Chapter 103: Sunpurge
"Is it true you killed high-rank demons?" The question hung in the air, brimming with awe and disbelief, before being joined by a chorus of curious voices.
"You certainly saved us with your Fire Shields, but how can you possibly cast so many spells?"
"What was the dungeon core like?"
The fire in my flesh passed into an afterthought as I was caught in the center of their attention. Soldiers came from all angles, bombarding me with gratitude and questions. My confidence fled in an instant, and I felt I would rather face down the demon hordes alone than the victorious inquiries of my allies.
I stuttered a few words, my face flushed red, and I glanced at Riven for help. The wizened archmage leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms and smiling, as though to show I was on my own. Dismayed by his deliberate distance, I faced the crowd and tried my best to engage them.
My soft, girlish voice felt out of place amid the low, noble tones of the seasoned warriors. However, their communications ceased the instant I spoke, and they listened with a reverence befitting their commander.
As I stumbled my way through conversations, I couldn’t shake the feeling of Fyren’s watchful gaze from the side, lips curved in mirth. Somehow, the soldiers had overlooked his involvement, leaving him plenty of breathing room. Traitor.
After recounting the story of our battle against the Flame Commander and his horde of demons, the topic shifted with dizzying speed. Some wondered about my origins, others about my fellow heroes, and a few about my romantic status. Given that the third usually came from older men with sly grins, I ignored it, although I couldn’t stop the red from staining my cheeks.
"Let’s have some ale!"
I’d never been so grateful in my life as when someone produced the celebratory drinks, causing the sea of soldiers to disperse. Collapsing back into my seat with a sigh, I rubbed my stinging shoulder and glared at Fyren and Riven.
"Thanks a lot," I muttered, wiping sweat from my brow. Even on a good day, managing this level of attention would have been overwhelming.