I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain

Chapter 339

"Of course, Great Warrior!" Askel naturally fell into step beside Ian, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Ian glanced at him and gave a small nod. "Just give me the highlights. Focus on the important points."

"Understood," Askel began, taking a moment to organize his thoughts before continuing.

"Every individual summoned by the Great Warrior has gathered here without exception. The number of warriors alone exceeds seven hundred, and the total number of residents is more than double that. This doesn’t include those who arrived today."

"Over seven hundred warriors..."

That’s more than I expected.

Ian nodded to himself, mentally calculating the implications.

Among the barbarians, nearly everyone could fight, except for very young children. While he hadn’t planned to mobilize all of them, the number of combat-ready individuals likely exceeded a thousand.

With the migrants who joined today, the number of warriors alone was approaching eight hundred—more than the garrison of a large city.

And if I include those still waiting at the settlement...

While he couldn’t be sure how many had remained behind, it was likely ‌one hundred fifty. That put the total force at nearly nine hundred, possibly more. With support units added in, it was a force easily worthy of being called a full legion.

"Currently, we’ve divided personnel among various tasks," Askel continued. "Logging, construction, maintaining and preparing supplies for combat, and hunting. Most are focused on building houses."

That explained the rapid progress in the city’s development.

"That’s why the city came together so quickly."

"Over two-thirds of it is complete. The people who arrived today won’t need to build their own homes."

"Are you saying the houses were built in advance?"

As Ian glanced at him, Askel nodded confidently. "The people from nearby villages had a rough idea of the scale needed. Given our limited time, the Council of Elders had homes preemptively constructed. I imagine they’re being guided to their new homes right now."

"That’s certainly beyond what I expected...." Ian’s lips curled into a smile.

It was a pleasant surprise—he had braced himself for at least five days of delays, but now, it seemed unnecessary.

"If there’s anything more you’d like to know—ah, here they come," Askel said, pointing ahead.

A group was approaching along the main avenue leading to the square. Ian recognized them at a glance: Kvassar and the other elders, most of whom he had spoken with personally. They were old warriors who had traded their youth and strength for wisdom, many bearing visible scars or missing limbs.

"Hmm." Ian let out a soft exclamation as he noticed one elder stepping ahead of Kvassar. It was another familiar face, and one that Ian was genuinely glad to see.

The one-eyed elder was Urd, Askel’s grandfather, a man who played a significant role in forcing Karha’s favor upon Ian.

"I never thought I’d live to see you again, Great Warrior," Urd said, stopping at a respectful distance and bowing slightly.

"Live long enough, and you might see me a few more times, old man," Ian replied with a smirk.

Ian shrugged in response, prompting a smile to spread across Urd’s lips—a smile that felt sharp rather than gentle.

"It seems I’ll have no choice but to do so, thanks to this clumsy grandson of mine," Urd said, his tone laced with amusement.

Askel clicked his tongue, but Urd didn’t glance his way. His sole eye remained fixed on Ian, filled with vitality and determination. The frail, death-awaiting elder Ian had met before was gone.

"Let’s save the catching up for later, old man," Askel quipped lightly. "The Great Warrior hasn’t even had time to rest yet, and there are pressing matters to attend to."

Before Ian could object, Urd nodded in agreement. "For once, this boy speaks sense. Just seeing you again is enough, Great Warrior."

"Once I’ve rested, we’ll sit down and talk properly," Ian offered.

Urd’s sharp smile softened into something more genuine as he bowed slightly and stepped aside. As Askel naturally fell beside him, Kvassar and the other elders stepped forward from the group waiting behind them.

"You’ve been through a lot, Great Warrior. Allow us to give you our reports," Kvassar began respectfully.

"I’ve already heard the key points on the way here," Ian replied, glancing at Askel before turning his attention back to Kvassar and the elders.

"I’ve also been told how hard everyone has worked. You’ve done an excellent job building this city."

"Your praise is too generous...." Kvassar said humbly, though a proud smile lit up his face. The other elders seemed equally energized, their expressions filled with satisfaction.

