Without the priest's command or magical blessings, the remaining demons fell into chaos.
"Cleanse the rest of them!" Lord Robert ordered.
The knights, hearts burning with renewed morale, surged forward in unison with the town militia who had rushed out from Blackstone Town. Together, they launched the final sweep against the scattered monsters. The hissing of serpent-men and the shrill cries of lizard beasts soon faded, swallowed by the clash of steel and the smell of blood.
When the last demon collapsed, silence gradually spread across the field. The stench of decay and burnt flesh lingered in the air, thick and suffocating.
The heavy wooden gates of Blackstone Town creaked open. From within came a group of townsfolk, escorting a white-haired yet spirited old man. He stepped forward and bowed deeply to Lord Robert.
"Honored knight, thank you for your timely rescue!" the old man said, voice trembling with emotion. "I am Buck, mayor of Blackstone Town. If not for you and your brave men, this town would have been lost."
Robert's aide stepped up beside him and declared, "Townsfolk, this is not merely your rescuer — this is your new Lord of Blackstone Territory, Lord Robert. From this day forth, you shall live under his protection."
"Lord…?" Mayor Buck froze, then his eyes lit up in sudden joy. "You are our new Lord of Blackstone Territory? That's wonderful! Truly wonderful! We have waited so long for our Lord's arrival!"
Turning to the gathered people, he shouted, "Everyone, look! This is our new Lord, Lord Robert! It was he who led the knights to save us!"
A wave of cheers and relieved cries swept through the crowd. In this perilous wilderness, only the protection of a lord could grant them the faint hope of survival.
Amid the celebrations, Lord Robert led his weary, bloodstained knights into the town.
"Lord, this way, please," said Mayor Buck respectfully, his back slightly hunched. "Our town is humble. I hope it will not displease you."
Robert nodded silently, his gaze sharp as he took in the surroundings. The defenses were pitiful — only a half-collapsed wooden wall stood between the townsfolk and the wilderness. It was no wonder the demons had broken through so easily.
The group arrived at an open square in the center of town. The area was simple but spacious, likely the townsfolk's gathering place. On the far side stood a two-story house made of mixed wood and stone — the sturdiest building around. It served as both the mayor's residence and council hall.
"Mayor Buck," Robert said evenly, "I need a full report on the town's condition — population, food reserves, combat-capable men, and how often you've been attacked. Has anything like today happened before?"
"Yes, my Lord," Buck replied quickly. "Blackstone Town currently has a registered population of just over three thousand four hundred. But most are elderly, women, or children. Our militia numbers about two hundred, including eight formal knights. As for food…" He sighed. "Our supplies will barely last a month, even with strict rationing. Demon attacks were rare before — small groups, never anything like today. A large-scale raid led by a priest… this was the first."
Robert frowned slightly. The situation was worse than he had imagined.
"One month's food," he murmured. "Barely enough to survive the coming winter."
At his side, Moonlight — his loyal silver-furred companion — sniffed the air in displeasure. The small beast wrinkled its nose at the blood and rot, then rubbed against Robert's leg, letting out a soft growl that sounded halfway between complaint and pride.
Robert chuckled and patted its head. "You did well this time. You'll get extra rations when we return."
Moonlight wagged its tail, satisfied.
"Lord…" Mayor Buck hesitated, his wrinkled face filled with both hope and fear.
Robert's expression hardened again, his voice calm yet resolute. "Do not worry. Now that I am here, I will not allow Blackstone Town to fall back into despair. From this day forward, everyone will take action. Aide will instruct you on reinforcing the walls. I will reorganize and train the militia. As for food — I will find a solution."
"Yes, my Lord!" Buck exclaimed, tears of relief welling in his eyes.
Moments later, Aide returned with a report. "Lord, the walls are damaged in several areas. Repairs will require a large amount of lumber and manpower. Three of our knights were lightly injured. The townsfolk suffered heavier losses — seventeen dead, over twenty wounded. We're also short on arrows, and several weapons need repair."
