Chapter 13: The Night the Flames Rose
The sound of laughter woke me.
I stirred beneath the woven blanket, blinking against the early rays of sunlight pouring through the open window.
Outside, I saw villagers hurrying back and forth, arms full of firewood, fruit baskets, and vegetables. The entire settlement was alive with motion, voices blending together in a gentle hum of life.
I sat up, confused. Nathan was outside, waving his hand high as he barked out orders.
"Stack them near the center square!"
"Tell the children to stay clear of the stew pot!"
He noticed me watching and walked over, smiling.
"You're up early."
"What's going on?" I asked.
"A feast," he said, beaming.
"We're welcoming a new family—refugees who arrived two days ago. They've had a hard journey. Figured we'd give them a proper start."
I nodded.
"I'll hunt. Enough meat to feed everyone."
His face softened.
"You're too kind, Leben. Thank you."
By midday, I returned with a haul of freshly caught Wild Brown Boars and Giant Deers. I stacked 20 each per slot in my bag, handed the meat to the cooks, then helped with the decorations.
Children ran through the square chasing ribbons. Old men were fixing benches with rough tools. Women carried bowls and platters, smiling as they arranged ingredients. The scent of grilled fish and herbs floated in the air.
It felt… peaceful. For the first time in a while, I didn't feel like a stranger.
Night fell.
The square glowed under Light Orbs hung between wooden poles. Tables were filled with food, and the laughter of villagers echoed under the stars.
I leaned against a post, just watching. Nathan raised his mug and stepped into the center.
"Tonight, we welcome a new family—survivors from the southern ravine, you've lost much, but here, you'll find peace again. Just as we all did."
The crowd clapped. The refugee family—thin, tired-looking—bowed their heads in gratitude. The mother wept quietly, her child gripping her sleeve.
The villagers joyfully shared a meal together. The air was filled with cheers and applause, and the children played happily that night, even the married couples danced, even I… was invited by the children to dance.
Meanwhile, Nathan was busy chatting with the other villagers.
---
Beyond the hills, smoke curled toward the sky.
A Scout from a distant ridge crouched low.
"Boss," he said. "There's smoke over there. Could be a camp."
The bandit leader, wrapped in a tattered cloak, narrowed his eyes.
A scar cut across his lip.
"Villagers?"
The scout nodded.
"Too organized for a campfire. Lanterns, banners. A feast maybe."
The leader grinned slowly.
"A celebration? How cute."
He mounted his horse.
"Leave the women alive. Take the children. Kill every man."
---
Back in the village, the final song of the evening had just ended. I clapped quietly with the others.
A bell rang, not in rhythm, a sharp, desperate clang from the wooden tower above the gate.
We all turned. Then silence. Then a scream.
The guardsman atop the tower tumbled down, lifeless, and in the next heartbeat, the gates were torn open.
Bandits poured in—on horseback and on foot—faces masked, weapons glinting red in the firelight.
They didn't speak. They simply began. A scream tore the night apart.
Men were slashed down where they stood, children cried, dragging each other beneath tables, women were grabbed, hair pulled, wrists yanked—carried away into the smoke.
Nathan reached for a fallen spear, shouting,
"Please! There are children!"
A bandit drove a sword through the man beside him. Nathan staggered back, wide-eyed and trembling.
I had already drawn my sword. I fought with everything I had—blades meeting, blood splashing my cheek, hands shaking.
I struck down one. Then another but more kept coming. I heard a child cry out—then silence, a woman screaming, a guard begging.
My hands grew colder, my heart raced.
Again… again, it's happening again.
I remembered the game, back then, bandits like these were easy, just a nuisance. Now—I could barely hold them off.
Even with the Eyes of Fin ring pulsing faintly on my finger, it wasn't enough.
An average bandit was Level 12. I could handle them, but then—I saw him.
The leader.
Gorren [Lvl. 30]
HP: 3500/3500 (+200)
MP: 100/100 (+200)
Title: [The One Who Seek Blood]
STR: 45 (+10)
INT: 20 (+10)
DEX: 25 (+10)
CON: 20 (+10)
WIS: 0 (+10)
Skill: [Flesh Aura Lvl. 20]
A tall figure in black armor, riding a horse, slowly down the street, his sword rested on his shoulder.
Level 30!
I froze. That Title. You could only earn it through Player Killing.
"How!?"
[The One Who Seek Blood]
Effect: All stats +10
Unique: +200 HP / +200 MP
[Flesh Aura Lvl. 20]
Effect: All stats doubled for 30 secs
I couldn't find the words—the reason—why an NPC had these stats.
Our eyes met.
He smirked… like I was dirt on the ground.
—and then…
[System Notification — Hidden Scenario Triggered]
Hidden Scenario Unlocked: "Ashes of a Nameless Place"
A peaceful village outside the bounds of the main worldline has been annihilated by [Unregistered Hostiles].
Objective: Save as many survivors as possible.
Failure will result in:
— Nathan's Life
— Destruction of Village
— Emotional Penalty: [Despair]
Estimated Enemy Strength:
— Regular Bandits: Level 10–15
— Leader Gorren: Level 30
Time Remaining: Until sunrise
Reward for Success:
— Title: Protector of the Nameless
— +10 Resurrection Bonus
— ??? (Hidden Bonus)
I stared at the System. Snapped. Confused.
And then I saw Nathan, still standing, his hand was bleeding while gripping the spear, his face pale. Eyes empty.
"Please… no more…" he whispered.
"I'm begging you, the children... don't take them… I already lost everything…"
I turned toward him. That look— something inside me cracked.
I clenched my fists. Gritted my teeth. My voice rose, quiet but shaking with fury, even if I resurrect a hundred times just to end this nightmare… even if I'm torn apart again and again…
I've had enough.
Whoever threw me into this world— They're the worst.
"No more… no more!"
And I stepped forward.
Charged the leader of the bandits.
---
Author's Note – Thank You for 3,000 Views 🌿
To everyone who's read Alfiria Saga over these past 10 days — thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
This story began year 2020 in my head, and seeing it reach 3,000 views already feels surreal. Whether you read one chapter or stayed for all twelve, I'm truly grateful you gave this old man's journey a chance.
Every read, every silent moment spent in Alfiria, means more than I can put into words. Thank you for walking beside Leben — even in his loneliest, darkest moments.
More chapters are coming, and I'll keep doing my best.
– GomiSekai🥲❤️