It was clear that having specific roles assigned by the Great Warrior himself had given them a profound sense of purpose and pride.

Meanwhile, Ian’s gaze drifted naturally beyond the elders to where Miguel stood.

... And where’s Lucy gone this time?

Next to Miguel stood an unfamiliar priest, an Imperial with a cold and austere demeanor. The priest wore the same hooded mantle as Miguel, marking them as a member of the Temple of the Brazier.

"Is there anything else you’d like to ask?" Kvassar inquired.

Ian’s gaze returned to him as he replied, "When will the preparations to leave be finished?"

"About two days should suffice," Kvassar said after a moment of thought. It was likely the absolute minimum time they needed to wrap up ongoing tasks.

"Then we’ll leave at midday the day after tomorrow."

Ian simply nodded without adding anything further.

Time was the most critical resource at the moment. While he had made some predictions about when the corruption might begin, there was no way to know for certain. Arriving at the front lines ahead of schedule was essential; failing to do so could render all their preparations meaningless.

There was also a significant chance his predictions might be off entirely. That was why sticking to a strict timeline was more crucial than anything else.

"Understood. We’ll proceed as planned," Kvassar replied.

Behind him, the elders exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. It was their duty to relay Ian’s orders to the villagers and ensure everything progressed smoothly, with no confusion.

However, Ian had not finished.

"Also," he said, his tone firm, "we will not be taking any warriors under the age of eighteen. I expect you to sort them out and ensure they remain here."

"W-What?" Askel’s eyes widened in surprise as he stood beside Urd, listening intently.

Noticing Ian’s gaze, Askel quickly interjected. "Great Warrior, if you do that, over a hundred warriors will have to stay behind."

That’s more than I expected, Ian thought briefly but shrugged.

"Even with the Blazing Goddess’ blessing, the city will still need people to defend and manage it. Hunters will also be needed to secure food supplies," Ian explained calmly.

"But... still..."

"We aren’t just facing ordinary monsters. These are creatures consumed by the madness of the Black Wall. What I need most are the best, most experienced warriors. If someone must stay behind, it should be the younger, less seasoned fighters."Ian’s voice carried a firm finality, leaving no room for argument.

Askel, his mouth opening and closing as if searching for words, eventually lowered his head.

"... Understood, Great Warrior."

"You’ll oversee the ones staying behind, Askel. A blizzard is expected soon, they say. Help the elders prepare the city for it. It’s just as important as being on the front lines," Ian added.

"Yes... I will," Askel answered with his eyes tightly shut, his expression more disappointed than angry.

Well, it was only natural. After missing the chance to fight alongside Ian at Bellium, he was now losing another opportunity. For a warrior, such a reaction was to be expected.

In contrast, smiles spread across the faces of Urd, Kvassar, and the other elders.

"Younger warriors are the future of us all," Kvassar said, his tone carrying a weight of conviction. "It’s a merciful and wise decision, Great Warrior."

I didn’t intend for it to be that deep.

Still, his modern sensibilities, including a strong aversion to child soldiers, influenced his decision. Yet, the reasoning he’d given Askel was just as sincere—if someone had to stay, it should be those less suited for the immediate battle ahead.

"As I said," Ian continued, addressing the elders, "a blizzard is coming soon. Even with the warmth of the sanctified fires, make sure the city is fully prepared. We can’t predict how the Black Wall might affect things."

"We will do our utmost," Kvassar replied as the elders collectively bowed their heads.

So this is what power feels like.

Ian mused idly before giving a small nod.

"Also, pass a word to Aiba of Red Rock. He’ll become a member of the Council of Elders."

"Understood. We’ll make all the arrangements. And…" Kvassar said, his wrinkled face breaking into a faint smile, "We will prepare a departure ceremony for the morning of departure."

"Why something so grand again...?"

"It’s a tradition in the North, Great Warrior," Kvassar replied.

