The following day, the sky was overcast, as though even the heavens knew the storm brewing around Rimuru. Padrino stood at the village gates, flanked by Marko and Hinata, as they awaited the arrival of the Outcasts from the Shattered Plains. Word had spread quickly through the village that new allies were coming, but the mood was one of uncertainty rather than celebration.
"They're late," Marko muttered, scanning the horizon.
"They'll come," Padrino replied. "Asuna wouldn't have made promises unless she was sure."
Hinata stood silently beside them, her light magic humming faintly in the air. She could feel the tension radiating from Padrino, though he hid it well. His decisions were growing more difficult with each passing day, and the weight of leadership was becoming more visible on his face. Still, Hinata believed in him, just as she had from the start.
Finally, a dark shape appeared on the horizon, followed by several others. As they drew closer, the outline of horses and riders became clear, moving at a steady pace toward the village. At the head of the group rode Asuna, her cloak billowing behind her like the wings of a predator, while behind her came the ragtag band of Outcasts—mercenaries, ex-soldiers, and former rebels who had survived the harshest corners of Xandros.
Asuna led the group to the gates, stopping just in front of Padrino. She dismounted gracefully, her expression as sharp as ever.
"Padrino," she said, nodding in greeting. "Meet the Outcasts."
One of the riders behind her dismounted next. He was a tall, grizzled man with a face hardened by years of battle. His armor was a patchwork of scavenged pieces, and a long scar ran across his cheek. He stepped forward and gave Padrino a cursory glance before speaking.
"You must be the man trying to turn this village into a kingdom," the man said, his voice gravelly. "Name's Garrik, leader of these fine soldiers you see before you. Asuna tells me you're looking for a fight."
"I'm looking to win a war," Padrino corrected, meeting Garrik's gaze without flinching. "And if you're here, it means you want the same."
Garrik chuckled, the sound rough and humorless. "A war, eh? Well, we've been fighting Galdros for longer than most. So, if it's war you want, war's what you'll get. But let's get one thing straight—I'm not here to die for your village. My people fight for survival, and we expect you to hold up your end of the deal."
"You'll get your resources," Padrino said firmly. "And land to settle when this is over. But while you're here, you follow my command."
Garrik raised an eyebrow, then glanced at Asuna, who gave him a slight nod. He seemed to weigh his options before finally shrugging. "Fine. We'll follow your lead, but don't think for a second that we're loyal to anything but ourselves."
"That's all I ask," Padrino replied, understanding the kind of man Garrik was. Trust would be hard to come by, but at this point, they had no choice.
Garrik turned and waved his hand, signaling his people to move. The Outcasts began leading their horses through the gates, their eyes wary as they took in the sights of Rimuru. Villagers watched from a distance, some with curiosity, others with open suspicion.
"They don't trust us," Garrik remarked, noticing the stares.
"They don't know you," Padrino said. "But once they see what you can do, that will change."
"I hope you're right," Garrik replied. "For all our sakes."
Later that evening, the Outcasts set up camp within the village, though they kept to themselves, away from the locals. Padrino and his council gathered once again to discuss the new dynamics.
"They're a rough bunch," Marko said, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. "I don't like having them here."
"We don't have to like them," Padrino replied, sitting at the head of the table. "We need them. Galdros will be back soon, and when they do, we need every sword we can get."
Hinata glanced toward Asuna, who sat quietly at the far end of the room. "You trust them, Asuna?"
"I trust their desire to survive," Asuna said. "Garrik and his people have been through hell. They hate Galdros as much as we do, maybe more. But loyalty? That's something we'll have to earn."
"We don't have time to earn their loyalty," Marko countered. "What happens if they turn on us mid-battle?"
"They won't," Padrino said with conviction. "Garrik understands what's at stake. They want a future as much as we do."
Marko sighed, clearly still uneasy, but he didn't argue further. Padrino knew the risks, but he also knew that without allies, Rimuru would fall.
"How are the villagers taking the news?" Padrino asked.
"Mixed reactions," Benji said, speaking up for the first time. "Some are worried. They've heard stories about the Outcasts—some good, some bad. But most of them understand the situation. They know we need help."
"We'll need to work hard to keep tensions low," Padrino said. "The last thing we need is a fight breaking out between our own people."
Hinata nodded in agreement. "I'll speak to the villagers. They trust me, and I'll make sure they understand that we're in this together."
Padrino gave her a grateful nod. Hinata had always been the heart of Rimuru, a calming presence in times of chaos. Her words could soothe fears, even when his own could not.
As the council adjourned, Padrino stepped outside, the cool night air hitting his face. He looked up at the sky, the stars twinkling faintly above him. Every step they took brought them closer to the inevitable clash with Galdros, but at least now, they weren't facing it alone.
The Outcasts were a gamble, but they had been through more than most, and that experience would be invaluable. As long as they remained united, there was a chance.
A soft sound behind him caught his attention. He turned to see Hinata approaching, her pale features illuminated by the moonlight.
"Can't sleep?" she asked, stopping beside him.
"Too much on my mind," Padrino admitted.
Hinata smiled gently. "You've done everything you can, Padrino. The rest… we'll figure it out as we go."
He smiled faintly, though the weight of the future still pressed heavily on his shoulders. "I hope you're right."
Hinata looked out toward the horizon, her expression thoughtful. "The storm is coming, but we'll weather it together."
Padrino nodded, feeling a renewed sense of resolve. Together, they would face whatever came next.
And together, they would rise or fall.