Chapter 633 – Fortress on the Plain

Eventually, the fortress that would become the construction site came into view.

“It’s purely a base for dealing with monsters, after all. The outer walls don’t seem particularly high either,” Rosemary remarked thoughtfully as she observed the fortress.

In other words, it wasn’t designed with interstate warfare in mind.

“Well, perhaps so. But it seems built to properly fulfill its required role,” I replied.

The highway—the road from the west—was maintained to allow easy escape from pursuing monsters. Other distinctive features included a watchtower built on the eastern side to quickly spot monsters emerging from the forest. Regarding its intended purpose, there appeared to be no shortcomings.

The fortress itself consisted of stone-covered outer walls and rugged buildings inside. Within the walls was a relatively spacious area containing wooden structures as well.

I’d heard there were lodging facilities for travelers, adventurers, and merchants—perhaps those were it.

The plaza could be used for soldier training, setting up merchant stalls, or pitching tents for reinforcements… but currently, it seemed to serve as a storage area for fortress modification materials.

Since it was originally a fortress, surveillance was thorough, hence why excess stone materials were piled outside the walls as well. Hmm. The supplies seemed plentiful.

A campsite had been established slightly away from the fortress, surrounded by fences with watchtowers erected and various-sized tents set up. It had the feel of a temporary base during the fortress renovations.

After surveying the general area from above, we descended. As the Sirius landed, soldiers stationed there emerged from the fortress, lined up, and saluted toward us.

After docking the Sirius and stepping onto the deck, the knight in charge of the fortress stepped forward to greet us.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Simon, entrusted with this fortress.”

He was a tall, slender man with a well-groomed mustache—a so-called Kaiser Mustache—and gentle demeanor. His stance was that of a warrior. His solid core suggested he was a skilled knight. I also descended from the deck to greet him.

“Nice to meet you. I am Theodore Gartner.”

“I’ve long heard of your excellency’s reputation. His Majesty Melvin and Marquis Fobrester have informed me of the circumstances. Although we’re laymen regarding Magic Construction and may be inexperienced, my subordinates and I will strive to assist to the best of our ability. If you have any questions about this area, please feel free to ask.”

“Thank you.”

I shook hands with Simon. King Melvin had said that the knight in charge was one of the veterans, thoroughly familiar with the vicinity, and someone we could rely on… Indeed.

I introduced everyone who had disembarked from the deck to Simon, and as they exchanged greetings, another familiar figure emerged from deeper within the fortress.

“Oh, Theodore!”

“Hello.”

“Hmm.”

It was Auria, head of the Termwills Adventurer Guild. When I returned her greeting, she grinned. Right, the Adventurer Guild was involved with this fortress too.

“To ensure the Adventurer Guild’s work doesn’t stall during the fortress renovations. There’s paperwork to organize and various tasks requiring manpower, so I’ve come to help.”

“She’s agreed to use Spirits to monitor the campsite perimeter during our stay. It’s reassuring.”

“Is that so?”

Auria’s detection range was wide. It was indeed reassuring.

I continued introducing our group properly. Simon politely greeted Princess Stephania and the others before courteously greeting everyone else.

Seeing Maxwell tilting his body in greeting and Corulis and the other animal group bowing, Simon’s eyes widened slightly. But he quickly composed himself and responded, showing he was quite calm and collected. Additionally… he seemed well-regarded by his subordinates.

“If monsters emerge from the forest during work, we’ll handle them,” Grace said, placing a hand on her chest after the greetings ended. Maxwell seemed equally enthusiastic, his core glowing faintly.

“Ah. Then I’ll count on you.”

We probably wouldn’t encounter formidable foes like those from the labyrinth’s Deep Floor, so if they offered to handle it, entrusting them should be fine.

“Since it’s winter, I think we could also create ice Barriers for the campsite,” I suggested.

“That might be good. Sir Simon, what do you think?”

“Ice Barriers… Is such a thing possible?”

“Yes. I believe it would handle larger monsters better than the current fences.”

“Then—my apologies for the trouble, but please proceed.”

Simon bowed. Good. That’s settled too.

Then Simon promptly began discussing matters related to the fortress.

“After your excellency’s arrival, we’ve already moved necessary items to the campsite so you can begin immediately.”

“The Adventurer Guild is the same. We moved documents and such before organizing them.”

