The Ravaged Village

Following the troops, Sister Anto observed her surroundings from horseback. She wasn’t riding a separate mount; instead, she was positioned in front of Knight Ilivy, protected by her as they advanced.

“Knight,” Anto began, “perhaps I should move to the back. Wouldn’t my being in front impede you?” Ilivy shook her head in response.

“I can shield you better from the front,” Ilivy explained. “Just stay as you are and try not to move too much.”

“Alright… alright,” Sister Anto conceded, leaning forward and shrinking slightly. Though Ilivy wore armor, it didn’t feel overly cumbersome. In fact, there was ample room within her embrace, providing a sense of security akin to riding in a carriage.

“We’re heading to the village where the refugees arrived yesterday for a sweep. After the ghouls launched their offensive and breached the forest defenses, villages everywhere began evacuating. However, many chose to remain, believing they could protect their own areas.”

“But with prolonged combat and no external support, logically speaking…”

“Logically, they should have chosen to return,” Ilivy interrupted, “but that wasn’t the case. The Black Cross Church has been fighting in this region, and their people sometimes enter villages to help with vigilance and rescue some of the populace.”

“I see. Now that you mention it, I recall the refugees mentioning a priest who covered their retreat—Father Corvin.”

“That’s right. These priests voluntarily take on village defense, but their capabilities are limited,” Ilivy said with a sigh. “They might be able to repel small-scale attacks, but against a black tide like this, no priest, no matter how powerful, can stop it.”

“Still, the fact that he managed to save so many people speaks volumes about his devout faith. I hope this brother in faith finds his way to the halls he deserves under divine guidance.”

“He surely will,” Anto affirmed. As they spoke, the group began to move along a narrow path. Despite being on the road, every soldier remained vigilant of their surroundings. Scattered ghouls still lurked here, and though less active in the morning, they would still attempt to seize any prey within their grasp.

It was precisely this persistent threat that made their rescue mission so perilous. No one knew when a monstrous ghoul might suddenly lunge from the trees, tearing away half a face or an entire jaw. The only way to face these disgusting and evil creatures was to remain constantly alert, prepared for a surprise attack at any moment, and ready to confront whatever came their way.

This mission was clearly not as straightforward as previous ones. Though they had set out early, scouts continuously mimicked bird calls with their whistles, relaying intelligence about lone ghouls ahead. Whenever such a signal was received, members at the front of the column would form small teams of three or four, armed with long-handled weapons and short blades, to silently eliminate the isolated threats. The ghouls and undead, less vigorous in the morning sun, were easier to dispatch if approached from behind due to their diminished vitality. The contingent advanced in fits and starts, finally arriving at the village.

“Is this the village?” Upon reaching the village entrance, the group was immediately assailed by a chilling, bloody scent of death. Countless devoured bodies lay exposed on the ground, while crows pecked at the corpses, indulging in their gruesome feast. The village walls were utterly fractured, presenting a terrifying sight, and the ground, slick with crimson blood, was a stark testament to the night’s horrific carnage.

“A fierce battle unfolded here last night,” an old veteran remarked. “The survivors said they resisted in layers. Initially, the outer defenses held, but soon, the corpses swarmed and scaled the walls. The survivors then fell back, but the endless enemy continued to surge forward. In the end, they could only retreat to the final village warehouse. From there, the last group managed to escape, but the remaining men, led by the priest, were devoured by the black tide. This village, the largest settlement beside the outpost, had five or six hundred people. Only twenty or thirty escaped.”

“…” Confronted with the ghastly scene inside the village, a nauseating stench of decay permeated the air, causing some to feel intensely nauseated. Sister Anto, however, began releasing some medicinal incense to help those around her feel a little better.

“Alright, first, clear the surroundings,” the commander ordered. “If there are bodies elsewhere, gather them and find a suitable time to dig a pit for burial. Then, everyone else, thoroughly search the village for anything usable: food, medicine, all supplies, including clothes and iron items. Take everything you can. Clothes can be used as emergency bandages, so good fabric should also be collected.”

“Do not rush for glory or act recklessly. Everyone must advance step by step, moving cautiously. Never venture alone; always ensure you operate in pairs, or even groups of three or more. Clear one house completely before moving forward. If you sense danger, your first thought shouldn’t be to act, but to establish contact with those around you. This is crucial.”

The commander, from his position, issued every instruction. “Furthermore, if anything unusual occurs in one area, everyone must immediately assemble for battle. While searching for supplies, you must understand that you, the soldiers, are more important to me than any material goods. So, if an unexpected situation arises that you cannot handle, return immediately and regroup. Do not engage in any heroics. Is that clear? Any questions?”

“No questions!” the soldiers affirmed. The commander nodded.

“Then commence operations immediately. Miss Anto, please stay with my squad. If anything happens, remain close to me and do not move. We will protect you. Rest assured.”

“No problem,” Anto nodded, adding, “I will ensure I bestow blessings to aid you through difficulties when necessary. Please rest assured.”

“I believe you can do it,” the commander said with a smile, then looked ahead. “Without further delay, let’s begin the operation. Everyone, advance!”

With that, the group pushed forward into the village, now a place of deathly silence, and began their grim task.