Chapter 198 – The End of the Battle for Riverville Town

Chapter 198

The End of the Battle for Riverville Town

Date : Day 3 of Frostfall 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.

Hyoren watched as Jackey carried Arianna toward the northern district. Toward the massive explosion that had shaken the entire town.

He silently followed them with his eyes until the two disappeared among the buildings. 

They should be able to handle everything…

If another group of Wraiths appeared. Arianna's magic should be enough. If the rear was threatened by a powerful enemy. Or even another necromancer. Jackey should be capable of protecting her.

Satisfied for the moment, Hyoren shifted his attention back to the battlefield.

The number of Living Dead had noticeably decreased. Even so—they still continued emerging from the Still Forest. No longer in overwhelming hordes. Yet they never truly stopped.

Hyoren's dark eyes swept across the battlefield.

The defenders had finally gained enough breathing room to regroup. Two militia could now comfortably surround and overwhelm a single skeleton. Some exhausted guards leaned briefly against the barricades before returning to the fight. The pressure had eased slightly. But the battle was far from over.

His gaze drifted toward the silver-haired elf.

Elise was still working tirelessly. She stood calmly behind the defensive line, her emerald eyes continuously searching for the next threat. Every movement was precise. 

She smoothly nocked another arrow. Drew the string. Released her arrow.

SWOOSH!

The arrow streaked across the battlefield with a faint green trail.

CRACK!

It pierced directly through the rib cage of a skeleton-type Living Dead.

Its Aethell Core shattered instantly. The skeleton collapsed into a pile of lifeless bones.

Without even watching her target fall—Elise had already drawn another arrow. Her rhythm never faltered. Every shot meant one less Living Dead threatening the defenders.

Hyoren smiled faintly.

She's working really hard… I need to catch up. There was still no time to rest…

His eyes immediately caught another section of the defensive line.

A group of defenders was beginning to lose ground. Three skeleton-type Living Dead had pushed through the gaps between the barricades.

One militia struggled to fend off two attacks at once. Another had already stumbled backward.

Hyoren immediately sprinted toward them. One skeleton suddenly thrust its rusted spear.

CLANG!

Hyoren intercepted it with Dawn Breaker. Steel scraped against corroded metal.

Without wasting the opening, he immediately counterattacked. His left arm thrust Etendard Sacré du Lys forward. The banner of Aetovacus fluttered proudly behind the spear.

CRACK!

The mithril spearhead slipped cleanly between the skeleton's ribs. Its glowing Aethell Core shattered instantly. The skeleton collapsed into scattered bones.

Hyoren didn't stop.

The second Living Dead charged with a crude rusted sword. He sidestepped. Pivoted smoothly and evaded the attack. Using the momentum of his movement—he thrust the mithril spear once more.

Again, the spearhead naturally found the opening between the rib cage.

CRACK!

Another Aethell Core shattered. Another skeleton became nothing more than a pile of bones.

Hyoren smoothly withdrew the spear before planting its butt against the ground for balance.

Only then did the overwhelmed defender realize he had been saved. The militia hurriedly bowed.

"Thank you for always covering us!"

Hyoren simply nodded.

"Just be careful next time."

The militia straightened immediately.

"Yes, sir!"

Without another word, he returned to reinforce the other defenders.

Hyoren once again surveyed the battlefield.

Just as he was about to move, a familiar voice echoed inside his mind. The Voice of Aethell.

"Spear Mastery — Level increased to 4."

Hyoren blinked. Then, a small smile appeared on his face.

It's finally leveled up… Ever since I switched weapons… My Spear Mastery had remained stuck at Level 3.

He tightened his grip around the mithril spear.

Now… It finally advanced…

But the notification wasn't finished. Another voice immediately followed.

"Spear Mastery — Meteor Thrust — Active Skill Acquired."

Hyoren blinked again. A wider smile slowly formed.

Right… Weapon Mastery grants an Active Skill upon reaching Level 4. So… What does this one do?

