Cloud’s head was bursting at the seams right now, mostly due to the pressure along with the absolute incompetency of his colleagues.

Cloud grabbed hold of the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on. After pouring hours and hours worth of reading the reports and his own findings, there was not a single lick of information that could be useful to help his town.

Other than the fact that the almighty system wanted them to die for no reason. It was something Cloud was working hard to avoid.

I can’t let this get to me.

Using his techniques his master taught him, he eased his body and let his mind flow, his mana pouring throughout his body as he let them course through with ease.

For some, this is actually a demanding exercise for the spirit, but for Cloud, this was soothing. It helped his mind clear up, and his headache to dampen. Though, his body was tempered to the point where common headaches were barely a thing.

If anything, this was more of an emotional headache, and it was coming back again in full force after redirecting his thoughts back into the current situation again.

He stared at the piles of parchment, each one filled to the brim with his notes, scribbles, and responses from the other towns and cities, and from his supposed colleagues. It was already filling up his study as the towers of documents, papers, scrolls, and other forms of information dictating how screwed his town was. Other than that, there was actual furniture to dictate that this place was indeed the study in his home.

Looking over at the window, the sill being filled with piles of parchment as well, he could see that it was nearing afternoon by the daylight outside. He planned on giving a light reading of his reports, but it ended up taking the entire morning hours.

His town kept getting bombarded with monster hordes, and he was charged with figuring out the reason why. Sure, he could just go out there and decimate the entire monster horde along with his wife, but then what? The same thing will happen again later on. Perhaps in just a few days if they were unlucky.

What’s more, they weren’t alone. There were plenty of other people living in this town, each one having an increased chance of dying from each horde that comes along. No matter how powerful he and his wife were, there was only so much they could do.

Some monsters can come in, and some even went as far as entering into the city during a siege. Luckily, some traps the hunters made for this very purpose activated, killing them outright. But that didn’t stop the fear of it happening again from spreading.

And it certainly wasn’t the ultimate defense. Even the hunters believed that the traps won’t be enough if stronger monsters keep appearing. They can handle Apprentice ranked monsters, but anything higher than Level 30 could prove fatal for them.

They have a few combat-related fighters, but have many, many non-combat ones. This town was small, built within the forest far away from the other major cities. The reason for that is due to its affiliation with the kingdom and how it received special permission to exist.

That was the reason why they couldn't receive any help. Not that he would want them if it meant getting into trouble with their superiors.

He wanted to protect this town, his place of belonging. And what’s more, this is also the city where his daughter was born. For that emotional ambition alone, he would fight to the death. But he wasn’t stupid.

The town isn’t very large, built with a circular design in mind for housing many folks. Some focused more on their craft while others were just living to get by. This town, with the taxes based on their coins rather than their precious energy, was easy for those who had a tough time keeping up with the demand for profits. While their jobs were limited, it made full use of their abilities, allowing them to focus on the skills they want to hone.

While Cloud liked to believe that it was a perfect system, flaws were still there. There were some that refused to do what was needed for the town, and for that, the citizens decided to keep up with their own rules. You must pull your own weight if you want to live in this town, and if you don’t–everyone’s better off if you leave.

So when the monster horde decided to step in, it showed a lot of people’s true colors. Some abandoned ship and ran to the other major cities, and others tried to leech off the hard work of others to give themselves a luxurious life to live.

That only further dampened the morale as they had no other choice but to punish or abandon those that would not help in their current crisis. Thankfully, the community leaders were merciful and had common sense, rather than just trying to show off their power by outright killing them.

Though it still left Cloud with a bitter aftertaste. That was why he was trying to contact his colleagues, to see if they could help study this strange phenomenon of monsters attacking them all of a sudden.

Almost a month passed and not a single one replied favorably. Some said they were too busy, and others gave an excuse to say that what they’re going through is rougher than what Cloud was going through, and he called bullshit on that.

They were freaking mages. They can handle anything. But they would prefer not to help his people live than to admit that they have no idea what was going on either. Cloud didn’t care about his standing anymore as he tried relying on his colleagues for their thoughts.

Now, he just wanted to strangle them the next time he met them.

