The village was quiet after the battle, the kind of quiet that came not from peace, but from exhaustion. The injured rested in makeshift tents near the square, where Lin Mei and Liu Yan worked tirelessly to clean wounds and set broken bones. The villagers moved with subdued energy, repairing defenses and gathering supplies for the inevitable next wave.
Xiaojun sat at the edge of the watchtower, his legs dangling over the side as he stared into the forest. The night was dark, the moon hidden behind a veil of clouds, but his mind was alive with thoughts. His system interface hovered in his vision, displaying a detailed breakdown of their current situation.
[Mission Status: Active]
[First Wave Repelled. Casualties: 3 Fatal, 12 Injured. Supplies: Limited. Reinforcements Expected in 12-18 Hours.]
His fingers clenched around the hilt of his sword. The losses weighed on him, each name of the fallen etched into his memory. He couldn't afford to mourn them now—there was still work to do.
A soft rustle behind him broke his thoughts. Lin Mei climbed up the ladder, her movements as silent as a shadow. She carried a small lantern, its glow casting flickering light across her face.
"You're brooding again," she said, settling beside him.
Xiaojun smirked faintly. "I'm planning."
"Planning and brooding look the same on you," she teased, though her tone was gentle. Her expression turned serious as she followed his gaze toward the forest. "Do you think they'll wait until morning?"
"No. They'll come when we're weakest. The Jade Serpent Sect doesn't care about honor."
Lin Mei nodded. "I scouted the southern perimeter earlier. They're leaving marks on the trees to guide their forces. If they're bringing reinforcements, they'll come from that direction."
Xiaojun glanced at her. "Good work. We'll need traps ready before sunrise. Can you organize a team?"
"Already done. Wei Lin's leading them now."
He smiled, grateful for her foresight. "Thank you, Lin Mei. I don't know what I'd do without you."
She laughed softly, the sound rare but welcome. "You'd probably be dead."
"Probably," he admitted.
The two sat in silence for a while, the distant sounds of the village's activity filling the air. Then Lin Mei spoke again, her voice low.
"They won't stop, Xiaojun. Even if we hold them off tomorrow, they'll keep coming."
He nodded, his jaw tightening. "I know. But we're not just going to hold them off. We're going to turn this village into a fortress. If they want to take it, they'll bleed for every step."
By dawn, the village was a hive of activity. Traps were reinforced, barricades strengthened, and the villagers drilled under Xiaojun's watchful eye. Despite their fatigue, they moved with purpose, their fear tempered by the pride of their earlier victory.
Liu Yan approached Xiaojun as he oversaw the defenses near the eastern gate. Her expression was grim.
"We've used up most of our medical supplies," she said. "If more people get hurt, I won't have enough to treat them."
Xiaojun frowned. "Is there anywhere nearby where we can gather herbs?"
She hesitated. "The western forest has what we need, but it's risky. The Jade Serpent's scouts might be watching."
"We don't have a choice," he said. "Take two people with you and go quickly. I'll send Lin Mei to cover you."
Liu Yan nodded. "I'll be careful."
As the sun climbed higher, Xiaojun's system interface flickered with a new notification.
[Warning: Enemy Reinforcements Detected. Estimated Time to Contact: 3 Hours.]
His heart sank. The Jade Serpent Sect was moving faster than he'd hoped.
He gathered the villagers in the square, their faces drawn but determined.
"They're coming," he announced. "This will be harder than the first wave. They'll come with more numbers, better coordination. But we've proven that we can stand against them. Together, we can protect this village."
The crowd murmured in agreement, their fear giving way to resolve. Wei Lin stepped forward, his spear resting on his shoulder.
"We're ready, Xiaojun. Just tell us what to do."
Xiaojun nodded. "Good. Get into position and stay alert. We'll meet them at the southern perimeter."
The villagers dispersed, each moving to their assigned post. Xiaojun took a deep breath, steadying himself. He had to believe they could win—for their sake as much as his own.
As he turned toward the southern gate, Lin Mei appeared at his side, her bow slung across her back.
"Ready?" she asked.
"Ready," he replied, though his stomach churned with nerves.
Together, they headed toward the battle that awaited them.