The knowledge flowed directly into his mind. Countless details rapidly became instinct. He immediately understood its mechanics.

Meteor Thrust was unlike Piercing Thrust, which instantly propelled him only two or three meters. This new skill could propel him much farther, but it required charging first.

The longer he charged—up to roughly two seconds—the farther he could launch himself. At maximum charge, he could instantly cross nearly twenty meters. Its penetrating power also greatly surpassed Piercing Thrust—a skill dedicated to clearing many weak monsters in a straight line.

But, the advantages came with equally significant drawbacks. Charging required precious time. And once activated. The skill couldn't be canceled midway.

He would commit completely to the attack.

If an enemy predicted the trajectory. He would leave himself wide open. Unlike Piercing Thrust, whose instantaneous activation allowed him to adapt freely during combat.

Hyoren quietly tightened his grip on the spear.

"I've gained another weapon in my arsenal..."

He smiled faintly.

"But… It won't be as easy to use as my other skills. It'll be excellent for dealing with many weak mobs… but its drawbacks are just as real."

His thoughts lasted only a heartbeat. His eyes found another defender in danger. A lone militia had been cornered by two skeleton-type Living Dead.

Hyoren immediately moved.

"I'll analyze it later. For now… Focus on this battle."

Without another moment of hesitation. He charged once more.

The battle continued. Just like when he had first acquired Magic Eyes. Now was not the time to study his new ability. There would be plenty of time after Riverville Town was safe.

For now, only one thing mattered. Protecting the town, and breaking the ritual magic, Domain of the Undead. To stop this nightmare.

Hyoren darted across the battlefield without pause.

Sometimes. He rallied exhausted defenders before their morale could falter.

Sometimes. He stepped in just before a militia was overwhelmed.

Other times. He stood at the very front, personally destroying every skeleton-type Living Dead that emerged from the Still Forest.

His focus never wavered. Reduce the enemy. Hold the barricade. Never allowed the Living Dead to break through—and poured into Riverville Town.

***

Hyoren continued fighting alongside Elise and the other defender.

After a while, he noticed that the number of the Living Dead had started to thin. His gaze settled upon the distant Still Forest. The eerie forest stood roughly one kilometer away from the town entrance. Silent. Dark. Almost unnaturally so.

It was the place they believed to be the source of the ritual.

We need to strike the source soon… But… I need more information...

His eyes swept across the defenders once more.

The militia were exhausted. Many breathed heavily after every exchange. Sweat soaked their uniforms. Their spear thrusts were slower than before.

Yet, The number of Living Dead had fallen dramatically. Instead of desperately fighting for survival. Four guards could now comfortably surround and eliminate a single skeleton-type Living Dead. The pressure on the defensive line had eased considerably.

Even Elise's workload had lessened.

The silver-haired elf still calmly fired arrow after arrow. But unlike before, she no longer needed to constantly rescue collapsing sections of the line.

Even so, the battle wasn't over. One, sometimes two, skeleton-type Living Dead still emerged from the Still Forest every so often.

The defenders still couldn't relax. Not yet. But, at least, they finally had room to breathe.

Hyoren's eyes continued searching the battlefield.

Then, he found the person he was looking for.

One defender stood out among the others. His armor was noticeably sturdier. His spear appeared to be forged from steel rather than ordinary iron. His stance was disciplined. Steady. Unlike the hastily gathered militia surrounding him.

Every thrust was efficient. Every movement carried the calm confidence of experience.

A veteran… Most likely an actual town guard rather than a militia member…

If anyone knows Riverville Town surroundings especially the Still Forest. It should be him.

Hyoren immediately crossed the battlefield.

Before he could reach the guard, a skeleton-type Living Dead suddenly swung a rusted sword toward the man's shoulder.

Hyoren stepped in. The banner of Aetovacus fluttered as he thrust the mithril spear. The spearhead pierced through the skeleton's rib cage. Its Aethell Core shattered instantly. The bones collapsed into a lifeless pile.

Only then did Hyoren turn toward the guard.

"Hey. What's your name? I need your help."

