Chapter 79 - Aftermath

Isaias was hurrying up with his walk towards the exit of the back gate. Panting while he was striding the path of dirt road. Joan who was following him was also coping up with the pace.

While they were on the way, many villagers were slowly getting out of their homes and some of them were crying. Making the two worry a bit.

"Joan, these people were just hopeless when it comes to these kinds of schemes. They tend to be weak when plundered. We can't wait for them to be all wasted before we stop this kind of attack on our realms. You know that we are in these perilous times when the Demon lords rise. Making the lands in turmoil once again," Isaias said to him.

Joan can only have a heartache while digesting the information in his mind. Thinking that he has a great burden on his shoulders to carry..

"You are the last Child of hope Joan. Let me carry half of your burden as we travel this perilous path," Isaias said to him.

"Thank you Isaias, it was far better with you here," Joan said to him. Scratching his head on the process.

"It was my pleasure, Joan. I am a prophet and that is my role. I must lead you all the way," He said to him.

He felt that it was better to have a companion. Even with his past life that was being a solo, he also felt that it was better to have a companion this time. Thinking about it, he also felt that it was not lonely to be having a guide. Even though it was a change, he thought that it was better this way.

Upon walking, the mood changed. Weeping kids without their moms were seen. Others were clinging to their dead mothers that were lying on the ground. Joan felt disturbed about what he was seeing. Isaias then approached the child and then comforted her. It was a girl in her four that has a teddy bear in her right hand. Weeping while pulling the skirt of her mother.

Isaias then prayed for her soul to rest in peace. He then talked to the girl and told her that she will be in the Creator's hands.

Thinking that the child will still miss her mom, Isaias comforted her in trying to make her be at ease. She then hicked and sobbed while trying her best to calm herself. Still, it was difficult for her to stop her crying. Making her cry again.

Isaias then shushed her then carried her to the nearest adventurers. While many were still like her that lost her parents, they helped her just in case. While they were on it, Joan gave her a goodbye.

Everyone in the village was all devastated. Even though they managed to survive, it will be different from now on. Even the greatest trials struck them, many heroes emerged from the masses. A merchant offered to help and give potions to the wounded. Others were giving what they could help from what they have. Adventurers who were Priests were helping to heal the others. While others were helping the townsfolk to relocate inside the barracks.

Others cooked food for their tummies to have in the night while they were relocating inside the temporary relocation site.

Joan felt contented with what he has seen. It was so refreshing for him to see such valiant persons in action. Seeing them inspired him, it was like a burning passion was once again reignited deep inside. Hope was in his eyes and was brimming with radiance.

"Let us tarry to the enemy's den Joan. I can feel that his revival is near," Isaias said to him.

"Sure, let us hurry then," Joan replied to him.

Joan then hurried walking, He slowly felt that he was absorbing monster essence as he was tarrying the way. Thinking that Duplicate was doing something while he was walking.

'Maybe Duplicate was absorbing huge amounts of essences by now. I can only thank him,'

Isaias then stopped walking, he felt a chill run down his spine. Sweat trickled his face and his throat runs dry.

"Joan, I feel bad tidings. The seal is greatly weakened by now and we are late by a step. It will only be a matter of time before it will be unsealed. Joan, we must hurry!" Isaias said to him.

The two then tarried the way, arriving at the exit of the village. Located at the west side of the village where the road leads to the Tomb of Corruption. The exit was having two wooden pillars on both sides. Torches were on the poles and were flickering. Unsteady in giving off their radiance.

While they stared at the way, it was dark. Echoes of wailing monsters were heard as they approached the exit. The breeze of air was echoing in the trees and was touching the leaves.

The path was narrow with weeds beside the road were seen by their naked eye. Owl's howl echoed the forest and it made Joan have a chill down his spine. Not that he was afraid but was something even the bravest will have something to feel when he was into the situation.

Seeing the path that was dark as a crimson night, Isaias then made a floating light. Illuminating the path with his light. Staring at each other while seeing the lights float, Joan's eyes were bright and were seen to reflect the light source.

Walking while in a hurry, Joan and Isaias walked a small pathway. Only one person was able to stride the narrow pathway. Making the two walk closely to each other.

Isaias hinted at him not to get too far so Joan did his best not to. Moss covered the trees beside the road and the way was long abandoned. Greenery was what greeted them and many trees were rotten beside the road. Eyes from the dark were slowly blinking at them and were following the two. Making them gulp saliva to calm themselves. The fear of the unknown was what struck them. They stared at the darkness and the darkness stares back at them.

"Joan, do not walk too far from me. The way towards the Tomb of Corruption was narrow and forgotten. We should arrive soon with a small walk," Isaias said to him.