At 8 p.m. in the village of Neoras, the streets were deserted, a stark contrast to the usual bustle. Only a few village guards walked here and there, silently keeping watch.
The villagers had barricaded themselves in their homes on the orders of the chief. The watchtowers scanned the horizon, more vigilant than ever.
In one of the village houses, a meeting was taking place. A hastily set-up reception table dominated the room, which had been arranged for the occasion. Around the table, ten chairs were placed, occupied by a small group of people. The chief, his gaze troubled, seemed increasingly worried about the safety of the villagers. Behind him stood his wife, a round woman with brown hair.
Her gaze was filled with concern and anxiety, much like her husband's.
Against all expectations, Samuel and his team were present. Each was seated on a chair, and Relia, who was particularly happy that Samuel had agreed to her request, was smiling. She seemed almost to have forgotten the gravity of the situation, her bright expression contrasting with the heavy atmosphere. On the three remaining chairs sat the other level 30 adventurers that the chief had invited.
The first was a young man with an intense gaze, his features marked by the trials he had endured. He wore a dark, worn coat, a testament to many battles, with a high collar and frayed edges. His hands were bandaged, and partial tattoos covered his fingers. A diagonal scar crossed his face, and one of his eyes was slightly different in color from the other, giving him a unique and mysterious look. His short, sparse hair seemed unkempt, and his serious, focused expression conveyed a strong and determined personality, ready to face any situation.
Next to him was a young woman with pale white hair, neatly styled in a simple bun. She gazed straight ahead with a calm, determined expression. Her dark armor, elegant and functional, revealed her stature. Large shoulder pads and a fitted corset accentuated her figure. The thick fabric skirt she wore was both sturdy and flowing, a perfect blend of functionality and grace.
Finally, in the last chair, was a semi-human: a fox-woman dressed like an assassin. She wore a dark hood that almost entirely concealed her head, leaving only her piercing orange eyes and large fox ears visible. Her face, both human and animal, had fierce yet intelligent features. Her soft, slightly gradient pink fur blended perfectly with the dark ambiance of her blackened leather armor. Strategic areas, like her shoulders and knees, were reinforced, providing great mobility. At her belt, she carried two daggers, ready to be drawn. Her pale pink tail snaked behind her, adding to her bestial and agile appearance.
These nine high-level adventurers, each with their own distinct story and past, were gathered in the room, the tension palpable.
The chief took a deep breath before speaking, summarizing the situation in clear terms.
"The situation is grave. As you know, something killed the Venerable of the Forest, and at any moment, hordes could appear. We must be ready."
The fox-woman, who had remained silent up until now, spoke in a calm but firm voice: "If a monster was able to kill the Venerable, then it is the real danger looming over Neoras. We must prepare for the unexpected."
The chief nodded silently before turning to Samuel and his team, his expression one of concern. It was then that the man with the short hair and large black coat spoke up. "Chief, are you introducing them ? Who are these people ?" He was looking at Samuel, his gaze intense and scrutinizing.
The chief nodded and turned to the present adventurers. "This is Samuel and his team of adventurers. They will help us hold out until the reinforcements from the capital arrive. Samuel and his companions are all level 30, just like you."
At these words, Canon, Helydia, Kai, and Dante looked away, visibly embarrassed by the situation. They were not level 30, as Relia had stated. Relia, on the other hand, smiled sheepishly.
The chief continued: "With you three and them, we could hold out until the message I sent to the capital arrives."
He then turned to Samuel and added: "Miss Relia told me that you are a powerful strategist, Samuel."
All eyes turned to him, some with curiosity, others with a bit of skepticism. Samuel, arms crossed, silently observed them, his brow slightly furrowed as if analyzing each one of them.