Chapter 222

Chapter 222

Our current location was between Jormungandrs head vertebra and the central vertebra. We decided to head back to the central vertebra to regroup until dawn, knowing that the head vertebra was likely occupied by werewolves.

However, retreating and regrouping were far from easy. Werewolves repeatedly ambushed us from the shadows throughout the night. We barely managed to fall back to the central vertebra, setting up guards as we went, and tried to rest. Though it wasnt much of a rest; they kept jumping us out of nowhere.

Finally, the dreadful night passed, and morning reluctantly arrived.

Day 3 of the Jormungandr Repulsion Battle. Dawn broke on the final day.

[Jormungandr - Status of Part Destruction]

- First Vertebra: 86%

- Second Vertebra: 49%

- Third Vertebra: 91%

Rubbing the fatigue from under my eyes, I checked the current progress.

The numbers could easily be closed out in a day if it werent for these damn werewolves. The situation had become urgent due to the incessant guerrilla attacks by the invading monsters.

[Repel the Ambushing Werewolf Legion!]

- Grey Werewolf Lv.35 <Elite><Penalty Applied>: 8

- Brown Werewolf Lv.30 <Penalty Applied>: 17

About twenty-five werewolves remained. As for the condition of our party members...

"Hmm."

I scanned my teammates, who were spread out and lying exhausted on the ground.

Junior has severe injuries, as does Reina. Evangeline and Kuilan are drained. The rest have minor injuries...

We had fed potions and allowed some sleep during the past few hours, but the human body doesnt repair itself like a machine. Everyone was still tired, and injuries persisted.

But we had no choice.

Wed have to push through on the final day.

"Lucas."

As I quietly called his name, Lucas, who had been resting beside me with his eyes closed, slowly opened his sky-blue eyes.

"Yes, my lord."

"Wake everyone up."

I was tired too, but what good would it do to waste this young body?

"Lets get to work!"

The world was at stake. Time to take some risks.

***

The tail vertebra seemed to be making good progress through the night, judging by the increasing part destruction rate. Nameless and Kellibey must be handling things well. I could leave them be.

The central vertebra had the lowest rate of destruction. It would need the most attention in the remaining time.

"Kuilan, proceed with the part destruction at full force with your subordinates. Fox, Rabbit, assist them."

I instructed the five from the Penal Squad and two supporting wizards. All seven faces were tired, but they nodded without objection.

"Reina. Guard this place. Werewolves might ambush us again; its your responsibility to fend them off."

"Leave it to me, Your Highness. I wont embarrass myself this time."

Reina, who had been puffing on a cigarette, nodded. I turned my gaze to the remaining party members.

"Lucas, Evangeline, and... Junior."

Two knights and a weary-faced mage looked at me. I nodded.

"Were going to reclaim the head."

Lucas and Evangeline were always going to be part of the main party; the real question was whether to take Junior or Reina.

Junior was injured, but we concluded it would be safer for him to stick with the main party.

Leaving him behind would only expose him to attacks from werewolves. His safety was guaranteed if he stayed with Lucas, Evangeline, and me.

Besides, weve been a well-coordinated party from the start.

With that reasoning, we finalized our lineup. Our main party began moving towards the head of Jormungandr.

The Penal Squad had already started disassembling parts of the creature with drills and picks. Reina and the two mages saluted us.

"May luck be with you, Your Highness."

"May luck be."

Reinas face seemed a bit stiff. I gave her a slight smile.

"You guys hang in there too."

The four of us in the main party began walking towards the creatures cerebral center without looking back.

***

The path to the head was empty.

But knowing that the werewolves wouldnt just let us be, the four of us in the main party cautiously advanced along Jormungandrs back, without letting our guard down.

Grrrrr

Aaahhh!

As expected, werewolves hiding in the shadows leapt out at us.

They attacked us from both sides. Judging by their numbers, which exceeded twenty, it seemed they had all been waiting here for us.

Good, this is better.

Lucas tapped the nerve cluster he was leaning against.

"Im not sure if well have the time to destroy it."

He was right.

We had already killed more than ten werewolves on our way here. In other words, more than ten still remained.

If we started the localized destruction, they would undoubtedly interfere.

Yet, I spoke optimistically.

"If we hold out while progressing, reinforcements from behind will join us as soon as they finish their tasks. Then we can definitely destroy this within the time limit."

It was a close call, but it was surely possible.

As I was reassuring myself, an image of a brown curly-haired boy briefly crossed my mind.

...Damien.

I desperately missed the presence of my sniper.

If Damien had been here, even if he couldnt help with the targeted destruction, he would have taken care of the wolf pack in no time.

Then we wouldnt be in this dire situation.

Should I have brought him no matter his condition? Was it my poor judgment?

Damien is undoubtedly my trump card.

Should I have definitely included him in my party? Was sidelining him for the season my arrogance?

No, stop brooding over the past!

I shook my head, my eyes wide open.

As always, I achieved the best results with the resources I had.

And the operation is still very much viable.

I sprinkled the remaining water over my head. Party members whistled toward my soaked self. What are you looking at, runts!

Flipping my wet hair back, I shouted.

"Lets get started with the overtime! Ill make sure youre well-compensated!"

I might be the Black Company managerno, a Black Company CEO, but at least I pay fair wages, alright? (TL Note: Black Companies are basically sweatshops.)

***

The evening sun was setting.

Bang- Bang- Bang-

Clang-!

Reina watched with a cloudy gaze as the nervous system was slowly being chipped away, sparks flying.

It was already the third evening.

Yet the targeted destruction was still not complete.

Destruction at the tails vertebra had been completed, and Kellibey had joined the central vertebra destruction.

Kellibey aided in the repair of drills and pickaxes, and the sweat-drenched Penal Squad members screamed in agony as they continued to focus on targeted destruction.

Yet the nervous system still remained intact.

Moreover, there was no news from Prince Ash, who had headed towards Jormungandrs head.

"Lady Reina."

Beside the thoughtful Reina, Fox, the mage of the Penal Squad, cautiously approached.

"Two out of the three vertebra are still intact. We must consider the possibility of failure in this repelling operation."

"..."

Reina jerked her chin.

"What are you trying to say, Fox."

"We should prepare for the protocol."

Fox spat out in a gloomy voice.

"Ready the Shutdown Protocol."

"...!"

Startled, Reina quickly turned her head.

"What are you talking about! Thats not within our discretion!"

"..."

"You know that if we initiate that protocol...!"

"All the citizens of Crossroad will die."

Fox spoke impassively.

"But it will stop this serpent."

"..."

"Dont forget our main objective, Lady Reina."

Reina clenched her teeth.

As she met Foxs gaze with her suddenly cold eyes, he reiterated in a tone devoid of emotion.

"...After all, that is why we came to this city in the first place."