The town guard looked momentarily bewildered by the sudden question.

But after recognizing the banner. He immediately nodded.

"I'm Arad. Town Guard. What can I do?"

Hyoren gestured for him to step back slightly from the frontline.

"Fall back a little. We need to talk."

Arad gave a quick nod.

Without wasting another moment. The two of them retreated a short distance behind the defensive line, where they could speak while the remaining defenders continued holding back the dwindling stream of Living Dead.

***

Hyoren raised his voice toward the silver-haired elf.

"Elise! Please!"

Elise simply nodded.

Without asking another question, she smoothly nocked another arrow onto Moonveil Bow.

Their coordination had already become second nature. Hyoren didn't need to explain anything. That single word of please was enough. 

Elise immediately understood. Hyoren needed a few moments. She would cover the frontline. Simple. Efficient. Flawless.

A faint smile appeared on Hyoren's face.

As expected of Elise...

Confidently leaving the frontline in her hands, he continued retreating with Arad.

As they moved farther from the barricade,  Hyoren's eyes briefly swept over the veteran guard.

His gaze stopped. A wound. On Arad's right flank. It wasn't particularly large. Hidden beneath the folds of his armor and clothing. Easy to overlook.

Even so, fresh blood continued seeping through the fabric.

Hyoren immediately reached into his storage bag. A bottle filled with green liquid appeared in his hand. The Healing Potion gently sloshed inside.

He extended it toward Arad.

"You're wounded. Drink this potion. Quickly."

He frowned slightly.

"I thought I already told everyone to treat any wound immediately."

Arad blinked in confusion.

Only then did he instinctively glance toward his own right side. His eyes widened slightly.

"I actually didn't notice."

He accepted the potion from Hyoren.

Without hesitation, he uncorked the bottle and drank it in a single gulp. The green liquid quickly restored the wound.

"Thanks."

Hyoren smiled wryly.

The veteran had become so absorbed in the battle. He hadn't even realized he had been injured.

Maybe the adrenaline masked the pain… Or...

He glanced at Arad once.

A battle freak. Just like Jackey…

Once the wound had been treated...

Hyoren turned the conversation back to its purpose.

"Arad."

The guard nodded.

Hyoren looked toward the distant forest.

"I want to know about the Still Forest. I plan to strike the source once the number of Living Dead decreases a little more. I need information."

Arad briefly followed Hyoren's gaze toward the eerie forest in the distance.

"Understood, Freedom Party Leader."

Hyoren immediately smiled wryly.

"Just call me Hyoren. No need for formalities."

Arad paused for a moment. It looked as though he wanted to argue. But after seeing Hyoren's expression. He quietly gave up.

"Understood… Mister Hyoren."

That seemed to be the compromise he was willing to make.

Hyoren simply nodded.

Arad then gestured toward the Still Forest.

"Still Forest… has actually been a forbidden forest for the people of Riverville Town."

Hyoren narrowed his eyes.

"A forbidden forest? Is it dangerous? Does it have something to do with the Voided Covenant?"

Arad slowly shook his head.

"No, Mister Hyoren. The legend has existed for centuries. The reason itself is actually rather simple. I'll try to keep the story brief."

He adjusted his grip on his steel spear before continuing.

"Long ago… An eccentric noble from the royal capital decided to settle in the middle of that forest. The townsfolk of that era didn't even know his name. He lived completely alone. He didn't even bring a single servant. He built a small tower deep within the forest."

Arad's expression became distant, as though recalling an old tale passed down through generations.

"At first… He occasionally came to the town to purchase supplies. For a noble from the capital… He was surprisingly friendly."

He took a slow breath.

"Years passed. Then decades. The townsfolk gradually accepted him as one of their own. They never disturbed his life. And he never caused trouble for the town. They simply respected one another."

He paused. His eyes slowly lowered.

"But… One day… He stopped coming to town. Several months passed without anyone seeing him. In the end… The townsfolk decided to check on him."

Arad's voice became quieter.

"And… They found him… dead in his bed."

