Chapter 121 An Act Of Gratitude

Erend and Billy looked at each other. Then they turned their eyes to the teenage girl.

It's already the weekend, so kids who usually go to school are enjoying their day off.

But instead of enjoying time off for having fun, this girl prefers to do this volunteer event.

"What are you doing here?" Erend asked.

"Oh, this is what we do every weekend. We clean the graves where the soldiers died on the western battlefield," the girl replied.

"That's good," Erend replied.

The girl smiled a faint smile. "It's very rare for military officers to come to these graves. I think that's strange because... aren't they part of the military too?"

Erend and Billy once again glanced at each other. They don't know what truth the citizens of this country know about people being forced into the military.

But supposedly, it was impossible to cover up. Massive recruitment involving the lower social classes will certainly not go unnoticed by them.

The citizens couldn't be stupid enough either. They would soon find out that criminals, or people from the poorest circles, were forcibly drawn into the military.

Only to die on the battlefield.

"Not really," Billy said. "Some of them don't want to enter the military. And they have to die for it."

The girl looked at Billy. The look in her eyes conveyed sadness and regret.

"I'm really sorry. You two have been through a lot too, right?" the girl said.

Apparently, she had realized who Erend and Billy really were. Their faces were prominently on every TV and internet news.

Supposedly, the whole country would know who they were. Two heroes who have exposed the rottenness of two high-ranking military officers who have caused this war.

Some of the people behind had also begun to notice their presence. Some stared in surprise at the two of them.

"Thank you," Erend said. "I didn't think anyone cared about people dying on the battlefield. But it turns out there are quite a few."

The girl's smile returned. "Yes, this is a form of our gratitude to the heroes."

"Wow, you even called them heroes," Billy said with a big smile.

"Of course! Everyone here thinks you are heroes. How can you not? You fought the Elves' invasion for five years. And since then, not a single Elf has managed to get in here!" The girl spoke with passion and clear gratitude.

Erend and Billy suddenly felt a warm feeling in their chests. A feeling they had never felt before. Out of the mouths of the people, they have protected.

It feels so good and heartwarming to see someone who truly appreciates their struggles over the years.

Erend can still maintain his face so that it looks flat with a thin smile only. But Billy was already in tears.

Even Erend could hear his small sobs that escaped. It was as if Billy couldn't control his happiness.

"Thanks," Billy said, wiping his tears roughly. "What's your name?"

The girl, even though she noticed Billy's antics, didn't show any overreaction and just smiled faintly.

"My name is Anya," she said.

"Anya, you are a good girl. Do you have a boyfriend?" Billy asked.

Hearing that question, Anya immediately widened her eyes. A blush appeared on her cheeks as well.

But Erend nudged Bily in the ribs so hard that he moaned.

"Are you serious? She's a kid!" Erend said while giving Billy a death glare.

Billy was holding his ribs which Erend elbowed. His face grimaced in pain.

"I was just kidding, man!" Billy said. Then he glanced at Anya. "Unless..."

Anya pursed her lips and lowered her head to avoid Billy's gaze. Erend rolled his eyes with a sigh.

"I'm sorry, Anya. Sometimes it's embarrassing to have a friend like him."

"I-Its okay," Anya said while still looking down.

"Anyway, we've been here too long. We'll be cleaning the grave with you guys," Erend said.

After that, the three of them went deeper into the graves area. Some people indeed have recognized them.

The people greeted them warmly. They all engage in intimate conversation while cleaning the cemetery.

~~~

Clouds had gathered not far ahead. Aurdis bit her lip in frustration.

She still has a long way to go. Aurdis intends to cut the distance as much as possible before she comes to rest.

Thus she spurred Star at full speed, pushing the white stallion to its limit. With the aim that she can get as far as possible.

But Aurdis still can't go against the will of nature. No matter how great the Magic abilities of the Elves are, in the end, they will not be able to match the ferocity of nature.

Actually, Aurdis' main reason was that she wanted to conserve her Magic energy as much as possible.

Of course, blocking the effect of the rainstorm was no big deal. But it requires a lot of Magic energy.

Aurdis knew that what she faced in front of her next would require a large amount of magic energy.

Therefore she had to conserve her Magic as much as possible.

At last, Aurdis entered the forest next to a deserted path. She immediately took out the tent from inside the brown cloth bag behind her back.

Then use Magic to hide Star the stallion so that he doesn't attract unwanted attention.

The tent was indeed small and could only accommodate Aurdis alone. But the tents made by the Elven craftsmen were of course very strong.

Inside the tent, Aurdis didn't have to worry about the cold or water getting in.

The roar of thunder grew denser in the distance. Rainwater began to fall on the tent. Aurdis took a small lamp and turned it on with the flick of a finger.

After that, she took a book. In the siege of a rainstorm, Aurdis spent time reading the book.

Only by focusing her attention on the book, he was finally able to take her mind off Erend's figure. Aurdis didn't know how she could be this longing.

~~~