Just as Annie and Fern crossed the burning, blasted-open gate and entered the castle's inner courtyard, the guards, already alerted, began pouring in from every direction. The clang of clashing armor, the clatter of hurried footsteps, and officers' angry shouts rang out:
"Spotted them!"
"The enemies are over there!"
"Possible mages!"
"Two of them!"
"What?"
"Only two?"
"Get them!"
"Capture them!"
The first to emerge were infantry formations charging out of the side corridors. They carried swords and shields and moved in tight formation.
"Quick!"
"The enemies are over there!"
"Block the passage! Capture them!"
"For the Earl's glory!"
Immediately afterward, the sharp clatter of hooves rang out from behind them. Several knights urged their horses forward and charged with raised lances, swords, or bows.
Farther away, behind the shadows and battlements of the castle walls, countless archers and crossbowmen were already in position, their cold arrowheads trained on the two intruders, Annie and Fern.
Th-this...
At the sight, Fern instantly felt dizzy. The force arrayed before her far exceeded anything she had faced during any monster hunt—even the fight against that Red Mirror Dragon seemed less terrifying.
So she hurriedly warned Annie:
"Annie!"
"Watch out for their arrows!"
"And the cavalry..."
Annie's expression didn't change at all. As she watched the soldiers bearing down on them, a hint of boredom even flashed in her clear, wide eyes.
(...)
(●￣￣●)
Just then!
The mass of armored knights surged forward first, charging toward Annie and Fern.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Some held sharp swords, their blades glinting coldly. Others carried long cavalry lances, their tips pointed at the two like the tongues of venomous snakes. Still others rode tall warhorses, bows drawn and arrows ready. They held their bowstrings taut, their eyes brimming with bloodlust.
The rapid, terrifying clatter of hooves