"Now then, let’s see how this goes."

I shift my gaze to the ground beneath my feet.

At first glance, it looks like nothing more than an old, weathered stone wall, but it’s actually a sturdy defensive barrier that cannot be damaged by any kind of attack.

Set into it is a massive double door. The material is steel. It’s so heavy that it takes four muscular guards to barely open and close it.

However, in truth, the gate is more fragile than the walls of the fortress city it protects. After a few hits, it would collapse. They know that too.

The only entrance and exit to the fortress city — and its only weak point.

I must defend this place to the death.

Beyond the city wall lies a single road that cuts through the forest. It stretches straight from the gate, then turns at a right angle, and from there, curves sharply again.

Seen from above, the road looks like a maze. Completely ignoring usability, it’s excessively convoluted and riddled with flaws.

But not a single citizen uses this road. Beyond the wall lies the Demon Lord’s territory.

What comes from there are nothing but hordes of monsters and demons. Convenience is irrelevant.

"Ohhh, now that's intense."

With a rumble shaking the ground, my field of vision fills with swarms upon swarms of monsters.

There are goblin-like ones and slime-like ones — the usual small fry — along with one-eyed giants, horses engulfed in flames, giant six-legged lizards, and even undead.

A mixed army of all kinds of monsters.

"Magnificent, truly magnificent."

I tried counting up to about twenty enemies before it felt pointless and I gave up. Even within my visible range, there are clearly over a thousand.

From here on, I’ll have to face them all alone. Normally, this would be the moment where despair overwhelms you, and you might even shed a tear.

But I can’t suppress my grin.

Overwhelming numbers crushed through traps and strategy — this moment is the best.

"Preparations complete. All that’s left is for it to begin."

Come on, bring it!

I’ve got everything set and I’m lying in wait — so go ahead and die as spectacularly as you can!