Chapter 206: Garrison Fort
The black stone wall stood approximately 50 meters tall, 20 meters wide, and stretched about 7 kilometers long.
It resembled a massive black mountain blocking the entrance to Wind Valley.
Garrison Fort had been completed over a century ago.
Originally built to defend against the invasion of magical beasts and the Savage Tribe,
it later became a logistical base for the frontline as humanity rose in power.
Deep within the Ogre Mountain Range, numerous outposts were scattered throughout Wind Valley.
Each new outpost signified a small expansion of human territory.
Behind the Black Stone Wall, a city had gradually risen from the ground.
This city spanned several dozen square kilometers.
Rows of two-story buildings stood neatly aligned within the city.
The pure white church stood out strikingly amidst the town.
The towering bell tower was one of the tallest structures in the city.
Over a century of development had transformed Garrison Fort into a bustling metropolis.
As a military stronghold, its massive logistical needs brought about a thriving commercial sector.
Its large stationed military also contributed to a population of over 200,000.
A small portion of this population was composed of military families.
The majority of the population had migrated from other regions.
As the only city on the Ogre Mountain Range's border,
Garrison Fort also attracted numerous adventurers.
Not only was Garrison Fort commercially prosperous, but it was also a key development site for major guilds.
---
Morning, Garrison Fort, Earl's Manor.
"Report! Report! Report!"
Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves echoed outside the manor gates.
A courier soldier quickly dismounted and raised a document scroll high as he ran toward the gates.
The guards in blue-armored uniforms at the entrance dared not block his way.
They hurriedly opened the gates.
The courier soldier ran while shouting loudly, drawing the attention of the servants inside.
Before he could even pass through the outer courtyard garden,
the castle-like manor's main doors had already swung open.
A middle-aged man in a noble robe stepped out.
"What is the matter that causes such panic?"
The courier soldier, now kneeling on one knee, responded urgently.
"My lord, the frontline sentry tower has reported: an army of seventy thousand demons is advancing through Wind Valley in a massive assault!"
"What?"
The nobleman's face darkened upon hearing the news.
He quickly stepped forward, snatching the document scroll from the soldier's hands.
Standing right at the door, he unrolled the scroll and began to read.
The more he read, the grimmer his expression became.
After a while, the middle-aged man rolled up the document.
"Immediately notify the forward outposts to retreat to Garrison Fort!"
"Yes, my lord!"
The courier soldier rose and departed in haste.
Watching the soldier's retreating figure, the nobleman's brow furrowed deeply.
He turned and strode back into the manor.
"Damn it! Damn it!"
Not long after, the man's roaring voice filled the hall.
His voice carried a mix of rage and helplessness.
Seated on a sofa, Earl Mors wore an expression of deep concern.
No one understood better than Mors what war entailed.
Since the demons had occupied the Southern Wasteland, Garrison Fort had not known a single day of peace.
Several wars with the demons had left Garrison Fort with heavy casualties.
Although the duchy always sent reinforcements to support Garrison Fort,
the frontline position meant the fort could never remain uninvolved.
In less than ten years, the family's century-old savings had been nearly depleted.
If the war continued, Mors doubted how much longer he could sustain it.
Just when things had quieted down for a few years,
he was preparing to make major military cuts—only for the demons to come again.
How could he not be enraged or frustrated?
Leaning back, Mors stared blankly at the ceiling.
At that moment, soft footsteps echoed in the hall.
A graceful figure approached Mors.
She wore a white-and-blue noble low-cut gown and had long golden hair cascading down to her hips.
The noblewoman placed her delicate hands on Mors' shoulders, gently massaging them.
"My dear, what's troubling you?"
Mors sighed, patting the hands on his shoulders.
"Sandra, the demons are on the move again—they're coming!"
Sandra's beautiful face paled slightly at the words.
Her hands trembled before she sighed softly and smiled faintly.
"My dear, we've always known this day would come. Let them come."
Mors clung tightly to his wife's hand, unwilling to let go.
In the duchy, noblemen were no weaklings.
Only strong nobles could protect their people.
In the event of war, both he and his wife would have to take to the battlefield.
Sandra hugged her husband tightly from behind.
"Garrison Fort is the duchy's gateway. The Duke will never allow it to fall to the demons. Go to the Crystal Cathedral and do what must be done. Just like before, we'll overcome this crisis."
She released him gently.
Mors took a deep breath, stood up, and strode out.
"My lady, I'll be back shortly!"
Watching her husband's retreating figure, Sandra's eyes glimmered with helplessness.
If not for the demons suddenly occupying the Southern Wasteland
and repeatedly attacking Garrison Fort,
she and her husband would have had children by now.
But now, nearing forty, Earl Mors still had no heir.
As the Countess, it was her duty to continue the family line.
She also wished to give the family an heir.
---
The news of the demon attack quickly spread throughout Garrison Fort.
In the following days, the city was a hive of activity.
The military prepared for battle.
Merchants hesitated—some stayed to observe, while others fled.
Though war brought opportunities for profit, the risks were equally high.
Should Garrison Fort fall, there would be no place for survivors to hide.
The news of the demon army's advance soon reached Obenlo City.
---
Ogre Mountain Range.
Wind Valley, afternoon.
Dust rolled like a storm through the canyon, spreading from east to west.
This wasn't a dust storm—it was an enormous marching army.
The long column stretched over ten kilometers.
Wherever it passed, clouds of dust rose.
"By tomorrow, we'll be at the gates of Garrison Fort, right?"
At the forefront of the army, over a dozen riders advanced leisurely.
"This time, we're sure to break through Garrison Fort in one fell swoop!"
"Lord Douglas, it seems the humans intend to make a stand."
The demon army had encountered many empty human outposts on their journey.
The soldiers stationed there had already withdrawn.
Such actions left little doubt about the humans' strategy.
Douglas lifted his gaze toward the end of Wind Valley.
The canyon wasn't straight but arched, so only mountain walls were visible ahead.
"Humans are truly foolish. Do they think a mere wall can stop us?"
"Exactly. Once the wall falls, human morale will plummet."
"Lord Douglas, is it time?"
Iron Mask turned his gaze to Douglas.
At his question, all the Ghost Beastmen looked to Douglas,
including Agatha, who was beside him.