Chapter 13 – Loyalty And Dignity
The morning sun warmed the village of Andora in a way they hadn't felt in quite some time. Dew still clung to the leaves as the villagers gathered in the center of the village, surrounded by a blazing new spirit. The morning felt different—more alive, more energized. In the middle of the village square stood a large wooden board, half-planted into the ground.
"Hold it steady a bit longer!" Claude shouted, helping to balance the board.
Taeyang, with his muscular arms and confident grin, drove a large hammer into the nail beneath the board.
"Done! Look at that—Andora's first information board! And who came up with the idea? Me! Don't forget to write my name down in history!" he boasted, rubbing beneath his nose.
Children laughed, Verine giggled while handing out warm bread, and Belinda just shook her head at Taeyang's antics. Claude raised an eyebrow, said nothing, and simply patted Taeyang on the shoulder.
Calm footsteps approached from the direction of the main house. Kim Hyunwoo, dressed in simple but neat clothes, carried a large rolled-up scroll protected by a wooden tube. All eyes turned toward him.
He unrolled the scroll, held it high for all to see, then pinned it to the center of the board.
Hyunwoo's handwriting was clear:
"To all citizens of Andora:
The time has come for us to expand the land beneath our feet.
For our children, for Andora's future, for a new world worth living in.
Today, we begin our territorial expansion.
Community work starts at 9 AM.
Bring your tools, bring your spirit.
Let us build Andora together."
The villagers cheered. Their cheers weren't just noise—they were the voice of hope returning. The voice of people who had once felt powerless, now finding a purpose.
Claude stood before a group of villagers, explaining the expansion route. Beside him, Garren displayed a rough sketch of the new layout plan.
"We'll be expanding northward, toward the small valley. We need space for granaries, additional housing, and a training ground. The thin forest there will have to be cleared first."
Krothar and the lizardmen stood quietly, listening. Some villagers remained cautious, but no one objected. Even Thadrick approached Vel first, offering an axe.
The work began.
Tree by tree, they were felled. Shrubs were cleared. The sound of axes striking wood mixed with laughter, instructions, and folk songs. Thog tried chopping down a large tree, but a branch fell and hit his head. He groaned as he fell.
"Hahaha! Thog lost to a tree!" Rakka teased.
"Silence. Thog still stronger than your twig," Thog grunted as he stood up.
Yerin and Selka handed out drinking water, their faces wet with sweat but still smiling. Wonho busily surveyed the surrounding terrain.
"If we extend irrigation into this valley, we can collect more rainwater and build a branching canal system," he muttered, jotting notes into his notebook.
Under a shady tree near the square, Ahsan started his class.
"Alright, today we'll learn how to greet in Thalveran and Lizardmen languages. Cedric, repeat: 'Good morning' in Lizardmen tongue."
"Ss'kah torah!" Cedric replied enthusiastically.
"That means 'put away your spear,' Cedric," Vel said with a chuckle.
Laughter erupted from the children. Lily shyly raised her hand and tried greeting back. Ahsan nodded proudly. Education had become a new beacon of hope for the next generation.
By afternoon, the edge of the forest had begun to open up. The new territory was starting to take shape.
But the joy began to fade. As the sun slanted westward, Claude received an urgent report from Lurik, the merchant:
"Jareth has been found... dead."
Silence fell. Claude and Arlain immediately rushed to the location with Hyunwoo, Wonho, and Elden. In an old warehouse behind the former settlement, Jareth's body lay in a gruesome state. Burn marks and a bloody cross-shaped symbol were smeared on the wall.
Jareth's relatives wept hysterically. Elden looked shaken. "I was watching him... but I didn't know when he slipped out..." he muttered.
Arlain bit her lip. "We took turns keeping watch... but saw nothing."
Hyunwoo examined the wounds and surroundings. "No clear footprints. This was done by someone who knows how to sneak in."
Wonho added, "And this symbol... this isn't random."
Vel and Rakka searched the nearby bushes and found a strange dark feather—not from a lizardman.
Claude clenched his fists. "Thalveran... or another organization?"
Hyunwoo stared deeply, then gave the order. "Starting tonight, double the guards. Whoever did this, this is a warning."
Night came. After the horrific incident, the atmosphere grew quieter. A bonfire was lit in the center of the village. The information board was now filled with notes from the villagers: farming ideas, requests for help, even funny drawings from the children.