Hyoren's dark eyes widened slightly.

"Was it an assassination? Or some kind of political conspiracy?"

Arad shrugged.

"The townsfolk never found out. The stories I heard said that even Akela City sent investigators."

He planted the butt-end of his steel spear on the ground. Then he shook his head.

"But they found nothing. Their final conclusion was simply that the noble had no family left and had grown tired of politics, so he chose to live in seclusion."

He gestured toward the Still Forest with his free hand.

"The tower itself was completely intact. There were no signs of a struggle. No traces of an assassination.They found nothing unusual inside either his room or the tower."

His voice lowered to almost whisper.

"But… Since then… the forest gradually changed."

Hyoren blinked. Then his dark eyes narrowed.

"Changed? What do you mean?"

Arad turned his gaze toward the distant forest.

"Originally… It was an ordinary forest. Not particularly large, but lush and full of life."

He paused briefly.

"But a few years after the noble was found dead… the entire forest slowly began to change."

His expression grew solemn.

"It was as though… the forest had died along with him."

Hyoren narrowed his eyes but remained silent, allowing Arad to continue.

"The trees lost every leaf. They still stand tall. New trees still grow. But… somehow, only the trunk. No leaves. No fruits. They're nothing more than empty husks."

Arad exhaled a long breath.

"There is no grass. No undergrowth. And somehow..."

He paused.

"Even monsters avoid that place."

He nodded slowly.

"That's why people started calling it the Still Forest. It truly is… still. Nothing moves inside."

His grip around his spear tightened.

"And that's also why it became forbidden. If someone enters the forest and stays there for too long… at least a few days… they became still…. In another words… they simply… die."

Hyoren frowned.

"Die? Huh? What's the cause?"

Arad slowly shook his head.

"Unknown. After several curious townsfolk entered to test the rumors… they were later found dead. No wounds. No signs of battle. Nothing. The mayor immediately forbade anyone from entering the forest afterward. And the forest stay forbidden even now… centuries after the incident occured."

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"Don't worry though. If it's only for a few hours… Or even one or two days… You'll be fine."

He looked back toward the forest. 

The forest now looked even more eerie. Everything was still. And only the occasional Living Dead moved. Appeared from inside the forest, stifling towards their position. The name of Still Forest was truly apt.

"The mayor once requested Baron Akela to investigate the place. Scholars from the Royal Court Mage also came. But… They couldn't find anything strange either."

Hyoren slowly nodded. He considered Arad’s story. The safety of the Still Forest. The terrain. The possibility of meeting whatever Voided Covenant prepared them for.

"So… It should be safe if we only enter for a few hours?"

Arad nodded confidently.

"Yes, Mister Hyoren."

Hyoren tapped his chin thoughtfully.

"What about the terrain? Anything we should be careful of?"

Arad briefly glanced toward the battlefield.

Only a handful of skeleton-type Living Dead still remained. Even the rate at which they emerged from the Still Forest had slowed considerably. 

Elise had already lowered her bow, she already decided her support was not needed. Though her emerald eyes were still focused. Her gaze wandered on the battlefield, ready to support wherever her arrow needed.

Several militia members were finally able to catch their breath. They take turns on taking the skeleton-type Living Dead. While the others engaged, the free one would lean on their iron spear to catch a small break.

Satisfied that the frontline was stable for the moment, Arad turned back to Hyoren.

"The forest isn't particularly large. Walk for about an hour… and you'll reach a large clearing in the center. The tower stands there."

His expression became uneasy.

"The eerie part… is that the tower is supposedly still standing. Even after centuries of being abandoned."

He adjusted his grip on the spear.

"Normally, there shouldn't be any monsters inside. But with everything that's happened… I'd advise being careful of the undead. The terrain itself is mostly flat."

He gestured with her hand.

"Visibility is good. There isn't any grass or thick undergrowth to block your view."

He gave a small nod.

"If you want… I can guide you there."

Hyoren smiled faintly.

"I see. So the main danger now should only be whatever the Voided Covenant has prepared inside the forest."

