Triumphant Return

  Triumphant Return

  October in Amherst is one of the loveliest times of the year. The crisp autumn air stirs the land and sea, a brilliant blue sky with a few snow-white clouds drifting lazily across it, warm sunshine gently caressing the city and countryside, also sprinkling on the calm sea surface, turning into countless golden fragments. Flocks of migratory birds can often be seen flying south in groups, making loud cries. The colors of the fields and hills change every moment, from deep green to tender yellow, wheat yellow to golden yellow, light red to deep red, looking extremely beautiful.

  In this harvest season, the giant bear army that had been fighting hard in the north for a whole summer finally returned to their hometown with news of victory. Seeing the tall lighthouse on the horizon at Emon Port, many wounded soldiers couldn't help but kneel down on the ground, holding the ashes of their fallen comrades and crying bitterly, refusing to get up.

  The newly promoted officers also had mixed feelings in their hearts. Before the war, they were just fruit vendors and teachers of young children, or held a leisure post in government and church. The only difference between these so-called officers and ordinary people was that they had to serve two days of military service every month to fight for a certain tax exemption.

  Suddenly thrown into the smoky battlefield, tumbling and crawling in blood and mud, this was also a brand new test for them. Although promotion is now in sight, it seems that death is one step closer, and with the deaths of many colleagues, these newly promoted officers who have not yet fully transformed psychologically into soldiers do not know whether to be happy or worried.

  "Finally back, eh!" Governor Nohm had barely recovered from the excitement of returning home when he noticed that the atmosphere was somewhat off. He hastily signaled to Fili to cast an amplification spell for him, jumped onto a horse-drawn carriage and delivered a passionate speech: "Hey there, lads! Cheer up! Fine wine, fine food, and beautiful girls are waiting for you! Don't look so down in the dumps! Hurry into town and see those who have been missing you!"

  A burst of laughter erupted from the crowd, and a makeshift military band assembled from refugees also played a somewhat off-key march. The soldiers wiped away their tears one by one, reformed into a far-from-orderly formation, and set foot on the road home. It was unclear who started it, but the soldiers began to sing that familiar song that every Natzarene knew by heart, with loud and clear voices floating above the long column.

  Unite in the name of Nizar Qabbani

  Raise high the banner of magic and civilization!

  We are the guardians of civilization.

  A beautiful future is in our hands!

  Ode to you, great motherland!

  May the banner of magic and civilization wave forever!

  As the melody proceeded to the second section, uneven singing voices also began to come from the refugee crowd in the back, although chaotic, the singing voices of tens of thousands of people had their own momentum, and even the welcoming crowd gathered near the gate of Emon City could hear it.

  Overthrow all brutal oppressors!

  Fear no mighty power in heaven and earth!

  No matter what price is paid

  We must all grasp our own destiny!

  Ode to you, great motherland!

  May the banner of magic and civilization wave forever!

  ……

  In the melody of the national anthem of Durthoria "Orcs and Civilization's Flag", the Great Bear Legion finally completed its last journey, arriving at the port of Eamon which had long been prepared to welcome them.

  ****

  Although it can't be compared to the luxurious ceremony in the capital or those super metropolises, the welcoming ceremony in Emmon Port is more touching and intimate for the Giant Bear Legion. The main streets are lined with colorful flags on both sides, and nearly half of the city's citizens are crowded at the gate, holding flowers and flags, eagerly waiting for their loved ones to return. From time to time, women rush into the troops, hugging their husbands or lovers, laughing and crying, but some people hold the ashes of their loved ones, silently leaving with sorrow. Almost as soon as they arrived outside the city, the army dispersed on its own, and the officers did not intend to stop them, but instead went to find their families, also telling stories of parting.

  After the brief reunion came to an end, the grand banquet in City Heart Square officially began. On the venue decorated with flowers, there were many long tables covered with fine wine and delicacies, a band played lively tunes, and many young men and women who arrived early danced or drank and flirted in the music. The relaxed atmosphere continued until dusk, when the square was already packed with people, and soldiers who had reunited with their loved ones gathered here again, waiting for the arrival of **.

