Relia stepped forward into the crowd, leaving her companions behind. The atmosphere was tense, and all eyes turned towards her as she moved with a determination she had never shown before. She took a deep breath before declaring clearly.
"Don't worry, my group and I will help you. We've all reached level 30."
She moved deeper into the crowd, the villagers exchanging perplexed looks, some murmuring, others seeming skeptical. Kai, standing at the back, observed the scene and then whispered to Canon, "Is she talking about us ?"
Canon shrugged in response, his expression as confused as that of the villagers.
Relia, now at the center of the scene, continued with increased confidence, "We are six valiant warriors, and we will help you hold out until your kingdom's reinforcements arrive." Her voice, firm and full of conviction, seemed to echo in the air, heavy with tension.
The village chief, who had remained silent until then, looked at her intently, his brows furrowed. He seemed to be analyzing Relia, weighing each word. After a moment of thought, he replied in a sharp tone.
"Miss, I don't know who you are, but these are fierce monsters we're talking about. Even if we accepted your offer, we would only have nine level 30 adventurers, the rest barely level 20."
Relia, not backing down, responded almost immediately, cutting the chief off
"Don't worry. In our group, we have two very powerful strategists: myself and our leader."
She paused, her eyes sweeping the crowd, as if to capture the full attention of the villagers. Then, with great solemnity, she added
"I, Relia Luminus, swear to protect you, me and my team, until reinforcements arrive."
The chief, now more focused, thought for a moment. A curse slipped from his lips before he turned abruptly to the watchtower.
"I think the monsters won't attack tonight, but just in case, stay alert. I want you to report any suspicious movement."
He then turned to the villagers and, in a more authoritative tone, commanded, "You, stop all your activities and businesses for now. Barricade yourselves in your homes until further notice. I don't want to see anyone outside."
He then approached Relia and, in a calmer voice, gave her instructions, "As for you, meet me in my office at 8 p.m., you, your leader, and your group."
He turned and quickly walked away, his figure blending into the crowd, which began to disperse.
Relia stayed there for a moment, watching the scene, her eyes on her companions who all looked at her with incredulous expressions, almost stunned.
"Why are you all staring at me like that ?" she asked, approaching them.
They continued to look at her, eyes glazed, lips pursed, arms crossed.
Relia felt the weight of their gazes.
After a moment of silence, Helydia, visibly concerned, broke the ice by saying, almost desperately:
"Samuel is not going to be happy about this !"
"For sure," replied Kai.
"What made you say that ?" added Canon.
"But no, guys," said Relia with a smile, "I'm sure Samuel will agree. After all, we have to help them, it's our fault. We killed their 'Venerable of the Forest' No way the boss will oppose this."