the news that the city was in danger and if I had to explain it, we would be in a good position before and after the monster wave.

When I walked into the meeting, Count Castlerock and Kim Hyun-Sung were having a serious conversation, but I was honestly happy about it.

“Is that true?” the count asked.

“I’m sure of it. I’ve seen many signs within the forest,” Kim Hyun-Sung answered.

“This hasn’t happened in decades…” the count commented.

When I quietly joined them, they looked at me.

“Danger usually comes suddenly without a warning, so we should make preparations,” Kim Hyun-Sung suggested.

My role here was to support Kim Hyun-Sung because not many people would believe his sudden warning, but if the honorary bishop said it, it would be convincing. When I sat next to him, he thanked me by nodding, and as he continued talking, I felt proud of every word he spoke.

“As I’ve mentioned earlier, the signs keep coming and we saw those signs ourselves when we went hunting recently. The signs are very similar to the signs seen in the cities that had already experienced a monster wave,” he told the count.

‘It’s a monster wave.’

“The silence is strange and the majority of the monsters’ ecology is abnormal,” he added.

“It certainly seems that way. It’s strange that the monsters are moving out of their territory… I think it’ll be best if we hold a meeting and come up with a solution,” Count Castlerock said.

“If you want a solution, I organized some data,” I said.

“Oh, Mr. Lee Ki-Young.”

“I’m certain Castle Rock has its own manual in dealing with different situations, but I personally prepared data for this. The reason why the Blue Guild came here was that we received news of strange signs in the monsters’ forest,” I explained.

“Excuse me? I haven’t heard of that news…”

Of course, he hadn’t heard of it because I made it up.

“It’s understandable that you haven’t heard of it since it hasn’t spread amongst the free city citizens, Count Castlerock. It’s a bit embarrassing to say this as a free city citizen, but there’s a lot of people who don't like the situation,” I said.

“I think I understand what you’re saying,” the count said, nodding.

“Despite living in the land of the Holy Empire, there are many that demand freedom, but are unwilling to assume responsibility for their duties and rights. Actually, I’m certain it’s the majority. The free city citizens aren’t happy about getting drafted and there will be others that’ll question why they need to fight for Castle Rock,” I explained.

“...”

“When the wave happens, the majority of them will run away,” I added.

What I said just now wasn’t a lie and since Count Castlerock wasn’t an idiot, I was sure he understood what I was trying to say.

“We must declare martial law and close the gates. We need to create units and prepare to enter a state of war,” I said.

‘We can’t let those bastards from the auction house run away.’

No matter what, we must not let them leave with the items they had.

‘That’s all money…’

Not only that, but we also need to stop the bastards that would try to run away.

“I’m worried that the citizens will become uneasy, but you do have a point,” the count said in agreement.

“It’s natural for them to feel that way; no, they had to feel uneasy,” I said.

Before I could finish, the guild and clan masters started entering. I had personally met each and every one of them after Song Jung-Wook of the Small Stone Guild introduced me to them. After recalling what I said earlier, Count Castlerock didn’t seem to like them anymore.

“Please have a seat,” the count said, gesturing.

“Yes, sir.”

“It has been a while, Count Castlerock.”

“Ahem.”

The guild and clan masters looked puzzled because of the serious atmosphere and when Song Jung-Wook looked at me as if asking what was going on, I smiled and waved. He returned the gesture and also smiled like an idiot. He already knew that as the honorary bishop, I was close to Count Castlerock and since he was close to me, he thought he would either gain benefits from this meeting or be protected if something happened.

‘How cute.’

I wasn’t sure if Song Jung-Wook was quick-witted or slow because even though he knew something must have happened, it didn’t seem like he thought about what would happen to him.

After sitting down with Kim Hyun-Sung, Count Castlerock started talking after a moment of silence. Even though we had a short conversation, he delivered the conversation we had earlier. It was up to Count Castlerock on what he wanted to do, but I thought maybe Marilyn’s father would take my advice.

‘Right?’

If the meeting ended after telling them that there was going to be a monster wave, I was certain those bastards would run away and as the count who had to protect the people of this land, he couldn’t allow that. As such, he should accept my suggestion.

“Starting now, Castle Rock will declare martial law to prepare for war,” the count announced.

‘Nice.’

“We believe there will be a monster wave within a month. I’ll request help from other cities, but after closing the entrance, the free city citizen soldiers within Castle Rock will unite with the forces of the castle and work together,” he added.

“What the…”

Everyone looked dumbfounded, but a few frowned at the sudden situation.

“A monster wave?”

“Where… did you get that information…”

Kim Hyun-Sung answered their bullshit.

“The Blue Guild investigated it.”

“A-Are you certain?”

“I’ll explain again during our briefing, but yes, it’s true,” he replied, nodding.

I could understand why they would groan and become anxious at the sudden news that they were going to fight against monsters. On top of that, they had to join the castle knights and fight which made them even more apprehensive.

‘Tsk.’

I thought the guild masters were going to complain, but after seeing the determined count, they remained quiet. But all of a sudden, Song Jung-Wook of the Small Stone Guild spoke, “Count Castlerock.”

“What is it, master of the Small Stone Guild?” the count asked.

“I understand why we're declaring martial law to prepare for war, but joining the castle to fight is a bit…”

“Is there a problem?” he asked.

“I’m certain it won’t be efficient. According to Imperial Law, when a dangerous situation similar to war occurs, guilds and clans operate as independent units, so for us to operate with the castle is…”

“No. To be exact, under the Imperial Law, the supreme commander can change the formation of the troops at their own discretion, so we won’t be breaking any laws,” the count interrupted.

“But…”

The others started to complain as well.

“If that’s the case, please reconsider your decision. As free city citizens living in Castle Rock, we understand that we must fight when the city is threatened, but…” Song Jung-Wook said.

“Are you saying there will be a problem fighting with the castle knights?” the count asked, interrupting him once more.

“That’s not what I meant. All I’m saying is that free city citizens have their own way of handling things. Please make a more reasonable decision,” he requested.

“The ways of the free city citizens… I don’t understand what you’re saying. What exactly is that method of yours? Is it using the citizens of Castle Rock so that you can survive?” the count asked bluntly.

“That’s not true, Count Castlerock. I believe a free city citizen should manage the free citizen troops…”

“So you’re saying that you’re going to manage the troops yourself, right?” he asked, cutting off Song Jung-Wook.

“No, that’s not…”

“If that’s not it, then what is it, master of the Small Stone Guild? I’m not an idiot. I know why you’re staying in Castle Rock and why you want an independent unit. I also know that you’re not willing to risk your life for this city,” the count directly said.

“That’s definitely not true, but the situation…”

This argument wasn’t helping either of them because the relationship between the free city citizens and the residents of this city was symbiotic.

‘It’ll break if it’s too strong.’

They needed to compromise even if they didn’t like it, but that was when I heard Count Castlerock’s voice. “If that’s the case, I’ll leave it up to Mr. Lee Ki-Young.”

‘Jackpot!’

The free citizens weren’t happy about this arrangement because I was a guest. A few of the guild masters started to speak against me.

“But Mr. Lee Ki-Young isn’t originally from Castle Rock.”

“This is a compromise I’m willing to make,” the count said.

“That’s fine…”

Surprisingly, Song Jung-Wook agreed so when I glanced over at him, I saw him smiling.

‘This bastard…’

He was trying his best to dig a hole where he could survive, but he had no idea that hole was going to be his grave.

‘You’re going to be in the front line no matter what, Jung-Wook…’

It had been decided long ago.