Desolate World

After getting information from Geo, Ace asked Geo to come back to the entrance. They would meet the refugees together. 

Although Geo's information was somewhat surprising, it also answered his doubt. Why did the vampires go out of the cave while carrying some humans?

Now, he knew the reason. It seemed that they were attacked by the refugees and the refugees somehow managed to chase off the vampires.

So Ace and his family decided to wait for them at the entrance of the cave. And they didn't have to wait for a long time. As hundreds of humans were approaching the entrance of the cave with torches in their hands. After realizing there were people blocking the cave entrance, the refugees stopped and looked at Ace's group curiously.

Then a burly man came out of the stunned crowd and asked Ace's group with a delighted expression, "Are you humans?"

'Isn't he Noah? An elite human?' Looking at the man's information Ace was pleasantly surprised. 

It was a weird question. However, Ace understood his mood behind the question. In such a complicated forest full of monsters, seeing human beings was like finding an oasis in a vast desert. You can hope for information, help, and the most important thing, shelter.

So Ace answered with a smile, "Yes, finally I have found you. Nice to meet you. My name is Ace. Ace Nightglow,"

"We are the rescue team from a nearby village. We have sought the refugees from the North war for some time. I'm glad we have found you," Ace said.

"My name is Noah. I'm a temporary leader of these refugees. Is there really a village around here?" Noah asked with doubt.

"Sure, it was just a few dozens of km Southwest from here. If you follow the river in the South to the west direction, you will eventually find it," Ace answered.

Noah smiled bitterly. He then said, "It seems that we are walking in the wrong direction. We are really glad to meet you."

Ace answered, "Yes, it's thanks to Miss Nila. She was the one who guided us here. We have also successfully rescued her sister from the vampires…."

Noah, who looked shocked, then interrupted Ace, "Nila? No way! She has already died. I… I…."

Looking at the pale complexion of Noah, Ace sighed. He then gave a sign for Cloud to explain.

Cloud then explained that she had an ability to communicate with spirit. It made Noah silent for a moment. Even the refugees behind him were quiet. 

Ace somewhat understood what they felt. After all, he knew that the man in front of him had killed Nila, although due to ignorance. After all, their lack of knowledge about vampire transformation caused the tragedy.

"She is here, right now. Nila has forgiven you, Noah. She said that she herself wanted to die at that time, so you shouldn't blame yourself," Cloud said with a smile.

It made Noah surprised once more. But, for some reason, he averted his gaze. He then said in a low voice, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. If I didn't take such a hurried decision, you should have a chance to live. We could find a healer to cure you."

It looked like it would take some time for Ace and Cloud to lift Noah's depression and also the refugees'. Then one of the refugees asked something that would break the ice.

A middle-aged man asked, "Is it true that you have already saved Nila's sister from the vampire?"

Ace appreciated the man's action. Ace answered, "Yes, she was outside. She is still unconscious."

Noah lifted his head. As if just remembering that Mila was saved. He then asked, "Can I see her?"

"Yes, of course," Ace answered. He then took them outside of the cave.

The refugees including Noah were shocked when they saw a large hole was dug outside of the cave. They then looked at Ace's and his family's backs as they walked in a direction.

"Excuse me, what is the hole for?" Noah asked.

It made Ace stop his steps. He then said, "I will tell you after taking you to Mila."

Noah and the refugees seemed not to mind that, as they followed Ace. They then walked not too far until they saw a big creature was floating above some bushes.

It seemed to make them vigilant. They then raised their weapons. 

Knowing there might be some misunderstanding, Ace said hurriedly, "Hold on, she is my son's pet. She was ordered to guard Mila."

"Yes, Red and Blue are here to protect the lady," Geo said. The smaller Blue then showed himself from behind Red.

"Is that so? I'm sorry!" Noah said. He also asked the other refugees to calm down.

"May I?" Noah then asked Ace's permission to check Mila's condition. 

"Sure," Ace said while giving Noah and the refugees space to see Mila.

They then looked at the unconscious Mila. Her condition actually had already been good. But, for some reason, she was still unconscious.

Then Ace heard Noah's sigh. He said, "Fortunately, the vampire hasn't bitten her."

Ace only smiled. He didn't want to tell the truth. He then checked hundreds of refugees. Some of them looked injured. They were piggybacked by some refugees. Then another fact surprised Ace.

At first, he didn't realize them. Then he was shocked to know that almost 200 refugees were transforming into vampires. Some of them even had already had a pair of wings. 

He then asked, "Excuse me, are some of you transforming into vampires?"

"Eeh…," A woman yelled. She then ran behind other refugees.

"I-its like this…," Another woman with pale complexion tried to explain. But she looked like had difficulty arranging her words.

Then a sigh was heard. Noah then came towards Ace. He said, "As you can see, Mr. Ace. Some of us were seriously injured and many more are transforming into vampires. But don't worry. They won't make trouble. They haven't fully transformed.

What I want to ask is, do you have a healer in your village? We found that they could still be healed. We only need a healer to cure them." 

"Sure. Actually, my mother-in-law herself is a healer. Ma'am, please save them," Ace said with a smile.

In an instant, Noah's and the other refugees' expressions brightened.

***