“That helps.”

Quite efficient. So, I could start moving right away then…

“I had a construction plan, but since things involving the Demon are over, I’ll make some adjustments to ensure the fortress retains similar functions.”

“Oh, is that possible?”

“From what I see, surveillance is concentrated on the eastern side, and the western side is designed for easy escape. The Demon Beriondora is expected to invade from the northwest, so forest-side monitoring will be needed later. May I see the fortress’s internal structure?”

If I noticed anything, I’d incorporate that too.

“Oh! That would be helpful. Please feel free to inspect the interior. I’ll prepare a floor plan as well.”

“Thank you.”

My basic idea was to not impair the original function of intercepting the Demon. Having more surveillance directions wouldn’t be a disadvantage either.

I thoroughly grasped the fortress interior, examining every corner while comparing the floor plan with the actual structure. As I moved Caduceus and Balor around to investigate efficiently, Simon remarked.

“My, this fortress has seen quite some years. It’s aged, requiring repeated repairs, so there are somewhat embarrassing aspects to show your excellency.”

“Not at all. I think it’s been meticulously maintained.”

I could tell the outer walls, in particular, had been properly repaired.

Well, what can I say? Having stood for years, it’s not surprising if there’s attachment. Perhaps I should preserve the internal structure, living spaces, and layout as much as possible.

“What is that wooden building?”That’s the Adventurer Guild office and lodging house.” Although we accept adventurers and merchants inside the outer walls, we can’t freely house civilians in national military facilities.”

“We’ve already moved the dishes and household goods inside to the campsite. Feel free to do as you like with it, Theodore,” Auria said.

I see. Then I’ll reuse that as Wood too.

After examining the fortress interior, watchtower, Adventurer Guild office, and other structures, I returned to the plaza.

I made adjustments to the Earth Magic model representing the completion preview, tweaking various aspects. During this, I asked Simon several questions, gathering references about current inconveniences with the fortress.

I’ll utilize the fortress itself as construction materials… Right. I’ll mainly use it for the eastern side’s materials. Since the fortress’s original concept aimed at defending against forest monsters.

The fortress’s water source was a well dug in a corner of the plaza. Having groundwater available would be convenient for sieges. I’ll keep this well as is. Centering around the well… the western side for easier civilian evacuation. Further securing space for the Adventurer Guild, lodging facilities, and merchant use, preserving previous functions. Installing doors for access to national facilities, allowing movement during emergencies while normally separated… should work.

…Good. The detailed adjustments are mostly complete.

“Alright. I’ve roughly finalized my plans, so I’ll begin work.”

“Oh! Finally, then?”

Simon smiled. Princess Stephania, the others, and Auria also seemed in high spirits. Feeling their expectations… well, I’ll put my back into it.

“Personnel have already evacuated from inside, correct?”

“Yes.”

I double-checked with Life Detection. That seemed fine too. Having seen inside, I confirmed no items remained.

Then first, I’ll remove the outer walls. Deploying a Magic Array, I touched the outer walls, infusing them with Magical Power.

“–Awaken.”

As I spoke, part of the outer walls was cut out, rising as a Huge Golem.

“O-oh…!”

Simon and the soldiers inevitably widened their eyes at the sight.

I moved the standing Huge Golem to a position where it wouldn’t hinder work.

Making it sit in a crouched position to wait. I’ll successively cut out the outer walls. Once that’s done, I’ll consolidate the Guild and lodging facility into a giant Wood Golem to move, and finally turn the fortress itself into a Golem for relocation—that’s the plan.

When I explained the procedure to Simon, he smiled somewhat stiffly.

“I’d heard the fortress would undergo major renovations to prepare for the decisive battle with the Demon… but my, my. It seems it’ll become something entirely different.”

“Hmm. With this, our turn should come soon,” Old Sigmund said, nodding while looking up at the Huge Golem, accustomed to such sights.

To counter the Demon, we must deploy a Barrier covering the entire grounds. I need to make various modifications starting from the foundation. With Valentina, Charlotte, and Forset here too, Barrier Magic preparations are perfect.

The foundation… I plan to inscribe a Magic Array into the foundation itself, enhancing the Barrier’s power while incorporating the style and functions of a Moon Temple.

Well then—time to put my back into it.