Ding
[System Alert] You have exited [Domain] 18 Tower Of Hell and have been teleported to your previous location.
Checks if the food, water, and medical supplies can last long
"Food check. Water check. Medical supplies check. Alright, seems we have enough for the refugees to fill their bellies and enough to sterilize everyone's wounds. I better hurry, no lives will be wasted here. Also, I really hope none of these kids are picky eaters… that would be a nightmare."
Quickly runs toward the deepest part of the basement
"Oh god. It's still so hideous here. The air is stagnant. Can I really breathe, or am I just imagining it? Weird… I hear many people in different cells. This is worse than I thought. The bandits are so evil. They only lock children from ages 5 to 19, and they are all girls. Seriously, do these bandits even have a 'fun' button in their brains?"
Easily opens the gate using only hand due to anger
"You are free now. But first, let me sterilize all your wounds. It may hurt a little, so endure it as best you can. Here we go. And no complaining, or I'll make you wash my inventory too!"
Aoyama applies medical procedures, sterilizes wounds, wraps them with sterilized bandages, and gives daily necessities to the children
"Rest now. Do not waste any food, or I will not give you more. And yes, that includes sneaky crumbs in your pockets!"
"Haaaiiii!" says the children with full vigor upon seeing the food.
"Good, good. After this, I will bring you outside and escape this hideous place. You children have experienced so much trauma. Do not worry. I will protect you no matter what comes. Also…if anyone complains about camping, I might just enroll you in a fun obstacle course first thing tomorrow."
The children are astonished by Aoyama's words. Their eyes are filled with inspiration as they see him as kind-hearted and heroic. They silently admire him as a true god
"Thank you, big brother, for saving us. And thank you for giving us one more chance to live. You even made sure we had enough food. We appreciate it with all our hearts," said all the children.
"Aww. Do not worry, my children. May I ask a question?"
"What is it, big brother? You can tell us," said all the children.
"I've been wondering. Where are you all from? And does anyone here like pineapple on pizza? Asking for…science."
"..." said all the children.
One child stands up to answer
"We do not know. As long as we can remember, we have been here for a year. Some were killed. Some froze to death. Some died of hunger. And..." The child cries.
"It is okay. You do not have to tell me more. Come here, all of you. Also, please tell me none of you have been keeping a pet rat as a sidekick… because I do not deal with rodents."
Hugs everyone
"Just cry to your heart's content."
Everyone cries for five minutes and then wipes their tears simultaneously
"Oh right. There is a girl named Elena I found on the way here. She is waiting for us upstairs."
"Is she alright, big brother?"
"Yes, she is alright. No, I didn't feed her to any giant monsters, don't worry."
"I'm glad," said a child.
"Anyways, what are your names?" Aoyama thinks. "There are 20 of you. How am I supposed to remember? Wait, I have a trick. A song played in my head at a fast pace for one minute. Alright, my mind is warmed up. I can remember all of you now. If not, I'll just call you Kid 1, Kid 2… Kid 20."
The naming starts while walking upstairs
"I am Eleanor, big brother. I am six years old!" said child number 1 cheerfully.
"I am Elizabeth. I am 10 years old, though I cannot remember my real age. Based on my size, I am a fully grown woman," exclaimed child number 2.
"I am Mitsuki. I am 12 years old, big brother. I hope you will be kind to us and take care of us," said child number 3 shyly.
Naming continues for 20 minutes until they reach the door and hear muffled sounds
"Guys! Thank god you are all okay! You are not hurt again by that evil person?"
"Big sister, we are all okay, thanks to big brother!" said all the children.
"Thank you, big brother, for everything. We do not know if we can ever repay you," said Elena.
"Do not worry about repaying me. This is my nature. I save lives. Fate brought me here. Otherwise, I do not know what would have happened to you all. Also…if anyone wants to volunteer as my personal food taster tomorrow, line up nicely."
"It is okay, big brother. You do not need to think too hard."
"Let's go now, or else the big monster will eat all of you."
"Yah! Big brother is a meanie," said Eleanor.
"No one will touch you with big brother here. Unless, of course, the monster has a coupon for free hugs."
"You are so cool, big brother!" said all the kids.
As soon as Aoyama and the children got out of the bandits' hideout, they went to a nearby forest to set up camp
"Let's camp here for tonight. It seems no danger lurks here for now. I'll go and set up camp first for you guys and gather materials."
"No big brother! We will help you set up the tents!" said all the kids.
"Oh! But you guys are tired? You shouldn't move too much or else your wounds might open up again. Also, tent setting is not an Olympic sport."
"No, we insist, big brother. We can do this just fine," said the kids.
"Well if you insist, then here, let's all set up the tents together."
"Haiiii!!" said the kids cheerfully.
After finishing up the tents, Aoyama picked up the pace to gather wood, herbs, and hunt some meat to fill up their bellies. He quickly returned to the campsite
"Alright! I'm back. Oh, you guys finished setting up the tents? Now rest up and drink water."
"Wow! This water is so clear! It doesn't taste like mud!" said the kids.
"Hehe, that's called purified water. The mud is separated from the water… magic, basically. Don't ask how. I'm still figuring it out myself."
"Ahhh! We understand now," said all the kids.
Aoyama then proceeds to cook meals for 20 children
"Alright, what shall we cook today? Something simple, healthy, and… that will not result in a kitchen explosion. Hmm… meat it is. Heart-filled meals for all!"
He finished cooking with full dedication
"Alright kids! Let's eat! Dinner is ready!"
"Woww! It smells amazing! I can feel energy brimming in my body just from the smell!"
The children eat and give thanks
Ding
[System Alert] The bodies of the children are healing due to accepting the full-hearted food! [Favorability of the children has reached (100)] Congratulations!
"Big sister! Big brother! I'm full of energy! I can't feel pain anymore! How did this happen?" said Elizabeth.
"Wow! Me too!" said all of the kids.
"Big brother, thank you! Is that magic?" said Elena.
"I suppose, hihihi. All I see is a happy family surviving through the toughest times, enjoying a meal like there's no tomorrow. Also…next time, I'm teaching you all how to cook without burning the forest down!"
"You are really kind, big brother! By the way, what is your name?" said Elena curiously.
"My name? You can call me Aoyama…"
Roarr!!!!