A Mysterious Town (Third Update)

Whoosh, whoosh.

As the two neared the destination of the distress signal, even their status as Royal Academicians couldn't keep them from stiffening at the sight. They stood rooted to the spot.

"Yikes, there must be at least a hundred thousand monsters gathered here."

A sea of monsters had nearly surrounded the town below, leaving no way in or out. More than half of them were Evil Eye Demons.

Yet this town, unmarked on any map, was no ordinary stronghold.

Above the town,

a visible curtain of light shrouded it, blocking the view inside. Beyond the curtain, thousands of firebirds flew about with vacant stares, continuously drawing energy from the barrier. Whenever a monster approached, they swooped down to attack, forming a powerful defensive force.

Even when some monsters relied on their formidable bodies to break through the firebird flock, the humans beneath the barrier would focus their attacks and kill them.

Thanks to the protection of such a powerful magic ward, the monsters had gathered in great numbers, yet only surrounded the town without attacking, sealing it off completely.

"A magic ward of this caliber..."

Reilo and Anemo exchanged glances, each seeing the other's disbelief.

It was almost on par with the protective magic array of Furnace Fortress, ranking just below the arrays protecting the duchy's few renowned major cities!

How could such a powerful ward be protecting an unremarkable town deep in these desolate wastelands?

Their expressions turned grave.

They had clearly realized that this place was likely a secret facility under the direct jurisdiction of the duchy's military or His Majesty.

"What should we do? Should we keep investigating?"

Anemo asked Reilo for his opinion, evidently hesitant.

In a war involving legions of this terrifying size, even a Royal Academician with power comparable to a Legendary Creature