Solo Swordmaster

#983. Vigilant man

* * *

After the monster wave started.

Humanity built a defense line to block monsters and barely maintained their livelihood.

However, most of the defense lines collapsed due to the sabotage caused by those who were seduced by the Starlight Church three months ago.

Thanks to the efforts of the seven princesses, they were able to reconstruct the defense line in the rear, but it was eventually reversed.

Lost territories could not be regained.

There was no living space left for mankind to enjoy daily life.

He poured all his resources and labor into the war against monsters, barely maintaining the minimum right to survive.

in that sense.

The headquarters of the Seven Dragons is the final base.

It was the strongest fortress of mankind and the last bastion against which the human species escaped destruction.

And one of those seven strongholds.

Brazil’s Sao Paulo was able to prevent disasters well even though the city was half-destroyed by monster raids.

No, on the contrary, it was easier to block because of that.

Of course, it was possible to thoroughly rebuild the collapsed city into a defense base.

It was because it was easy to obtain voluntary cooperation from citizens as it practically passed the crisis of life and death.

On top of that, it was also thanks to the fact that the green dragon clan generously poured all kinds of extreme poison, spreading poisonous dust that instantly killed most monsters around the defense line.

At this rate, as long as there are no major incidents, Sao Paulo will be safe.

To the extent that all citizens were relieved.

But…

“―what a familiar sight.”

A slender woman with green hair stood on the roof of Quetzalcoatl headquarters, looking north.

Maia said coldly.

Only half a year ago.

The seal of the Seven Arcs is broken.

When the first monster wave happened.

Maia was cynical as she remembered how monsters from all over the world had flocked to her, aiming for the remaining Seven Arcs.

In fact, the scene she was seeing now had an aspect that reminded her of that time.

However, there are three differences.

The first is that if the target was Sao Paulo at the time, this time it was just a passing road.

The second is that, unlike the time when ordinary monsters were the main force, what is moving now is a group of absolutely self-class monsters.

The third was that, unlike the past, where they had been prevented with difficulty, this time they failed to defend themselves.

“How is the situation?”

“The Western Defense Line was somehow managed. But…”

“…The damage to the northern defense line is too severe.”

Hearing the words of the dark-faced twins, Maia was sneering.

“I didn’t expect our clan’s defense line to collapse just because it wasn’t aimed at, just because they got in the way. What a spectacle.”

Barbara and Arbella remained silent.

That there were more than dozens of absolute self-class monsters on the path.

It wasn’t just because it was absurd that the line of defense, which had been desperately maintained for the past half year, had collapsed because of just that reason.

It was because he felt the heavy emotions mixed with the sarcastic remarks of the princess he respected.

So it was.

The reason why the two twin sisters cautiously opened their mouths while exchanging glances.

“Please don’t be too heartbroken. Everyone knows that the princess did her best.”

“This situation was force majeure.”

“Hey, I don’t have to mention the facts I know.”

Unlike the other princesses, who prioritized organizing their respective territories as soon as they defeated the reincarnated monarch, it is true that her hands were tied while treating Geomhu and Li Qingyu.

Because of that, it was true that there were a lot of youkai left in South America compared to other places.

However, the collapse of the defense line was unavoidable as monsters from all over the world flocked to it.

Rather, it was thanks to Maia desperately blocking the path of the youkai that she was not pushed back to the green dragon clan’s base.

Thanks to that, her face is a mess now.

Five layers of torn and burnt outerwear.

Even the blood smeared on the white skin of

broken emerald scales .

Because he returned from fighting a while ago, the traces of the fierce battle remained intact all over his body.

It’s a shame because she’s the strongest and most resilient of the seven princesses.

If it was another princess, it wouldn’t be strange if she was seriously injured and was in a dying state.

However, even in such a tired state, Maia, let alone rest, was staring north with cold eyes, putting off even washing herself or changing her clothes.

“Did you get a reply from the other clan?”

“There is no reply from Princess Gold Dragon and Princess Red Dragon yet, but the others said they would come as soon as possible.”

“As soon as possible…. That’s a very trustworthy word.”

Maia said pessimistically.

Of course she knew.

Even if there is a World Gate, it is difficult for the princesses who have traveled far and wide to gather their respective territories.

A few tens of minutes, no matter how fast.

I didn’t know how many hours it might take.

All the more in the sense that, just as Brazil’s defense line collapsed due to the monsters’ movements, the defense lines of other territories would also be damaged.

In fact, considering the positions of the seven princesses, it was never too late.

Rather, it was very fast.

The problem was that a delay of a few tens of minutes could be too lethal.

No matter how much the Amazon is one of mankind’s greatest villains, an army of hundreds of absolute self-class youkai is enough to destroy the world many times over.

Where Maia is looking right now.

In other words, just by looking at the roaring sound from the jungle and the roaring sky, you could tell how fierce the battle was going on.

