A Core Ship From The Start-Chapter 1604 - 1074: Crisis at the Front Line

"I never expected the Tribunal to possess such formidable strength..."

Looking at the immense steel church before him, Captain Meld couldn’t help but marvel. After receiving the King’s command, he immediately led a team to the hillside where the noise was emanating. Although the hill was near the Royal City and not considered dangerous, the noise was so loud that rumors of a Demon Clan invasion began to circulate, prompting him to rush over.

"May I ask how you achieved this?"

Staring at the enormous church made entirely of metal, Captain Meld swallowed hard and questioned Duanmu Huai, who merely shrugged.

"Trade secret."

"...Alright, but next time, if you plan on doing something similar, please notify us in advance. This is, after all, the Royal City, and it would be troublesome if it caused an alarming disturbance."

Captain Meld had somewhat come to understand Duanmu Huai’s temperament and, seeing his unwillingness to elaborate, didn’t persist on the topic. He quickly shifted the conversation, realizing that the person before him was a Hero summoned from an Isekai to save the world, making this scenario less ludicrous.

"But, it turns out to be just the right timing. Even if this commotion wasn’t caused by you, Brave Lord, I still wanted to discuss the matter of the Demon Clan’s invasion."

At this point, Captain Meld’s expression turned serious.

"To be frank, we are facing an extremely perilous situation. Just recently, we received reports from the wastelands that one of the Demon Kings leading the Demon Army has breached the defenses there. The entire Eastern Defense Line is now critically endangered. If we can’t stop the Demon’s advance swiftly, the Demon Army will soon be at the gates of the Royal City!"

"So, you mean you need the Tribunal’s assistance?"

"Yes, Brave Lord, we need the assistance of all Heroes."

In response to Duanmu Huai’s inquiry, Meld answered neither deferentially nor arrogantly. Duanmu Huai mentioned the "Tribunal," whereas Meld spoke of the "Hero’s retinue." Clearly, at this point, the more help, the better. During a crisis of survival for humans, other matters seemed less significant.

"..."

Gazing at Meld, Duanmu Huai contemplated for a moment. Duanmu had already received an investigation and report from Ling’Nu regarding the Demon Clan’s specifics. Not mentioning the Demon, the so-called Demon Clan he faced here was akin to the "genuine demons" he dealt with in Novice’s Village, rather than fools manipulated by Demons or creatures of other races merely labeled as the Demon Clan.

This meant it was a rare legitimate task for the Tribunal that they hadn’t encountered in a while.

Thus, the choice of personnel had to be prudent.

"Xiao Mao, get your gear and follow me."

After considering, Duanmu Huai made a decision.

"And Mio, it’s just perfect—Frieren has always wanted you to train in actual combat, hasn’t she? This time, you can have your fill. Everyone else, stay here and don’t go anywhere! Mary, I’m counting on you!"

"Huh? I can’t go with Lord Mio?"

Upon hearing this, Banriya jumped to her feet. After all, logically, she was supposed to be Naruse Mio’s attendant, and the status board had been checked previously—Banriya and Tacheng Xiao Mao’s levels and attributes were similar, so why was Duanmu taking Xiao Mao but not her?

"Xiao Mao has a contract with the Tribunal; don’t even think about it."

Duanmu Huai glanced at Banriya. Previously, during the armor ceremony for Tacheng Xiao Mao, he had informed her of her duties for the Tribunal.

Now, the task has arrived.

"The situation is complex; we’re going to survey first. As for you, we’ll talk later."

Given that the Demon Army had breached the defenses, it indicated the possibility that the main forces were present. Without clarity on the situation, Duanmu Huai wouldn’t rashly send someone.

Since Duanmu Huai decided, the others obediently complied. Tacheng Xiao Mao and Naruse Mio stepped forward and followed Duanmu Huai towards Captain Meld.

"Alright, let’s go. Where’s the place?"

"You’re all setting out just like that?"

Seeing Duanmu Huai’s decisive manner, Captain Meld was dumbfounded. Though this was an emergency situation, he knew travel wasn’t that simple.

"About the supply logistics..." novelbuddy-cσ๓

"That’s not your concern; let’s go."

Duanmu Huai waved his hand dismissively. Both Tacheng Xiao Mao and Naruse Mio knew Duanmu had the Mage’s Mansion, so they weren’t worried about provisions. With the Mage’s Mansion, they’d enjoy hot baths and delicious meals even in barren deserts. The only complaint might be not changing too many clothes—but they were off to fight, not travel, so there was no need for such considerations.

Otherwise, getting new clothes dirty would be the real hassle.

"No, Brave Lord, you don’t need to be so urgent. Although the Royal City indeed requires your assistance and deployment, it also takes time..."