Generally speaking, a human army will fall apart after reaching a certain level of casualties.
But for the ravenous rats, this ratio is evidently higher.
It wasn't until more than half of the rats were dead that the first rat that had grabbed a companion's corpse and was barely satisfied decided to flee.
As their numbers dwindled further, a few more began to flee, this time those around the Golem.
Even if they were frantic, each climbing onto the Golem and biting wildly, all they could chew on was hard rock.
The Golem didn't bother with the rats on it, focusing only on stomping and smashing.
The two Floating Cannons, however, would help clean them up with a biubiu~.
Rhode watched with discomfort and asked Lightning, "Could you help me fetch a few buckets of water?"
"I'll go right away!" Lightning was engrossed in watching the insect-rat battle but immediately complied upon hearing Rhode's request.
Mira curiously asked what he planned to do.
Rhode said, "I'll mix some disinfectant to sanitize the Golem, otherwise it feels a bit too icky."
"Won't it hurt it?"
"No, actually even boiling water wouldn't harm it, it just feels too cruel."
"True, and it's hard to find a pot that big for boiling water."
"Hmm, huh?"
Rhode paused, what would such a big pot be for, boiling the Golem? Did she misunderstand or was it intentional?
The Unscrupulous Summoner set a hasty disinfection plan and fell into contemplation.
Another fierce battle ensued, and the rats began retreating en masse.
A few worms were dragged away by fleeing rats, but most were rounding up the remaining rodents.
Rhode ordered the three Void Nest Insects, "Chase them, hang behind their tails, kill as many as possible."
Shocked, their barracks would chase after you.
The three Nest Insects left the village entrance, pursuing the retreating rats, spawning worms on their backs as they went.
The newly born worms bounced after, their speed even surpassing the Nest Insects.
Jasper asked, "Mr. Rhode, should we pursue them? Take this chance to completely..."
Rhode shook his head, "Leave the rat chasing to me, you have more important tasks."
"What tasks? We will do them well," Jasper was confident, enthusiasm high, feeling capable of anything.
"Once these remaining rats are dealt with, the rat corpses around the village need immediate disposal, or it may cause disease."
Rhode advised, "Remember protection while handling the rats and be sure to boil water before use, as the village water source might be compromised."
Jasper glanced at the buckets of water beside Rhode, fetched by Lightning on request.
Mr. Rhode was so considerate! He even thoughtfully tested the water quality!
"Yes, I'll arrange it immediately!" Jasper left, full of gratitude.
"Did he misunderstand something?"
"Perhaps, but maybe it's because you did a great job?" Mira had stopped throwing 'grenades' and stayed by Rhode's side.
"Praise like that makes me feel proud. Want a reward?"
"No." Mira covered his approaching mouth; there were still many people watching.
The final roundup lasted nearly half an hour, with the worms chasing the last fleeing rats into the darkness.
The villagers cheered; although not all the rats were eradicated tonight, a significant portion was dealt with.
With so many worms present, finishing off the rest was only a matter of time.
It's only June, so planting summer corn, sorghum, soybeans, or late rice was still doable, and with a bit of effort, life would barely be disrupted.
Spending only 200,000 J for the commission, hiring such an impressive Mage was truly fortunate!
The villagers got busy, using shovels and dustpans to collect rat corpses into piles.
They checked wind direction and built makeshift incinerators on the village's downwind side, using wood and charcoal to burn all the rat remains.
The ash from today's burning would become quality fertilizer for the fields.
Even the black pellets left by the rats would be swept and collected by the villagers, all turned into fertilizer.
Although the night was deep, Lavender Village was brightly lit with bustling labor scenes.
Rhode was busy pouring disinfectant on the Golem.
The disinfectant he brought mixed with water was usable. The mission focused on rat extermination, so Rhode naturally came prepared.
The Golem stood there, letting him pour at will, even cooperating by squatting, standing, and lying down.
Watching the big creature's clumsy actions, Mira found it inexplicably cute.
Jasper was busy organizing manpower, stepping in when necessary, but he took time to find Rhode amidst his workload, "Thank you both for your help!"
"It's just the task, no need to thank us." Rhode pointed at the collapsed fence and rutted road, "We'll figure out how to repair them tomorrow."
The road-wrecking culprit felt somewhat embarrassed, "Sorry for not noticing before."
"Please don't mind! We can fix these quickly." Jasper wouldn't fret over such matters; he knew the quality of the village's rickety fence well.
The road too, with just a few potholes, could be filled later; solving the rat issue was the priority.
Rhode wanted to say something but grew paler by the second.
The Golem, who had been squatting silently, suddenly vanished, and the three Nest Insects pursuing the rat horde also disappeared.
The worms held on a bit longer but eventually vanished as well.
Mira quickly supported Rhode seeing his poor state.
"Mr. Rhode?" Jasper was startled.
"I'm fine, just about to reach my Magic Power limit, need a bit of rest."
"Please come to my house, the room is ready."
Rhode's arm was around Mira's shoulder, her right hand around his waist, as she helped him toward the village chief's house.
But shortly after, she remembered a clever idea, slightly bent down, hooked Rhode's knee with her left hand, and picked him up.
Rhode didn't even react, "Hey, hey~ Mira?"
Mira wore a cute smile, "It's more convenient this way."
Rhode couldn't help but smile wryly, "But it's quite odd."
"What's odd? You carried me this way when I fell in the water." Mira even adjusted Rhode's position smiling, "Isn't it fun?"
"..." Rhode wrapped his arms around Mira's neck, resting his face against her hair, "I suppose so."
Mira could feel his breath, teasing lightly, "If you squirm, I might drop you."