The festive atmosphere in the village evaporated the moment the bells tolled, their ominous sound echoing through the night air.

  The villagers who had been laughing, eating, and celebrating now stood in silence, fear creeping into their hearts as the sound of the bells grew louder.

  Lucian, Theo, and the others quickly gathered and headed toward the southern gate. The tension was palpable in the air, every step heavy with the anticipation of what was to come.

  "Identify yourselves!" Barret's commanding voice rang out from the wooden watchtower, a deep sense of authority in his tone.

  "Barret… it's you, right?" A trembling woman's voice came from outside the gate.

  As she stepped forward, the flickering torchlight illuminated her face, revealing the panic and fear in her eyes.

  "Sister?! What happened to you?" Barret called out in shock, his eyes widening as he saw the state of the woman and the others behind her.

  The villagers who followed her were covered in dirt and blood, their faces drawn and pale from exhaustion and fear.

  "Injured people here!" Barret cried out, his heart pounding in his chest.

  "Open the gates!" Agnes commanded, her voice sharp and full of authority. Without hesitation, the guards began to unlock the gates, letting the strangers in.

  Theo's hand dropped to his sword instinctively as he scanned the darkness around them. His senses were on high alert, prepared for any sign of danger.

  But nothing happened. The injured strangers hurried inside, their movements frantic, as if they feared something lurking behind them.

  "I'll heal them," Lucian said, stepping forward with his usual calm demeanor. His hands glowed with divine energy as he began to treat the injured, his expression unreadable.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  Lucian surveyed the scene, taking in the chaos around them. He noticed the deep sorrow in Agnes's eyes as she moved to help the wounded, and his mind raced with questions.

  What had happened to these people?

  Was it monsters?

  "Clara! What happened?" Barret asked, his voice full of concern as he rushed to the woman who had led the group into the village.

  "Monsters! They attacked our village," Clara wept, collapsing into Barret's arms, her body trembling with fear.

  "Monsters," Agnes muttered, her voice tinged with frustration. "Of course. It would be strange if it were only our village that was attacked."

  "Rest, child. We'll handle the rest," Agnes added, trying to soothe Clara as she was led to a safe spot.

  "That fucking excuse of a Lord," Gregory growled, his face flushed with anger. "It's understandable that they couldn't send knights when our village was attacked—it was sudden—but even after that, they didn't even send patrols to the other villages?"

  "Is this everyone?" Lucian asked, looking around at the injured villagers. "There are barely fifty people here."

  "Father! You're awake! Please save them!" Clara cried out, her voice desperate. She fell to her knees before Lucian. "Please, someone must still be alive out there!"

  "How far is the village from here?" Lucian asked, trying to gather as much information as possible.

  "About a day's ride," Marcus replied, his voice somber.

  Then the attack happened more than a day ago. It's unlikely there are still survivors.

  Besides, we can't leave this village—if we do, we'll be sitting ducks."

  Lucian's mind raced as he weighed the options. They couldn't leave the village undefended, but they couldn't ignore the desperate plea of the survivors.

  But before he could come to a decision, Theo was already moving.

  "Wait! Theo!" Lucian called out, but Theo was already disappearing into the night, vanishing beyond the shadows.

  "Shit! If we're attacked, we'll be defenseless!" Lucian cursed under his breath.

  Since he already left, I might as well help so we could return as soon as possible.

  Besides, wherever Theo is, is the safest place.

  Theo was gone, but that didn't change the fact that the village still needed protection.

  "Everyone! Lock the gates!" he ordered, his voice firm. "Guards, take defensive positions. Barret, Agnes—prepare for anything. Be ready in case of monsters."

  "Father! You're leaving?" Dylan asked, his voice quivering with uncertainty. His teary eyes locked onto Lucian's, full of worry.

  Lucian's heart softened as he looked at the boy, guilt washing over him.

  Sigh. Now I feel shitty for thinking that way.

  I can't be away for too long…

  "Someone needs to help," Lucian said gently, his voice full of reassurance. He crouched down to Dylan's level, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'll be back before you know it."

  He gave Dylan a reassuring smile, though the weight of the situation pressed heavily on him.

  "Besides, we'll be back very soon with the help of my personal motorcycle." Lucian smirked as he stared at Leo.

  "What's a motorcycle?" Leo asked, his eyes wide with confusion.

  "Something that can move fast."

  Leo realizing what he implied, backed down. But Lucian immediately grabbed him with a serious look in his eyes. "Leo, you won't abandon those people, right?"

  Leo met his gaze, the desperation of the survivors around him was clear. He couldn't walk away now. He nodded silently, determined.

  The villagers watched the group closely, their eyes filled with a mix of fear and hope as Lucian prepared to leave, he steeled himself for what lay ahead.