At last, Fang Zheng took Raphtalia and Rifana for another sweep through the surrounding forest, killing off all the scattered monsters. Only after reaching level twenty did his obsessive-compulsive disorder finally settle down.
MMP, being stuck just short of leveling up was seriously unbearable.
"Hero!"
Just as Fang Zheng returned to the village with Raphtalia and Rifana, thoroughly satisfied, the village chief and a group of villagers were waiting there. Upon seeing him arrive, they hurriedly bowed their heads respectfully.
"Thank you for saving us. If it hadn't been for you... we would probably all have died here!"
"As long as you're alive, that's what matters."
Fang Zheng waved a hand calmly.
"Where there's life, there's hope. No matter what happens, surviving comes first... hmm..."
"It's all thanks to you, Shield Hero!"
"We will never forget your kindness!"
The other villagers hurriedly chimed in as well. Like Raphtalia, they had seen everything the Knight Order had done. But there was little the villagers could say. After all, resisting The Wave was the Knights' top priority. Making certain sacrifices for that was only natural.
But from the villagers' perspective, if Fang Zheng had not summoned the Seven Heavenly Rings to block that rain of fire, their homes would likely have been completely burned down.
"All right, you should get back to your own business. You still have plenty to do, don't you?"
"Yes..."
Hearing Fang Zheng's words, the village chief led the villagers in another deep bow before turning and leaving.
"They thanked us..."
Watching the villagers disperse, Raphtalia murmured softly.
"That's why you should judge by actions, not words."
Fang Zheng glanced ahead, then withdrew his gaze. He reached out and gently patted Raphtalia and Rifana on the heads.
"All right, little ones. We're going back to the city today.