Desolate World

Jordan's performance made Ace want to clap his hands. But, as he didn't want to get Andrea's resentment, he just nodded. Andrea could only be quiet in front of the bombardment of the solid arguments.

Some shadows began to show their support for this theory. One of them also gave a challenging argument, like why they had to stubbornly insist on the idea that they were undead, if no undead treated them as their kind. This argument made Andrea shaken. 

But, some of the shadows also showed their opposition. Many of them worried that even if they accepted the reality that they were not undead, the living people maybe couldn't accept it. In the end, they would still be ostracized by the living people, or worse, they would be attacked.

Hearing it, Ace thought that it was his turn to step up. He then said, "l assure you! Even if there are people like that, who would point their finger at you or attack you, I will stand by your side.

I don't say that it will be easy. Some people out there are even willing to kill their family members because of some benefits. It is entirely possible, some people want to make trouble, when they know that you want to assimilate with other living beings. 

But, they will do that, not because they don't understand your cause, but because they are scumbags. And for scumbags like them, I will not hold my hands."

Hearing Ace's promise, the majority of them accepted Ace's goodwill. Many more people emerged from the shadows to give their consent to assimilate with the living people. 

Ace even could see some small shadows that looked like children of humans. It verified what Jordan had said.

Then one elite that always kept silent from the start, Peter also gave his support. Now, everyone waited for Andrea. 

She then said, "The wave that you bring is really great, Ace. But, You are right. We are living people. We are not undead. So we have no reason to not accept your invitation. Furthermore, having a huge and strong umbrella like a dragon lord is so tempting to me. 

So, yes. We will go with you to the village. And whether we are accepted or not. We will always be thankful to you. You are our eternal ally until you abandon us."

The words that Adrian said were so strong, it made Ace overwhelmed. But he was happy with it.

"I will not disappoint you, my friend. I will try my hardest to make you be recognized by the villagers. Thank you for trusting me. You will not regret it," Ace said.

By the end of their discussion, the dawn was coming. They decided to go right away to the village. 

Because many of them didn't have agility as high as Jordan and other shadow stalkers, their journey couldn't be fast. They needed 4 days to arrive at the perimeter of the village.

When they were just a few kilometers from the village, they saw a floating island above the lake near the village.

"It seems it's true that they have arrived," Ace said.

"Who are they?" Andrea asked. She stood beside him with Peter.

After spending a few days with the shadows, Ace became more familiar with Jordan, Andrea, and Peter. 

Jordan was a hardworking person. He and the other stalkers took turns to scout the way. They also hunted monsters for the meal of other shadows.

Andrea on the other hand was like the older sister in the group. Everyone always consulted something to her before doing something. Even Peter, who had the highest level among them, seemed to be dependent on her. It could be said that she was the brain and the heart of the shadows.

Peter was a silent man. He was always among the group. Ace speculated that he took the role of protector. But, because Jordan and the other stalkers were too efficient. No monster came near the group. 

"It's Aria's floating Island. At least it is what she said. She has a high position among the angels, so she has a private island. It came from Dragma Valley bringing supplies and refugees," Ace said.

"I see...," Andrea answered.

As they approached the village, they saw some tall towers were being built. However, there was a tower that had already been completed. From afar, Ace could see some people on top of it. One of them seemed to see them. Then he told his friend about something. His friend then opened his wings and flew towards them.

'An angel as village guard? Isn't it too much?' Ace said in his heart, while smiling.

"Stop!!! The guard seems to want to check us," Ace said.

All shadows then stopped. Jordan emerged beside Ace. He then said, "I just want to say that. Just how good is your eyesight?" 

"Far better than you. That is for sure," Ace said while smirking.

"You are boasting," Jordan replied.

A few seconds later a male angel came in front of them. He was flapping his wings in the air while checking the shadows. Then he said, "This is Laketown village's area. Can I know, what is your purpose for coming here?"

"I'm Ace Nightglow. A Guardian from this village. I just came from scouting. I met some refugees that want to join our village. Please tell village hall to receive them," Ace said.

Although Ace had already told Sofia that he had arrived, he must follow the procedure, as it seemed the village guards had already been established.

The angel seemed to doubt something. After hesitating for a few seconds, he nodded. He then said, "Please wait for a few minutes in this place. I will report your arrival."

Ace had a bad feeling from the expression of the angel. He had a premonition that a drama had to be played. Then he recalled that an annoying female dragon and his clueless brother should have arrived as well. If some more problematic individuals also joined the village, this would not be easy. 

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