He looked directly at Arad. His dark eyes met his.

"And if you're willing to guide us… I'd appreciate it. We'll go with just the three of us..."

He paused.

"Or… Do you recommend bringing anyone else?"

Arad slowly shook his head.

"I'm the last remaining town guard. The others… are militia we organized after the kidnapping incident."

His expression darkened.

"Most of my fellow guards..."

He stopped there. He didn't need to finish the sentence.

Hyoren already understood. He gave a silent nod.

"Okay then. We'll strike with just the three of us."

His dark eyes swept across the battlefield one final time.

The militia had regained enough breathing room. The line was holding.

Hyoren tightened his grip on Etendard Sacré du Lys. The banner of Aetovacus fluttered steadily in the cold wind.

"We'll leave the defense of this place to the militia. They could deal with this amount of Living Dead.”

Arad nodded firmly.

"Understood… Mister Hyoren."

The plan was settled.

***

About a quarter of an hour after Hyoren and Arad finished their discussion—the final skeleton-type Living Dead collapsed.

A militia's iron spear pierced through the gap between its ribs. Its Aethell Core shattered. The skeleton's body instantly lost all movement before collapsing into a scattered pile of bones.

Then—silence descended upon the southern entrance of Riverville Town.

Hyoren tightened his grip around Étendard Sacré du Lys. The banner of Aetovacus fluttered softly in the cold breeze. His dark eyes never left the Still Forest. Not for even a heartbeat.

Behind him, Elise still held Moonveil Bow at the ready. An arrow remained nocked against the string. She had yet to lower it.

Like Hyoren, her emerald eyes remained fixed upon the forest. Ready to loose an arrow the instant another Living Dead emerged.

Around them. Every militia stood frozen.

Their iron spears remained pointed toward the forest. No one dared lower their guard. No one celebrated. Not yet.

Arad likewise continued staring ahead. His brows remained tightly furrowed. 

Seconds slowly passed. One minute. Then another. Still nothing.

The Still Forest remained exactly as its name implied. Silent. Motionless. Five minutes passed. Then ten.

Not a single skeleton appeared. Not a single movement could be seen beneath the dead trees.

Even so, no one relaxed. The defenders continued waiting. Watching. Listening. Preparing themselves for another wave.

A quiet murmur gradually spread among the exhausted militia.

"...Is this the end?"

"...Did we survive?"

"...Are the undead finally gone?"

Hope slowly crept into their voices.

Yet none of them truly believed it. Not after everything they had witnessed today.

Another five minutes passed. Fifteen minutes in total.

Still, no Living Dead emerged. Not even the weakest ones. No goblin skeleton. No horned rabbit skeleton. Nothing. Only the deathly stillness of the forest remained.

At last—Elise slowly lowered her bow. She turned toward Hyoren. Their eyes met across the battlefield. Emerald met a dark ones.

A gentle smile appeared upon Elise's face. She didn't say a single word. She didn't need to. Hyoren immediately understood. Good work. That was what her smile conveyed.

A small smile naturally appeared on Hyoren's own face. You too. 

Elise then walked across the battlefield toward him. Her footsteps echoed softly against the wooden barricades and stone road.

Hyoren turned toward Arad.

"It seems… There won't be any more undead."

Arad quietly nodded.

"I believe so as well."

Just then, Elise arrived beside Hyoren. She looked once more toward the Still Forest before speaking softly.

"Good work, Hyoren. No more undead have appeared."

She smiled faintly.

"It seems… their fuel has finally run out."

Hyoren slowly nodded.

"Good work, Elise. And… It certainly looks that way."

His gaze returned to the Still Forest one last time. The dead forest remained exactly as before. Silent. Lifeless. Still. No movement. No Living Dead. No sign of anything stirring beneath the pale, leafless trees.

For the first time—since this nightmare had begun—a genuine smile slowly bloomed across Hyoren's face.

***

Hyoren slowly lifted his gaze toward the sky.

