The town of Eiderwall was still glowing with late evening lanterns when the word spread: a demon army was coming from the west.
Kaela had stayed in a separate inn, still working with local adventurers to deliver supplies from her ruined carriage. She was known in this part of the region, and many respected her skills—even if her clumsiness often made others wary. The adventurer and Elaina stayed in a quieter corner of the town, trying to rest after the long road. But rest did not come.
A knock came at their door—urgent. A town guard delivered the message. "The mayor is calling all able adventurers and fighters to the guild hall. It's urgent. Trouble from the west."
The adventurer nodded. "We'll come."
They dressed quickly, Elaina wrapping her cloak tightly and stuffing a worn notebook into her satchel.
As they walked through the streets under the flickering lights, Elaina suddenly stopped. Her eyes widened. She was shaking.
"Elaina?" the adventurer asked softly.
She clutched her arms. "I remember… this smell. The smoke. The panic. It's just like back then."
She fell to her knees, breath short. "The night they came to my village. When my brother…"
The adventurer knelt beside her. "Hey," he whispered, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "This isn't that night. And you're not alone this time."
She looked at him, tears in her eyes.
"You don't have to be strong all the time," he said. "But if you fall apart now… how will I get through this? I'm counting on you, Elaina."
She wiped her eyes and forced a soft smile. "You dummy. That's the worst way to comfort someone… but thank you."
They arrived at the crowded guild hall. Kaela waved them over from the far side, already in her gear. Inside, dozens of adventurers, knights, hunters, and guards stood around a large map table. The mayor stood at the head, along with a captain from the town militia.
"The demons will reach us by sunrise. We have till then to prepare," the captain said grimly. "We've sent messengers to nearby towns, but reinforcements won't arrive in time. We must defend Eiderwall ourselves."
There was silence.
Then a voice broke it. "We need a real plan."
It was Elaina.
Several adventurers turned to look—some with surprise, others with amusement.
"She's just a kid," someone scoffed.
"A child in a meeting like this? This is war!"
Kaela stepped forward. "She may be young, but I've traveled with her and I can say she's smart. So..please listen."
Elaina cleared her throat and stepped up to the map. "The demons are coming from the west. That road leads straight to the city gate. If we confront them directly, we'll be overwhelmed."
She pointed to a narrow bridge outside town. "But if we bottleneck them here, we reduce their numbers. Only a few can cross at a time."
She turned the page of her notebook, revealing sketches and simple layouts. "We split our forces. Half hold the bridge. The rest take high ground near the hill to shoot or cast spells from above. Meanwhile, I'll set up traps and oil barrels in the narrow alleys inside the town, in case some get through."
She took a breath. "We don't have more fighters. But we can turn this town into a maze they'll regret walking into."
There was silence. Then murmurs.
One older knight stroked his beard. "It's… actually brilliant."
Another added, "Simple, but effective. She's got a head for war."
Still, one younger mercenary asked, "But can we trust a child with our lives?"
Elaina raised her chin. "I'm not asking you to trust me. I'm asking you to trust logic. Trust a plan that gives us a chance."
The room slowly nodded.
"I'll fight by the bridge," said Kaela.
"I'll take the rooftop snipers," said another.
"I'll help with the traps," offered a magician.
The captain finally turned to the adventurer. "And you?"
He glanced at Elaina, then back at the captain. "I'll be wherever the fighting is thickest. I'm not strong, but I'll stand where others won't."
That night, preparations began. Fires were lit. Barricades rose. Arrows were sorted. Blades sharpened.
Just before the adventurer left to help build defenses, Elaina pulled him aside.
"Hey," she said softly. "Be careful out there."
He turned.
"You're reckless sometimes," she continued. "I don't know what I'd do if you didn't come back."
He smiled faintly. "I thought you said I'm a dummy."
"I did. But you're my dummy. So come back in one piece, okay?"
He nodded. "I will."
They stood together for a moment in the still night air—before the storm.