Chapter 139: It's Finally Coming to an End
Natsuki Subaru put the gospel book back into his pocket and stretched his body. He noticed that although he had used his Overdrive Burst, the side effects were still within tolerable limits.
It wasn't like last time, where using it once nearly cost him his life.
This time, the price was merely physical fatigue.
Moreover, the power of his Overdrive Burst seemed to have increased slightly.
These circumstances made Subaru realize the importance of his base attributes—it prevented him from collapsing completely after just one use of an advanced ability.
After staying at the scene for a while and checking everything thoroughly, Subaru returned to the prearranged rendezvous point. It wasn't long before Julius arrived first, followed by Ricardo and Wilhelm.
The four gathered and began reporting their respective results. After sharing their outcomes, they all couldn't help but breathe a collective sigh of relief.
"That's great. Only a few people were injured. This should mean all the Witch Cult members have been cleared out, right?"
"In theory, yes. We tailed the Witch Cult members in groups and located their hideouts. After the battles, we also checked the surrounding areas to ensure no one slipped away."
"But… doesn't this feel a little too easy? The Witch Cult members aren't supposed to be so easy to deal with, based on their reputation."
Subaru looked at Ricardo, considering his words. The sense of ease he had just felt started to fade.
"Hmm… you're right. Even if we had the element of surprise, everything went too smoothly. It's hard to believe."
"If you're still uneasy, Lord Subaru, we should head to regroup with Felix. His group doesn't have any combat personnel.
We've already dealt a major blow to the Witch Cult's strength, and since we don't know where the rest of them might be hiding, it's best to regroup quickly."
Subaru nodded in agreement and looked around at the others.
"What do you all think?"
"I don't see a problem."
"Yeah, I agree too."
Having decided the next move, Subaru stood up and walked over to Patrasche, preparing to lead the group away. Just then, a green figure caught his eye in his field of vision.
"Hm? Otto?"
"Eh? Who are you?"
Subaru looked at the confused Otto but didn't explain anything. He simply asked curiously, seeing Otto in such a disheveled state:
"What happened to you? And where's your dragon carriage?"
Otto, puzzled by Subaru's overly familiar tone, suppressed his doubts and answered honestly.
In short, because Subaru's group went to fight the White Whale, the mist was confined to the battlefield.
As a merchant in a rush to sell his goods before they went out of season, Otto set out on the road.
As a result, he encountered the Witch Cult, got captured, and if Ricardo hadn't saved him, he probably would have died.
"Really, that's terrible. But your dragon carriage is still okay, right?"
"Yeah, they weren't interested in it... But my goods! They're all unsellable now! What am I supposed to do from here?!"
"In that case, drive your carriage with us. I'll buy your goods, but you'll need to help me out with a few things in return."
"Subaru, it's time to go."
Hearing that voice, Subaru turned his attention away from Otto and looked at Julius beside him. He nodded, then turned back to Otto.
"Otto, come with me. If you have any questions, ask the others—they'll explain everything."
Leaving those words, Subaru quickly rode off toward the village, leading the large group and kicking up clouds of dust. Otto hurried to jump onto his earth dragon and follow. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't remember where he had seen Subaru before, nor could he understand why Subaru was treating him so kindly.
However, one thing was clear: Subaru was the leader of this group.
Though they didn't seem far apart in age, Subaru had a presence that made people want to follow him.
While riding with the convoy and observing the soldiers, Otto chatted a bit with them and gradually looked more and more shocked.
"You've got to be kidding me… The White Whale was defeated?!"
"You'll hear the news officially soon enough. But you better stay close—don't fall behind."
"Okay... Thank you."
After traveling for some time, Subaru's group finally arrived at the village. Progress in the village was going smoothly, and the villagers were already boarding the dragon carriages.
"Barusu."
Just as Subaru got off Patrasche and was about to give orders to the surrounding people to stay alert, he heard Ram's voice.
"Senpai? Wait a moment, I need to speak with you."
"Okay."
"Julius, Ricardo, I'll need you two to take people and patrol the village perimeter, just in case of a surprise Witch Cult attack. Wilhelm-san, please take some people to protect the convoy as they leave the village."
The three of them nodded to each other and began moving separately.
"Senpai, what's going on?"
Ram didn't answer immediately. She stared seriously at Subaru for a moment before speaking.
"Barusu, I'll be taking a portion of the people to seek refuge in the Sanctuary. But as for Lady Emilia..."
"Hm? What about Emilia?"
"She wants to stay behind. You know why..."
Subaru froze for a moment, then sighed, understanding what Ram meant.
"Got it. I'll go talk to her. Where is she now?"
"Still at the mansion."
"Huh?! Still at the mansion? Is she stupid?! At a time like this, she's still in the mansion?!"
Subaru covered his face.
Regardless of her reasons, staying at the mansion at this point was clearly a problem.
Even if she was hesitant to sit among the villagers due to her position, she should at least be hiding somewhere in the village, secretly observing things.
"Anyway, I'll leave Lady Emilia to you, Barusu."
"Understood."
Subaru nodded. As Ram turned to return to the dragon carriages, a voice suddenly rang out from behind him:
"Enemy attack!"
Subaru's pupils contracted. In an instant, he drew the sword at his waist and shouted to those around him:
"Evacuate the villagers immediately! Everyone else, hold your positions here!"
Leaving those words behind, Subaru rushed toward the direction of the battle.
Ram, who had just gotten on the dragon carriage, looked at Subaru's distant back, hesitated for a moment, then ordered the convoy to begin moving.