Normally, while the city of Ortana had planned this for some time, they weren't originally prepared to act so quickly.
However, due to the mass slaughter of goblins and kobolds by Takeru, Yui, and the others, coupled with the outstanding performances of Renji, Manato, and their batch, the monster population in the nearby area had been drastically reduced, and the defensive line had become extremely secure.
This was why the operation to retake the Deadhead Watching Keep was being moved up, scheduled for today… the 22nd day since Takeru and the others arrived in this world.
Under the commission of Britney, Takeru and his group were set to join the first wave of volunteers heading for the Deadhead Watching Keep.
Out of personal concern, Takeru had Manato and the others wait for the second wave.
After all, while the rewards for the first wave of attacking volunteers were rich, it was also undoubtedly the most dangerous. Facing large-scale combat, Takeru couldn't guarantee he could protect their lives.
Of course, unless Takeru went all out from the start, unleashing his Poison Dragon immediately upon engagement.
But currently, the Poison Dragon was one of Takeru's trump cards. Unless absolutely necessary, he wouldn't use it.
Of course, if the orcs proved too formidable and the volunteer advance on the Deadhead Watching Keep was too slow, then Takeru wouldn't mind transforming into a God of War.
This battle for the fortress was initiated by Count Granvold, with assistance from the Ortana Border Army led by General Rasentra.
Standing outside the walls of the fortress city of Ortana, a large gathering of volunteers and border soldiers had assembled.
Here, Takeru encountered many familiar faces, like Renji's squad and Tokimune's squad, along with some veterans who had been volunteers for many years...
However, when Takeru arrived with Yui, Ui, Mio, and Tsumugi, they inevitably drew everyone's attention.
It couldn't be helped. Aside from their exceptional looks, the most important factor was Takeru and his group's strength.
Although not many had seen them fight personally, their impressive track record was well-known, so no one dared to underestimate them easily.
Unfazed by the stares from others, Takeru and the others simply exchanged slight nods with Renji and Tokimune before waiting on the side for departure.
"Takeru-senpai, is it really okay for us to take these?" Looking at the health and mana recovery potions in her hand, Ui asked hesitantly.
"Just take them and keep them safe. Don't die. If you feel bad about it, you can repay me after we get back. These items are only worth about 150 points, but in a critical moment, they might just save your life." Seeing their conflicted expressions, Takeru shook his head lightly.
Since Takeru wasn't sure how brutal the upcoming battle might be, he had prepared two health and two mana recovery potions for each of them in advance.
"I understand. Thank you." Hearing Takeru say that, they silently accepted the potions.
"Everyone, the battle for the Deadhead Watching Keep begins now! Please do your best! In addition to the spoils from any orcs you personally slay, we promise a reward of ten gold coins per person. After successfully capturing the Deadhead Watching Keep, you will also have extensive priority rights. Please... survive!"
As Takeru and the others were talking, a figure who appeared to be the leader emerged. After giving an encouraging speech to the crowd, he led the way towards the Deadhead Watching Keep.
Seeing this, Takeru and the others quickly followed.
As time passed, by evening, the silhouette of a fortress-like city became faintly visible in the distance. That was their target.
Considering the group had been traveling all day, the leader signaled for everyone to set up camp and rest first.
No one objected to this. They quickly settled in, with the border army deploying some personnel for guard duty.
Finding a corner, Takeru set up camp with Yui and the others. Watching the red moon slowly rise in the sky, Takeru felt a pang of sentiment.
Unknowingly, over twenty days had passed since arriving in this world, and Takeru had fully adapted to life here.
No electronic devices, backward transportation, every day filled with either training or slaughter...
"Takeru, is something on your mind?" Mio keenly sensed that Takeru seemed preoccupied.
"Mhmm, I just miss my sister a bit. Now that I think about it, this is the longest I've been apart from her since she was born." Looking at Mio, Takeru said calmly while gazing at the night sky.
"Eh? Takeru-senpai has a sister too? What is she like? Is she as amazing as you, senpai?" Hearing Takeru's words, Ui became curious.
Yui, Mio, and Tsumugi also gathered around Takeru, looking at him expectantly.
"My sister? How do I put it... She's a very cute and lively girl, with dazzling blonde hair usually tied in two braids. She's ten years old this year and loves fashion..."
"Although she sometimes shows a mischievous side, she's a very well-behaved and sensible girl. Ever since our parents passed away, even when she was young and people said unkind things to her, she would come home and cry to me. But with just a little comfort, she could smile again..."
"Also, she doesn't hold grudges against those who said things before. She even proactively helps others when they're in trouble. She's always so happy to tell me whenever she makes a new friend. Right now, she's very popular at school too..."
Facing their curiosity, Takeru didn't hide anything. Thinking of Miu's endearing qualities, he couldn't help but show a genuine smile.
Seeing Takeru's gentle smile, Yui and the others were momentarily captivated, feeling a twinge of envy towards Miu. They wished they had an older brother who doted on them so much...
"Takeru, can you introduce Miu to us next time?" Tsumugi looked at Takeru expectantly.
"Of course. I think Miu would be very happy to make new friends." Looking at them, Takeru nodded with a smile.
"It's settled then!" Hearing Takeru's words, Tsumugi said happily.
As they talked, time flew by. In the blink of an eye, it was the next day.
Compared to yesterday, the atmosphere in the camp was even more tense. Everyone knew today was the day of battle.
After breakfast, everyone, led by the commander, began advancing towards the Deadhead Watching Keep.
The large group moved with great momentum. As they approached the Deadhead Watching Keep, they were immediately spotted by orc scouts.
Soon, the loud tolling of a bell echoed from the fortress… clearly, the scouts were signaling the orcs inside that enemies were approaching.
No one was bothered by being discovered. With such a large force, no one expected the battle to end through stealth or assassination.
The key point was that orcs were extremely warlike. Seeing so many enemies, they wouldn't hide behind walls shooting arrows. It was highly likely they would come out to fight.
As for the scouts, they were attacked by magic and arrows from the vanguard mage corps and hunter squads, with many scouts being hit and falling.
They didn't have to wait long. As the fortress gates opened, a large number of orcs charged out wielding weapons.
Seeing the multitude of orcs, even Yui and Mio, who considered themselves accustomed to killing, felt a wave of oppression. The sheer, palpable bloodlust was extremely unsettling.
However, everyone present was a volunteer who had experienced numerous battles. Although sensing the orcs' strength, no one showed any intention of retreating. Similarly, squad by squad, they moved to engage the orcs. The leadership was also very clear.
Volunteers were strongest in squad-based combat. Straightforward siege warfare wouldn't allow them to showcase their full capabilities. Therefore, they began having the mage corps divide the battlefield, creating formations more suitable for volunteer squad tactics.
Seeing the humans' maneuvering, the orcs understood the intent but didn't pay it much mind. After all, they were also very adept at small-group combat. Confident in their own strength, they feared no challenge.
In an instant, the clashing of weapons rose incessantly. Roars, wails, and the sounds of weapons piercing flesh filled the air...