Chapter 381 - Civilized Border
Rhode stood in the plaza in the middle of the village and quietly took in everything before his eyes. The village was silent after the flames were extinguished, as though the Barbarians’ raid was just a dream. However, it was a pity that reality was the truth.
Lize and the other three Clerics entered the village and immediately commenced their rescue mission. Luckily, most of the villagers only sustained minor injuries and were easily curable. Some of the militias and Barbarians suffered heavier injuries. However, they still managed to recover after receiving treatment from the Clerics. As for the remaining unfortunate ones, it wasn’t the Cleric’s duty to revive them. In any case, even if it was their duty, they didn’t possess any skills that could resurrect the dead.
“Thank you so much for your help.”
Rhode turned over to a voice behind him. A gaunt militia clad in a simple set of armor smiled and showed his gratitude. Rhode had seen this man before. He was the unfortunate man that was almost killed after the watchtower collapsed. Although he seemed tired, he forced his body straight and gazed into Rhode’s eyes with both curiosity and respect.
“If it wasn’t for all of you, perhaps our Deep Creek Village would be gone by now. Those cunning Barbarians… I didn’t think that they would attack while our Village Head is out hunting with the others. I am a militia squad captain of Deep Creek Village, Vinny. May I know the name of our savior?”
“We from the Starlight Guild.”
Rhode answered calmly and nodded.
“We were passing through Deep Creek Village towards the Land of Atonement. It was by coincidence that we met the group of Barbarians assaulting your village. How is everyone now?”
“We’re fine now, all thanks to everyone.”
“… Heartless?”
Lize continued Marlene’s unfinished sentence and the latter nodded slightly. Lize replied with a smile and rested her head on Marlene’s shoulder.
“To be honest, I had the same thoughts too… It was a long time ago when I joined my first mercenary group and witnessed the death of a companion. I was heartbroken but my leader and the other members weren’t as sad as I was. Although they were angry and regretful, they returned to their usual selves in half a day’s time as though nothing had happened and continue to lead their own lives. I couldn’t understand at all and I thought they were just a bunch of cold-blooded people without any respect for their companions. But… I understood later…”
Lize lifted her head towards the sky.
“That’s the line of work for us mercenaries. We can lose anyone during our adventures and we need to be mentally prepared to accept this fact. Even if our companions fall, we need to continue moving forward — My then leader once told me that he didn’t want to see me die in battle due to my grief over the death of others. The dead will move on in the afterlife, and the only thing we can do is to survive to respect the sacrifices made by others. Because, if their deaths cause sorrow in us, they would feel equally sad too.”
Lize paused for a moment.
“I guess that’s the case for these people. They lived in the civilized border and have to be on guard against threats like today. Apart from Barbarians, there are also wild beasts and scarier beings, so they must be prepared to lose their family or friends at any moment. But, even so, they must continue to live on, right?
“If they carry their grief everywhere they go, do you think their dead companions would be happy? What about themselves? Would they be happy if there is only pain and sorrow in exchange for their lives?”
Marlene lowered her head and pondered for a few seconds, before letting out a long sigh.
“Perhaps you’re right, Lize… You’re really mature now…”
“I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing. To be frank, I felt a strong sense of remorse when I lost my previous leader. If it wasn’t for Mr. Rhode, I may not even recover from the blow. I feel that I’m able to accept this truth now…”
Lize revealed a complicated smile and grabbed onto Marlene’s hand.
“But… Marlene, do you have something bothering you? I feel that you’ve been acting strange lately… Did something happen between you and Mr. Rhode?”
“I…”
Marlene blushed slightly. She gazed back at Lize but she didn’t know what to say.
Screech!
Out of a sudden, a sharp whistle tore apart the tranquil night sky.