So when Maia watches the Amazon with dark, sunken eyes.

Barbara, who was making a conflicted expression behind her, bit her lip hard as if determined to do something, and opened her mouth.

“Go princess.”

“…”

“Barbara…?”

“We will protect Sao Paulo. So go to the Amazon first and buy some time for the other princesses to arrive.”

“Wait a minute you! Do you know what I’m talking about?”

“Princess Arbella is not here because she is worried about her life.”

“…!”

“They’re being held back because of us ignorance.”

Arbella, who shouted at the twins with eyes like looking at a crazy bitch, was speechless.

Barbara, who had silenced her, looked back at Maia with a serious face.

“It’s important to protect Sao Paulo, but the princess knows that if the Nine World collapses, everything will end.”

Barbara’s point.

Maia didn’t deny it.

No, I couldn’t deny it.

The Nine Worlds are barriers created by the Fairy Queen over a long period of time to prevent interference from constellations.

Seven of those nine layers of barriers were destroyed 33 years ago to create Seven Arcs, and another layer was destroyed when the seal of Seven Arcs was broken.

When even the one remaining barrier is gone.

So if the Constellations could directly intervene in the world.

Because she knew that no matter how much humanity struggled, destruction would come.

In that sense, Barbara’s proposal was the best option.

Even though Maia’s risk of having to delay against hundreds of monsters was great, it was the only way to pass the time until the other princesses arrived.

All the more because she is capable of taking out her own body against even the strongest youkai.

Even though there was no way she didn’t know that fact, there was one reason why Maia hesitated to make a decision.

“Obviously, we are still immature as aides.”

“But I swear by my mother’s name. Until the princess returns, I will definitely protect her territory and her people.”

“So, Princess.”

Even if you don’t want to take the risk.

It is not because of the monopoly over the territory.

To the princess who kept her place because she couldn’t just abandon her precious family, her people, and her family above all else.

Even if it is still lacking, as an aide.

And even though they may not have been related by blood, as sisters who have treated her like family all their lives.

kneel down quietly

Barbara asked.

“Please trust us.”

“…”

Maybe because I felt his sincerity.

Take a moment to look at the sister with a complicated expression.

In the end, Arbella sighs lightly and gets down on one knee.

Maia, who had been watching the two sisters silently, spoke quietly after a while.

“Arbella Barbara.”

“Yes, Princess.”

“Your princess.”

“Can you really defend Sao Paulo without me?”

to that question.

not on command.

The two sisters did not hesitate.

I just shook my head and answered immediately.

“I will keep it.”

“I will protect you.”

It’s a decision not an answer.

It was an oath that if they could not defend Sao Paulo, their bodies would be laid first.

In this situation where it is difficult to prevent monster attacks due to the collapse of the defense line, it is an act of suicide.

If he truly cared for the two sisters, he would never accept them… no, those were unacceptable words.

“I believe you.”

nevertheless.

Unlike their usual pessimistic attitude, the two sisters bowed their heads with a smile at the words of the princess who made a decision without hesitation.

It’s a testament to trust.

Proof that the princess, who values her people more than her life, believed in them and entrusted everything to them.

Because it’s what they’ve been waiting for all their lives.

Leaving behind the two sisters who, knowing their recklessness, decided to sacrifice their lives to carry out their mission.

Maia spread her wings wide and flew towards the Amazon.

No, I was trying to fly.

“Don’t worry too much.”

“…!”

“Although it will be difficult for me to act with my wife due to the lack of concubines, I can protect this place with the wives of the Commerce and Industry.”

“…That is not something that even you can easily assume.”

Did it just appear?

I still have bandages all over the place.

Looking at the silver-haired woman standing tall with a sword in her hand, Maia spoke coldly.

No matter how skilled Anastasia is, right after she was severely injured by the reincarnated lord after exhausting her stamina in an unreasonable fight for half a year.

Even though Maia did her best to treat her, even acting like this was a strange state.

“That’s why I told you there is no need to worry.”

Even if you don’t know that fact.

Anastasia did not hesitate to answer.

He just looked at Maia’s back with his bandaged eyes slightly crooked and a smile on his face.

“You are not the only one who will help your wife.”

“…”

Maia followed her gaze and looked away.

And saw.

The Amazon is still haunted by numerous monsters.

An Indian girl intervened in the middle of the scene, brandishing two daggers to cut the monsters to pieces.

No, dozens of dolls that were modeled after everything about her.

“…really a careless man, he is.”

From disciple to bride.

Laughing at the shadow left by the guardian of humanity and his own guardian, who remained so vivid even though he left the place a long time ago.

Maia spread her wings with a much lighter heart.

Before being the dragon princess.

As a bride who loves a man.

With an unwavering belief that if it is her husband, she will solve everything before it is too late and return.