The sun hung high in the sky. By the time Ang and the guard unit returned to North Wind Territory, it was nearly noon. From afar, the roads on both sides of the territory were already packed with residents who had come to welcome them. Men, women, old, and young waved whatever they held and burst into cheers. "They're back! The heroes of North Wind Territory!"
"Mighty! The guard unit is mighty!"
The cheers surged over them like a tide, washing away the exhaustion of a night-long pursuit. Every guard stood tall, weapons in hand and faces filled with pride, as though even their steps had grown lighter. Every soldier knew that they had earned this glory with blood.
Ang stepped out from the ranks and saw Aisha hurrying toward him. She wore a smile, but there was concern in her eyes. "Brother, you were amazing!"
Ang smiled faintly and waved a hand. "It wasn't that I was amazing. Those bandits were just pathetic! Your brother is at the peak of Level 1 Warrior, and I've got Enchanted Armament. If I couldn't even beat them, I might as well jump into a river."
Aisha let out a laugh, her eyes full of admiration. "Hehehe, anyway, you're the greatest in my heart, Brother!"
Ang patted her shoulder, his tone softening. "How are Father and Mother? Are they all right?"
"Don't worry, Brother. They're fine. Once they heard that you had won, they finally relaxed. They worried all night and only just fell asleep peacefully." Aisha answered, looking more at ease herself.
Ang nodded, then looked toward the confiscated spoils. Pointing at the mountain of weapons, he ordered, "Have Dusha take people to send these weapons and armor to the workshop. Melt all of them down. Don't leave behind any hidden dangers."