A special emergency request was posted at the Adventurer’s Guild, a type of mission that adventurers are obligated to accept.

The request was titled "Defense of the Marquis's Domain." Its goal: to protect the city of Akoup from the monsters pouring out of the Twilight Forest.

Last night, adventurers who ventured into the forest to hunt monsters reported a sharp decline in their numbers.

A tamer, who had sent their bird-type familiar to investigate and shared its vision, discovered that the monsters were gathering deep within the forest in organized formations.

Ordinary monsters lack the intelligence to do such a thing.

Even within the same species, they are essentially beast-like, prone to cannibalizing one another when food is scarce.

This suggests they’re being controlled by something—or someone.

Yet, the mastermind behind this remains unknown.

What is certain, however, is that the monsters have begun to form crude, inconsistent ranks and are marching like an army.

There are several territories bordering the Twilight Forest, many governed by nobles other than the Marquis.

For some reason, the monsters seem singularly focused on Akoup, advancing directly toward it.

Their strategy appears almost human—aiming to first capture Akoup, the most prosperous city in the Marquis's domain, before using it as a foothold to expand their invasion.

Even their method of attack feels calculated, entirely uncharacteristic of beasts driven purely by instinct.

Similar requests are likely being issued in other regions.

However, a significant number of adventurers have already gathered in Akoup to repel the first wave of the assault.

As I made my way to the Adventurer’s Guild, I couldn’t help but recall Katya’s earlier warnings.

The suspicious movements of the Célie Theocracy, which might be seeking war.

Though the pieces haven’t fallen into place yet, it feels increasingly likely that humans are involved in this monster invasion.

If Célie is indeed the culprit, this isn’t merely about fleeing a city ravaged by monsters.

The monsters’ actions might be creating a beachhead—or they could be concealing something more sinister.

Regardless, I’ve resolved to fight to protect this city.

Ivy and Sunshita share that determination.

Life here has been peaceful and warm, far from the chaos we once faced.

If someone—human or monster—tries to destroy that, they are our enemy.

But there’s one thing that weighs heavily on me.

This upcoming request isn’t just a mission—it’s a battle.

A brutal, war-like confrontation against hundreds, even thousands of monsters.

And I have no choice but to involve Ivy in it.

I can’t do anything on my own.

She, however, can do anything.

This isn’t like our past efforts to secure a stable, peaceful life by forging ties with influential people.

The scale is entirely different. So is the purpose.

The battle will be massive, the enemies countless.

Facing a single monster wouldn’t be a problem, but now the entire Twilight Forest seems to be descending upon us.

Their numbers are estimated in the tens of thousands.

With such an overwhelming force, even Ivy’s fate is uncertain.

If we want to stop the monsters, Ivy will have to unleash her full strength.

And if she aims to minimize casualties, she might need to return to her true form.

If Ivy does use all her power to repel the enemy, would the people of Akoup still see her as the same Ivy?

Would they regard her as a hero—or as a monster?

If they cannot accept her, she will undoubtedly be hurt.

I know how fragile Ivy’s heart can be.

I remember the night she cried alone, hidden from everyone, after the villagers spoke cruelly about her.

Knowing this, I hesitate.

If I push her to the forefront like this, will her spirit eventually wear down, crumble, and shatter?

Lost in thought, I reached out and gently stroked Ivy’s neck, my emotions unresolved.