Breathe…

He would normally not lose his cool like this, but the current situation and the politics was starting to make his head hurt. If he hadn’t had his wife constantly do the heavy lifting while helping out the people, he was sure his head was going to pop.

Deciding that it would be best, he stood up from his wooden chair. His clothed tunic and slacks flowed as he stepped outside.

Brushing his hair, he realized it was matted with grime and sweat. He hadn’t taken a bath in a while. His daughter would be complaining again, he was sure.

When he stepped outside of his home, a humble abode built for a big family rather than just his wife and kid, he saw the scene before him.

It was a mess of activities. The town in his vision was filled with bustling citizens trying their best to tame the fires burning all around them. Metaphorically, of course. Some were tending to the wounded, the others trying rapidly to rebuild their battered defenses, and some trying their best to create a joyous atmosphere by bringing out the mercantile business up and about.

He enjoyed the sight, though he felt guilty for not joining in the actual working. He hated not doing anything substantial other than observing and studying, but he also knew that this was his specialty. However, after his morning long report-viewing, he felt that he hadn’t made much progress at all, leaving him with a shitty feeling.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Then, someone else came along to add more to that shitty feeling.

“Cloud, I’m glad to see you’re finally out of your nest.”

The tone was stoic, yet there was a hint of aggravation to it. Cloud could only groan inwardly as he turned to face the commander of their pocket military force.

General Zacharia. The man was built like a true warrior, decked in plated armor from torso to toe, leaving only his open dark-skinned face revealed to Cloud.

One would think from his tone that he was a snarky bastard, but his face was stone cold, his mix of a frown and glare permanently stuck on him. A large bladed sword was holstered to his back, adding more to his already intimidating demeanor.

But to Cloud, it was just an annoying musclehead who wanted answers that he still did not have.

“General Zacharia, it’s great to see you,” Cloud lied as naturally as he breathed. He actually just wanted to take a walk to clear his head. This was the opposite of what he wanted. “How goes the fight? I hope everything is alright?”

“It would be if it went to plan. Have you reached the decision of sending out a team yet?”

Cloud kept a steady smile, but he inwardly groaned at the mention of his plan again. General Zacharia wanted to bring a select group of elites, including both Cloud and his wife, to take down the probable cause of the monster horde.

While that may be a direct and possible plan to execute, there were many downsides. One which Cloud feared could be a detriment to their already bad circumstances. There were too many variables that could go wrong, and should they leave, it would only leave the town defenseless while, at worst, they might not find anything of value.

While he was sure that General Zacharia would have a plan for that, even with their best abilities, it was too risky. Cloud was against this without a probable backup plan, but General Zacharia was persistent on this course of action. Even now, bringing up the plan whenever he gets the chance was starting to give Cloud something worse than a headache.

Because he can’t help but agree that such a plan might be the best course of action.

“We only have so much time left before something irreparable happens,” General Zacharia said. His voice was gruff and demanding, filled with contempt at this situation just as much as Cloud was. “You and I both know this, yet you still insist on dancing around the issue, Cloud. How long will it take for you to realize that action is needed now, not more deliberation and planning?”

“While I do agree that this situation needs to be solved as soon as possible,” Cloud responded, his usual smile gone and replaced with a calculated glare at the general. “There are far too many variables where that plan could go wrong. You have no evidence that there will be no risks to the parties involved.”

“What evidence is there to show? I do not believe any action we take will ever come without risk. I may not be a mage, but I’m no fool. Those are the cards we were dealt with, Cloud, and I do not plan to fold while I yet breathe.”

Zacharia walked over near Cloud, giving him a side glance before moving onwards.

“At least consider this–How long will you be satisfied to keep playing this tug-of-war with no benefits? This battle of attrition already has a winner and loser at the end, and you will not like what the result will be.”

Zacharia soon left, following along the soldiers at his beck and call. His protege, a young man with blond dreads and the same serious look, took a glance and nodded respectfully to Cloud before turning back with the other soldiers in Zacharia’s command.

Cloud could only let out a heavy breath. He was so agitated at the man, but he can’t really say much about it.

Because he knew Zacharia was right. He hated it, but he was right. At this point, if more time is wasted like this, people will die. If people are going to die either way, then it would be better to just go along with Zacharia’s original plan.