All the elders shared the same fervent glimmer in their eyes. The elders clearly saw this as something that couldn’t be skipped, a way to feel connected to the army despite not joining the battlefield themselves.

Ian clicked his tongue but nodded. "Fine, but keep it brief."

"Thank you, Great Warrior," Kvassar said, his relief evident as he turned to the other elders. "Let’s take our leave, then. We’ll have food and bathing water prepared at the estate. Please rest well and recover from your journey."

"I was planning to do just that," Ian replied with a nod.

The elders bowed respectfully before bustling away, already deep in discussion about the next steps.

"We’ll need to gather supplies immediately."

"Let’s finish the ongoing construction projects, but leave anything new for later. The warriors need rest before the long march."

They had already begun strategizing for the tasks ahead.

"Start the sorting process right away. Some might try to lie about their age, so verify properly."

Askel, being guided away by Urd, repeatedly glanced back at Ian with a yearning expression, even as he followed the elders.

What’s so great about it that he’s so eager to tag along?

Ian smirked to himself, shaking his head as he turned forward.

"Didn’t realize you had a knack for managing people as well," came Miguel’s voice, breaking the brief silence.

Standing just ahead of Ian, Miguel had apparently been waiting patiently for the elders to leave.

No rest, huh? One after another, Ian thought with faint exasperation, but met Miguel’s gaze without comment.

Miguel, his scarred face twisted into an amused smile, continued, "You’ve had a long journey, but you’ve handled things so cleanly. Quite impressive, brother—ah, excuse me, Great Warrior." Miguel corrected himself quickly, his tone becoming more formal as he cast a sideways glance.

Clearly, this was a situation that called for propriety.

Ian gave a brief snort before asking, "Where’s Lucy, and who’s this new face?"

"Lucy will be back soon. She’s been engaged in a consecration prayer since the day before yesterday. In fact, she’s praying right now," Miguel explained.

"A consecration prayer?" Ian’s eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion flickering in his gaze.

Surely she isn’t involving blood again?

Miguel quickly clarified, "Nothing like that, don’t worry. She thought the timing of your return was close, so she began preparing blessings for the troops before deployment."

Shrugging, he added, "Given the scale of this force, she’s putting in extra effort to ensure the sacred flames burn steadily."

"Blessings for the entire unit?" Ian asked.

"I don’t know the details, but that seems to be the idea," Miguel replied.

It’s not just the barbarians pulling their weight, Ian mused, nodding approvingly with a faint smile.

A low cough broke the moment, and Miguel glanced to the side, startled. "Ah, where are my manners? This priest returned with the messenger from the temple. Would you like me to handle the… um, introductions?" Miguel asked.

The priest shook his head subtly before placing a hand on his chest and addressing Ian directly. "It’s an honor to meet you again, Agent of the Saint. I am Kanto, a follower of the Goddess of the Flame, Vice High Priest of the Temple, and Deputy Commander of the Torchbearers."

Ah, so this is the infamous strict one.

Ian briefly glanced at Miguel before responding, "Ian Hope. Have we met before?"

"At least, I have seen you before. It was during the welcoming of the sacred flame," Kanto replied.

A faint memory surfaced in Ian’s mind—the priests who had stood firm against the elite knights of the Larmut family when they came to claim Lucia. It seemed Kanto had been among them.

"You must have been one of those who returned to the temple early," Ian recalled that some non-drinkers had headed back to the temple before the others.

Kanto nodded. "Yes, that is correct, Agent of the Saint."

"Well, I’ve heard about you. Lucia mentioned you’d be waiting in Travelga, but it seems you’ve come here instead," Ian said.

"I had intended to wait in Travelga, but fortunately, the envoy visited the temple beforehand. The Saintess instructed me to come here instead," Kanto explained.

"The Saintess herself?" Ian raised a brow.

"Yes. She asked me to deliver the gathered intelligence and respond to the requests from Priest Lucifer—your next Saintess. She also instructed me to share everything with you, Agent of the Saint," Kanto replied.

Ian gestured with his chin. "Let’s start with those requests. You can explain them as we walk."