Sortie (Part 2)

High in the sky, several drops of sweat trickled down Romon's forehead.

They slid down his brow and cheeks, traced arcs through the air, performed several high-altitude dives, and fell away.

It was already October. The sunlight was brilliant, but the autumn breeze was cool enough to offset the blazing heat overhead. Riding Lightning through the sky while observing the ground below, Romon had finally escaped the scorching noon sun. With dark clouds covering it, the sun could no longer ravage his body and mind.

The breeze brushed over him, soothing his skin and making him feel immensely comfortable. At the same time, the journey and relentless sun had left him somewhat tired.

Looking at the cavalry force galloping along the road below, he had initially planned to order Lightning to descend and find a place to rest for a while. But recalling the task Prince Hadka had assigned him, he held back. Lowering his altitude, he commanded, "Arrange your own pace. Reach the designated location before nightfall."

"Yes, my lord!" came the response from below.

"Lightning, continue onward." Having received their answer, Romon did not wait any longer. He patted Lightning and spoke.

"Grru, grru." Lightning made several rumbling cries to indicate his understanding, and his huge body immediately continued flying forward steadily.

Sitting atop Lightning and watching the scenery rush past below, Romon continued pondering this mission.

"There are roughly five hundred of them, along with several Greater Demons..." Thinking of the situation at that location, Romon wore a contemplative expression.

It seemed he would need to plan this carefully. Those five hundred Imps were not much of a threat; if he acted personally, he could probably settle them at once. But the several Greater Demons would require more effort.

With his current strength as a Level-Eight Druid,