This time, the security loss at the manor was not just one person, and the events that transpired could not merely be described as heavy in their emotional weight.
Their sacrifice weighed heavily on Zhao Lun's heart, inflicting deep spiritual torment. He could not find peace.
This loss could have been avoided, yet he had not exerted his utmost efforts.
Zhao Lun knew all of the fallen, they were not mere strangers. He could not stop questioning himself about it, and only by dawn did he manage to suppress these thoughts and focus on the manor's affairs.
This was the first sacrifice since the establishment of the security team, and such a heavy loss demanded careful handling.
"Alan." Angela and the others noticed Zhao Lun's grim expression and looked at him with concern.
"I'm fine. How is Maria?" Zhao Lun asked about Maria's condition, regretting not being more firm the day before. He had carelessly allowed her to stay behind and watch, which was a grave mistake.
Upon reflection, he felt that he had not done enough, and the bad outcome had now materialized.
"She just fell asleep, and she's fine now."
Maria had witnessed that unpleasant scene, and the shock had deeply affected her.
"Alright, Zhi Jie, you all should get some rest too."
Their spirits were not much better; it seemed that this incident had affected more than just him.
"Alan, you should rest as well."
"Mm."
Hodar approached Zhao Lun, who eyed him with concern.
Hodar was wrapped in bandages, especially his hands, which were heavily covered, and there were similar bandages on his face.
His hands had originally been gloved, but the fight had been so intense that the gloves had been shredded, leaving his hands injured. His face had been splashed with demon blood, causing wounds that were not ordinary—these injuries, caused by demon blood, might leave permanent scars or even disfigure him.
Yet Hodar showed no sign of worry. Having seen firsthand the miraculous effects of Zhao Lun's medicine, he was confident his injuries would be trivial. Disfigurement never crossed his mind.
The medicine truly was remarkable. He had used it multiple times, and each time, his wounds had healed without leaving a trace. Thus, he had complete faith in it.
"Hodar, how are your injuries?"
"The medicine is excellent, I feel much better. I believe I'll be fine by tomorrow."
Hodar clapped his hands and flexed his fists, showing Zhao Lun that his hands looked normal and strong, clearly recovering well.
"Enough, don't make such big movements while your wounds are still healing."
Zhao Lun quickly stopped him, urging caution.
"Heh." Hodar scratched his head awkwardly, his expression simple-hearted.
"How are the soldiers arranged?" Zhao Lun asked.
"Everything is arranged," Hodar replied.
Zhao Lun nodded. Hodar was always steady in his actions, never causing him any concern. "Good. But double the compensation. If their families are in need, they can report it, and we'll address it all together. Also, this time's wages are doubled for the soldiers, and the injured will be taken care of according to their injuries."
Hodar saluted him seriously. "On behalf of the soldiers, thank you!"
While Zhao Lun and the others were grieving, the security team's soldiers were relieved to hear that Zhao Lun was fulfilling his promises.
They came from all over, having been on the battlefield or worked as mercenaries, living lives where danger was a constant companion. They had long been prepared for the worst.
Death was a possibility, but the key was compensation. Even if they could not use the money themselves, they could leave it to their families. What did they fight for? Wasn't it for money? Now, their boss had delivered on his word, giving them peace of mind.
"Those who assisted today will receive triple the bonus."
"Those who performed well will receive full support for their development!"
Full support! This decision attracted even more attention from the surrounding soldiers. They knew how exceptional the company was; if they were fully supported, it would not only secure their future but also ensure they never had to worry about their basic needs again.
Through this battle, Zhao Lun believed the soldiers had been tested, and they would grow stronger, deserving of his full investment in their training.
The company was small, and capable people were even fewer. It was time to cultivate his own.
"YES, sir!"
Hodar was delighted, pleased for the soldiers.
He believed that, upon hearing this news, the soldiers would be even more eager to prove themselves.
These soldiers, like trees in the desert, would desperately absorb any drop of water they encountered.
This opportunity was as precious as the source of life itself, and they would strive even harder.
Zhao Lun said nothing further, but led Hodar to check on the wounded soldiers lying in the hospital beds. These soldiers, their bodies wrapped in bandages, were lying peacefully, breathing steadily, sleeping soundly.
Nine of them had serious injuries to their muscles and bones, but they had been fixed in place and seemed to be doing well.
"Not bad."
Zhao Lun nodded in satisfaction, quietly stepping out.
The medicine was potent, but their injuries were severe. The healing power required additional treatment to prevent any deformities in the wounds. Otherwise, their recovery might be flawed.
"These guys are impressive. They should be able to walk by tomorrow," Hodar remarked.
These soldiers were at their prime, and with the aid of Zhao Lun's medicine, Hodar, who had experience, could predict their rapid recovery.
"Yes, but we should do more checks to ensure no lingering issues."
The elite soldiers were young, and while they were strong due to years of intense training, the toll on their bodies was immense. Without proper recovery, their injuries could leave hidden risks.
On the battlefield, they had endured wounds and bled. Though the wounds appeared healed, they could leave underlying dangers.
When they were young, these risks went unnoticed. But as they aged and weakened, these hidden issues could erupt like a dam bursting.
Many older soldiers spent their later years battling pain and illness.
These soldiers, too, could not avoid such problems. Understanding this, Zhao Lun resolved to look out for them. As they were now his own, he would ensure the best care in their recovery.
"Yes, sir!"
They had the means to address these risks, but such valuable resources were not easily accessible. Now that Zhao Lun had spoken, Hodar would follow his orders.
"You should rest as well."
Back at the manor, Zhao Lun told Hodar to get some rest.
No one knew whether something similar would happen tonight, so it was important to rest and prepare. Hodar nodded and went to rest.
Zhao Lun looked around the manor. It was eerily quiet, a haunting stillness pervading. The exterior had not yet been tidied, leaving behind a scene of disarray. However, the perimeter had been secured more tightly.
He approached Maria's room. The young girl was sleeping soundly, her breathing calm and rhythmic.
Rubbing his brow, Zhao Lun made his way to his own room.
The battle of the previous night had left him mentally exhausted, unable to relax for a single moment. Now that things were under control, he felt a wave of fatigue.