23 Its been a while, Commander. (1/2)

”Chief!...I am sorry, I couldn't be of any help, sir.” Izumi lowered her head as she saw a wounded Zeyner.

”It takes a lot of energy to forge a Soul sword and also yesterday was your last day, I am sure it was tough for you to even walk yourself home. Don't worry about it anymore.” Zeyner stood up as he looked at Izumi.

”Sir, that should be all the protectors left in the city.” A protector shouted as he returned with the last protector.

”Good, we have to move to the North wall at once. We are about to have company.” Leonard ordered as he looked towards the North. Not knowing who Leonard was, everyone looked at Zeyner who replied with a nod.

Nariko and Hisashi supported Zeyner as they made their way to the North gate.

”That's all huh...” Zeyner looked around to make an estimation of how many were protectors were there. ”They count less than 120...We sure had heavy casualties...”

”The attack was planned by a Krynch leading a demon army counting 600 to 700, Zeyner. You did what ever you could, no one could have done it better.” Leonard stated as he rested his arm on Zeyner's left shoulder.

”You might be right Commander, but if you didn't come at the right time sir, none would be alive right now.” Zeyner said as they neared the North gate.

”Commander...Leonard” All the protectors who were walking behind Zeyner started to whisper among themselves after realizing who the person in front of them was. They all slipped into a salutation position to show their respect and thanks to Leonard.

”At ease protectors. I don't think that's true Zeyner. There are people in the city who would have protected everyone, even if I didn't come for your rescue.” Leonard smiled as he looked towards Zeyner.

”The Takahashi's, sir? They won't help us to protect the city. They are bound to act only when the officials of Shade tell them to.” Zeyner whispered as he came near Leonard.

”Not the Takahashi's Zeyner, I am not talking about them.” Dark clouds filled the sky as an aura of blood lust started to emit from the North of Areon, hiding the rising sun behind the darkness that spread from the north to the south of Areon.

”Sir, even if it is you that is here, you can't beat what's coming towards us as we speak.” Zeyner said as he rose to stare towards the North.

The entire army of the fourth demon king ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 marched towards Areon as they were speaking. The dark aura that was being emitted by them was enough to kill all the greenery of the land surrounding them and shroud the sky with dark clouds.

”Yeah, you are right. But the thing is...I don't need to. The army is going to be here with them.” Leonard stated calmly as he looked towards the South.

Zeyner looked towards Leonard in confusion. ”How is the army going to be here? and who do you mean by them, sir!?”

”Oh! You will know soon Zeyner.” Leonard looked up as he realized something.

”Every protector spread out, start helping the citizens and start tending to the wounded.” Leonard ordered as he raised his arm.

”Hisashi wait...Where is Isao...?” Zeyner looked at Hisashi as he lifted an eye brow.

”He won't be...forcing anyone else to buy him...drinks anymore...Sir!” Hisashi looked down as his eyes filled up with water.