Reincarnated with a Military System in Another World

227  Checking if the Country is still Alive

Elinalese's eyes widened as she took in the sight of the young woman stepping forward from the group of survivors. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the face she had feared she would never see again. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Luminova?" Elinalese's voice was a whisper, filled with disbelief and hope.

Luminova was no longer the elegant courtier of Eldoria that Elinalese remembered, but there was no mistaking her striking beauty, even now, marred as it was by exhaustion and the hardships she had endured. Her once-lustrous auburn hair was now tangled, and her face was streaked with dirt, but her emerald eyes were as bright and sharp as ever.

"Elinalese!" Luminova cried, her voice breaking. In an instant, she crossed the rubble-strewn ground between them and wrapped the Duchess in a tight embrace. Tears flowed freely down both their faces, their relief palpable after being separated for so long.

"I thought you were dead," Elinalese choked out, pulling back just enough to look into Luminova's eyes. "I thought I had lost you too, along with everyone else."

Luminova smiled through her tears, cupping Elinalese's face in her hands. "I never stopped hoping," she said softly. "After you disappeared, we hid wherever we could. I've been with the survivors ever since, trying to protect them as best as I could. I tried searching for you... but the demons..." She trailed off, her voice quivering.

Elinalese shook her head, her eyes glistening. "The Demon Lord took me," she explained, her voice tight. "I was used as bait to draw Vincent and his forces in. I'm so sorry I wasn't here... to help you."

Luminova's expression softened. "You survived," she whispered, brushing a tear from Elinalese's cheek. "That's all that matters. You've come back for us, and that's enough."

Vincent watched the reunion unfold from a few steps away, giving them a moment of privacy. He couldn't help but admire the resilience in both women. Despite everything they had endured, there was still a fire burning in their eyes.

"Luminova," Vincent interrupted gently, stepping forward. "We need to know—how many survivors are there? And what's the situation here in Eldoria?"

Luminova turned to Vincent, her expression turning more serious as she wiped her tears away. "There are about a dozen of us left," she said, her voice steady now. "We've been hiding in the catacombs beneath the old market district. It's one of the few places the demons haven't discovered yet."

Marcus, who had been keeping watch, stepped forward. "I think we should look for mor survivors. This kingdom doesn't have monsters in it as far as I can tell."

Elinalese nodded, her resolve hardening at Marcus's words. "Yes, we have to be sure. If there are others still out there, we can't abandon them."

Vincent exchanged a quick glance with Marcus, then turned to Luminova. "Can you guide us through the city? If the catacombs are secure, we'll use it as our base and extend our search from there."

Luminova hesitated for a moment, looking back at the huddled group of survivors. "I will guide you, but I need someone to stay behind to protect the others," she said. "The demons may not patrol as heavily during the day, but they're always looking for stragglers."

Marcus nodded. "Two of my men will stay with them. That should keep this place secure." He quickly gestured for two of the soldiers to take up defensive positions at the entrance to the catacombs.

Vincent turned to Elinalese. "You and Luminova will stay close to me. Marcus, take the lead. We'll sweep the streets, but keep it quiet. No unnecessary risks."

"Understood," Marcus replied, his expression serious. He adjusted his gear and motioned for the team to move out.

Luminova led the way, guiding them through the winding ruins of what was once a bustling capital. The air was thick with the scent of ash, and the once-beautiful cobblestone streets were now cracked and littered with debris. Elinalese's heart ached at the sight of her homeland reduced to such a state, but she pushed the pain aside, focusing on the task at hand.

"Vincent," Elinalese whispered as they moved through a narrow alley. "If we find any more survivors... what then?"

"We get them to safety," Vincent replied, his voice low but resolute. "We can't change what's already happened here, but we can still save those who are left."

Elinalese nodded, her eyes darting around warily. The thought of the Demon Lord's forces lurking in the shadows sent a shiver down her spine, but she drew strength from Vincent's presence beside her. He had saved her once; she trusted he would protect her people as well.

Marcus signaled for them to halt as they reached a small plaza. The remains of a fountain stood in the center, its once-clear waters now murky and filled with debris. The team spread out, weapons at the ready, scanning the area for any signs of movement.

Suddenly, a faint cry echoed from one of the collapsed buildings nearby.

"Did you hear that?" Elinalese whispered, her eyes widening.

Vincent nodded, holding up a hand for silence. The team listened closely, straining to hear over the soft whistle of the wind.

"There it is again," Luminova said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's coming from over there."

Marcus motioned for the team to follow as they approached the source of the sound. As they drew closer, the cries grew louder, more desperate. Vincent's heart quickened. If there were survivors trapped in the rubble...

Marcus and one of the soldiers carefully moved aside chunks of debris blocking the entrance to what appeared to be an old tavern. As they cleared the way, the cries became clearer—someone was definitely alive inside.

"Help us... please!" a voice called out, weak and trembling.

Without wasting a second, Vincent and Marcus slipped through the opening they had created, Elinalese and Luminova close behind. Inside, the air was thick with dust, and the darkness was nearly suffocating. Vincent flicked on his flashlight, the beam cutting through the gloom to reveal a group of haggard survivors huddled together in a corner.

"There's more of them," Elinalese breathed, relief and sadness mingling in her eyes. "We found more people."

Vincent moved closer, his flashlight revealing faces both young and old, all marked by exhaustion and fear. One of the men, an older soldier with a bandaged leg, squinted up at them.

"Are... are you here to save us?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

"Yes," Vincent said firmly. "We're getting you all out of here."

Marcus turned to Luminova. "Can these people make it to the catacombs on their own, or will they need assistance?"

Luminova nodded, her expression grim. "Some of them can walk, but others are too weak. We'll need to carry those who can't."

Vincent didn't hesitate. He turned to his men. "Pair up, help anyone who can't walk. Marcus, keep an eye out for any demon patrols."

"Copy that, Commander," Marcus replied, his eyes already scanning the shattered windows for any sign of movement.

As the team began to help the survivors out of the building, Elinalese approached a young woman cradling a crying child. "It's going to be alright," she said softly, offering her hand. "We're going to get you somewhere safe."

The woman looked up, her eyes filled with tears of relief. "Thank you," she whispered, clutching Elinalese's hand like a lifeline.

Vincent couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. Despite the destruction around them, despite the overwhelming power of the Demon Lord, they were saving lives. It was a small victory, but in times like these, even the smallest victories mattered.

As they made their way back to the catacombs, the group moved swiftly but cautiously. Vincent stayed near the rear, ensuring no one was left behind. The city's ruins loomed like silent sentinels, the oppressive quiet broken only by the shuffle of weary feet and the occasional murmur of encouragement.

Finally, they reached the hidden entrance. Luminova led the survivors down into the safety of the underground refuge, while Marcus and his soldiers took up defensive positions at the entrance.

Elinalese paused at the entrance, turning to Vincent. "Thank you," she said softly. "For everything you're doing. For my people."

Vincent gave her a small, reassuring smile. "We're not done yet," he said. "But we're getting there."

As they descended into the catacombs, Vincent couldn't shake the feeling that they were running out of time. The Demon Lord's forces would eventually discover their presence, and when they did, they would come with all the fury of hell itself.

But for now, they had bought themselves a little more time. And with that time, they would plan, regroup, and prepare for the battles that lay ahead.