Another world, Celeste

Thirty Four, pt 3

When the first barrier is removed, the soldiers respond with their weapons drawn and the sole swordswoman amongst the adventurer's party stand defensively in front of Serafina. The serious expression on their faces immediately changes to looking stunned at the sight of the stupidly tall earth wall constructed in the middle of the area. Let me be clear that the earth wall isn't my doing. Chief built it in a matter of seconds without warning after being briefed on the situation. By the way, the second barrier is completely enclosed in it. The brown-haired soldier recovers from the shock first and comments on the sudden appearance of the perfectly constructed earth wall.

"Only a dwarf can make an impressive wall like that in such a short time."

"I don't see a dwarf around, Vice-captain."

The dwarf in question is inside the earth wall enclosure.

"It's gone...the carnage."

"It wasn't an illusion, right?"

"There are no traces of monsters anywhere."

The dumbfounded adventurers utter their disbelief at the absence of monster carcases, however, the destroyed trees and soil are evidence that a fight did take place.

"Look, look up there!"

A soldier shouts and points at the top of the earth wall which gains the attention of the rest. Rangers positioned themselves steadily atop the circular ledge of the earth wall.

"Since when-?!"

The soldiers express their astonishment for the nth time today.

Rangers with their bows drawn and aiming at the targets confined inside the second barrier whilst patiently waiting for the command to release the arrows.

"Though it is suspiciously quiet over there," I thought as I observe the earth wall too.

I snuck past the distracted adventurers and Serafina and head over to Red the Maroon Hound. Archie slides down from the top of Red's head and lands on its nose.

"Did you do what I ask for, Archie?"

Archie makes a small noise with a proud face.

"Good job," I praise our youngest while stroking his head.

Red the Maroon Hound suddenly whines and nudge its nose to my chest. Why is this Maroon Hound asking to be praised too?

"You're doing a good job too, Red. Make sure you get the wounded people back safely, okay?"

"Woof!"

Red the Marroon Hound respond with its usual cheeriness, causing me to let out a chuckle. As I lean my back on Red's foreleg on the ground with Archie, Mint and Erissa approaches Serafina and the soldiers, respectively.