Verine handed out hot soup and bread. It felt like a small festival. Even Marlen, who usually distrusted the lizardmen, joined in quietly.
Hyunwoo stood atop a tall rock, gazing over the newly cleared land.
Footsteps approached. Claude appeared, standing nearby.
"Why do you like looking at the stars so much?" Claude suddenly asked.
Hyunwoo gave a small smile without turning. "How did you know?"
"Wonho said. Said you always daydream at night."
Hyunwoo pointed to the sky. "Up there... I want to go there someday."
Claude frowned. "You mean... to the sky?"
He looked at the stars for a moment. "If that's the case... I hope we all get there someday."
Hyunwoo chuckled softly. "If possible, I want to bring Andora with me."
Claude stepped closer. "You know? This is the first time I've seen them laugh without fear." He gestured toward the villagers.
"That's our goal," Hyunwoo replied. "This world is too dark to live in silence. But if we move forward, maybe we can bring a little light."
Wonho joined them, holding a newly drafted map.
"With the resources we have, construction can resume next week. I also found fertile land near a small river to the east."
Claude patted his shoulder. "Good work."
"Andora is growing," Claude said again, as if confirming it to himself.
Hyunwoo smiled faintly, staring at the stars above. "And we're just getting started."
Dawn welcomed Andora with warmth, birds chirping merrily among the trees freshly cut the day before. The village was alive—residents sweeping the roads, children studying under Ahsan's guidance, and the lizardmen helping carry timber for the new communal kitchen.
But the peace didn't last long.
The sound of hooves echoed from the front gate. Dust rose high, signaling a large group approaching. Claude, stationed at the watchtower, immediately blew the warning whistle. As usual, Arlain was the first to step forward.
The gate creaked open slowly, revealing a handsome man with jet-black hair in noble attire dismounting his horse. Behind him, burly guards dressed like thugs laughed carelessly, eyeing the village as if it were a toy.
"I want to speak with your village leader," the nobleman said, his voice dripping with arrogance.
"I'm the defense representative of Andora. And who might you be?" Arlain stood firm.
The man smirked. "Kaelion Veylan. Diplomat representative from Thalveran. But more importantly, the one who's going to crush this rat's nest."
Arlain held back his anger. "Speak respectfully. We don't entertain rude guests."
"Are you deaf?" Kaelion stepped closer and, without warning, slapped Arlain across the face. "You think you stand equal to me?"
Villagers began gathering. Lurik, passing by, clenched his fists. Verine held back a scream. Krothar, inspecting a cart, narrowed his eyes.
"Bring out your leader!" Kaelion shouted, his voice booming. "Or I'll burn this village to the ground!"
Arlain collapsed but still refused to give in. "If he's only coming here to be insulted, then I'd rather be his shield."
Kaelion shoved Arlain down. His foot slammed into Arlain's shin. A cracking sound followed. Arlain bit back a scream. Blood dripped from his torn lip. His leg twisted unnaturally, forcing his body into a near-bowing posture.
Kaelion spat—right in front of Arlain's face.
"Stupid village. Even your guards are weaklings."
In the crowd, Cedric clutched Lily's hand. "Why are they so mean…?"
Then came the sound of hurried footsteps from inside.
Hyunwoo, Wonho, Taeyang, Yerin, Belinda, Claude, Elden, and the village leaders arrived with dozens of villagers. All eyes locked on one sight—Arlain, collapsed, bruised and bleeding, yet still trying to rise.
Yerin rushed to him, Selka right behind. "Are you alright?"
Arlain forced a smile. "I… have to stand…"
"It's okay. We're here," Selka said gently, supporting him with Yerin.
Hyunwoo stared at Kaelion. His Red Eyes flared with intensity.
His steps were slow but resolute. The air grew still. Even Kaelion hesitated for a moment, sensing the aura radiating from Hyunwoo's body.
"You did this?" Hyunwoo asked, voice calm yet dangerous.
Kaelion smirked. "He got what he deserved for blocking my entrance."
Wonho stepped forward, trying to stop Hyunwoo. "Hyunwoo…"
But Hyunwoo just walked on, his eyes locked onto Kaelion's.
"Kaelion Veylan. You've just stepped on Andora's pride."
The wind turned colder.
"You think Andora is weak? You're about to see the power of those who have nothing—except one thing: resolve."
Kaelion chuckled. "What a joke."
Hyunwoo stopped just one step from his face. "If it's war you want… don't forget who'll be the first to burn you alive."