Chapter 35 - Farewell?

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Rei's group, moments after crossing a mountainous terrain with lush green vegetation and rugged landscapes, finally approaches what is known as the "refuge."

Even though it is late afternoon, with darkness slowly creeping in and the small creatures and animals of the forest retreating into its depths, part of the path begins to show signs of pavement.

A horizontal brick path forms, leading toward an open-road area.

As Rei, Kazuki, Mia, Takayo, and Laili's group step onto this new terrain and proceed along the route, they come across the presence of several people scattered around the area.

These individuals are being assisted by humanoid beings with pointed ears, angelic features, and extremely pale skin, almost to the point of looking ghostly.

Although most of the humans in the area appear to be in terrible condition, the atmosphere here feels vastly different from the road they traveled just moments ago.

At this moment, when the entire group seems bewildered and confused, an elf approaches them.

— Welcome to Svishtar, travelers, also commonly known as the refuge. To what do I owe the honor of your visit? — he says indifferently but with a polished and polite tone.

His voice is soft, perhaps stoic, but it is hard to tell from his impassive expression. He seems slightly impatient, but most of all polite.

"So this is what elves are like. Skin so white it looks like snow, pointed ears, and long, silky hair."

"This is truly incredible. When I look at them up close, I almost feel pressured, like I'm just a piece of trash compared to them."

"Is that what all people think when they see them for the first time? Well, it doesn't matter anyway.

Rei thinks to himself while analyzing the elf's features up close.

Before they can even answer, the elf begins to question them, based on the expressions of confusion and surprise on Laili, Zeryn, and the merchant's faces.

— Have you, by any chance, been attacked or anything? Probably, considering your clothes are charred by fire. So, what do you want? — he asks, keeping his polite tone.

— Yes, you're right. Because of the war and the invasion, our cities have simply been wiped off the map. I suppose that's no surprise to you, considering how many people have passed through here — Laili says immediately, taking the lead in the conversation.

Then she continues, keeping her train of thought: — For this reason, I'd like to know if we can take shelter in the refuge, at least until the overall situation settles down and the Empire begins to retaliate.

Having said that, it doesn't take long for the elf to respond, simply agreeing to the young woman's request for help.

— Very well! You may stay as long as you need to. After all, we help and shelter as many people as we can, be they in similar or even worse conditions.

He lets out a tired sigh as the subject of the war crosses his mind, then quickly adds:

— You may call me Hert. I'm responsible for explaining the situation to the new arrivals. I apologize if I seemed impatient or rude at any point, but given the current situation, everything feels chaotic.

— And precisely because of the war, we have chosen to aid most of those whose cities and villages have been destroyed, just like yours. Things have reached such a critical point that many of our brothers and sisters have left here to help, and to spread information beyond Svishtar about this place: a safe zone where people can stay temporarily.

He calmly and carefully explains everything, then gestures toward the entire local region as a form of introduction: an open area situated in mountainous terrain.

— Why? What do you gain by helping people who aren't your own race? I don't know much about diplomacy between races, but you wouldn't be doing this for free, right? — Rei asks without hesitation as he steps forward.

Upon hearing the student's doubt, Hert shows no signs of surprise, as if he had anticipated that question.

— We believe in the ideology of Unity and Universal Peace. Hundreds of years ago, in a time before you were even born, all races were united and shared common rules. If it weren't for certain conflicts that arose, the current disaster probably wouldn't have happened. — As he finishes his answer, he clenches his hands tightly, but his tone remains without anger.

Then he concludes:

— In short, we are following what we believe in: our faith and ideology. I personally believe that the peace of the soul, the stability of the body, and the balance of the world can all be maintained as long as all races remain united… I hope this answers your question, young one.

After receiving this answer, even though Rei still doubts the explanation, he simply nods and says:

— I understand. Thank you for the explanation.

— Why don't we go inside? We're still standing outside of the refuge. You should go in and find a place to rest — Hert tells them, stepping aside and tilting his head in their direction.

Before answering, Laili and her group look at Rei and Kazuki.

— We'd like to thank you for your help earlier, even though we were rude to you at times — Laili announces, making eye contact with both of them.

Laili had already made her decision and her words of thanks sounded like a farewell.

— Wait, you're not coming with us?! But weren't you the ones who were so eager to reach the refuge? What happened? — the student asks, not understanding Laili and her companions' reasoning.