Aftermath

Clop, clop, clop

Under the sounds of hulk hooves treading across the blood soaked ground as he move slowly on the city main road. Sitting on top, Daniel take in the surrounding burning buildings, puddles of blood, and many corpses of his people littered around.

Unknown to Daniel, hatred has risen in his heart towards the orcs and pain for all these people's death.

At the beginning, he only wanted to use these people as a means to accomplish his goals of a peaceful life. They were his valuable assets put there to be used by him. He even traveled a long distance to get the gold for the sake of his goal and properties.

The orcs was nothing more then an inconvenience that is standing in his way and need to be removed.

But after everything the system have showed him during the crisis cause a stir in his heart. All of those faces that was full of life will forever be lost in this world. Those individuals believed in him and the fact that he will lead them to a better future. Many have died for that believed without a single regret on their faces as they breath their last.

This cause Daniel to rethink the true objective of his goals.

'Would I forsake everyone and rob them of a chance for a peaceful life as well just for my own selfish desires to live?' thought Daniel.

'It's because I have always been alone. I grew up without any siblings, without friends, and it didn't take much for me to stray on the wrong path. My parents worked long hours everyday and very hard to give me a better life and shower me with love.'

'But did you know what I did? I cause them to worry everyday, kneeling down in front of people to apologize for my wrong doing, and suffer from ridicules. Even on their death beds, they didn't even have a chance to pass on in peace. My hands have also been stain in the blood of countless innocent people. Does someone like me deserves anyone? I even plan to sacrifice these people after knowing about the orcs...'

'Is that so...'

Finding it hard to believe due to the fact that the further he went into this city. The more death he witnessed. A woman holding her child even in death, dismembered body's of both young and old spread around. These are the same people he have brought here to fight for his goals. They could have been safe for a longer period of time instead of risking their life here.

Feeling Daniel doubts, the system continues.

'But so many have died because of me, I was the one who brought them here.' said Daniel.

'Can I really be a good person in this life?'

Thinking hard at what the system said, Daniel soon reach the royal palace. Waiting there was all of the survivors together with his soldiers that he summoned. When they saw him, everyone erupted into a happy cheer as they went to surround him.

"It's the lord!!"

"I'm glad you are safe and sound!"

"Thank you chieftain!"

Looking at all of their enthusiastic faces and worries for him, Daniel can't help but show a natural smile. After ensuring that everything is fine and give out some orders to Markus in the crowd. He continues to the throne room.

Now that the battle is over, what need to be done next is taking care of the aftermath. Fire need to be put out, blood need to be wash away, funerals need to be conducted. The city can be easily repaired with the system help and some gold but the lost of so many lives will be the hardest to endure. They also need to plan out the future from this point on.

Markus didn't take long to gather all the important individuals into the throne room.

"We greet the lord!" everyone said at the same time upon seeing Daniel.

Giving his greetings, Daniel was about to get into talking about some important things. However, he found the situation a little odd. There's seem to be a few people missing inside the throne room. Besides a few new faces, not all of his original people are here.

Turning to Markus, Daniel said "where is Gerald and Hector?"

Hearing what their lord said, the room became silent as a heavy atmosphere descend on everybody. Noticing their behavior, a bad feeling started to creep up on him. He did feel it a little weird when they wasn't in the crowd earlier. But he just took it as they are resting or busy with some tasks elsewhere.

"Speak!" asked Daniel once again.

"Th-they pass away my lord!" replied Markus with difficulty.

"How....?"

"During the evacuation from the first wall, chieftain Hector volunteer to stay behind. He was killed while giving our men time to retreat. When the second wall was attacked, general Gerald ignored his injuries and fought valiantly against the orcs until his last breath."

Crack!

"Gerald..." murmurs Daniel as his grip tighten on the throne hand rest causing it to crack.