The Hero in Exile

"The king's monsters are ready and should be on their way now."

"Follow the original plan."

……

"What's going on? Why are there so many people gathered here? What's going on?"

"Haven't you heard? King Bronzebeard is coming here to give a speech and listen to others about something very important."

"Ah, there won't be a war, right? They've been making weapons and closing the mountains lately."

"I hope not."

"Quiet!"

I don't know who shouted, but the whole square became much quieter.

Surrounded by his guards, Bronzebeard walked up to the podium. Behind him was a huge statue of his ancestor. Whenever a major event happened among the dwarves and all the dwarves needed to be told, they would come here.

"My dear people, I have called you here to announce something important. In our Alps, an elemental army led by an elemental lord has launched an attack on us. I am very sorry to tell you now due to special reasons. However, according to our estimation, they are about a week away from arriving. You can go to the nearby Lion Sea City or Orc City for refuge first..."

After the speech, people in the square quickly went home to pack their luggage. If they walked too slowly, it might be a farewell forever.

On the way back to the castle, Bronzebeard continued to ask about the whereabouts after the speech.

"How is the church in the dwarven city?"

"They said they would report the matter to the Pope and send reinforcements to help, then they packed up and left with the Paladins."

"Hypocritical guy, I hope you won't bring people to force me into the castle and accuse me of having close contact with the demons, even though it is true."

"Most of the civilians in the city have already started to evacuate, and many outside adventurers have also left. Only a small number of adventurers and magicians have accepted employment, and some believers of the church have volunteered to stay here to treat the wounded."

"Oh, there are still some who stayed voluntarily. Could they be the idealists the hero mentioned? Since they are willing to stay, they should be given everything they deserve. They don't owe us anything."

In the next few days, most of the residents in the city were evacuated, and a few people stayed behind to strengthen the fortifications or volunteered to stay and prepare for a desperate fight.

Moran has been discussing better ways to deal with the situation with Bronzebeard these days. They usually talk for a long time even until dark. Because of the curse, he cannot leave too far away and can only wander around outside the castle. The only way to relieve his fatigue is to chat with people around him.

"Why don't I go with them, brave hero?"

"Actually, you can just call me Lingyu. It's embarrassing to call me the hero."

Lingyu was chatting with people around her outside the castle as usual. This time it was an old dwarf who was building a wall around the castle.

"I have been living here, working and eating here for most of my life. I have lived too long without a family. To be honest, even though I am strong now, I know I may not live for many years. I just want to stay on this land where I have spent most of my life. Wouldn't it be better to use my limited time to do something more meaningful? Don't you think so, Ms. Lingyu?"

After the old man finished speaking, he took out a cigarette from his pocket and looked at Lingyu with some embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, but this is the only hobby I have as an old guy."

"It's okay, don't worry about me."

The old man took a deep puff of the cigarette in his mouth, then exhaled lightly. The expression on his face was much happier, and his eyes followed the smoke, as if it was just normal.

……

"Those things should be here this afternoon."

Seeing Lingyu get up, Moran reminded her.

"What time is it now?"

"...noon."

"Why didn't you call me so late?"

"I saw you were sleeping soundly so I didn't disturb you."

Lingyu didn't know how to complain about this guy. She put on her clothes and came to Moran's side. She could clearly see the scene below through the window.

Outside the castle stood a huge group of people, and on top of the castle stood Bronzebeard, who was fully armed.

"My soldiers, the monsters have crossed the Belvis Mountains and are only tens of kilometers away from our city. Today we will have a life-and-death duel with them. Our ancestors faced the same crisis more than 500 years ago, but they failed due to our ancestors' heroic battle. Today they will crash into the steel walls and die. Just like before, you may die here and your names will be unknown, but your achievements will live on. Soldiers, hold high our hammers. Honor belongs to the hammers and to us. Today we will defend this sacred land with our hammers and our bodies!"