The unnatural skies greeted him once again. The abyss-like dome still stretched endlessly above Riverville. Black. Artificial. As though every ray of light had been swallowed whole.

It remained unchanged. The ritual was still active.

His expression gradually became solemn.

This isn't the end of the nightmare...

He understood that much.

Even if the enemy could no longer send Living Dead, simply because they had exhausted every corpse and every skeleton they had prepared. The ritual itself had not ended.

If the Voided Covenant managed to kill more townsfolk by any other means. The Domain of the Undead would simply create another outbreak.

The nightmare could begin all over again.

Hyoren slowly exhaled.

But… At least… The defense is over…

The defenders could finally breathe. They had earned that much. What came next was no longer their responsibility. It was now Freedom Party's duty—to end the cursed ritual. To root out the evil responsible for this nightmare. The Voided Covenant.

Hyoren glanced toward Elise.

The silver-haired elf simply nodded. Her long silver hair swayed gently with the movement. No words were needed. She already understood what he intended to do.

Hyoren tightened his grip around Étendard Sacré du Lys.

He still wasn't comfortable standing before everyone like this. Giving speeches. Becoming the face everyone looked toward. It still felt unfamiliar. But, if the leader himself didn't do it. Then who would?

He took a slow breath before raising his voice.

"Everyone! The courageous defenders of Riverville Town!"

Every militia instinctively turned toward him. Their exhausted faces looked back at the young man holding the banner of Aetovacus.

"You were terrified. You were afraid of becoming just like the enemy."

He paused.

"You watched your comrades… ...your friends… ...rise again as Living Dead."

His voice grew heavier.

"Your hearts ached… When you were forced to defeat those who had once fought beside you."

Silence spread across the defenders.

Several lowered their heads. Others silently clenched their fists. The memories were still fresh.

Hyoren looked across every face before continuing.

"But… You still fought. You continued fighting despite knowing all of that."

His voice rang firmly across the battlefield.

"Because if no one stood here… If no one defended this place… Then Riverville Town… ...would no longer exist."

He raised Étendard Sacré du Lys high. The banner of Aetovacus soared proudly above him. Fluttering in the cold wind.

Almost instinctively, every pair of eyes followed the black bird. The grim determination that had filled the defenders' faces gradually softened. Hope slowly replaced despair.

Hyoren continued.

"And now… You are victorious. You successfully defended the town you love. The town where you live. The town where your families… and your loved ones… are waiting."

He planted the butt of the spear firmly onto the ground.

"The ritual is still ongoing. But the enemy should have no more Living Dead left to send."

He slowly swept his gaze across the exhausted defenders.

"So… Your duty is finished."

A few militia blinked. Others looked at one another.

Hyoren turned and pointed Dawn Breaker toward the distant Still Forest.

"What remains… is Freedom Party's responsibility. We will strike down the heretics. We will destroy the evil that caused this tragedy."

His dark eyes hardened.

"I promise you. I will defeat them."

He slowly lowered his sword. Then, for the first time, he smiled.

"But your battle… has ended. This… is the end of the battle for Riverville Town."

Silence lingered for only a heartbeat.

Then—cheers erupted throughout the battlefield. Iron spears shot into the air.

"Thank you, Luminara!"

"We won!"

"Yes!!"

The celebration quickly grew louder. Then someone shouted another name.

"It was thanks to Freedom Party!"

"Thank you, Freedom Party!"

"Freedom Party!"

"Freedom Party!"

Soon, the entire defensive line echoed with the same cry.

Hyoren could only smile wryly.

Beside him, Elise gave the cheering defenders a graceful nod in acknowledgment.

Then she gently reached over and lightly touched Hyoren's shoulder. Leaning closer, she whispered with a soft laugh.

"You should start getting used to this from now on."

She smiled teasingly.

"Your feats today… will become tales that bards sing for generations. Fufufu."

Hyoren immediately frowned.

"Please don't..."

Elise covered her mouth as another laugh escaped.

"Fufufu."

Hyoren couldn't help laughing as well.

