It was a cloudy day, and the air felt heavy in the room I had been assigned, so I decided to step outside for some fresh air.
Today, the general had advised me to rest. Although I wanted to refuse, out of respect for his orders, I reluctantly agreed to stay away from the hunting teams.
I walked quietly through the alley, admiring how quickly the houses had been built in such a short time. Perhaps it was due to their experience as forest nomads, often forced to move their homes several times within just a few decades due to the hordes of monsters?
Honestly, it was sad. Among them, many were attached to their old homes, places where they had been born, met their soulmates, and built memories. It was heartbreaking to leave everything behind, to go far away and build a new home, knowing it would eventually be abandoned as well.
"Can we really trust him?"
I swallowed, an ironic smile forming on my lips. I felt a bit guilty for thinking about such futile matters when the answer was already clear. As he had promised, we had achieved results.
Lost in thought, I didn't realize I had already passed the base and was heading towards the southern gate of the fortress. When I finally raised my head, I saw a crowd gathered there. Furrowing my brows, I tried to assess the situation.
I saw General Rakahn and several others rushing from the base, parting the crowd before taking their place at the gate.
"What's happening?" I asked Officer Renald as I joined them.
"The Fangs and Claws, they're here," he replied.
My eyes widened in disbelief. I tried to speak, but what came out was a stammer.
"A-are you serious? They're already here!? Didn't we just send the report yesterday?"
He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye.
"Honestly, I don't know either," he replied evenly. "Apparently, a guard spotted them from afar and ran over to warn us."
I shuddered as I heard the gate creak open. If they were already here, that meant the day of the rescue operation had arrived.
As the gates opened, several people entered. They weren't fighters—foster mothers, pregnant women, the elderly, and children under fourteen. They marched toward the entrance while we split into two lines to make space for them.
At the same time, several soldiers joined the procession. They marched quietly, their armor stained with blood, their hands resting on their weapons. They exuded an intense energy. You could clearly tell they had faced real battle, just like us.
Once all the soldiers had entered, a heavy silence fell. I furrowed my brows, heightening my senses. The hairs on my arms stood on end.
"I feel it," I whispered to myself. That powerful, dense energy outside the fortress—it was advancing toward us, calmly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. A cold sweat ran down my spine, my senses alerting me to the danger.
But I wasn't afraid. On the contrary, I felt reassured. This creature, drawing nearer, was the very reason for my renewed confidence, my faith, the force that still gave me a reason to live.
Three figures entered, and the air grew heavy. As they approached, I felt my legs give way. I fell to my knees, bowing my head deeply.
"WE GREET THE ARRIVAL OF OUR MASTER!!!" we shouted in unison, our voices thundering through the forest like a storm.
I poured all my strength into my voice, hoping to convey my utmost respect and gratitude.
The three men entered the fortress, signaling us officers to rise. I noticed Kido, Juggernaut, and the dwarf clan leader wearing terrified expressions. A macabre smile curled on my lips.
"Serves them right!" I thought, silently cursing those fools who had once dared to underestimate my lord.
I averted my gaze and proudly followed the master as he ascended the wooden structure we had prepared for his arrival.