"According to Leif's observations over the past few days, the number of gnolls across Transia has fallen to a fifth of what it was, or even lower.
"That number has reached a safe threshold. They're unlikely to regroup in the near future, and winter isn't their mating season, so we don't need to worry about their numbers surging before the Black Calamity breaks out.
"So I think we can declare this gnoll-hunting campaign over."
Inside a tent the Adventurers' Guild had already set up, Murphy spoke to Guildmaster Natalie:
"But this is only the beginning. I think we'll need to drive them back like this every year from now on. It seems far more suitable for your Adventurers' Guild to handle it. What do you think?"
"I have no problem with that."
Natalie nodded.
"From our past experience, it's difficult to wipe out gnolls completely in any given region. These barbarians are terrifyingly adaptable, so this kind of annual population-control strategy is a pretty good solution. It'll let us train our forces while keeping them combat-ready.
"But I'm guessing you didn't come all the way here under the blazing sun just to talk about this, did you?
"To be honest, my lord, I have a few things to deal with myself. Lady Mirian has asked us to set up an organization specifically to manage the 'Warrior's Guild.'
"I'm discussing it with Old Eugene. I was planning to ask him to come out of retirement, but he's devoted to rebuilding the church and doesn't want to get involved. It's giving me a headache.
"Most Witch Hunters were trained as demon-hunting warriors from childhood. They can hunt just fine, but asking them to manage things—
"Tsk, I can't even imagine how badly they'd mess it up."
"Isn't that simple?"
Murphy, bundled up