While Zich was battling the shadows—to his worry, other people besides him and his companions were also attacked.

“Block them!”

“Bide a bit more time! Support troops from the city will join us soon!”

They could hear screams, curses, and shouting from the outside. They heard things breaking and the sound of knives colliding against something dull and heavy. Between these sounds, groans soaked with pain seeped out.

“Urgh!”

“Ahhhh!”

Just hearing their screams showed how much pain they were suffering. They soon disappeared among the shouting and loud noises but left a clear mark in the minds of those who heard them.

Clack!

Joachim closed the window shutters. In case anyone shot arrows in the dark, he closed the shutters of all the windows in the room.

“What’s the situation?” Evelyn asked as she quietly had one hand on the center table. Her voice was calm as if she was trying to show her resolve, but her twitching fingers showed the nervousness that she truly felt. Joachim thought for a bit. He wondered if he should tell her the truth or lie to assure her, but when he saw Evelyn’s firm gaze, his worries instantly disappeared.

“It’s not good.” Joachim said the truth. Evelyn’s fingers...