For a brief moment—the weight pressing upon their shoulders felt lighter.

They both knew, one final battle still awaited them beyond the Still Forest.

But for now. Just for this brief moment.

They allowed themselves to enjoy the hard-earned victory they had fought so desperately to achieve.

***

The defenders finally allowed themselves to collapse where they stood.

Some simply sat on the ground, their bodies no longer able to remain standing after the prolonged battle. Others passed around waterskins, sharing what little water they had left. A few leaned against the wooden barricades with exhausted sighs.

Some didn't even bother speaking anymore.

They simply lay on the ground. Enjoying the well-earned rest they had fought so desperately to obtain.

Hyoren gave the Still Forest one final glance.

The dead forest remained completely motionless. No skeleton emerged. No movement stirred beneath the pale, leafless trees.

Satisfied for the moment. He slowly nodded. Then he turned toward Elise and Arad.

"I think we should rest for a while as well."

He loosened his grip on Étendard Sacré du Lys slightly.

"We're exhausted. Let's drink some water and replenish our strength."

Elise immediately nodded.

"I agree."

She glanced toward the unnatural black sky.

"We're still tired. Even if they no longer have undead to send… the Voided Covenant still possesses Dark Magic."

Her emerald eyes became serious.

"We need to prepare ourselves."

Hyoren nodded in agreement.

His gaze instinctively drifted toward the northern district. No smoke rose into the sky anymore. No sounds of battle reached them either.

He smiled faintly.

"Maybe… Ina, Jackey, and Arianna will join us if we wait."

Elise nodded.

"That's true."

Hyoren chuckled wryly before shaking his head.

"But… We won't wait for them. We don't know what kind of battle they had to fight in the rear. If they're exhausted and can't come… then we'll simply go with the three of us."

Elise quietly agreed.

"You're right."

Hyoren then turned toward Arad.

"Let's rest for ten to fifteen minutes, Arad."

The veteran guard nodded immediately.

"I will, Mister Hyoren."

He placed a hand over his chest.

"And once again… On behalf of the Riverville Town Guard… we are truly grateful for everything you've done today."

Hyoren smiled awkwardly.

"Thank us later. When we've actually defeated the culprits."

Arad couldn't help smiling.

"I'll thank you… again afterward."

He gave Hyoren a respectful nod before walking back toward the defenders.

Soon, he was checking each militia member one by one. Making sure everyone was still alright. Only after confirming their condition did he sit among them.

Before long—quiet conversations began spreading through the exhausted defenders as they drank water together.

Meanwhile, Hyoren and Elise also found a place to rest themselves.

They walked to the sturdy wooden wall overlooking the southern entrance. They sat side by side. Facing the Still Forest.

Even while resting. Their eyes could still observe the distant forest should anything suddenly emerge.

Both leaned their backs against the wooden wall. Finally allowing their tired bodies a brief moment of respite.

After a long silence. Hyoren looked toward Elise. Almost at the same time. Elise turned toward him. Their eyes met.

A faint smile slowly appeared on Hyoren's face.

"We actually did it..."

Elise smiled back before giving a gentle nod.

"We did."

She looked at him quietly for a moment. Then softly laughed.

"Fufufu… You were so cool leading everyone."

Hyoren blinked.

Elise continued.

"I already thought watching you lead Freedom Party was impressive. But today..."

Her emerald eyes reflected genuine admiration.

"You looked so natural standing at the front. You kept giving orders without hesitation. Your decisions were efficient. You directed everyone clearly."

She giggled again.

"And even while commanding everyone… your two weapons never stopped working."

Hyoren scratched his cheek awkwardly.

"Please… I'm still not used to it. And I thought I never will."

He laughed softly.

"I don't think I want to do that again."

Elise covered her mouth with one hand.

"Fufufu. But you looked so cool. It would be a shame if you stopped."

Hyoren could only smile helplessly.

"Elise… Please."

That only made Elise laugh even more.

"Fufufu."

A moment later. Hyoren found himself laughing as well. 

