Extra: Yandere Milfs Obsessed with me!

Chapter 469: What needs to be protected

A full year had passed since those first difficult days. The small village nestled in the heart of the valley had become a true fortified city, large and organized enough to be called a young nation. Solid stone ramparts now surrounded all the dwellings. Paved streets connected the residential districts to the training areas, the warehouses and the covered markets. More than one thousand five hundred people lived there, under the protection of Sulyvhan and his seven generals.

Sulyvhan was the undisputed leader. He made the important decisions with wisdom and always listened to the opinion of his generals before acting. These seven men and women, chosen for their loyalty and their competence, formed the governing council. Each one oversaw a specific domain. Together, they protected the citizens from monster attacks and ensured daily justice.

A regular army had been formed. More than three hundred soldiers trained every day on the large central field. They had learned to master aura, that invisible energy that strengthened their strikes and protected their bodies. Beginners could now surround their blades with a thin layer of energy, while veterans could project attacks at a distance.

Nearby, Sulyvhan stood on a small hill that overlooked the valley. He watched the inhabitants below going about their activities. Children ran between the houses laughing. Merchants set up their stalls on the main square. Patrols of soldiers in light armor passed in front of the city gates.

The sound of footsteps was heard behind him. Sulyvhan did not turn around immediately.

"What brings you here, Ashborn?" he asked in a calm voice.

Ashborn stopped beside him. He was a tall man with a sharp gaze.

"I came to admire the village that was struggling to survive a year ago. Look at it now. It is full of joy. People smile in the streets. Children play without fear. It is impressive."

Sulyvhan sketched a smile. His eyes with black sclerae still observed the city below.

"We must do everything to preserve these people’s smiles. They have suffered enough. Every decision we make serves to protect this fragile peace." he said with a serious look.

Ashborn nodded seriously.

"I completely agree. I have seen too many villages disappear in a single night. Here, it is different. Thanks to you and the other generals, we have built something solid. The soldiers master aura better every week. The harvests are good this season, which will prevent us from falling into famine."

They remained for a moment in silence on the small hill, observing the people below. A woman called her son for the meal. Two soldiers greeted a general who was passing on inspection. In the distance, near the ramparts, a team repaired a section of the wall while singing to keep the rhythm.

"This is how it should be." murmured Sulyvhan with a small smile.

Ashborn crossed his arms and continued to watch the scene.

"The patrol leaders have requested a meeting this evening. They want to discuss the next patrols toward the East. Rumors speak of a large gathering of demons in the black plains."

"We will talk about it," replied Sulyvhan. "I will listen to them all. But we will not go into battle without preparation. The citizens come first."

They descended the hill together. Upon entering the city, several people greeted them with respect. An old lady offered Sulyvhan a loaf of bread still warm.

"For you, Lord. May the gods protect you."

"Thank you," replied Sulyvhan simply while accepting the bread. "Take care of yourself."

In the council hall, later in the day, the seven generals were already gathered around a large wooden table. Maps of the surrounding lands were spread out before them. Sulyvhan took his place at the head of the table.

"Speak freely," he said. "but first, we will take the reports from the patrol leaders."

The patrol leader in charge of defense, a robust man named Garrick, spoke first.

"The sentinels have spotted traces of hobgoblins ten kilometers away. Nothing massive for now, but we are reinforcing the patrols. Our soldiers are ready."

"The granaries are well filled. We can hold for six months in case of a siege. The crops resist the poisoned soil well thanks to the purifications you performed, Lord."

Sulyvhan listened to each one attentively. He asked precise questions about manpower, weapons and troop morale. At the end of the meeting, he ordered what needed to be done.

"Double the aura training for the new recruits. Send a reinforced patrol toward the East tomorrow morning. I will accompany them for the first days. Protecting the city is your duty, it is here that your own family lives."

The patrol leaders nodded. After the meeting, Sulyvhan walked through the streets with Ashborn. They passed in front of the school where the children learned to read and count. They stopped near the training ground where Elian was leading an exercise.

"Look how far we have come," noted Ashborn. "A year ago, the inhabitants lived in constant fear, now they live with confidence. All this is thanks to you."

"It is their merit," replied Sulyvhan. "I only showed them the way."

The sun slowly descended behind the cliffs. Torches lit up one by one in the city. Scents of hot meals floated in the air. Laughter escaped from the houses. Sulyvhan observed all this with calm satisfaction.

He knew that peace remained fragile. Monsters still prowled beyond the ramparts. But for now, in this valley, men and women lived with dignity and hope. That is why he decided to preserve this city with all his strength.

And for that, he had to become stronger. Not for his own glory or to satisfy any pride, but because others were counting on him. Until now, he had only faced minor demons, without conscience, who could be dispatched with a simple gesture. However, he knew perfectly well that this situation wouldn’t last. The high-ranking demons, those who bore names and commanded legions, would cross his path sooner or later. And when they did, he couldn’t simply be the strongest among his own kind; he would have to be of a completely different dimension, capable of withstanding a shock upon which the survival of all would depend.