Robert nodded slowly. The casualties were heavy but manageable.
"Have the injured treated immediately," he ordered. "The fallen townsfolk will be compensated. Aide, organize the cleanup — clear the battlefield, burn the demon corpses, and salvage what materials you can. Mayor Buck, mobilize the militia for wall repairs. Before nightfall, every weak point must be reinforced."
Both men bowed deeply and hurried off to carry out their orders.
Blackstone Territory stretched across the southern foot of the Blackstone Mountains — vast, rugged, and largely desolate. Most of the land was barren rock and untamed wilderness, unfit for farming or settlement. Only the plains to the south offered a hint of fertility, though even there survival was uncertain.
The entire territory held fewer than five thousand people, scattered among isolated settlements. The economy depended mostly on foraging herbs, mining minerals, and cultivating small patches of grain where possible.
That night, Lord Robert stood by the window of his temporary quarters, gazing toward the distant, shadowy peaks. The cold night wind brushed through his hair, carrying with it the faint scent of blood and pine.
At his feet, Moonlight rubbed against his boots, letting out a soft whimper.
In the dim moonlight, Robert's eyes fell upon the ruins north of town — the remnants of an abandoned castle. It was said that the previous pioneering lord, filled with grand ambition, had begun construction there. But before the first walls could rise, the man was slain by a Hydra during a hunting expedition in the Blackstone Mountains. Since then, the unfinished castle had stood silent, a grim monument to broken dreams.
Robert looked at it for a long time, his eyes steady. Then he turned away.
When dawn broke, a knight squad rode out of Blackstone Town. The settlement, now stirring back to life, watched them go with a mixture of awe and hope.
Robert led the column on horseback, Moonlight trotting close beside him. The beast occasionally paused to sniff at tufts of grass or dart at a startled rabbit, then hurried back to his side, as if asking where they were headed next.
They traveled south, away from the looming shadow of the mountains. The land gradually flattened, the horizon widening into a bleak but open plain. Sparse, cold-resistant shrubs dotted the hard soil, and the wind carried the scent of frost. Here and there, traces of abandoned farmland could still be seen — faint scars of human struggle against the wilderness.
Without the shield of a powerful army, many such farms had been overrun by demons and later deserted.
After two hours of steady riding, the faint murmur of running water reached their ears. They crested a low hill, and the view suddenly opened up before them.
A river wound through the barren land, not wide but swift and clear, its surface glittering in the morning sun. Pebbles lined the bottom, visible through the glassy current. On both banks stretched a broad valley, its soil fertile and its grasses lush — a vivid green oasis amidst the wasteland.
Robert's men reined in their horses, marveling at the sight.
But what truly caught their attention was the flurry of motion across the valley. Flocks of gray-feathered birds dotted the riverbanks and fields, feeding noisily among the reeds.
They were large, plump creatures with long necks and webbed feet, some dipping their heads into the water to graze on plants, others preening their feathers or calling raucously to one another. Their honking echoed across the valley — loud, lively, and full of vigor.
One of the knights pointed, eyes alight with excitement. "Greylag geese!"
The sight filled Robert's mind with quick calculation. The valley was fertile, the river steady, and the presence of such wildlife meant the land was rich in food and safety — perhaps untouched by demonic corruption.
Aide turned to him. "My Lord, if we could secure this area—"
Robert nodded. "Yes. If this valley can support such life, it can support people. We'll mark this place for settlement."
He dismounted and approached the river, kneeling to let the cold water run through his fingers. It was clear, clean — pure enough to drink. He rose, eyes glinting. "We'll call this the Grey Goose Valley."
Moonlight wagged its tail and barked softly, splashing at the water's edge as if in approval.
Robert smiled faintly. For the first time since his arrival in Blackstone, he saw hope — not just for survival, but for renewal.
Beyond the horizon, the winter winds stirred, but the valley before him whispered of life, growth, and a new beginning.