I Was a Loner, but My Class Got Summoned to Another World…

Roland was glad to have avoided the greatest danger.

He had already dispatched all the demons along the way and was now running up the stairs.

With Norelli gone and the mana-draining issue resolved, he could finally tap into his best skills again to eliminate any remaining demons or fledgling vampires.

The lab he'd hoped to find had already been destroyed, likely by the vampire scientist who hadn't wanted his secrets uncovered.

The only words he heard came from the bat that had been following him.

"You think I'd let you know what I'm planning?"

The unsettling creature had stayed behind him the whole time, making Roland question how much privacy he truly had.

Still, he didn't stop climbing. Right now, his priority was ensuring Stella's safety and telling her that her brother was still alive, though in danger.

Roland rushed forward, at times using magic to break through walls that had clearly been intended to slow him down.

Two hours later, he finally reached the upper levels, where he caught sight of his group and Stella, running down the stairs instead of up.

For the first time that day, he smiled. Renewed with energy, he ran faster until she was in his arms. Without hesitation, he lifted her and kissed her deeply, uncaring of who might be watching or whether she might be shy about it.

It simply felt right being back with the person who meant the most to him.

"All right… stop, Roland, ah…"

She gently pushed him away after a few seconds, quickly fixing her hair and avoiding eye contact.

"Don't worry they can't see."

He had discreetly cast a flash of light to make even the vampire's bat retreat, without telling her.

"Ah, thanks…"

"I know everything about you, my dear. Now, at least give me the pleasure of holding your hand while we head back."

Roland walked up to Renar and flashed him a wide grin.

"Sorry, bro, I had to. Now tell me, how was the path here? Did you run into any vampires?"

Renar, the man he trusted as his right-hand commander, shook his head.

"Somehow… they just vanished?"

He looked confused, clearly wondering if it had been Roland's doing.

"Don't worry about it. Just know they're gone. I did meet someone who gave me some interesting information, but we'll talk about it back at the castle. I don't think I can keep standing much longer after all that running."

All Roland wanted now was to end the day, soak in a warm bath with Stella, and fall asleep in her arms.

"Perfect. I don't think anyone will oppose that. We've all been on edge," Renar replied.

He began calling everyone back. As for Roland, he summoned the man who had been bitten earlier. The man looked perplexed that Roland could tell he'd been injured.

"It's fine. I healed him," Stella said, glancing at Roland with concern, as if hoping he'd ease up.

"Don't worry. I can handle a little more."

Roland made sure not only to heal the man again but to test him with light magic. He wasn't about to risk discovering later that the man had become a vampire-turned-spy.

[All good, Roland. The guy was perfectly healed by the princess.]

Roland nodded as they continued onward. It took three hours to return at the pace of the newly rescued prisoners. He stayed near the back, healing them along the way to restore their stamina.

He made sure no one was left behind, even using his bird to carry the children.

Twenty-four had been found in total, and even Stella allowed some to ride her mount.

"You know… I love that about you," she said softly. "You really are a hero, one no one could ever doubt."

Stella smiled warmly, though she couldn't get close to Roland. He had two kids on either shoulder, one over his back, and two younger ones in each hand.

"How can anyone leave them behind… It just makes me want to kill that guy Norelli even more. But then again, he didn't experiment on them, at least…"

Roland sighed.

Just then, he felt a bat bash against his shoulder blade, hidden within his armor where it couldn't be seen by Stella or the others.

"You keep talking about him… but I won't ask. You already told me it will have to wait…"

Stella sensed he had good news, at least, and kept walking almost in a hurry.

"So… how many do you want?"

She made sure the kids were somewhat asleep before asking and even formed a small barrier around them.

"Want what?"

Roland furrowed his brows, unsure what she meant.

"Kids, of course. Since you're so good with them, that must mean you want some of your own."

She gave him a seductive smile.

"Couldn't you wait until we were alone, you fiend?"

Roland sneered playfully, trying not to wake the children.

"Sorry, I just needed to ask. Things are better said in the moment and not left for later… this world taught us that. Every moment counts. Just look at these poor children…"

Roland nodded at her words.

"More reason for me to make this journey shorter and hurry."

Soon, he spotted the fort that looked more like a castle in the distance.

He was sure they would reach it within half an hour at their pace, and he tried his best to keep up with Stella's hurried steps.

Soon, they were within the protective walls. The children were handed over to be healed and placed in proper resting rooms.

As for Roland and Stella, they were now in the king's meeting room along with all the most important figures.

Even Zavar was present. His leadership and abilities had shown throughout the day, gaining the respect of many, though others still regarded him with wary eyes.

"I have gathered you all here today to announce something important, something that will define our next course of action…"

Roland cleared his throat, waiting for everyone present to focus their full attention on him.

"I've received news about the prince's whereabouts. He is near the castle of Elris. Still safe, but in danger if we don't move quickly. We need to begin creating a direct route toward that location and prepare to rescue him. He is our top priority. Once we secure him, we retreat."

He turned toward Renar.

"Now, Renar, as one of my best minds, I need a plan. Who do we take, how many, and how do we proceed?"

Renar began thinking through several strategies, his eyes fixed on the map spread before them. It showed the entirety of Elris, drawn long ago by someone who had used a wyvern to survey the region from the skies.

Though many cities and towns were now ruins, the map still marked the most important landmarks.

"This route… We'll need to pass through this barren wasteland. Hopefully, the old trees here are still standing, even if withered. They should offer enough cover to hide at least a unit of forty. We'll take only those who can ride mounts and head west until we reach this small mountain. From there, we'll have a vantage point over the capital and can scout a safe entry without being seen, while a reserve unit remains behind to recover."

Renar continued muttering to himself, adjusting markers on the map, before stating a few more key points.

"There will be a lot of danger. Princess Stella, I believe you should remain behind. I know how hard it is for you to worry about your brother, but that can become a liability during the mission. We will do our best to rescue him. For now, you're one of our strongest defenders. The warriors here will need your wards to keep the walls safe if we're attacked again."

Stella stammered a few words but ultimately kept her mouth shut and nodded.

Her father trembled slightly at the news and had to sit down, trying to stay composed as he fought back the tears of joy stirring in him.

"We'll leave tonight. Everyone, ready yourselves. You have six hours based on Renar's plan. By nightfall, we should reach Hollow Mere Town and continue west. It'll take a day and a half if we only stop to rest the mounts enough to keep them moving."

Roland nodded, satisfied with the plan. He gave his approval and allowed everyone time to prepare.

As for Roland, he stayed back a little just enough to receive the thanks of the king and his daughter, Stella, before heading off to his tent. He really needed to sleep, and they only had four hours before the next departure.

He quickly undressed and began setting up his uncomfortable bed in the room meant for a soldier. Just as he lay down, trying to relax his tense muscles, Stella entered.

"Stella? I thought you were going to tend to the sick?" Roland asked, his voice low with fatigue.

"I am tending to a sick young man," she replied, stepping closer with a smile. "Someone who's going to need my help if he wants to continue without problems. And I know you can sleep for at least an hour and recharge to your best, that leaves us three whole hours…"

Roland gulped, knowing full well that once Stella got into that mood, there was no stopping her.