Threat Lurking in the Shadows

As news of the lord's return spread through the village, the surviving fighters who had participated in the invasion were called to a meeting. Tension filled the air as they gathered, their faces still reflecting the weariness of battle now tinged with uncertainty. Accompanied by the three surviving veterans, Chester joined the assembly.

The meeting took place in a dimly lit chamber within the lord's residence, creating an atmosphere of secrecy and intrigue. The lord, a figure shrouded in mystery, sat at the head of a long table, his piercing gaze fixed upon each fighter as they entered. A palpable pressure filled the room, Chester wondered about his enigmatic presence, his demeanor filled with authority and hidden wisdom. 'I still can't get used to that pressure, is it a debuff? Or is it his aura'.

Once all were assembled, the lord began to speak, his voice low and commanding. He revealed that while the village had successfully repelled the invaders, it was only the beginning of a larger conflict. The demonic forces, led by the demonic cultivators the lord had fought against, were part of a grander scheme, and the village, it turned out, was but a small piece in a grander conflict, as the only resting spot in the river, made it a prime target in the demonic forces' plan to conquer and control the entire region..

The weight of the news weighed heavily upon the fighters, who had believed the battle was the end of their trials. Mixed emotions washed over them, a rising unease at the impending danger mingling with resignation at the realization that their newfound haven had become the epicenter of a gathering storm.

However, the lord didn't merely deliver dire tidings. He praised the fighters for their courage and acknowledged their achievements. He stressed the importance of their continued dedication to defending the village and the need for unity in the face of the looming threat. "The young miss is negotiating for benefits in the capital," he revealed, his voice laden with possibility. "With this village as our stronghold, we can form connections by exempting taxes from travelers seeking rest. This village holds immense potential, and as its protectors, you shall reap many benefits."

To fortify their resolve, the lord shared his own experiences of confronting the demonic leaders. He recounted the intensity of the battles and the dangers that lay ahead. In doing so, he armed the fighters with valuable knowledge and strategic insights that would aid them in the conflicts to come. As the lord described the intricacies of the magical arts and techniques that governed their world, Chester couldn't help but draw comparisons to the exaggerated martial arts, where people would spin or step on air, like in those ancient Chinese movies. The more he listened, the more he questioned the nature of this new reality.

Though the news was grim, the lord's words invigorated the fighters. They had already proven their bravery and loyalty to the young miss, and knowing that their lord had fought alongside them instilled a deep sense of trust and purpose. They understood the arduous path ahead, but they were determined to protect their newfound home and stand united against the impending demonic cult.

Leaving the meeting, the fighters carried a newfound determination and a sense of camaraderie that would serve as the foundation for their continued efforts. They knew the challenges that awaited them would test them in unimaginable ways, but they were prepared to face them head-on, driven by their loyalty to the miss and their unwavering trust in their mysterious lord. Chester, however, remained seated, his thoughts in disarray. The line between reality and game blurred, leaving him questioning the very nature of his existence. "I just don't see how this could've happened," he muttered, his mind grappling with the incongruity. "I don't even like this genre, and I don't know enough about it to rationalize this being a dream."

As the other fighters departed, the lord motioned for Chester to stay behind. Curiosity and suspicion danced in the lord's eyes, having witnessed Chester's utilization of a demonic technique during the battle. Recognizing the potential significance of this discovery, the lord sought to verify if Chester was connected to the demonic faction.

A chill ran down Chester's back as he nervously met the lord's cold, piercing gaze. With a gesture, the lord indicated for him to sit down.

Maintaining a composed demeanor, the lord initiated a subtle line of questioning, aiming to uncover Chester's true intentions and allegiances. He began by discussing the battle, expressing gratitude for Chester's assistance. Deliberately, the lord praised Chester's combat skills and resourcefulness, guiding the conversation toward the topic of the peculiar technique he had employed. Chester answered to the best of his abilities, careful not to mention anything about Brave online. He explained that during his youth, he had embarked on a famous ruin exploration. Trapped inside for seven years, he had trained and fought alongside his peers to maintain his sanity. After exploring the dangerous maze-like ruin fraught with danger, he was the only one left. When he eventually escaped, his memories were clouded, and he found himself in the deserted village. A week later, he spotted the boat that had brought them there, fleeing from the sheer terror of the pressure he had sensed.

Listening intently, the lord probed deeper, inquiring about the origins and purpose of the technique. Chester, overwhelmed by the pressure, found himself kneeling once again. "Any connection to the demonic faction is a grave crime, as it concerns the village's safety," the lord warned sternly.

Between ragged breaths, Chester swore that he possessed no knowledge of his techniques being of a demonic nature. He explained, to the best of his limited understanding, what he had gathered about techniques.

Despite his trepidation, Chester struggled to maintain his composure. He repeated over and over that he had no idea what a demonic technique truly entailed. He emphasized that his primary focus had always been on survival, and his actions during the battle had been instrumental in protecting the village and its inhabitants.

The lord listened attentively, his gaze fixed upon Chester. Observing his body language and the sincerity in his voice, the lord began to believe in his words. However, he made it clear that he would continue to monitor the situation closely, recognizing that the demonic threat demanded unwavering vigilance. Chester, still unsure of the lord's intentions, couldn't fully comprehend the implications.

As the discussion drew to a close, the lord extended his trust to Chester, urging him to remain vigilant and to report any further encounters with the demonic faction directly. If Chester planned to return to the forest, the lord emphasized the importance of maintaining constant communication. Chester expressed his gratitude for the lord's understanding and reassured him that he had no intention of venturing anywhere near the demonic faction.

With relief and apprehension, Chester left the meeting. He understood that his every move would now be scrutinized, but he remained resolute in his pursuit of maxing out his skills. Camping near the village would enable him to capitalize on the presence of other soldiers, maximizing his experience points when hunting goblins.