Since we needed to aid the Adventurers as soon as possible, the question of transportation popped up.
Usually, we would just take a car to Dulum, but that was a bit difficult with four hundred troops to lead.
'Haa... this is really going to cost me points...' Or so one would think.
But, I had that route covered too!
The Earth Golems were designed to have compartments within them, so our troops divided themselves and stayed within each Earth Golem.
I made sure to make the interior as comfortable as possible. Each Golem had lighting, and cooling systems.
The only downside was that no one could see what was happening outside the Golem's body.
It was the best I could do, given the materials I had to work with.
'Golems never tire, and they can keep up with the speed of a car since I specially enchanted them with the Rune.'
That way, I could take the leaders with my car—while our soldiers followed from behind.
It was perfect.
As I looked at everyone gathered out of town, and also the remaining denizens of my little settlement, I felt hesitant to leave.
'What if this place is in shambles once again? What if I leave and an attack happens? Will I be able to bear it?'
We needed every support we could get for this mission, so that practically left my people defenseless.
Many would argue that I should have left a few Golems behind, but...
'That would be a waste.'
Right now, even one more personnel mattered. I couldn't afford to leave any behind. The best choice was to go "All or Nothing!"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAs for my subjects in the town, they had a shelter that was underground and camouflaged.
In the case of an assault, they were to escape to the shelter and stay there. Since the Watchtower was still active—and there were still some denizens left—they could handle surveillance themselves.
I taught a few the runes needed to operate the Magic Elevator, so they simply had to be vigilant and be on the defensive before I returned.
"HERO, COME BACK SOON!"
"SHOW THE DEMONS WHO'S BOSS!"
"WE BELIEVE IN YOU!"
As usual, their faith in me was unbroken.
I was dying of anxiety and uncertainty at the moment, but I had to take a step of faith—as I had always done.
"Of course!" My smile was widely spread on my face and I exhibited confidence that completely betrayed how I actually felt.
A Hero could not appear weak in front of his believers. That was the golden rule I set for myself.
'Shall we do this?"'
*
*
*
The troops began taking their positions within the Earth Golems, and I also summoned my Legendary Black Beast.
As expected, Asa, Gu, and Liebert gawked at it in amazement.
Their surprised yelps and widened eyes would have been funnier to me, but the tense situation took out the fun in everything.
The current dread was like the kind I often had when I was about to start an exam I never read for... except this was at least a hundred times worse.
"B-Black Beast! Hero powerful beast!"
This wasn't the first time Lilith was seeing my car, since I often left the settlement in it, even after I defeated her.
However, it was the first time she was permitted to be so close to it.
As she caressed its surface, I could see giggles leak from her face and her cheeks blushing.
I had no idea why and how the glossy surface of an average car could bring about so much joy—almost as if she was a kid.
'Whatever! Let's get this over with!'
Since we were more than the car's capacity, U had to do some arranging.
Everyone sat the same way they did the last time we were in the car together—of course, this happened in the overwritten timeline.
We had all managed to be comfortable in the car during that time, so there was nothing wrong with using it now.
The only odd one out was Lilith.
Lucy was with the rest of our soldiers—staying inside Jason—so she was not an issue.
However, Lilith already made it abundantly clear she wanted to experience the Legendary Black Beast.
It would be very unfair of me if I treated some strangers to this experience, and not her.
'But...' I looked around me and sighed.
The car was basically full, so it couldn't support any excess.
'Plus, I don't want the car to be too cramped.'
In the end, I settled for the simplest option I could think of.
"Lilith will ride on the roof of the ca—I mean, Legendary Black Beast."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSurprisingly, she was happy with this position.
"Yayyy!!! Me ride Black Beast! Hehehe..."
'Whew!' I let her have whatever win she was imagining and made sure everyone else was arranged well.
Once we were done with the preparations, I started the car and it gave a roar that frightened every newcomer in and outside the car.
"HIEEEEEEE!!!"
I had to calm their balls and explain a little so they would understand. Talk about a waste of precious time.
Once everyone was physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for the journey... I went full throttle!
**********
"AWESOMEEEE!!!" Lilith grinned, feeling the wind brush her face and dark hair as she sat on the Legendary Black Beast itself.
Ever since she saw the Hero summon it, the Mid-Demon had always wanted to interact with it.
Lilith often felt like the Black Beast called for her. Its glistening body was charming, and the forbidden nature of its dark skin tone always made her excited.
Now, she was fulfilling her dream.
Lilith wasn't a passenger within the Beast, but the Demon girl couldn't care less.
In fact, she felt the ones within were missing out on the view and fresh wind blowing on her face as they dove.
Nothing could compete with this.
Realizing this once more, the girl gave a sharp nod of victory.
"Umu!"
They had been traveling for over an hour now. Lilith knew it took about three hours to get to Dulum, so she didn't feel rushed.
In fact, she wished the journey was longer so she could enjoy the fresh breeze and thrill even more.
Who would have thought her life would turn out this way? Certainly not her!