"So that's the Hero?"
"Doesn't look like much, does he?"
Just like the guards, the townsfolk were unsure of what the newly summoned hero could do.
Kael kept walking without a change in his calm expression.
Did their words hurt?
But he understood their situation. Just seeing the town's condition was enough to tell him how much these people had suffered. Anyone would be skeptical in this situation.
As he reached the center of the town, a tall man who looked in his mid-fifties, wearing somewhat better clothes compared to what others were wearing, rushed toward him.
He extended his hand in front of Kael and said,
"I'm Tobias Erwick, the head of this town. I was informed that you would be coming to our aid. I am glad you are here.
Welcome, w-we were really looking forward to your arrival."
"Town head Tobias. It's good to meet you."
Kael greeted as he shook the man's hand.
Tobias glanced over Kael's shoulder and nodded at his party before returning his attention to Kael.
"I've heard a lot about you,"
"The Hero chosen by Lord Feraos himself. We're grateful that you came here."
Tobias bowed his head.
Kael glanced at the people around him,
Those eyes filled with doubt, suspicion, frustration, helplessness, and… hope.
The weight of those stares was… extremely heavy.
Tobias, who noticed Kael's silence, smiled wryly and said,
"As you can see, Estwyn is... not what it once was.
The corrupted beasts have taken their toll. Many of our people have fled, and those who remain are barely holding on. The last beast tide nearly broke through our defences. Please don't mind their gazes, they are good people, they are just… scared."
The Townhead looked around and continued,
"Most of them have lost family, friends, and even their bonds. The death toll has risen to a hundred, and only about thirty armed tamers capable of facing those beasts are left.
Kael's face turned grim.
This was different from the information he had been given. According to the reports, there should have been 50 armed tamers here, but…
His forces were already reduced by about 50%.
Kael, however, nodded lightly and didn't overreact. The reports were never supposed to be 100% accurate in the first place.
'It is okay. I prepared for this. I prepared for this.'
Kael continued to chant, trying to calm his mind.
He needed to stay in control and think rationally, and while he was struggling to do that,
Tobias suddenly held his hand, and the wrinkled man stared at him with eyes full of hope.
"But I believe now that the Hero is here, we will finally be able to deal with the corrupted beasts, and everything will be fine."
Kael stared at the town leader in silence. The man's gaze was overwhelming. It nearly gave him another panic attack, but in the end, he nodded in silence, not letting anyone see or know what he was going through.
At his nod, Tobias smiled.
"I would tell you about the current situation, but for now, I would request the Hero and his party to rest. Everything is still under control. Our scouts have not reported any unexpected situations. Please use this moment to relieve your fatigue from travel."
Kael wanted to reject and jump to work but,
"Hero Kael, please. I insist."
"We need you at your best when the beasts are here."
Tobias spoke, his eyes reflecting emotions so strong that Kael didn't have the power to resist him. He nodded weakly.
The town's inn was destroyed during the last attack, so Tobias offered to take Kael and his party to his own house.
The party nodded, and soon, the five of them appeared in front of the town head's house, which didn't seem very different from the rest of the houses Kael had seen here.
"Please come to my humble abode."
Tobias bowed his head as he walked forward, Kael and the others followed the middle-aged man, and as the door opened,
An adorable, soft voice broke through the tension, drawing everyone's attention.
Kael glanced at the small girl sitting perfectly still on a wooden chair near the side of the square. Her delicate frame was wrapped in a simple white dress that seemed too clean for the grim surroundings.
Her hands were neatly folded on her lap like a noble, well-mannered lady. She had black hair tied in uneven twin tails, but what instantly attracted one's attention were her eyes. Her milky white eyes stared blankly ahead, her face tilted in a manner that her ears were pointed towards her grandpa.
Tobias's face softened instantly.
"Selina? Didn't I tell you not to leave your room until I return?"
He spoke, kneeling in front of the chair and gently holding the girl's small hands.
Selina tilted her head toward the sound of his voice.
"I heard the gates open. I knew it was you,"
"You should have stayed where it's safe. You know it's dangerous out here."
Tobias sighed heavily, his hand firmly holding Selina's.
Selina reached out hesitantly, her small hands searching until they found Tobias's face.
"You're frowning again,"
She said, her fingers lightly tracing the lines of Tobias's weathered forehead.
"I told you not to frown so much. You'll get more wrinkles."
"Then stop doing things that make me frown."
Tobias chuckled as he kissed the girl's hands.
Then suddenly, Selina tilted her head again.
She called out with an uncertain look on her face.
"Did someone else come here with you?"
"You noticed? I can never hide something from you, can I?"
"Remember I told you that I have a surprise for you?"
"You said that more than a week ago. I am still waiting."
"Well, you don't have to wait anymore."
Tobias smiled, then he turned toward Kael, his eyes reflecting small emotions as he bowed his head, as if wanting to request something from him.
"The Hero and his party are here to meet you, and they will be staying here with us for the next few days."
Selina's mouth opened wide as she exclaimed in excitement.
"Yes. I told you the Hero would come if you were a good girl, did I not?"
Tobias chuckled, his eyes, however, continued to stare at Kael, almost begging him to fulfill his small request.
"Is he really here!?"
Selina questioned and then suddenly,