The New Civilization of Witches

Chapter 39: Winter is coming

Roland stood on the city wall, facing north. Last month, he repeatedly inspected the castle, mine, and city walls in a kind of three-point circle.

He checked them for every possible detail so he wouldn't miss anything.

Militias became extremely adept at handling their weapons.

Due to Carter's repeated practice, they were able to stabilize the spear until the Militia Captain fiercely gave the order to slash with their spear.

Standing behind the Militia was the Hunter army. Any hunter who lived in Border Town and was good at using bows or arrows was put into this squad.

This experienced hunter was the backbone for killing demonic beasts. Standing only twelve feet away from the demonic beasts on the city walls, it was almost impossible for them to miss their target.

The last line of defense is Iron Axe, Carter, and two hunters from the elite team who are under Iron Axe.

The parts produced by the blacksmith were enough to make Anna weld four flintlocks.

They would only shoot flintlocks when mixed species attacked or hunters with bows could not penetrate the skin of demonic beasts.

Their location on the wall was not set, so the four of them had to patrol the entire 200-yard defensive line.

If there is a need for them anywhere, they will show up. As for the explosives, they were kept under heavy protection next to the walls in the warehouse.

To keep everyone safe, gunpowder is stored in its three components, and it will only be put together on the city wall when it needs –

after all, if the powder were to be detonated at the wrong time, the self-inflicted damage would be greater than the damage from the demonic beasts.

The teeth of a demonic beast might be able to destroy the cement, but if the explosives were to explode, the entire wall would be destroyed. So far, Roland has conducted two trials, both of which included the use of explosives.

Thanks to these two exercises, the militias got used to the loud roar of explosions and were no longer afraid so they threw away their weapons.

Another advantage was that when the defenders discovered that the prince was holding an incredible weapon in his hand, the morale of the team suddenly started to skyrocket.

“Your Highness,” Barov tighten his collar,

“We have spent most of the ore revenue in the last half month, so if the Demon Moon really lasts for as long as the astrologers have predicted, I fear the food will run out. does not last until the end of winter.”

“Then I want you to fill the entire vault,” Roland said without hesitation,

“Create another deal with Willow Town and don't make it the only one.

The first steam engine had been transported to the mine, and the pebbles from the ruins had been cleared completely Throughout the winter, we could still get a little yield from the mine. Rough stones are in great demand.

Do not emphasize on price. Instead, sell it as soon as possible so that the storage of wheat and meat is full.”

Barov nodded, “I will give the order immediately, Your Majesty. Just…"

Seeing the hesitant expression on the face of his assistant minister, Roland naturally understood what he wanted to say.

“Don't worry, I've arranged the boat. If the defense line is broken, I will leave the city immediately.”

"That's good to hear" said Barov, relieved.

Roland smiled at her and said, “You can go. After all, you have enough to do. I have to find someone else.”

After Barov left, the Prince slowly stepped into the watchtower. This place was in the middle of the city walls and was their highest point.

From here, he could see the entire frontline, part of the forest, and the nearby hills.

At eight o'clock like that, the wind blew quite hard but Roland did not care. Only on this high and open platform could he calm down and forget the upcoming war.

"You lied to him," the person next to him suddenly said,

"You don't intend to leave this town."

"Life has been very difficult, keeping a few secrets is sometimes good for everyone."

“You're talking nonsense and don't understand the situation.

If you already consider the identity of a prince as a difficulty, you will see us as what?” Nightingale emerged from the fog.

“Even if you are going to be king, you still have to undergo a five-year struggle for the throne because you are one of the main parties.

Compared to worrying about such unimportant things, it is better for you to accompany Anna. I'm worried ..he doesn't have much time left. “

For a moment Roland remained silent, "I don't think that he will die during the Demon Moon."

"Why?"

"He said that he would not lose to the devil's bite," he paused for a moment,

"And I believe him."

"You really believe what the witch says,"

Nightingale shook her head, "but we are cursed by the devil."

"Are you? Well, I also believe in you.”

“……”

*

Brian put on his civil clothes and stood in front of a Greyhound tombstone. He gently stroked the surface of the new stone, it was pure white stone and on its surface were engraved words:

"To commemorate one of the silent heroes of Border Town."

"Dog grey."

“I have already realized my biggest dream. At the end of the Demon Moon, His Highness the 4th Prince will hold a canonization ceremony for me.

My wounds have healed, so the city walls are where I should be. The Moon Demon was near, and the demon beasts might be strong, as well,

but they will have to cross the defensive line formed by the militia, and will not be able to advance again.

I will also take over your part in defending the city, and brandish my sword in your name.

None of this will be the end. Your killer is alive... But he won't live much longer, Your Majesty has already promised me this.

Next time I come to you, I will bring you good news. Brian leaned over and placed the bouquet of flowers on the gravestone.

"So, goodbye, my friend."

*

"Sister Anna, are you afraid?" Nana, who was lying on Anna's bed, asked her this.

"Fear what?"

“Devil figures we have to face this winter. I became a witch during the fall of this year, so this is the first time I have to face her.”.

“Well, first time,” thought Anna,

“ will be very painful, and sometimes you think that you can't wait any longer and hope that you can finally die.”

"Aah!" Nana started to scream in shock, but she immediately shut her mouth.

"But you will survive, just like me."

“Entahlah..” whispered Nana,

“I'm not like you, so strong, and not afraid of anything.”

"I'm not very strong," Anna said as she closed her eyes.

The scene when he met Roland for the first time appeared in his mind. Down there in the cold and dark underground chamber, Roland's clothes covered his body.

She gently said that she would hire him – until now, she still had goosebumps when remembering this.

"Sometimes you will encounter situations or things that will give you the will to live, even if you have to fight hard to survive."

"Like…?"

“For example, marinated meat with soybean paste,” sigh Anna,

“How do I know what you dream of? -

Uh"

Seeing Nana fully staring at him, Anna wiped her face with her hands, “What do you see?

Is there dirt on my face?”

“No...” Nana shook her head,

“I'm just a little surprised, you haven't talked much to me .. Sister Anna, you've never spoken to me,

the look you had when you just closed your eyes and thought of the past, you are so beautiful."

Anna rolled her eyes, jumped out of bed, and went to the window.

Nana followed right behind him, after all,

"What do you see, do you want to escape into the forest?"

“The forest is in the West,” Anna replied firmly,

“Here you can only see Shishui River.”

"Sister Anna, look!" The little girl pointed to the sky.

Anna was surprised, then opened her window. Waves of wind mixed with small snowflakes entered the room.

He stretched out his hand, catching the snow glistening like a flower. He could feel the cold coming from his fingers.

"It's snowing."

*

“……”

After a long moment of silence, Nightingale opened her mouth and began to speak once more,

"You're not actually lying."

"Of course," Roland laughed, though,

"I have little reason to lie."

Nightingale said nothing. He simply tilted his head, and an unknown look appeared in his eyes.

Suddenly, he felt something cold on his neck, and he could not help but shrink.

He looks up only to find that unbeknownst to him, snow begins to fall on the wall.

Under the gray sky, there seemed to be countless snowflakes. They danced in the wind, flying everywhere, accompanied by the cries of the militia.

…The month of Satan has begun.