With the official meeting behind us, I led Ramon and the others to the royal library—my usual workspace.
"So this is where you work, Alve?" Lily asked, glancing around the tall shelves and quiet atmosphere.
"Yeah… it's peaceful and empty most of the time. Makes it easier to focus," I replied.
She nodded, her eyes drifting to the cluttered desk piled high with ledgers.
"Looks like you've been busy," she added with a smirk.
Before I could respond, the heavy doors creaked open, and in walked King Leontius accompanied by Miss Seraphina.
"Hope we didn't keep you waiting," the King said.
Miss Sera handed him a sealed scroll. The King unfurled it and glanced over the contents before speaking gravely.
"There's been an anomaly reported in the southern border city—Sunderhold."
Ramon stepped forward. "Anomaly? Has something happened, Your Majesty?"
The King exchanged a serious glance with Seraphina before answering. "Demons have begun to move. I sent scouts, but… the reports are grim. The city walls have been attacked—and so has the city."
My eyes widened.
Wait… could that explain the sudden drop and shift in trade activity I noticed earlier in the ledgers?
Ramon's voice cut through my thoughts. "If that's true, we need to act immediately."
The King handed him a letter sealed with the royal crest.
"I've already begun preparations. You'll lead a response force, joined by Seraphina and an elite group of knights. I've also contacted the Adventurer's Guild to send only A-rank and above to join you."
Standing in the back, I couldn't help but wonder: just how large is this demon army if the King is mobilizing this many troops?
King Leontius continued, "Thanks to Alve's meticulous budgeting, we've managed to set aside a healthy reserve. We've also acquired better gear for your party. Once this battle is over, compensation will be also arranged."
Ramon sighed, his gaze steady. "Very well. Let's save the city together."
Seraphina gave a small nod. "It will be an honor to fight alongside the Hero Party."
With that, we followed the King and Miss Sera through the long halls, descending into the royal treasury—a vast room glimmering with gold, gems, magical scrolls, weapons, and armor.
The King turned to us. "Take whatever you need. Equip yourselves fully for the coming battle."
The others spread out, scanning the racks and tables lined with high-grade gear.
As I looked around, I noticed Emma standing still, staring thoughtfully at a beautiful staff embedded with a larger mana crystal than the one she currently carried.
"Something wrong?" I asked.
She shook her head slowly. "This staff is powerful… but my current one feels better in my hands, even if its mana crystal is smaller."
I leaned in to compare them. True enough, the one she was holding had less raw power, but it was well-balanced and worn—used.
She continued, "It's not always about strength. In battle, familiarity can save your life. I'd rather wield something I know well than gamble on something unfamiliar."
I nodded. She was right.
In a fight that could decide the fate of an entire city… the weapon you know may serve you better than the weapon you _think_ is stronger.