Volume 17 Chapter 9 Safe And Sound
It was around evening, just before sunset, when Michael returned with nearly ten people who seemed to be self-defense members, about 3 hours later.
Al had already finished first aid for 2 people, checked the Barbarian village for anything useful, and defeated about 5 goblins that seemed to have come back to check on things.
Additionally, he was practicing spells, using 'Create Weapon' to make a weapon with a wider spearhead, digging up the ground, removing large rocks with the magic tool 'Soften Stone,' and using the 'Telekinesis' and 'Carrier' spells to move dirt to dig a deep hole to bury the defeated Barbarians.
"Over there!"
"Welcome back, Mr. Michael."
Al had already been informed about the group's approach by Glee, so when he heard Michael's voice, he used the 'Light' spell to illuminate the dim surroundings.
"Sorry about that. It took time to arrange the wagons and all."
Indeed, the self-defense group had 3 large wagons with them. It seemed a bit excessive just to carry 2 people. Al wondered if they planned to carry orcs as well. When he asked, Michael nodded vigorously.
"Yeah, we figured we should show the villagers the goblins, and the orc and goblin mage too. They might be coming around here soon."
That made sense, but it also seemed like a lot of work. While he was thinking about this, an older man approached. He had black hair like Michael and looked somewhat similar.
"You must be Al. Michael has told me about you. Thank you so much for helping those 2. I heard from Michael that you saved them, and the kids were really happy."
The older man grabbed Al's hand and shook it with both of his hands, looking pleased. When Al looked confused about who he was, Michael explained that he was the captain of the self-defense group and his father.
"Um, well, it was just a matter of circumstance... I was kind of pushed by Mr. Michael's enthusiasm... I might have gone a bit overboard. But since I'm from the village in the Sipree mountains, it wasn't just someone else's problem for me."
Al replied a bit awkwardly. He wondered how Guildmaster Levy had reacted. The caravan had been stuck and couldn't leave since early afternoon.
It seemed they would have to stay overnight in this village.
Originally, they were supposed to stay somewhere between Milton City and Outis town, but staying in this village and reaching Outis town tomorrow might be a bit tough.
"No, really, if the Levy merchant guild's caravan hadn't passed by, we would have had to deal with that situation all by ourselves. I can't believe we got through it safely. You're our lifesaver."
Saying that, the captain of the self-defense group shook his head, looking as if he didn't even want to imagine what could have happened.
"Since it's a poor village, we can't offer much as a reward, but we have arranged for you to stay overnight in the village square and provided some meals."
He added, "Also, I've asked the village head to propose that we continue to welcome the Levy merchant guild's caravans and build a good relationship with them. The village head is on board with this and has said he will inform the neighboring villages about our discussion. I'm sure the caravan captain will appreciate this."
It was an unavoidable situation, and while it turned out well, he thought it was understandable if he got fired for it. Still, he was happy to have saved 2 lives.
Would Guildmaster Levy appreciate what the captain was thinking? However, he felt Orson would probably be angry.
"Thank you. I figured we couldn't just leave the bodies of the Barbarians, so I dug a hole for disposal."
"Ah, that's a relief. I heard there were a lot of goblin corpses, and everyone was dreading the digging. So, let's load the two survivors, an orc, and a goblin mage onto the wagon, and we can use that hole for the remaining bodies and head back to the village quickly."
"Sounds good. But first, this..."
Al pulled out a tattered bag and took out a rusty knife, broken farming tools, and some torn cloth.
"I found these in the settlement. They might belong to other victims..."
The self-defense captain examined the items with a serious expression and nodded sadly.
"That makes sense. Fortunately, there were no victims in my village, but it could be someone from a nearby village. I'll ask about it. Can I take these?"
"Of course, go ahead."
Al put the items back in the bag and handed it to the self-defense captain.
"Alright, let's head back... Everyone, Mr. Al has dug a hole for disposing of the Barbarians. Let's quickly bury them there and get back. The two of you go on that wagon, and the orc and goblin mage will come with us."
Once they loaded everything onto the wagon, it seemed like the journey would take quite a while, but since they had come with this many people, he decided to leave it to them.
However, the two survivors were quite injured, so too much jostling might not be good for them.
"Since the two of you are injured, I'll use a spell to carry you. The rest, please take care of."
"Al, thank you. I was hoping you could do that."
Michael, who had been looking worried next to the self-defense captain, smiled happily. Al returned the smile and nodded.
"Yeah, you might bleed again, so don't worry. Let's go home."
"Thanks a lot, Al."
The self-defense members who came with the captain also thanked Al one after another as they got to work. Al, feeling a bit shy, helped with the tasks.
* * *
By the time Al and the self-defense members arrived at the village, the sun had completely set, and it was pitch dark. A bonfire was lit at the village entrance, and many people seemed to be waiting for their return.
Michael, who was leading the self-defense group, raised his hand high and waved, and cheers could be heard from the village. Two children ran from the village, ignoring the adults trying to stop them.
"Papa! Mama!"
"Over here!"
Al waved back. The two were lying on a makeshift bed created by Al's 'Carrier' spell. Both of them were still unconscious.
"They're just sleeping. It's okay."
Al told the children to be quiet while reassuring them that the two were safe here. The children nodded hard, trying not to cry.
"Is there a healer in the village?"
"Yeah, there is."
"Then let's ask that person to take a closer look."
"Got it. Let's go!"
As Al walked past the villagers, who were amazed by the size of the orc, he greeted the captain of the self-defense group with a wave. The children pulled him away from the line, leading him to the healer's house in the village, where he handed over the two.
Al thought that while there would be some scars, they probably wouldn't have any lasting effects that would hinder their movement. The healer agreed with his assessment, and Al let out a sigh of relief.
"Well, that's good. I'm off now."
After leaving the healer's house, Al wondered where Guildmaster Levy was.
As he walked through the village searching, he noticed the self-defense group and the merchant guild's caravan members, including Guildmaster Levy, happily chatting and eating in the central square.
Orson and Leda were nearby as well. Al hurried over, worried he might get scolded for being late.
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