Rise of the Rejected Deity from Chaos-Chapter 154 - 153: The Villagers’ Loyalty

Within the SOH Association building, in a vast office, several men and women sat around a long, curving conference table, facing one another. At the far end, presiding over them all, sat the grand commander.

The day break had stretched into the late mornings and as the grand commander had ordered, the council members had been briefed on the matter and called into a meeting which they were currently in the middle of.

Everyone present there each belonged to a faction where they were either the captain or hold a high position. In other words, they were high ranking personalities in the association.

Several among them were old, while some were middle aged with the others being young. They all sat rigid with an air of skepticism—their expressions stern with worry and confusion.

After being detailed about the current status of the village for which they were preparing a battle, they all couldn't help but be skeptical. It was more worrying for them as they had no single lead of what might've happened.

They were gathered there to discuss their next plans and as they did, they had sent some of the HS over to the village to check the current state, and also to gather information.

The commander also informed the board members about Beni's condition and how Ms. Quin, the lady who would read into Beni's memories to figure out what happened, was set to return after a day. They simply needed to exercise patience.

For without knowing the force behind the villagers' freedom, they cannot celebrate victory. And the remaining 4 demons cannot be left to roam free either, but they decided to decipher the dire matter at hand first.

*****

When the officials that were dispatched to check the village arrived, they naturally met the barrier that was reported. To get in, however, they had to break it which they did without a moment's hesitation.

After all, they had seen from the outside how the villagers ignored them on their arrival and continued on with building their ruined village.

When they broke the barrier and entered, the villagers neither stopped their work nor gave them any face—acting like they didn't even exist.

Though as they got closer, the villagers threw them awkward glances that clearly stated their discomfort toward them.

The officials, a mix of men and women ranging from their twenties to a few seasoned elders, approached the villagers at work. Stopping before the village elders, they offered a polite, collective bow in greeting.

The elders responded with a slight nod, barely acknowledging them.

"While we do understand that you're all giving us the cold shoulders because you all think we had left you all to yourself in the hands of the demons…." One of the officials began. "It isn't like that at all. We had been preparing for a battle against the demons that would have taken place in a few weeks to come. The delays had been because the barrier the demons used were ones we found hard to break, which was why we couldn't come to your rescue any early," she said.

As she spoke, the others stopped their work, drawing closer to listen to what the officials had to say.

"There is no doubt that you have suffered greatly, enduring loss and hardship," she continued. "We understand your pain and stand ready to grieve with you. Nothing is more gratifying than knowing you have reclaimed your freedom, and the association is truly glad for that. In light of this, we are prepared to offer both compensation and our unwavering support, sharing in your sorrows and joys however we can."

She paused briefly before adding, "Should you require assistance, we are also prepared to provide all the necessary resources to help you rebuild your village and restore your well-being."

Before she could continue, one of the village elders spoke up. "We're not exactly angry with the association like you think, because we understand it wouldn't have been easy for you all as well, " he said, surprising the officials.

"Though it can't be denied that we still harbor some bitterness towards outsiders like you because of all we've been through, we understand." From where the other villagers stood and listened, they nodded in agreement to what one of their elders had said, affirming his words.

"And regarding the supplements, we'll take you up on that. We need food and other supplies to help rebuild ourselves and the village," he added.

"Sure, I'll note that," the female official responded.

"Then," she continued, her demeanor shifting to one of professionalism. "Will you be kind enough to brief us in detail on what has happened here?"

The air around the villagers shifted, the others returning to their works while the elders exchanged awkward glances, unwilling to entertain such a question.

"Is it really that hard to talk about it or is there something keeping you from talking about it?" Another official asked.

Still, the villagers offered no response.

"Very well, I'll have my men survey the village and gather whatever we can. I trust this won't be a problem?" the female official that had been conversing with the elders asked.

"You're free to do as you like," one of the elders responded.

With fluid hand gestures, head nods and eye movements, the female official dispatched their men to survey the entire village.

As the officials surveyed the village, Kaeliyus who had been secretly watching from afar had to move from place to place, hiding from them. He did that until the officials surveying the village finished and returned back to the others.

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One among the dispatched officials relayed their report into the ears of the female official who shook her head to the other officials to inform them they were onto nothing.

Turning to the elders, her gaze lingered on them. She couldn't possibly force them to speak.

"Before we leave, can I ask something?" She asked and the elders gave an awkward nod.

"Was it the demons who returned back your freedoms? She asked, eyes peering straight into the eyes of the elders as if to catch any flicker of movement that could tell when they're lying.

"They aren't," one of the elders replied.

"I see," she said. "Then, is whatever that is responsible for this, good or bad? Do we have to stay alert regarding them? And," she paused, gaze turning to stern as she asked. "Are they demons?"