Chapter 18: Beast Wave
Before long, Runeth returned with two leather-bound notebooks and handed them to Athena and Shirley.
"Sis," he said calmly, "the one in your hands is called Shadowstep Dance. My teacher told me it contains sword knowledge far deeper than ordinary techniques. He even said it could help you unlock advanced sword skills. Once you reach 'Basic Swordsmanship,' you might be able to fight a Radiant Knight on your own."
He then turned to Shirley and offered her the second book.
"Aunt, this one's called Inferno Blade Arts. It's a technique focused on pure destruction. According to my teacher, it aligns closely with your Knight-based combat style and natural aptitude. That's all he said about it."
Once his words settled, a long silence followed.
Athena and Shirley slowly flipped through the pages of their respective manuals. Every line seemed to radiate a strange, magnetic force, as though the books themselves were alive with ancient wisdom. After a while, Shirley closed her book and turned toward Raven.
Though he still looked like the same child she had helped raise, something had changed. A weight sat behind his eyes. Maturity.
What am I even thinking? she chided herself, shaking her head.
"Raven," she said softly, "go back to your room and finish your homework. I'll call you when dinner's ready."
Without a word, Raven gave a small nod and left the room.
As his footsteps faded, both women exchanged looks and sighed.
"This is... a lot," Athena said, her voice low. "And... isn't he growing up too fast?"
"He was always different, even from birth," Shirley murmured. Her gaze drifted to the glowing red cover of the Inferno Blade Arts. "But this gift came at the right time."
She stood and walked toward the window. Beyond the glass, the sky had begun to darken.
"The Wave might begin by the end of this month," she continued, voice tinged with worry, "or the next. We've done our best to clear the smaller beasts in the outer regions... but our scouts discovered a large settlement just thirty kilometers from the town."
Athena's expression stiffened. "Beast wave?"
Shirley nodded grimly.
"How big do you think it'll be this time?" Athena asked.
Shirley shook her head. "I don't know. But we're expecting high-rank monsters like Orcs. Maybe worse."
Athena furrowed her brows. "And there will be a leader among them... won't there? You said over a year ago this might happen. But now it seems more like a slow, grinding tactic. An Attrition Assault, right? They're wearing us down little by little. And... haven't we been losing Apprentice and Official Walkers during scout missions?"
A glint of pride crossed Shirley's face. "Smart girl. You're spot on."
She took a deep breath before continuing. "We've lost over 80 Apprentice Walkers and 20 Official Walkers in the last two years."
Athena's eyes widened. "That's... that's one-tenth of our battle force!"
"Exactly why this sword technique from Raven's master might be our salvation." Shirley's voice firmed. "Maybe his master foresaw this and wanted to help."
She clenched her fist. "I've decided. No more scouting missions. From now until the Wave hits, I'm focusing on training. Swordsmanship, day and night."
"You think I should do the same?" Athena asked.
"You must," Shirley said with resolve. "Take a temporary leave. Submit a report to the Baron stating you're preparing for the coming wave. Your police department will be front and center in this battle. More than the army, your forces are the true front line."
She placed a hand on Athena's shoulder. "If you can awaken that invisible aura, your strength may surpass even a Radiant Knight. And if a Magical Beast leads the Wave... we'll need every ounce of power we can muster."
Athena bit her lip. "Won't the Baron bring reinforcements from other towns or his city?"
Shirley's expression darkened. "It's politics, child. If he brought in his Knight Walkers, they could wipe out the beast wave in minutes. But they won't. Not him. Not the nobles."
"Why not? That makes no sense!"
"Because it's all about profit," Shirley said bitterly. "A beast wave is considered a natural disaster. The greater the damage, the higher the compensation from the Royal Family. Last time, the Royal Family awarded forty thousand gold coins to Baroness Thalia Wyrmguard after her town suffered a major wave. The Whitbard family knows this. They're deliberately stopping the Baron from requesting help."
"That's... That's insane!" Athena exclaimed. "They're playing politics while lives are at stake?"
"Exactly. They profit from death. From the damage. From selling monster materials. I'll tell you another secret. It's rumored the Baron himself is a Radiant Rank Walker... but he hides his strength."
Athena scowled. "Tch. Nobles are all the same."
She made up her mind right then and there.
…
The following morning, Athena and Shirley filed official leave from their respective positions. Their decision caused a ripple of whispers throughout the town, but neither woman paid it any mind.
Next, they visited IronFort, a blacksmith shop nestled on Merchant's Street, and ordered new gear — armor and weapons — spending over 30 gold coins in one sitting. When they returned to their modest home at 15A Alm Street, only ten coins remained between them.
Then began their true preparation. Day and night, they secluded themselves in their home, practicing the sword techniques detailed in the ancient manuals.
Time passed.
The calendar turned.
September 2nd arrived — and with it, chaos.
Alarming news spread through the town like wildfire. Scout reports indicated a massive beast migration just a few kilometers from the Mirage Woodlands. The wave was coming.
Summons from Baron Alexander reached both Athena and Shirley, calling them to join the Wave Assault Team. Emergency decrees closed the railway stations, cotton mills, coal depots, and most shops.
"They're just outside the forest," Shirley muttered over breakfast, scanning the letter. "This is it. It's happening."
Athena's face turned pale. "What if the wall falls? What if the monsters get inside? What about Raven?"
Raven, who had been listening quietly, raised his head. "My teacher said he'd protect me."
"You're overthinking," Shirley added. "We're not the only powerful ones here. The town has many hidden experts. Even wizards."
Athena finally exhaled and nodded. She finished her meal in silence, then turned to Raven.
"Don't leave the house. No matter what."
"I won't."
—
Later that day, Shirley and Athena took a carriage from Alm Street, leaving the commoners' district and entering the well-guarded Noble's Quarter.
Their destination: the Town Administrative Building.
A three-story stone fortress, the building loomed at the end of a cobbled square. Its courtyard teemed with movement. Uniformed officers—police, scouts, soldiers—rushed from door to door, delivering messages and receiving orders.
Athena and Shirley passed familiar faces — sub-inspectors, lieutenants, sergeants — until they reached the Baron's office.
Inside, tension choked the air.
Baron Alexander looked up from his desk. A middle-aged man with a stern face and thinning brown hair, he had cold blue eyes and a body hardened by war. His armor gleamed silver — breastplate, gorget, mail, and boots — polished but worn from real use.
Other figures stood nearby: Superintendent Henry, Crime Inspector Elijah, two of the Baron's personal Knights, and a young man in his twenties with sharp features and brown hair. All wore the same dark green uniform. Some held long rifles at the ready.
Athena took in the scene, her heart steady, but her grip tightened on the hilt of her sword.
The Wave had begun.
And there would be no turning back.