Far outside Tacoma City.
In truth, every city has a few fortresses hidden in the mountains or underground bunkers, especially in large, highly autonomous cities... like Cogar City, for instance, which must have military fortresses nearby to facilitate weapon and artillery production, as well as covert soldier training and the like.
To the southeast of the Tacoma region lies a vast swamp. A bit further east, there's a national highway leading to the Adak region. However, in the forests slightly to the north, a military fortress was established—well, it originally belonged to the Tacoma region's military forces.
But now, it has become a temporary stronghold and fortress for the northern army...
Since the Black Feather Knights and the wizard teams arrived here, they've sensed the issues in this area. A force of nearly four thousand men wouldn't be wiped out so quickly by the goatmen. They ventured deep into Tacoma City to investigate, but with so many people, they needed a camp.
So, as a正规军 unit, the Black Feather Knights naturally found this place.
"Before you arrived, some mercenaries came through, in similar situations to yours... but unfortunately, many of them tried to flee the day after being attacked, and we never heard from them again. We've fought those beasts before—they're fierce in battle, especially one huge bastard that's hard to deal with. It took out a lot of our people in one go."
As they walked, the Black Feather Knights who had spotted the group recounted the regular army's recent experiences.
"What happened then? Did any of them escape?" someone pressed.
Meeting the Black Feather Knights felt like a weight had been lifted. With them around, the nights would be much safer, and they had thousands of men, including high-level wizards. But even so, many were still worried about whether they could get out.
Staying here meant danger every day...
"No."
"I haven't heard of anyone actually making it out. And even if someone did, they wouldn't come back to tell you. But according to Wizard Ailinta Ash's observations, no one has truly escaped—they've all been killed by the goatmen."
The Black Feather Knight said this deliberately.
In times like these, it was already responsible of them, as the regular army, to hold their ground. So they didn't want rumors spreading through the camp. Even if someone had escaped, they'd claim otherwise. But Sean figured the truth was probably that they just didn't know.
A mere Order Level 5, about the same rank as most mercenaries here, how could he possibly have access to a high-level wizard like Ash...
He led the group out toward the farm. Around the forest, near a few ancient castles, was the barracks—originally where the Tacoma region's troops were stationed. Now, it was occupied only by the Black Feather Knights and wizards from Rietis, along with some mercenaries.
"What about the others? I mean, the people from the Tacoma region?" Jonathan asked.
Tacoma City, even if it was a border town, was still a big city. How could it be completely empty?
"Actually..."
The soldier glanced briefly toward the city.
"Actually, most of the people in the Tacoma region are still in the city."
"In the city?"
"Yeah. We investigated before. They're wandering around the city like they're under some spell or possessed. No matter how you call out, they won't wake up. But they won't come out... Many haven't eaten for nearly half a month. Their bodies are starving, but they just stand there until they can't anymore and collapse. It's like they're living in a dream."
"How could that be?"
"Only the wizards can figure that out... Maybe it has something to do with those stars in the sky." The Black Knight glanced up at the sky.
It hadn't seemed so obvious when they were outside, but now it looked like the ten stars were directly aligned with Tacoma City, slowly moving as if about to form a straight line.
..........................
At the camp, the Black Knights temporarily arranged lodging for everyone. This place, originally used for training tens of thousands of Tacoma soldiers, was certainly spacious enough. After settling in, Sean found the Black Knight from earlier and said he wanted to see Freya, asking him to report it.
The man looked at him with a puzzled expression, just like the looks Sean got from people on the street when he walked out of the Sky-Covering Wings headquarters.
"Just tell her someone named Sean is looking for her. You'll understand when you go. Oh, and be smart about it—tell her when she's not busy." After all, Freya was practically one of the leaders of the entire force. On the front lines of war, too much gossip wouldn't be good.
As he spoke, he slipped a few gold coins to the man...
He expected disdain, but the man smiled and accepted them, then nodded.
Even patriotism required money to live. It seemed these people were pretty optimistic. He had been thinking too highly of them.
Sean told his squad members he had some business with a friend. A moment later, the Black Knight actually came running back, a look of surprise on his face. He probably hadn't expected Sean to really know Freya.
"I'll go ahead..."
He nodded to the mercenary squad behind him, then followed the Black Knight to the other side of the camp.
Freya always stayed in the most central areas of the camp, so her quarters were naturally in a key location...
Entering, leaving...
Clearly, the soldier had been given special instructions. The room was left with only Sean standing there.
The most common decorations in a military barracks were trophies and weapons. It was the same here—the room was filled with all kinds of weapons. Sean could even sense the damage levels of these arms.
Since he had never steeled himself for direct combat, he didn't carry any large weapons with him.
Inside the room was a small partitioned area, looking like a war command room... Freya and a few girls beside her were discussing something there. When they noticed someone enter, especially seeing Sean, they stopped.
"You all go out first."
The three women had a "friendly"好感度, likely members of the Sky-Covering Wings. Sean hadn't met them before, so he just smiled as he passed by.
"Why are you here! Didn't I tell you to wait in the city?"
Today, Freya was dressed differently from usual. Instead of her sexy, revealing outfit, she wore an ordinary wizard's robe. But her figure was still striking, so the curves were evident.
"It's a bit complicated. I originally came to check things out, but now I can't get back. So, what exactly is going on in this area?"
Freya wasn't the type to be stubborn, and as a team leader, she didn't press further after hearing Sean's explanation. She just sighed and said,
"Come with me."