Chapter 155: The Weight of Ecdy's Burden!

Chapter 155: The Weight of Ecdy's Burden

Country of Grinwall... Rhemon city...Green Rhemonics Land!

The city of Rhemon, nestled in the western heartlands of the Country of Grinwall, was once a flourishing haven of lush greenery and tranquility. It had been home to the Green Rhemonics, a peaceful faction thriving under the wise and compassionate leadership of Nyala.

Now, Nyala was far from her people, embarking on a perilous mission with Tessa to rescue Adrian. Alongside them was Heziah Eric, a former agent— now turned spy, working covertly to undermine their enemies. In their absence, the Green Rhemonic land had transformed into a chaotic sanctuary, teeming with refugees fleeing the ruthless oppression of Rhemon's tyrannical agents.

This refuge came at a steep cost—strained resources, overcrowded shelters, and the crumbling resolve of its reluctant leader, Ecdy. Each passing day tested his limits, as the weight of leadership pressed down on him, threatening to break his spirit.

Ecdy's heart pounded as he paced within the makeshift command tent, his anxiety mounting with every new arrival. Refugees poured in daily, eyes hollow with fear and exhaustion. He had no idea how long they could hold out. The weight of leadership was foreign to him, and he loathed it.

He missed Nyala. She was born to lead—calm, decisive, and charismatic. Her words could soothe even the most restless crowd, her presence a beacon of hope. Nymff was no less capable; her intellect was unmatched, but she had refused the mantle of leadership, instead thrusting it upon Ecdy.

And then there was Adrian. Tales of the Fire Lord's exploits blazed through the land, igniting awe and reverence among the people. To them, he was more than a warrior; he was a living legend, a god among mortals. Ecdy had stood beside him in battle more than once, witnessing firsthand the power that now fueled countless whispered praises.

Yet, he kept this connection to himself. Admitting his ties to Adrian could paint a target on his back, marking him for the countless spies and informants lurking in the shadows, ever loyal to Rhemon's oppressive regime.

News of Adrian's capture hit him harder than he expected. Nyala's recent message confirmed she and Tessa were on a mission to rescue him. They were miles away, fighting battles he could not even imagine. Meanwhile, he was here, struggling to manage a crumbling sanctuary.

"Adrian would have handled this effortlessly," Ecdy muttered, bitterness lacing his voice. The Fire Lord's trademark confidence and charm would have steadied the people, while Tessa's quiet resolve would have inspired them. Yet, both were absent, and the burden fell on him.

His thoughts were interrupted by the hurried approach of Lhize, her face flushed with urgency. "Boss, another group of survivors is outside the camp. They're begging for refuge."

Ecdy closed his eyes, feeling a fresh wave of despair wash over him. The camp was already at capacity, the food supply dwindling, and tensions rising among the weary inhabitants. Yet, how could he turn people away? The Rhemon bandits left no mercy for stragglers.

"Let them in," he said finally, his voice heavy with resignation. It was like a part of his soul left with that statement.

"Are you sure?" Lhize asked, her brow furrowed in concern. Well they were already at maximum capacity, taking more felt like a bad decision.

Ecdy shot her a cold glare. He had no energy for debates. Without another word, Lhize nodded and left to handle the newcomers.

Just as Ecdy allowed himself a brief sigh, two familiar figures emerged from the shadows—Ms. Caldwell and Mr. Thompson. Their presence was like a knife to an already open wound.

"Hi Ecdy, do you have any news on Tessa and Adrian? I'm getting worried!" Ms. Caldwell asked, her voice trembling with concern. Mr. Thompson rested a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Ecdy's patience snapped. "Ma'am, I haven't even had a proper meal today. I'm exhausted, overwhelmed, and doing my best to hold this place together. Could you please, for once, consider my situation?" His words came out sharper than intended.

The words had barely escaped his lips before regret hit him like a tidal wave. "Did I really just say that—to the mother of the moon goddess?" Ecdy's stomach churned. "I'm finished… completely done for."

Ms. Caldwell's face fell, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Without a word, she turned and walked away. Mr. Thompson cast Ecdy a scornful glance before following her.

Ecdy buried his face in his hands. "What have I done?" he whispered, guilt gnawing at him.

"Well, that was a spectacular mess," a familiar voice teased. Nymff appeared, her arms crossed and a smirk playing on her lips. "You didn't just shoot yourself in the leg this time, Ecdy—you went full throttle and fired a missile."

"Not funny, Nymff," Ecdy growled. "I begged you to help, but you left everything to me. If Tessa comes back and kills me, I swear I'll drag you to hell with me."

Nymff chuckled, clearly unfazed. "Fair point. I've been a bit selfish, I admit. But I'm here now. Let me help." she said with a pout and a sad face.

Her tone softened as she added, "I'm sorry, Ecdy. I truly am."

Ecdy's tense posture relaxed as he chuckled dryly. "Fine, you win. Let's get to work. Here's what we're dealing with..."

As they spoke, a figure rushed toward them, urgency thick in their voice. "Agents are approaching from the east—lots of them, armed to the teeth!"

Ecdy immediately sprang into action, pulling his spear from seemingly nowhere, its polished steel glinting in the dim light. He twirled it once, ready for combat. But Nymff didn't move. Her sharp eyes fixed on the messenger, narrowing with suspicion.

"I don't recognize that face," she muttered under her breath.

Ecdy shrugged. "We've had a flood of newcomers today. Could be one of them."

Nymff rolled her eyes. "Use your brain for once, Ecdy. No refugee would know exactly where to find us, let alone come directly to the leaders with classified intel. Something's off."

Ecdy paused, lowering his spear slightly as her words sunk in. "You're saying this might be a setup?"

"Exactly. Think about it—why would Rhemon's agents suddenly rush in without strategy? It's too convenient." Nymff crossed her arms, her tone icy. "Whoever this is could be baiting us into a trap."

Ecdy frowned, his mind racing. "If that's true, we have two options: play along and spring their trap on them, or expose the ruse now and cut it short."

Nymff smirked, her confidence returning. "Either way, we'll have to be smart about it. What's your call, leader?"