-Vanguards Stronghold Hall-

We arrived at their Guild Hall. The place looks like a mini castle but only important things and people are inside. No unimportant spaces can be seen around the place. Siegriel is here and is walking right towards us.

"Welcome to our humble Guild Hall. Unlike Order of Light's Castle, our guild hall is a bit small but as you can see it's well made and it's not for display but only for guild concerns. Anyway, I've heard that you guys defeated the Enraged Yeti. I know you're surprised that we are making it such a big deal but to tell you honestly, the Yeti you just killed was the strongest Yeti that killed many of our comrades while hunting and because of that, we can't explore further so people here are glad that it's dead now. How about you join our guild?" He asked calmly. You talked really long and the main reason is just to invite us to your guild? Oh jeez.

"We really love to be part of your guild but we really don't want to join any guilds right now. We love to travel from one place to another. If we join a guild today, it would be just a hindrance to our adventures," I replied without being blunt.

"Well, I understand. But if you change your mind, our guild is really open for you guys," He is really a good guy.

"We really thank you for the offer," We decided to leave the place.

"Wait a sec..," Siegriel stopped us from leaving.

"I would like to tell you the real reason why we called you. It's because we are looking for members to join our defense. You won't believe this without seeing but an army of Orcs from the Icy Mountains are already marching their way to attack our stronghold. No other people know about this but only us here in the guild hall because it might cause panic. Our scouts said that maybe tonight, they'll reach our stronghold and we need every power we can get to defend from them. Can you help us?" He sighed after telling his problem. It looks like they really need some help.

(ORCS RANK: C)

"Sure. We are willing to help you guys," Without any doubt, I promised to help.

"Hey Scy, are you really sure about this? It's a bit risky if you ask me," Elou whispered to me. He was right. But we can't afford to lose this opportunity to increase our connection to this guild. Helping them and losing the war is still a win-win situation for us.

"I already know that, but in case we get to be in a big trouble, I always say to you that retreating is always an option," I replied to his worries.

"Fine, it's on you if we die in battle," Elou, stop being a scardy-cat!

"Sure, sure. Just protect Lili and Akko and we will make it through somehow," I replied.

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"Anyway, do you already have a plan later?" I asked Sieg.

"Well, we're already prepared for their attack and we think that there will be just small casualties," He's pretty calm. That's what you would expect from a leader.

"Ok, we will also prepare for later," I replied and we decided to leave the Guild Hall.

-Vanguards Stronghold-

"Elou, prepare more arrows this time. This is a good opportunity to increase your archery mastery. Akko and Lili, you need some equipment that greatly reduces mana consumption for you to deal more and support better, this will be a great time for you to get your masteries up. Just don't die or it'll be just a waste." I suggested.

"Hmp," Lili showed her cute side. I think she's starting to talk to me now.

"Don't mind him Scy. I'm sure you know what you're doing and have a plan, right?" Akko asked.

"Plan? Oh, just don't get killed." I laughed.

"Jeez, well this time, the girls and I, will be at the support and spellcasters area so it seems you will be fighting with the warriors. That would be really bad for you," Elou grinned knowing that they paid me back somehow.

After the chitchats, we went to some shops to resupply and bought gears for longer fights. Our gold coins are also running out. I hope we somehow get paid for participating in this fight.

We logged out after that and ate lunch like we always do. Azzie and Mari are really focused on what they are doing and said that they will take lunch later. Well for me, we will be having a large-scale battle so we need to be more focused.

Horses can be heard from outside the castle. I checked it out and it seems they are the scouts sent by Sieg to check out the Orcs.

I followed them and they met with Sieg. They also called me after seeing me.

"So, what's your report?" Sieg asked.

"Sir the Orcs have numbered around 2000 soldiers. 200 of them are archers. They will be here sooner because their pace seems to be faster than earlier. We still have five hours to prepare," One of the scouts reported.

"Damn. This is totally bad. I miscalculated. I thought their numbers would be below 500 like last time. Right now, our high-ranked defenders and warriors are around 500 and only 200 spellcasters and archers. There are more than a thousand other members that are below Rank C. This is really a big disadvantage to us, may the Gods help us all," This is the first time I saw Sieg worry. It seems that this is really a big trouble for us. We need to do something... Their numbers aren't that great but with good commands and strategy, they will win this because they have the upper hand. we're in their stronghold after all.

I went out and decided to talk to my party. I explained to them what the big problem is right now and suddenly their faces became more worried.

"Hey guys, I need to do something and it will take a bit. Is it ok if you guys help them out later?" I asked them.

"Sure. No problem, but where are you going?" Elou asked me.

"It's really important. Do you trust me?" I sincerely asked them.

"Of course, we do. If that's what you want we will be here and wait for you. Just please don't go away and be a putz." He said and laughed.

"I need to get going now. Please stay alive till I come back," I said and went out.

-North Wall of Vanguards Stronghold-

"It's been four hours when Scy went outside. I'm really worried about him," Akko is worried now.

"Don't worry. Just trust him. We've been through a lot and he never gave up even once," Elou trusts Scy.

"You don't know that. Maybe this is the first time," Lili exclaimed.

"Jeez. Too much negativity in the air. Just focus," Elou ordered.

After waiting for some time, Scythus is still nowhere to be found. The three of them are at the top of the wall and waiting for the orcs army to come.

*HOOOOOOOOOOONK!* The sound of the horn already echoed throughout the whole Stronghold. That means the Orcs are already in sight.