Chapter 59: Chapter 59: The Battle Of Survival

Ethan's eyes narrowed as he listened intently.

He knew that such a call meant the situation was dire, and time was of the essence..

He decided to go and check the situation for himself. What if the beasts breaks in and threaten their Safety once again?

"Iris, I should go and check the situation," Ethan said, his voice calm and measured. He glanced at Iris and the others. "You should stay here and watch over them.

Iris started to protest, concern etched on her face. "No Ethan, you shouldn't go alone. Let me..."

But Ethan shook his head firmly. "No, it's better if I go alone. I can move faster on my own, and there's no time to waste. If this is as bad as it sounds, we'll need to move out of form here quickly as possible."

Ethan's determination to protect those he cared for pushed him to act quickly. As he made his way toward the source of the emergency, the urgency of the situation weighed heavily on him.

The possibility of the beasts breaking through and threatening the safety of his companions and the people in the city spurred him on.

Iris, left behind, was conflicted. Watching Ethan disappear into the distance, her thoughts drifted to her own aspirations. She had always dreamed of becoming a Saintess, inspired by the legendary Radiant Saintess Lumenaria—a goddess of beauty and grace.

But now, doubt crept into her heart. Was she truly on the right path? Could she be of more help if she focused on something else?

As the evening sky dimmed, Iris pondered her future, wondering if she could ever reach the heights of her idol or if her current path would lead her to the same greatness.

Ethan hurried toward the source of the announcement, weaving through a crowd of hunters who were also heading in the same direction. The group was diverse, composed of people from all walks of life. Some were young like him, eager and determined.

Others were middle-aged men and women, seasoned by years of experience. Finally, there were the elderly veteran hunters, their faces lined with the scars of countless battles. Despite their differences, they all shared the same purpose—to protect the city with everything they had.

In moments of extreme danger, personal differences faded away, replaced by a unified mindset and spirit. Each hunter was ready to sacrifice their life to ensure the safety of their loved ones.

As Ethan pushed forward, a familiar voice cut through the noise. "Hey, Ethan, slow down a bit."

Ethan recalled the kind Innkeeper Greta's severed arm, and resolved himself to kill those fierce beasts — especially the demons who were behind this attacks.

Afterward, they quickly resumed their pace and reached the frontline within minutes. As they approached, they were met with a formidable sight: rows upon rows of knights, archers, and hunters, each organized by their rank and ready for battle. The air was thick with anticipation, and every combatant's weapon was at the ready, their eyes locked on the horizon where the enemy would soon appear.

The army was arranged into three distinct defense lines, each reflecting the combatants' skill level and experience. At the forefront stood the S and A-Rank powerhouses, forming the first line of defense. These were the most powerful beings, known for their exceptional strength and battle prowess.

At the front stood the sole S-Rank powerhouse of Arcadia City, Longus Emberion, the city lord. His imposing figure commanded immediate respect and attention. Beside him were the representatives of the five great noble clans—clan leaders and esteemed elders—each adorned in their clan's regalia, signifying their high status and authority.

Among them were also several notable A-Rank powerhouses, distinguished individuals who, although not affiliated with any noble clan, had earned their place through extraordinary achievements and formidable prowess. This elite assembly formed the foremost line of defense, embodying the pinnacle of strength and leadership in the city.

Their position at the front was no accident; they were there to take on the most formidable foes and absorb the heaviest blows. Their weapons were finely crafted, their armor reinforced, reflecting their status as the elite. This front line was designed to be an impenetrable wall, capable of withstanding even the fiercest onslaught of the high level beasts.

Behind them, the second line consisted of B and C-Rank hunters. These hunters, though not as powerful as those in the front, were still formidable in their own right. Their role was to provide crucial support to the vanguard, reinforcing the line where needed and ensuring that any breaches were quickly sealed.

Aria and some her fellow companions were present in this section, and Ethan noticed her immediately because of her striking features. She was like a crane amongst a flock of chickens, standing out with her beautiful white combat dress. Although she didn't noticed Ethan yet, her eyes were darting around as if in search of certain someone.

They were arranged in a staggered formation, allowing them to easily move forward or back as the situation demanded. This line of defense was also responsible for maintaining the momentum of the battle, pushing forward when the opportunity arose or holding the line if the enemy attempted to break through.

Finally, the third rank was made up of D and E-Rank hunters. These hunters, though less experienced, were far from insignificant. Positioned at the rear, their role was to protect the flanks and ensure that the army's formation remained intact.

They were also responsible for providing support to the ranks ahead of them, ready to step in if casualties occurred or if additional strength was needed.

This rank served as a reserve force, their primary task being to maintain the integrity of the army's structure and to provide a final line of defense should the enemy break through the higher ranks. Ethan and his friends were organised in this last section, due to their low ranks.

The formation was a testament to careful planning and strategy. By positioning the strongest warriors at the front, the army ensured that the most dangerous threats were met with the greatest force.

The B and C-Rank fighters provided essential reinforcement, while the D and E-Rank warriors ensured that no gap went unguarded. This layered approach allowed the army to adapt to the ebb and flow of battle, with each rank ready to step up and take enemies head on.

This strategic arrangement maximized the strengths of each rank, ensuring that the army could withstand the enemy's assault while minimizing the risk of casualties because of their own power gap.