As they stepped outside, the late afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the ground. The air was thick with the scent of earth and foliage, mingled with the faint hint of smoke—a reminder that the peaceful moment they had just shared inside was only a brief reprieve from the chaos outside.
Ethan, sensing the urgency of their situation, quickly conjured a carriage using his Earth Manipulation Skill. With a few practiced gestures, he crafted a vehicle sturdy enough to comfortably seat five people.
Iris’s parents and Luna stared in awe at the sudden appearance of the carriage before them, their eyes wide with wonder.
“This will take us to safety,” she said, helping them climb on top. “Ethan had created it so we can move quickly and avoid any danger.”
The family of four quickly settled into the back seats, though Luna couldn’t help but grumble as she squirmed on the hard, rocky texture. “It’s so uncomfortable,” she complained, trying to find a softer spot while moving her small butt.
Ethan, hearing her, glanced back with a light-hearted smile. “Sorry about that, Luna. I can’t exactly create soft mattresses out here, can I? But I promise it’s better than walking on foot.”
Luna pouted for a moment but eventually settled in, understanding the necessity of their situation. Her parents exchanged a grateful look with Ethan, silently thanking him for his quick thinking and resourcefulness.
Once everyone was secure, Ethan focused on the path ahead. With a deep breath, he channeled his Earth elemetal energy to push it once again.
As the carriage sped, the landscape around them shifted, the shadows deepening as the sun dipped lower in the sky.
Along the way, they encountered various fierce beasts, creatures that prowled the forest in search of prey. But each time, Ethan skillfully avoided them, accelerating the carriage with a surge of Mana, the vehicle responding instantly to his will.
The carriage sped through the rough terrain, the tires, formed from compressed earth, started rolling over rocks and roots with ease.
Ethan’s focus remained sharp, his senses attuned to the slightest hint of danger. He knew that he couldn’t underestimate the fierce beasts, because among them there could be high level beast as well.
If that happens, he would struggle to face it head-on while trying to protect them. The commotion could even attract more beasts to their location. So, it’s best to avoid them whenever possible.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they began to see signs of civilization—the emergency walls of the main district where they could find shelter from the dangers.
Atop the walls, a few guard posts were strategically placed for security. Even the slightest hint of danger would prompt them to alert the entire city immediately.
As an unfamiliar Weird carriage approached the entrance, one of the guards cast a curious glance. Feeling a bit uneasy, he nudged his companion.
“Hey, George, look at that!”
“What is it?” George turned to see what had caught his fellow guard’s attention.
They both watched as several commoners stepped out of the Carriage, which promptly dissolved into the ground.
Ethan and the others gathered their belongings and made their way toward the gate.
“Halt!” George’s voice rang out from the top of the wall, firm and commanding.
Instantly, everyone froze in their tracks just before the imposing metal gate.
Sensing their wariness, Ethan quickly spoke up. “Peace! We’re just seeking shelter, nothing more.”
The two guards seemed relaxed and asked, “If you seek refuge, then show some credentials of your identity.” They said to cast away their suspicions. They heard rumours that some high ranking demons could even disguise themselves as humans nowadays, which made them extra alert.
Ethan and Iris quickly showed their hunter badges as credentials and the guards examined them by using a device that could detect if it true or false.
They found the badges real, both of them are original E-Rank hunters.
“Alright, you may enter. Your strength maybe be needed in the near future.”
They opened the gate letting them enter inside. As soon as they crossed the gate, they saw various shelter camps in the distance.
They continued forward, realising that was their destination next.
As they arrived at the campsite, they were greeted with a bustling scene. The camp sprawled out before them, a patchwork of tents and makeshift shelters that housed thousands of refugees. The atmosphere was crowded with the murmur of voices, a low hum of despair and hope mingled together as people sought refuge from the chaos that had upended their lives.
The camp was enormous, with rows upon rows of tents neatly arranged in columns. Some were large enough to accommodate entire families, while others were small, barely providing enough space for a single person. The tents varied in color and material, some made of sturdy canvas while others appeared to be hastily constructed from tarps and blankets.
Ethan led Iris, her parents, and Luna through the camp, their steps slow as they took in the sight before them. They passed by clusters of people huddled together, some tending to the injured while others prepared simple meals over open fires. The scent of burning wood and cooking food filled the air, mingling with the faint tang of sweat and fear.
Children ran about, their faces streaked with dirt, their laughter a rare sound in the midst of the somber atmosphere. Some played games with rugged toys, while others clung to their parents, their eyes wide with confusion and worry.
The refugees were a diverse group: farmers, merchants, craftsmen, and even a few nobles who had fled the safety of their manors. All had been brought low by the same catastrophe, and now they shared this temporary home, united by their struggle to survive.
A group of officials in uniforms moved through the camp, accompanied by knights clad in armor. They walked in pairs or small groups, their eyes watchful as they ensured order was maintained. Occasionally, they stopped to speak with a refugee or to offer assistance, their presence a small comfort in an otherwise uncertain times.
Ethan noticed the weariness etched into the faces of the officials and knights. They had been working tirelessly to maintain order, to provide for the thousands of people who had suddenly found themselves homeless and vulnerable. It was a monumental task, and despite their best efforts, the strain was beginning to show.
Iris’s parents and Luna stayed close to Ethan and Iris, their expressions a mixture of awe and apprehension. They had never seen so many people gathered in one place, nor had they ever witnessed such a large-scale relief effort. The reality of their situation was sinking in, and it was clear that they were struggling to come to terms with it.
As they walked, a knight approached them, his armor clinking softly with each step. He was a tall man with broad shoulders and a serious expression, his helmet tucked under one arm. His gaze swept over the group, lingering briefly on Ethan and Iris.
“Welcome to the camp,” he said, his voice calm and authoritative. “I’m Sir Gerald, one of the knights in charge of security here. If you’re seeking shelter, I can direct you to an available tent.”
Ethan nodded in appreciation. “Thank you, Sir Gerald. We could use a place to rest. We have elderly and a child with us.”
The knight gestured for them to follow him. “This way, please. I’ll take you to a quieter area where you can settle in.”
As they followed Sir Gerald through the camp, Ethan couldn’t help but notice how organized everything seemed, despite the sheer number of people. The knights and officials had clearly put a lot of effort into ensuring that everyone had what they needed, though it was evident that resources were stretched thin.
“Sir Gerald, may I ask about the casualties?” Ethan asked cautiously.
Sir Gerald answered without hesitation, “Till now we have lost nearly 10,000 human from the commoner district and 500 from the noble district. We were caught off guard by their sudden assault, otherwise we could have reduce the casualties a lot.
“Nevertheless, we managed drive them away from the city, however our territory have been shortened greatly. They are still tens of thousands of Fierce beasts gathered outside the walls, their intention clear. They’re going attack again after the night fall. It’s all because of those abominable demons. Many unfortunate souls have died in mere moments. May the creation god bless them.”
“Ethan grew worried as he noted that the city’s population was only about 200,000, and already 10,500 had died.
“Are Aunt Greta and Emily alright?” he wondered, worryingly.
Although their inn was situated nearby, he felt the need to go and find out for himself.
