The rainfall had quenched the surrounding fires, and the people of the east reconvened. After rescuing a family from the flames, the warrior proceeded to meet with the leader of the allied state. Approaching him, the leader bowed deeply, showing respect for the unknown hero.
"Even though I don't know who you are, warrior, I thank you for helping my people."
Surveying the gathered individuals, the warrior realized that these were not typical warriors; they thrived on collaboration and intelligence rather than warfare. It explained why the enemy hadn't dispatched many soldiers to this region.
Curious about the stranger who had become a hero in their eyes, the leader inquired about the purpose behind the warrior's arrival.
"Excuse my curiosity, but what brought you here?"
"We need to use your weapon in the great war and bypass the enemy unit."
Upon hearing this, the leader sighed deeply. He regretfully explained that they couldn't fulfill the warrior's request as the enemy had confiscated the weapon.
"Why would the enemy want such a weapon?"
"Their only purpose is to show off to our king; there is no other reason."
Sensing the weariness in the warrior, the leader continued, revealing the rarity of the crystals used in forging the weapon.
Despite his fatigue, the warrior understood that the struggle persisted. Taking a deep breath, he inquired about the time frame since the soldiers took the weapon.
"Not long. First, they confiscated the weapon, and then the remaining enemy soldiers burned the place down. I guess their purpose was—"
"They didn't want you to recreate the weapon, so they destroyed the place."
"Yes, that's true, but why did you ask that?"
Without answering, the warrior turned his head, indicating his next move.
"I'll follow them and get the weapon back."
"I don't recommend you do that. They are heavily guarded—almost a dozen horsemen."
Undeterred, the warrior, retrieving a bow and arrows from a fallen enemy soldier, whistled, calling his horse. Ignoring the man's advice, he swiftly set off westward without wasting a moment.