Early the next morning, the members of the Knights of the Flowing Glory were ready to go. In the camp, even though they were exhausted from last night's battle, everyone was aware that time was running out, and that they had to return to Flowstone City as soon as possible to summon more power to fight the coming disaster.
Leon Frostblade stood at the front of the group, his bronze armguard still strapped tightly to his right arm despite being broken. His gaze swept over each of the knights, his voice low and strong, 'Brothers, I know everyone is tired, but our mission has just begun. We must return to Flowing Stone City in the shortest time possible, report the situation here to the city lord, and ask for support.'
After saying that Leon turned his head and asked Gareth, 'My old friend, are you sure you don't want to come with us, although there are a lot of people in Quicksilver City who have a problem with you, there should still be no danger with my utmost guarantee that you can take your family with you.'
'No, there's no longer a home for me there, my home is here now, what's more, even if the others don't make a move against me, it doesn't mean they won't make a move against my family' Gareth shook his head and refused.
'Alright, also! Take care of yourself then, I'll grab some time to ask for backup, remember to never act impulsively.' Leon said.
With that the sound of the Knights' hooves drifted away, leaving a cloud of dust in its wake. Gareth stood at the entrance of the village and watched them leave until their silhouettes completely disappeared into the horizon.
Gareth then summoned all the villagers of the town and held an emergency meeting in the square. The solemn sound of bells echoed over the town, summoning people to gather.
The villagers gathered in the centre of the square, murmuring in low voices. Some in the crowd looked nervous, while others looked sceptical.
'This thing sounds too scary, is there really such a thing as a Demon Egg?' Peter - an older carpenter - muttered.
'Don't be sceptical, Peter, haven't you seen all those dead Timberwolves lately?' Tom, the blacksmith, frowned with a determined gaze, 'We can't wait any longer. Those cultists won't leave us alive!'
'But what can we do?' The young farmer Eric had a tremor in his voice, 'We're just ordinary people, we don't have the power to fight them at all!'
Elena stood out, her voice calm and firm, 'The most important thing now is to reduce going out and avoid going near the forest as much as possible. Meanwhile, the Knights have already returned to Flowing Stone City this morning to request for support. I will also assist everyone in setting up a defence magic array to protect the town from encroachment.'
'Magic array? How much time will that take?' Peter swallowed, a hint of doubt in his eyes.
'With my current abilities, it will take about two days.' Elena nodded, 'But we'll need everyone's assistance, especially in preparing the materials and setting up the site.'
'We're all willing to contribute!' Villager Mary - the bakery's proprietress - said firmly.
'That's right! As long as we can defend our homes, we will definitely give our all!' Blacksmith Tom waved his calloused hand with determination.
'But what if the support comes too late? Will the cultists attack us first?' Eric remained anxious, fear in his voice.
'That's enough, Eric!' Tom snapped, turning his head and glaring angrily at the young farmer, 'Do you think fear will solve the problem? If we don't act, we can't hold anything!'
'But we can't act blindly either!' Peter interjected, trying to lighten the mood, 'What if risking action puts everyone in danger instead?'
'That's why we need to stick together and follow Gareth's lead.' Mary raised her voice in an attempt to calm the chaotic chatter, 'Either way, now is the time for everyone to work together.'
Gareth held up his hand for silence, his low voice overpowering any arguments, 'I understand your fears, but fear will not solve the problem. We will do everything we can to guard the town. Right now, I need your trust and cooperation.'
The crowd finally quieted down, and although there was still some uneasiness, there was more of a gradually determined look.
'In addition to the defensive work, we need to organise patrols to make sure the cultists don't sneak up on us. Tom, you are responsible for gathering the strong villagers, divide them into three groups, and take turns patrolling day and night.'
'Understood!' Tom nodded vigorously.
'Also, try to stock up on food and water for emergencies. Mary, you and the other women are in charge of this part.'
'Okay!' Mary agreed dryly.
In the crowd, Peter whispered to the young man beside him, 'Maybe this time, we really have to rely on Gareth.'
Eric sighed and nodded, 'I just hope that it won't be too late.'
Elena walked over to Gareth and whispered, 'Everyone has their fears and doubts, but you've given them hope. That has been important.'
Gareth looked at the gradually dispersing crowd and said in a deep voice, 'Let's hope they can hold out until support arrives.'
Vetril, who was on the sidelines, looked at his parents' backs and a complex emotion surged in his heart. Although he was only eight years old, he strongly felt a sense of responsibility to protect his home.
After the meeting, Vetril and his friends - Jack, Lily and Tommy - got together.
'Vetril, do you think there's anything we can do to help?' Lily took his hand, worry in her eyes.
'I don't know, but we can't do nothing.' Vetril gritted his teeth.
'Listen!' Jack waved the wooden sword in his hand with a serious look, 'We can form a small defence team! Although we can't go into battle yet, we can at least do some patrolling and protect everyone!'
'Jack, don't be a hero!' Lily frowned, 'We're only old!'
'But ...' Tommy stammered, 'I think we could really help out with something, like ... like gathering materials, or giving the villagers a message.'
Vetril nodded, 'Tommy's right, we can do what we can. It's not only a chance to help everyone, but it's also a chance to exercise us.'
Lily sighed and finally gave in, 'Fine, but we have to do what we can and not take any chances.'
Jack waved his wooden sword excitedly, 'That's right! From now on, we are the guardians of the town!'
With the joint efforts of the villagers and knights, the town quickly went on alert.
Firstly, the path leading to the forest was blocked. The villagers blocked every possible path to the forest with wooden fences and barriers, and put up warning signs in conspicuous locations, 'Dangerous area, no entry.' Tom led the blacksmiths to reinforce the town's fence overnight, making a temporary barrier with sturdy wooden boards and iron nails.
Elena, on the other hand, set up a magic formation in the centre of the square. She gathered several villagers with magical talent and distributed tasks: collecting specific herbs, ores, and crystals that could enhance magical power.
'These materials are very important, so be sure to handle them carefully.' Elena admonished.
The villagers were busy running around, and the children were not idle. Jack led Vetril and the other mates, helping to carry the materials. They brought planks of wood, nails and herbs to their designated locations, and although their little faces were red, they were still energetic.
'Whew, that was tiring!' Tommy wiped his sweat.
'Don't complain, Tommy! We're Guardians!' Jack laughed and patted him on the shoulder.
As night fell, the town's defences were taking shape. The magic array in the square gave off a faint blue light, enveloping the town like a protective film.
Vetril's home
'How long will this magic formation last?' Garris asked.
'It won't last long. The magic formation can only defend against attacks from intermediate-level magical beasts. This is the best I can do.'Elena said.
'Expect it to last longer, as long as the magic array is still there the hearts of the town won't be in turmoil, and the current situation can only be overcome by the whole town working together to get through this' Gareth said with a sigh.
'We have to prepare for the worst! Especially the safety of the children cannot be compromised, they are our future!' Gareth said.
'Nothing must happen, after all I want to see Vetril grow up and have a family' Elena said worriedly.
Gareth looked at Elena, then gently hugged Elena and softly said, 'It's fine, as long as I'm here, even if I have to fight for my life, I will protect you mother and son'.
At the same time, Vetril stood by the window of his room, looking away in the direction of the forest in the distance. His eyes were glittering with determination, as if he had a premonition that a 'storm' was coming from afar.