It was the next day when all the villagers were told to gather at the village square. Yesterday, the village held a mass funeral for everyone that passed away and had gone home rather later. The night before, these people were too busy saving their lives to get any sleep. With two days without proper rest and constant working, the villagers could barely stand still.
But because of the early morning announcement, they had no choice but to gather here. At the front, the village chief was standing along with the cold-faced general.
In the very back, Azalea was leaning against the tree with her arms crossed. She was no longer dressed in the white gown and was instead wearing a plain shirt and a pair of old jeans that a villager had lent her. Her hair was also braided on one side, with a few stray hairs framing her face.
"Hello, everyone. I am Sylas Eleazar, general of the Fifth Legion," Sylas introduced himself and immeditly afterwards, murmurs began.
"No way, is it really him?"
"He actually came in person?"
"I can not believe I am seeing the living legend."
There was no one here who had not heard of the Fifth Legion or the name of their general. Among the guardians of the moon, they were said to be the strongest of them all. And their general was considered a monster. While guardians were usually admired, the general of the Fifth Legion was feared by all. There were many rumors that surrounded him. People said he had killed the first time at the age of six. It was the nanny who had raised him. Others said that he was a half-demon himself, making him a dangerous entity, and he was kept in the army so they could keep an eye on him.
Azalea, who heard this, thought these people really loved to talk nonsense. Had they not seen a demon before? Could it be as handsome as this man?
Well, the higher demons were indeed quite beautiful looking, but they clearly had features that distinguished them from others. This man clearly did not possess them. But even if he was a half-demon, there was no need to fear him.
Azalea had learn it the hard way that not all demons were bad, just like not all humans or other beings were good.
"I am aware that you all are going through a hard time. It was our failure to not be able to send aid on time, and for that, as a representative of the Guardians of the Moon, I apologize." Sylas bowed nintly degree, and with him, the other military personnel also bowed.
Azalea quirked an eyebrow. It was quite rare for these people in power to openly admit their mistakes. For this reason alone, her impression of this man was rather positive.
Sylas stood straight and continued. "I would now explain the current situation to you all. Right now, the threat of more demons appearing is still present. Usually, after a wave this big, there is a high chance that another wave will appear. We are still trying to locate the rift these demons appeared from. Until then, this village or the ones nearby are still under a threat."
Immeditly after, panic rose.
"What should we do then?"
"Was it not enough that half my family is dead? Do the rest have to die as well?"
"Isn't it the guardian's job to protect us? Is this how you do your job?"
"I knew you people were just holding power and money. These big titles give nothing but empty promises."
Azalea tilted her head slightly, staring at the person who had said the last statement. Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"Silence!" Sylas said in a cold voice, and immediately, all the voices stopped. He ran his gaze around, pausing a second longer on Azalea before continuing.
"Under the command of the royal decree, a safe camp has been set up in the South city. The guardians will personally escort you there. The guardians will also stay here until the threat has been neutralized, and this place is safe to live in," though he did not address their earlier statements, he did emphasize the word 'guardian' which made everyone realize he was indirectly answering them.
"Now, you all have an hour to pack things that you would like to take with you. Note that food and clothes will be provided to you all. Gather here after you are done. A hovercraft will be waiting here to take you to safety."
With that, he dismissed them.
"He is scary, just like those rumors," Kael visibly shuddered as he stared at the disappearing figure of the general.
"Come on. We got things to pack," Marlin said, putting his arm on Kael's neck and dragging him away.
Azalea, who had nothing to pack, watched them leave.
"Why don't you come with us and get some rest. I am sure the villagers will send something for you." Raya said.
Azalea shook her head and smiled. "It's okay. I want to look around a little."
Raya stared at her for a couple of seconds. "...alright. But if you need something, you can grab anyone nearby."
"I will,"
Azalea watched her leave before she turned around and began walking in a certain direction.
Sylas was talking to someone when he noticed the white haired woman going towards the forest. His gaze slightly narrowed.
"Deal with the things like we usually do. Contact me if any issue arises," he told the burly man, and without waiting for a response, he went in the same direction he had seen the girl.
"What's wrong with General today?" Ethan asked out loud.