Chapter 305 - Relief

Zaos couldn't do much physical work, so he focused on only using his magic to prevent more deaths for the next few days. There were many gravely wounded soldiers, so there was a chance that many more could die. However, that was avoided since he and his mages worked hard.

A few days later, the region's people participated in a massive ceremony of farewell to the fallen soldiers. Although they retreated to the base and left the villages alone when they lost Toules town, the region's people still came to pay their respects since they succeeded in making the enemy invaders run away.

In the end, between dealing with the corpses of the enemies, burying the fallen soldiers, hunting the enemies who were still around, and making sure that they won't to worry about any other attack any time soon, the soldiers of the region and Zaos's unit had to work hard for a full month. Fortunately, that was just the right time for everyone's wounds to heal and then return to their daily lives again.

"It seems our houses are intact…" The old man who argued with Zaos in his village a few weeks ago said. "I was looking forward to some kind of renovations in the village, but I guess this is fine."

"I am glad to hear it," Zaos said. "Well then, I will be taking my leave. Commander Brien is going to repay you guys for the help in the next few days. Once again, thanks for your cooperation."

"Take care, Zaos Sielders," The old man said. "It was an honor meeting you."

Zaos didn't recall giving his name to many people. Still, it was apparent that some people would recall him since Cohnal and eventually Brien worked hard to spread the news about who defeated two of the enemies' commanders.

Zaos and his unit marched once more toward the western base. They were going to say farewell to Commander Brien and to the soldiers there. They were supposed to give one final report to him, after all. Much to Zaos' surprise, he found hundreds of recruits ready to leave the base as well, and they would go to all parts of the kingdom. Now that Zaos thought about it, part of the year was when the third-year recruits graduate and become real soldiers. Those guys had plenty of experience, so they probably will become decent soldiers. Once Zaos crossed the base, he knocked on the door of Brien's office. As usual, he was there dealing with some papers.

"Sir, everything has been taken care of," Zaos said. "The towns and villages in the area are finally well-garrisoned again."

"Good work. I guess it is finally time for you to return home, huh," Brien said. "It would be really helpful if you were to assume my post here."

"I would rather face the mercenaries by myself… no offense," Zaos said.

"None was taken. I can understand your feeling," Brien said. "When I was your age, I also thought that commander's work was pretty boring while he was inside the base. In any case, thanks again for your help. If it weren't for you and your unit, this base would be in the hands of the mercenaries right now."

"Just doing my job," Zaos said.

"Right, please give my regards to His Majesty," Brien said. "I will entrust you with the task of you delivering my full report of this whole situation."

"Why don't you send a raven?" Zaos asked and then sighed. "I don't want to wait in the throne room while he reads such a long report."

"I believe it will be better for all of us if he reads this in your presence," Brien said. "One last favor, the graduated recruits want to accompany your unit for a while. Some of them want to join you as well. It would be really great if you could accept them."

It would be like throwing a bucket of cold water in them after surviving that battle and saying that they could join. Aside from the fact that they were too fresh, Zaos had no reason to refuse new members.

"All right, I will give the papers after giving them enough time to think things through," Zaos said. "We will probably rest for a month or two in the capital before our next job, so they will have plenty of time to decide it."

"I am in your debt," Brien said and then got up and bowed. "I will be forever in your debt, Zaos."

"Let's not get all emotional, Commander," Zaos said. "Anyway, let's hope to meet again in better circumstances the next time."

"That sounds like a good idea," Brien laughed.

After that, Zaos left the room and the base. It was quite weird that such a problematic mission only lasted for two months, but it was plenty of time from Zaos's perspective. He had many things to talk about with his mom, after all.

"All right, let's get going," Zaos said after he began to ride Moody.

The last few weeks had been so intense that most people of that huge group of seven hundred soldiers couldn't help but feel weird. Those who had a little more experience on the battlefield were already used to that. There is that saying about the calm before the storm, but those who survived the storm more than a few times, knew that the peace only really came after it.

The newbies that Zaos saw fight couldn't help but frown since he was so serene while leading the group. On the few occasions he sparred with his soldiers, he looked totally different. Only Cohnal could make him fight a bit harder, but even the big guy knew that Zaos got stronger again, and their difference in power increased.

Although seeing that Zaos was calmer outside the battlefield than they had expected was kind of a letdown, the newbies felt relieved with that. They also had dreams of becoming famous like him one day, but they would feel worried if they had to fight battles like that pretty much every month.