The laughter gradually faded. Neither of them spoke again. Words were no longer necessary.

Almost instinctively. Their hands found each other. Their fingers gently intertwined. Neither acknowledged it. Neither questioned it. It simply happened naturally.

The sounds around them slowly faded into the background.

They no longer paid attention to the quiet conversations among the defenders. Nor to Arad speaking with the militia. For this brief moment. The two of them existed inside their own little world.

Together. They had survived the defensive battle.

But another difficult battle still awaited them inside the Still Forest. The true source of this nightmare still remained.

For now, however, neither Hyoren nor Elise thought about the coming battle.

They simply enjoyed the peaceful silence. Spending those precious moments. Together.

***

After about fifteen minutes of rest—Hyoren, Elise, and Arad stood once more.

The brief respite had allowed them to recover some of their strength. Not completely. But enough. Enough to continue.

The defenders also rose to their feet behind them. Although many still looked exhausted. None complained. They quietly tightened their grips on their spears.

They knew their role now.

They would remain here. Guarding Riverville Town's southern entrance. The task of striking the culprit. Belonged to the three standing before them.

Hyoren looked toward Elise and Arad.

"We should prepare ourselves."

He reached into his storage bag. A bottle filled with glowing yellow liquid appeared in his hand. The Stamina Potion sloshed gently as he handed one to each of them.

"You two. Drink this. We don't know what we're going to face. Any enhancement is welcome."

Elise accepted the potion without hesitation. Arad did the same. The three of them uncorked the bottles almost simultaneously. They drank everything in one gulp.

Warmth immediately spread throughout their bodies. The fatigue lingering in their muscles eased slightly. Their breathing became steadier. Their physical capabilities were temporarily enhanced.

Hyoren looked between the two of them.

"Ready?"

Elise nodded.

"Ready."

Arad tightened his grip on his steel spear.

"I'm ready as well."

Hyoren gave a firm nod.

"Good. Follow me."

Without another word—the three of them began walking toward the Still Forest.

Behind them, the defenders silently watched. Hope filled their tired eyes. Every one of them understood. The fate of Riverville Town now rested upon those three figures walking toward the Still Forest.

Step. Another step. Another. 

Then—a chill suddenly ran down Hyoren's spine. 

His entire body stiffened. Every instinct he possessed screamed. The hairs on the back of his neck stood upright. His heart skipped a beat.

What is this feeling...? A powerful presence… Something is coming...

Almost instinctively, he stopped walking.

Elise and Arad also halted. They looked toward him in confusion.

"Hyoren?"

"Mister Hyoren?"

Before Hyoren could answer, the ground trembled.

THUMP.

The earth shook beneath their feet.

Everyone instinctively steadied themselves.

Then—another.

THUMP.

The tremor came again. Stronger. Heavier.

Then—a third.

THUMP.

The sound echoed from deep within the Still Forest. Something was approaching.

Every eye immediately turned toward the dead forest.

The motionless trees suddenly began swaying violently. Then—it happened.

CRAAAACK!

Several towering trees snapped apart. Others were simply pushed aside. Ancient trunks crashed to the ground one after another.

A massive figure slowly emerged from within the forest. Towering. Even from this distance, Hyoren could immediately tell, it stood nearly as tall as the trees themselves.

With every heavy step it took, the earth shook.

THUMP.

THUMP.

THUMP.

Its body was shrouded in blackness.

Only its gigantic humanoid silhouette could be distinguished. The details were still impossible to make out from this distance.

Yet one thing was unmistakable. A sinister aura continuously poured from the enormous figure. The oppressive presence alone was enough to make breathing difficult.

Hyoren instinctively tightened his grip around Étendard Sacré du Lys. The banner of Aetovacus fluttered sharply in the cold wind.

He immediately understood.

That gigantic monstrous thing—was created or summoned by the Voided Covenant.

And it was coming straight toward Riverville Town.

Beside him, Arad was the first to find his voice. His words trembled uncontrollably.

"W-What… the hell… is that... thing...?”