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Chapter 336:

Arthur's Point of View

The Eastern Continent

This was just like two thousand years ago. What did they need that many people for? Did the ones that survived whatever cruel treatment they went through, become Ghouls? Were they responsible for more missing people in this time? There were so many questions running through my head.

"Arthur." Elincia said suddenly and snapped me out of my contemplation. "We need to leave."

I nodded. "It would be best to move on. See if you can get the Queen to hurry up."

To my surprise, neither moved. "Arthur..." Elincia said again.

Kheri seemed hesitant as they both looked at me, and realization dawned on me. "Ah." Was my simple reply. "You meant leave Vithari entirely." The Priestess nodded. "Very well."

Both women looked at me, surprised. "You agree?" Elincia asked.

"No." I crossed my arms and shrugged. "This is where we part ways." Moving past them, Elincia quickly stepped in front of me. "What?"

"We cannot fight a war alone with only a single airship as support." She told me.

"Did I ask you too?" I shot back. "You can take the airship, back or I can send you back if Captain Allen wants to continue on. Either way."

Kheri finally spoke up. "I know you're powerful, Arthur, but can you really fight an entire army by yourself?"

I shrugged. "Probably. Depends on what Demon is commanding this entire movement. It's entirely possible I'll die here. Who knows?" Was my blasé response. "Either way, it sounds as though you two have already made up your minds." Then I gave Elincia a small nod. "I'll even agree to sending Typhon back with you, given the situation."

The Priestess closed her mouth tight as her eyes darted about lost. While she was doing that, many of the Dwarves made their way over to us. All of them following their Queen, Vithari. Each one was eyeing me with some manner of hope in their eyes.

"Arthur." She spoke plainly.

"Ventari."

Many seemed surprised at the casual greeting. "On behalf of my people, I'd like to give you my thanks for saving this town, and its people."

"But?"

Her teeth clenched as she took a moment to calm herself. "Truly, you have done more than I could ever ask, but my people have had their children kidnapped."

With a sigh, I looked out across the crowd. "And as I told them previously, I cannot help with that."

Ventari's expression became downcast. "May I ask why?"

"The Demon who took them has likely already returned to The Crimson Wasteland. Your children are lost to you now." I gave a small bow of my head. "I'm sorry I couldn't do anything more."

"They've already returned to the Realm of Demons?"

I nodded. "Most likely."

Many Dwarves sobbed and sniffled. Most already knew it was likely a lost cause. That didn't make it any less painful to hear.

All of them looked very similar to what you would expect. Short, hairy, and hardy looking. However, there were some big differences. They did not have what one would expect for dwarven armor. Instead, they kept their clothes to a minimum. Most men were shirtless with only their natural body hair to cover them. The women were clothed a little differently for modesty's sake.

However, every single one of them was heavily tanned. Desert dwarves indeed. Armbands, wristbands, and ankle bands seemed to be their decoration of choice. Each was lined with something to keep the metal heating up in the sun and burning the skin. Silver, gold, and other manner of jewels lined their metalwork. That told me they were most likely still artisans and forge workers like how I had expected.

"Arthur, I know this wasn't part of our original deal, but-"

"You want me to clear out other nearby towns just to make sure they're safe?"

Ventari nodded. "Yes, and to stop any more children from being taken from us. I've never heard of an enemy that takes away only children."

"Take away an entire generation from a nation, and you could cripple them in time." I then shrugged. "I doubt it was for the reasons you think. Demons have a habit of claiming more than just children. In this case, I just think this town was unlucky."

The Queen's frown deepened, and Elincia spoke up. "Arthur!" She chastised.

"I will not blame him for the truth. In this instance, a lie would be a horrible thing. False hope is not something I want for my subjects." Ventari stated, and she sighed. "Would you be willing to look into the nearby towns? There's a few on the coast and a few more inland."

Many of the Dwarves were disinterested, while others waited for my response. "Do you have a map?"