Chapter 97: The Storm Within

As dawn broke over Rimuru, a crisp chill lingered in the air, hinting at the uncertainty that lay ahead. Padrino awoke early, the sounds of the village stirring around him. He had hardly slept, his mind racing with strategies, plans, and the looming threat of Galdros. The taste of victory was bittersweet, and he felt the weight of his newfound leadership pressing down on him.

Rising from his makeshift bed, Padrino stepped outside the tent, greeted by the sight of villagers beginning their daily routines. Some were gathering supplies, while others tended to the wounded from the recent skirmish. The spirit of resilience was palpable, yet Padrino knew that their safety still hung in the balance.

He walked toward the center of the camp, where Aelin and Niko were already discussing the next steps. Aelin looked up and smiled, her presence a source of comfort amid the chaos. "Morning, Padrino. We were just discussing how to strengthen our defenses and what to do about Halvard."

"Any developments?" Padrino asked, joining them.

Niko nodded, crossing his arms. "We've set a watch on Halvard. He's being guarded closely, but we still need to extract information from him. We need to know if Galdros plans to retaliate or if he has any remaining allies in the area."

Padrino felt a surge of determination. "Let's prepare for the interrogation. I want to know everything he knows. We can't afford to underestimate him."

Later that morning, they gathered around a makeshift table in the command tent. Halvard was brought in, shackled and guarded, but there was a defiant glint in his eye. Padrino felt a mix of anger and determination as he faced the man responsible for so much suffering.

"Halvard," he began, his voice steady. "You're going to answer our questions today. Your betrayal ends here. What do you know about Galdros's plans?"

Halvard chuckled, the sound dark and mocking. "You think you can intimidate me, Padrino? Galdros will crush you like a bug. You're playing at being a king, but you're nothing but a glorified villager."

Padrino's fists clenched at his sides, but he forced himself to remain calm. "You underestimate us. We have fought back, and we will continue to fight for Rimuru. We want to know your plans and the extent of Galdros's forces."

Halvard leaned back, a smirk still plastered on his face. "You want the truth? Galdros doesn't care about you or your little village. You're just a blip on his radar. If he decides to strike, he'll do it when you least expect it. You'll never see it coming."

Aelin stepped forward, her voice unwavering. "But you know something, don't you? You have connections. You've been a part of this all along. You have a chance to save yourself by helping us."

Halvard's expression flickered, and for a moment, Padrino thought he saw fear. "I won't betray Galdros. You think I'm afraid of him? You have no idea what you're up against."

Niko leaned in closer. "Then you'll die knowing you could have saved yourself and your people. We're not afraid to use force to get what we need. You can either help us, or you'll regret your stubbornness."

Padrino could see the struggle in Halvard's eyes, the conflict between loyalty and survival. "What's it going to be?" he pressed, his tone firm but steady.

After a tense silence, Halvard finally relented. "Fine. I'll tell you what I know, but it's not going to help you much. Galdros has plans to strike in the north, where your defenses are weakest. He's gathering forces, and you won't be able to stop him."

Padrino exchanged a glance with Aelin and Niko, their resolve solidifying. "How soon?" Padrino pressed.

"Sooner than you think. He's been waiting for the right moment, and your little victory has only fueled his desire for revenge."

After the interrogation, Padrino felt a whirlwind of emotions. Halvard's information confirmed their fears, but it also gave them a clearer target. They had to act quickly to fortify their defenses and rally support from neighboring villages.

Gathering his core team again, Padrino laid out his plans. "We need to send scouts to the north to gather more intelligence. Aelin, you'll lead the scouting party. Niko, focus on reinforcing our defenses here. We need to be ready for whatever Galdros throws at us."

Aelin nodded, her eyes fierce. "We won't let you down, Padrino. We'll get the information we need."

"Good," Padrino said, feeling a surge of confidence. "And I want to reach out to our allies in the surrounding areas. Let them know we're preparing for an imminent attack. We need to strengthen our numbers."

As they set their plans into motion, Padrino couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in his stomach. Galdros was a formidable opponent, and even with the information they had, the road ahead would be fraught with danger. Yet, he also felt a sense of unity among his team and the villagers. They were ready to fight for their home, and that gave him strength.

Later that night, Padrino stood outside his tent, gazing at the stars. He took a deep breath, the cool air filling his lungs. "We will prevail," he murmured to himself. "For Rimuru. For our future."

As the night deepened, the flickering lights of the campfires cast a warm glow, and the sound of laughter and camaraderie filled the air. In the face of adversity, hope was a powerful weapon, and together, they would face whatever storms lay ahead.

Padrino returned to the warmth of the tent, ready to lead his people into the battles that awaited them. They were more than just a village; they were a community bound by resilience and determination. And with each challenge they faced, they would emerge stronger than before.