Chapter 22 : The Necessity of Building Roads, and the Protection of the Holy Light
Chapter 22: The Necessity of Building Roads, and the Protection of the Holy Light
“With the protection of the Angel Lord.”
“As long as you don’t provoke them first, those filthy creatures will not dare to approach when you enter or leave this area.”
“We’ve lived here for more than half a month—that’s the best proof.”
Reed and his deputy were half-convinced, half-doubtful.
Angel’s protection?
Could it really be that miraculous?
But then, looking around at the corpses of Ghouls scattered around the camp…
And seeing the longsword in Liz’s hand radiating divine energy, together with the high-purity holy water...
It didn’t seem… impossible.
At that moment—
Reed finally remembered the purpose of his visit.
That disgusting task assigned by that snake, Carlisle.
After hesitating for a moment, he still asked, “Right, Lady Liz, there’s something I’d like to inquire about.”
“Have you seen a cavalry squad nearby?”
“A dozen or so people, led by a young magician named Porter?”
Liz’s eyes narrowed slightly.
After thinking for a moment, she gave a cold sneer.
“Heh~ Magician?”
“What a coincidence, we did encounter them.”
“A few days ago, they passed through here—arrogant and rude. They even wanted me to serve as some sort of assistant. I drove them away.”
She pointed toward the depths of the forest. “Later, I heard they were attacked in that direction. The screams were quite loud.”
“As for now… I suppose even their bones have been gnawed clean by the Ghouls.”
Reed’s heart sank heavily.
So, they really did meet with misfortune…
Still, getting such specific news was already a blessing—it meant no more aimless searching like headless flies.
He exhaled in relief. “Thank you, Lady Liz, for the information.”
“Tomorrow, before we leave, we’ll check that direction on our way out. Hopefully, we can find some remains—something to bring back as proof.”
Reed really didn’t want to risk his neck any further just for Carlisle’s mission.
If he could find anything to prove Porter’s death, that would be enough.
The night passed quietly.
The Gray Wolf Mercenary Corps set up camp around the outskirts.
Though crude, it was still paradise compared to sleeping in that perilous forest.
The residents of Holy Light Town remained vigilant but did not disturb them much.
At dawn the next day—
When the sky was still faintly gray,
Reed and his men packed their belongings and made ready to depart.
Liz handed him the list of supplies that Colin had written, along with a heavy bag of holy water.
Reed received it solemnly.
It felt as if he was holding not a water pouch, but a bag of golden future!
“Lady Liz, thank you for your hospitality!”
“We’ll set out now to purchase the goods. Fastest, we’ll return in three or four days; at the slowest, seven or eight. We’ll definitely deliver them to you!” Reed clasped his fists in salute.
Liz nodded slightly. “Be careful along the way. Follow this road and you’ll make it out safely.”
Just as Reed turned around—
Preparing to call his men to mount their horses and leave—suddenly, a change occurred!
Buzz.
A warm golden beam of light descended—
From the cross atop the church spire, projecting straight down, enveloping Reed and every mercenary around him!
“Ah?”
“What’s going on?!”
“Boss!”
The mercenaries were startled and instinctively reached for their weapons.
But the next second, they froze.
There was no pain. No harm.
The golden light felt like the gentlest sunlight, like the purest spring water, wrapping them softly.
The exhaustion from days of travel, the mental strain, even the faint stings of small wounds—
All melted away under the illumination of that light!
Then—
A sense of unparalleled ease flooded through their bodies and minds!
“This is… Holy… Holy Light’s blessing?!”
Reed, who had seen much in his life, felt the vigor surging through his body—
And was utterly shocked beyond words!
He abruptly looked up at the church—
Then at Liz and the others, who remained calm, as if expecting it all.
At that moment, all doubt vanished!
There truly was an Angel’s protection here!
Every word Lady Liz said was true!
No wonder they could build a camp in such a place!
No wonder they possessed such pure holy water!
A mixture of shock, elation, and reverent awe filled Reed’s heart.
Behind him, the mercenaries also stood frozen, their faces dazed as they enjoyed the divine blessing.
The looks they gave toward the church and Liz completely changed—
Now filled with disbelief and deep reverence.
“Th… Thank you, Angel Lord! Thank you, Lady Liz!”
Reed’s voice trembled slightly as he bowed deeply toward the church.
The other mercenaries, as if awakening from a dream, hurried to follow suit.
Liz gazed at their awestruck expressions—
And a faint sense of pride welled within her.
She inclined her head slightly. “Go on. The Angel Lord’s protection will accompany you on your journey.”
Reed straightened, taking a deep breath.
His whole body brimmed with strength, and even his confidence in completing this supply mission soared madly.
He mounted his horse.
After taking one last look at the miracle-born town standing in the wilderness, a thought suddenly struck him.
He turned to Liz and said, “Lady Liz, there’s something I wish to say… though I’m not sure if I should.”
“Please, speak.”
“This Holy Light Town of yours is indeed well-located—and with the Angel’s protection, it’s truly blessed by heaven.”
“But if you wish to develop it further, to attract more people to settle here… merely clearing the Ghouls around the camp won’t be enough.”
Reed pointed toward the direction they had come from.
“The only road leading here is overgrown with weeds, infested with Ghouls—it’s far too difficult to travel!”
“We mercenaries, hardened as we are, barely made it through. For ordinary Refugees to come seeking shelter, it would be almost certain death.”
“You need to think of a way.”
“At least clear the path leading out of the forest—create a relatively safe passage.”
“Otherwise… no matter how good this place is, if no one can reach it, it’s all for nothing!”
Liz’s expression grew solemn.
His words struck right at the heart of the town’s problem.
She had thought about building roads before—
But she had always been too busy with defense and survival to spare the effort.
“Thank you for the reminder, Captain Reed.”
Liz nodded firmly. “We’ll consider it. Safe travels!”
“Mm. Until we meet again!”
Reed tugged on the reins—
And the Gray Wolf Mercenary Corps, renewed by the Holy Light’s blessing and brimming with energy,
Set off through the morning glow, heading out of the forest.
This time—
Their steps were noticeably lighter.
And the residents of Holy Light Town, watching them depart,
Felt a new spark of hope rising in their hearts!
With enough supplies, their lives would surely grow better and better!