  As over a hundred colored lanterns lit up, amidst the deafening cheers, Governor Sohn Norum appeared on the balcony of the governor's mansion, dressed in a black suit. Behind him were Charlotte Sutton in shining armor, Rick Torryni in a wheelchair, Grand Druid Vinnie Mr., Ludwig, the new Speaker of the Eno Oak State Assembly, and of course, Phili Taylor and other officers. They had now become famous war heroes on the New Continent, with newspapers everywhere publicizing their heroic deeds and rumors about them.

  "In the cheers of the crowd, the Governor began the opening speech of the ceremony: 'Citizens of Emon Port, residents of New Marais, citizens of all New Toulouse, we once lived in a peaceful and prosperous life, but the invasion of the Kingdom of Elves disrupted everything. They blockaded our ports, bombarded our cities, plundered our wealth, burned down our homes, slaughtered our loved ones. The evil god Xefras' claws want to enslave us all, to feast on our corpses and enjoy everything we have!'"

  "At this juncture of life and death, brave men defended their homes and fought valiantly, many heroes fell, their blood flowed on the land of Nazareth, their souls will forever guard us."

  "The war has cost us dearly, Shizheng, Fogtown, Glory City, the oldest city in New Continent and many other familiar place names have all been reduced to ruins. Large tracts of land in Northern State are still under enemy occupation. Among those who went into battle this time, more than two thousand did not return alive. Let us mourn for these departed souls!"

  Everyone lowered their heads in mourning for the lives that had passed, and the venue fell silent. The orchestra also switched to a mournful melody at the right moment. The last rays of sunset shone on the people.

  "The time of mourning is over!" the Governor shouted, "Now, let us celebrate with abandon for the peace that has been reborn! This is a night of revelry! This is a sleepless night!"

  The crowd erupted, with large bursts of magical fireworks exploding in the sky, joyful music started again, and people dressed in their finest attire danced happily. At this moment, everyone on the square had entered a state of frenzy.

  The cage of General Idriel Lirien was also pushed out at this time, and the demon-hunting game business reopened in the festival venue. However, due to overcrowding, the guards couldn't keep up, and many people ignored the sign that said "Please watch civilizedly, do not throw miscellaneous items, violators will be fined two silver coins", throwing cakes, bread, ham and other things into the cage, which was a good revenge for the general who hadn't eaten or slept well in days.

  The circus troupe of the new Masobla City also rushed to perform, and since the Governor's Office covered all expenses, citizens were able to enjoy the wonderful acrobatic performances for free. Mr. Druivini, the great Druid, returned to his old post and resumed his old business with the help of little Grina, performing small tricks such as jumping through fire rings and walking on steel wires, making everyone laugh loudly.

  Fili sat alone on the balcony of the Governor's Palace, holding a glass of locally produced wine, his expression calm. He knew that according to the original course of history, this city would be destroyed in two months' time with the New Year's bell tolling, and he didn't know how many people below could survive that moment, including himself, whose own survival was also an unknown quantity. After all, as a soldier, one had to have the awareness of dying young. In the midst of war-torn years, even in far-off Nai Soreil, which was distant from the storm's center, there wasn't much safety to speak of. So, looking at the reveling crowd outside and feeling the joyful atmosphere, he actually felt a slight sense of sadness and desolation, making him seem out of place among others.

  "In that world, I was always thinking about treasure or beautiful spirits, but after coming here and having some money and status, I have to worry about my life. Fili downed the wine in his cup and turned back into the room to work on the enchanted dentures specifically made for Chairman Rudolf. At least until the New Year arrives, he is safe, so he can't let go of any opportunity to make money, that's what Fili thought and did."

  But things in this world always exceed plans and expectations more often than not, and rarely go exactly as planned.