Aiden stepped outside and immediately felt how crowded the area had become. The space that once felt open now held more than sixty people. Bedrolls, supplies, and resting bodies filled every corner. Voices stayed low, and movement was careful as people made room for one another.
The first thing Aiden did was look for Talren.
As he walked, people noticed him. Some straightened their backs. Others bowed their heads slightly or smiled when their eyes met his. A few greeted him with quiet thanks, their voices filled with relief that Aiden was now okay.
Aiden returned the gestures with small nods. He could feel their attention on him as he passed. In their eyes, he was a hero that had saved them at the risk of his life.
Talren was still moving among the injured, kneeling to check bandages and placing steady hands on shoulders to calm shaking bodies. Fatigue showed in the way he stood, yet his movements stayed careful and sure.
When he sensed the commotion around him and turned, his eyes widened at the sight of Aiden standing there. Relief crossed his face before he could hide it, and he walked over with quick steps, his attention fixed on the man who should still be resting.
"You should still be resting." Talren said, the words carrying relief and concern.
Aiden answered with a small shake of his head as he met Talren's gaze, his posture steady despite the strain still lingering in his body.
"I can already move. I needed to come out and talk with you and the other leaders about something."
Talren studied him from head to toe, his eyes pausing on the repaired suit and the new arm. He noticed the serious look on Aiden's face and understood that this was not a casual visit. He released a breath thankful that he was ok now, then nodded once as that understanding settled in.
"We were actually waiting for you." Talren replied.
He turned without delay and began calling for the others. The message passed through the crowd in a calm and controlled way. One by one, those who carried responsibility stepped forward.
Their faces showed gratitude, worry, and readiness in equal measure. No one argued or questioned the call. They came together with quiet agreement.
Aiden waited near the ship entrance, watching them gather. When the last of them arrived, he turned toward the open doorway and raised his hand slightly, inviting them in.
"Come inside, we can speak there." Aiden said, his voice even as he led the way.
The group followed him into the ship. The interior lights adjusted as they entered, and the door sealed behind them with a low sound. They were led to the Main Lounge, a wide space built for rest and shared use.
Seating unfolded from the walls. One by one, they sat down, careful and quiet, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings with restrained wonder.
Aiden remained standing for a moment, scanning the room. These were people who had lost homes, bled, and run for their lives. Now they sat inside metal walls that should not exist in this forest. He took a slow breath and stepped forward.
The meeting was about to begin.
******
Talren stopped as soon as he stepped into the lounge. His eyes moved slowly across the room, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. Everything was made of metal. The walls, the floor, even the seats all shared the same smooth surface.
There was no wood, no cloth, and no stone. The light did not come from fire or crystals, yet the room was bright and even, without smoke or heat. It felt wrong in a way he could not explain.
He watched the others react in the same quiet way. They moved carefully, unsure of where to step or where to sit. Some touched the walls with their fingertips, pulling back at once when they felt the cool surface.
Others moved stiffly, their steps was slow and measuredl, as if they feared the floor or walls might break if they were not gentle. Talren could see the questions on their faces as they looked around in silence. None of them had ever been inside a place like this. This was not a hall or a tent. It was something entirely unfamiliar.
Talren tried to connect it to anything he knew and failed. Metal was used for tools and weapons, not for making rooms meant to live in. The idea that someone could shape metal like this, without seams or joints they could see, left him baffled. It made him feel small, like a child seeing something beyond his understanding for the first time.
"There isn't much in this place yet, but please make yourselves comfortable." Aiden glanced around the room and spoke in a calm tone.
Talren was the first to move.
He stepped forward and bowed deeply toward Aiden, lowering his head without hesitation. His posture was straight, and his hands were steady despite the exhaustion still clinging to his body due to the happenings these past few days. The gesture his gratitude to Aiden that words could not fully carry.
"Thank you for saving us.." Talren said.
Aiden froze for a brief moment. The bow caught him off guard, and his body reacted before his thoughts did. He shifted his stance slightly and lifted a hand, unsure how to respond. He had not expected this kind of gratitude at the get-go, and it sat awkwardly on him.
Talren straightened and looked at Aiden again. "May I speak freely in your presence."
Aiden nodded once. "You can. Please sit. You guys don't need to be too formal with me."
The leaders followed his lead and took their seats. Once they had settled, Aiden reached up and disengaged his helmet. The mask slid open with a soft mechanical sound, revealing his face.
The reaction was immediate.
Eyes widened around the room. Several of them looked surprise. Aiden was far younger than they had imagined. Talren had already seen Aiden's face but he was still shocked seeing it the second time. Who would have thought that a person who could battle against a siege-class beast was this young?
Aiden was handsome in a calm and natural way, with features that were easy to look at. There was a gentle smile on his face, slight but clear, and even his eyes seemed to smile with it. Something about his presence made people want to listen and follow without being told. He did not act proud or distant, yet the quiet confidence he carried drew others in on its own.
Aiden didn't notice their reactions as his head was turned slightly.
"J.E.M., bring some refreshments. Prepare the apple leaf tea and cups for everyone here."
Two land drones rolled in through a side passage, carrying a kettle and neatly arranged cups. An air drone followed, lifting each cup with careful control and placing them in front of everyone. As the kettle opened, a light and sweet scent spread through the room.
Aiden had dried the apple leaves himself long ago after finding them in this world and testing them out of curiosity. The result had surprised him with how good it was. There was no coffee here, which he still missed, but this was good enough and fitting for welcoming guests.
Rethan watched closely, his eyes narrowing with focus. To him, the drones looked like artifacts responding to unseen commands. He leaned forward slightly, studying their movement with clear interest.
Aiden spoke again. "It is a drink I made. Please enjoy it while it is hot."
He lifted his own cup, smelled it briefly, and took a small sip. Only after that did the others move. One by one, they followed his example. The warmth spread quickly, and quiet sounds of approval filled the room. The taste was unfamiliar yet comforting, and it eased tension that words had not touched.
As Aiden moved naturally, lifting his cup and setting it down with ease, the others exchanged brief glances. Their thoughts aligned without speech. This man carried himself like someone from a noble upbringing. Their curiosity grew deeper.
Once the room settled, Aiden placed his cup down and looked at them calmly.
"Why don't we start by introducing ourselves."
Talren nodded and gestured to the others.
Havel was the first to speak. He straightened his back before talking, making sure his words were clear.
"My name is Havel. I manage storage and supplies. I handled inventory and distribution back when the settlement was still standing."
Marrek followed after a short pause. He rested his hands on his knees, fingers rough from years of work.
"I am Marrek. I am a butcher. I work with animals and monster materials."
Rethan spoke next. His posture was calm, shaped by age and experience.
"I am Rethan. I am a tier one mage and the only mage among our people."
The word mage did not fully register with Aiden yet, but he nodded as if he understood and stored the term away in his thoughts.
Karsen leaned forward slightly when it was his turn, his eyes sharp and alert.
"My name is Karsen. I am a hunter and a former mercenary."
Talren spoke last. His voice carried weight, and the others grew quieter as he introduced himself.
"I am Talren. I was a squad captain of the Ravanis Kingdom. I became the one who made decisions for our camp."
Aiden listened to each introduction carefully, linking names to roles in his mind. He gave a small nod when they finished.
"I am Aiden. I live here, in this forest."
No one questioned him. The words were accepted without doubt.
Aiden looked around the table once more, his expression calm and focused.
"Tell me your situation. I am curios why you guys are in the Forest of Death."
Rethan shifted slightly in his seat. As the eldest, the responsibility fell to him without being said.
"Would Sir Aiden like to hear our story."
The room fell silent as they waited for his answer.