But Cloud didn’t like it. He wasn’t sure, but he felt that this entire thing was off. He was told time and time again that this area was safe to make a town in, the monsters around it easy to subjugate with enough preparations. However, this was clearly beyond what was considered livable.

He just didn’t want to get into a situation where his family would be involved. He knew he was just being selfish at that point, but he couldn’t help but think of the worst from this.

All he wants is to just make sure that the numbers were something he could deal with, including any loss of supplies or even life. If he had to, he would prefer to make it so that the town won’t lose anymore than it is already losing.

“Daddy!”

The playful shout of a young child let out a torrent of clean water that washed over every muck and grime of his soul. A bright smile gleamed on his face when he turned to find the light of his life running towards him

Her little legs picking up the pace, she opened her arms up and shouted his name with every bit of energy a child should have.

“Daddy! You’re alive!”

Cloud, despite being exhausted both physically and mentally, had enough energy to pick up his daughter with a flourish and spun her around.

“That I am, little one. How have you fared?”

“I’m fine, but I’m bored! Mama’s always out there having fun fighting monsters, but I’m here doing nothing!”

“I see,” Cloud smiled, but it was full of melancholy. Her mother certainly was out a lot doing regular patrols around the town. While the town wasn’t that big and she could get around fast, it still took a while.

“But I saw Mama kill the monster with one strike!” Ana gleamed, which Cloud mimicked with ease.

“Of course. She’s the best fighter in the entire town, after all.”

Ana nodded so much that she almost shook in his arms. Just the act and feeling alone brought Cloud to realize just how much right there is in the world, no matter how confusing things get.

“Are you gonna visit Mama?” Ana asked, prompting Cloud to tilt his head.

The situation was already going beyond proportions, but it wasn’t as though he lacked any options. If he cannot contact his colleagues, the best he could do is to support the town however he could. There was also what Zacharia said, and that brought him pause.

What was more frustrating was that he cannot figure out the cause. Monster hordes were as simple as how rain is made, or how grass remains green. There is always a cause and effect to everything, even if magic was involved.

But this particularly horde had no cause, and therefore, had no end of which to seek. If there was a cause, then getting rid of that cause would end the horde for good, allowing them to avoid wasting so many supplies.

Zacharia’s plan was foolhardy, but not without merit. He would love to divulge into details about it if it could help the town, but there was a reason why Zacharia always brings out the worst in Cloud.

It wasn’t as though Zacharia was some muscleheaded fool like most warriors. Cloud would even respect his intelligence if he wasn’t so abhorrent to mages. While even Cloud cannot defend against the reputation the mages have in their lives, dealing with that kind of man is always a challenge in and of itself.

In the end, there was no right answer. For now, the best Cloud could do is to help support the town and prepare them for another horde that may or may not come. They’ve been increasing recently, causing everyone to get on edge.

He knew his wife, Val, would be fine. After all, she’s the most powerful fighter in town. He didn’t lie to his daughter because he knew more than anyone how powerful she is.

“Mmh, not yet. I actually want to make my rounds in the city. Talk to the others and see how they’re doing. Do you wanna join?”

“Are you gonna ‘povide’ aid?” Ana said to the best of her abilities.

“Hehe, yes, if I can,” Cloud chuckled. While his daughter leans heavily on acting like her mother, she is always trying to impress Cloud with the use of complicated words.

That ended up with her flubbing the words every so often. But what is there to do but to try and improve? He approves of that.

Cloud put his daughter down and held her hand, leading her around the town to provide aid, as his cute little girl said.

But inside his mind, he can’t help but consider the actions that needed to be taken. At this point, they need something to change their current situation, something that was outside of their grasp at the moment. But what exactly can they find that can help them out?

He only wished his master was around to help at least. He may have been an extremely annoying individual to deal with, but he was his master, and his knowledge of anything mysterious and magical was second to none.

He also wanted to know whether this horde will end up returning in the future, and whether his grown up daughter would handle such a thing. The idea alone is the reason why he wished to avoid using any tactics that would result in unnecessary losses.

He didn’t want his daughter and the people he loved to be part of that tactic. Not if he could help it.