Reincarnation Of A Swordsman: The Omni Mage

Chapter 153: Back at Windrest

"Already? I could use another hour of rest," Lina complained after she heard Kyle.

Zara tossed a stone at her, missing slightly. "Stop whining. You've been resting this whole time."

Void let out a low rumble, rising to his feet with an elegant stretch. "Finally. I was beginning to think you'd all forgotten there's more to life than eating and lazing around."

Celine stood and dusted herself off, shooting Void a playful glare. "Says the one who ate enough for a small army."

Kyle smirked at their banter but raised a hand to get them back on track. "Come on, focus. We've got a clear route back thanks to my Pathfinder's map. It'll be easier this time."

Lina, still rubbing her eyes from earlier, asked, "How long do you think it'll take?"

"Not long," Kyle replied, pulling out thw map from his inventory. A glowing blue trail appeared on it, marking their path to Windrest. This made the the others react with surprised expressions. At this rate there was nothing Kyle could do that would move them anymore.

"We'll be back by nightfall if we keep a steady pace," Kyle continued, ignoring their looks.

With that they set off on their journey back, the journey back to Windrest was smoother and quicker than expected. The pathfinder's map had logged every step Kyle had taken on their way to the mana pool, and now it served as a reliable guide.

They navigated the forest with ease, retracing their steps through the dense foliage and narrow paths. Despite the occasional rustle of leaves, the trip was uneventful.

Lina lightened the mood as they walked. "Do you think the villagers will throw another feast? I could definitely use more of that stew."

"You mean the stew you spilled all over yourself last night?" Zina teased, rolling her eyes.

"Hey! That was an accident. Besides, I was just too enthusiastic!"

"Sure you were," Finn muttered with a smirk.

Even Void couldn't help but let out a low rumble that sounded suspiciously like a chuckle. Kyle led the way in silence, focused on the task at hand but smiling faintly at their banter.

The forest gradually opened up to reveal the village, covered by the night sky. Everywhere was darkened as they crossed the final field, and the distant sound of voices was heard through the crisp night air.

When they reached the village, they found most of its inhabitants gathered around a massive bonfire in the central square. Windrest wasn't large—just a few dozen families—but everyone had come together, drawn by the warmth of the fire and the comfort of shared stories.

Their faces were tired and their clothes dusted with dirt, and their postures spoke of long hours of labor, but there were all happy.

As Kyle and his group walked nearer, a sharp cry broke through the stillness.

"Chief! Our heroes. They are back!"

It was Jonas, the same boy who had welcomed them on their arrival. He stood at the edge of the square, pointing excitedly. His voice was heard by everyone in the gathering, drawing every eye to Kyle and his team.

The villagers froze for a moment, their exhaustion replaced by surprise and then overwhelming joy. A ripple of cheers spread through the crowd, growing louder as people surged toward the returning group.

"They're back!"

"Our heroes have returned!"

"They saved us!"

The villagers swarmed them with claps on the back, handshakes, and bows. Children darted around them with their laughter filling the air, while the adults thanked them over and over.

Kyle smiled at the warm reception, feeling a sense of fulfillment he hadn't expected. His teammates were equally touched, even Void, who typically preferred to stay aloof.

After a few minutes, Henrick stepped forward, his voice cutting through the noise. "Calm down, everyone! Give them a moment to breathe!"

The crowd quieted, though their excitement was barely restrained. Henrick turned to Kyle, his expression a mix of relief and gratitude. "Heroes, we cannot thank you enough. Tell me, was it you who stopped the tide?"

Kyle nodded. "Yes. The tide won't threaten Windrest again."

A collective sigh of relief swept through the crowd. Henrick's shoulders sagged as if a great weight had been lifted.

"You've done more than save our village," Henrick said with deep emotion. "You've saved our families and our future. We are forever in your debt."

The villagers all murmured their agreement, some wiping away tears of gratitude.

Henrick raised his hands. "Tonight, we celebrate once again! Our heroes have returned and saved Windrest from the tide. Let us show them our thanks!"

Cheers erupted once more, and the villagers sprang into action. Food and drink were brought out, the fire was stoked higher, and some villagers that pulled out simple instruments, filling the square with lively tunes.

As the festivities unfolded, Kyle found himself sitting on a wooden chair near the edge of the gathering. He watched the scene with a content smile. The villagers were laughing, singing, and dancing.

His teammates had joined in, Zina and Finn attempting a type of dance while Lina and Celine clapped along. Even Void, who had initially stayed apart, was now surrounded by children.

At first, the dragon had frightened them, but Kyle's reassurance had helped ease their fears. Soon, they were laughing and trying to climb onto Void's back, much to his feigned annoyance. His tail swished playfully, and he let out a low, rumbling sound that seemed suspiciously like amusement.

Kyle leaned back, taking it all in. He had chosen this mission to connect with others, to experience something outside the academy's walls, and it had turned into something far greater. These people, this village—they felt like family, if only for a short time.

"Are you enjoying the party, sir?"

Kyle glanced at his side and saw a boy standing beside him. He was dark-skinned, with a skinny build and bright, curious eyes. Kyle recognized him instantly—it was Jonas, the first person he had met in Windrest, the one who had shown him to the chief's house.

"Jonas," Kyle said his name with a smile. "Hey there."

The boy grinned as he sat down next to Kyle. "I just wanted to say… thank you. For saving us."

Kyle chuckled softly. "It's nothing, really."

"It's not nothing," Jonas said earnestly. "If you hadn't come, we'd all be in trouble. I want to be like you someday—strong enough to protect my family."

Kyle's smile widened. "You'll get there, Jonas. I'm sure of it. You've got the heart for it."

"Do you really think so?"

"I know so," Kyle said firmly. "It takes courage to want to protect others, and you've already got that. The strength will come with time and effort."

Jonas nodded, looking thoughtful. "When will you be going?"

Kyle hesitated, then said gently, "We're leaving tomorrow morning. I have to return to the academy and continue my studies. That's how I can get stronger."

Jonas's face fell, but he quickly tried to hide his disappointment. "Oh… I see."

"But," Kyle added, placing a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder, "I'll be back. Maybe not right away, but I promise you'll see me again."

Jonas's expression brightened. "Promise?"

"I promise," Kyle agreed with a nod. "Now, how old are you, Jonas?"

"Nine," the boy replied.

Kyle smiled. "You're still very young and wise for a kid your age. You'll awaken one day, and when you do, work hard. I bet you'll be one of the strongest in your generation."

Jonas grinned. "I'll do my best!"

They continued talking of other casual stuff with Kyle narrating his experiences in the academy and Jonas telling Kyle how life was at the village.

As the night wore on, the festivities began to slowly come to an end. The villagers were tired but happy and slowly, they all began to return to their homes. Kyle and his team were offered a final round of thanks before they, too, retired to their cottage.

Lying on his mat on the ground, Kyle stared up at the ceiling with his thoughts lingering on the events of the day. The warmth of the villagers' gratitude and the joy on Jonas's face stayed with him, filling him with a quiet sense of purpose.

Tomorrow, they would leave Windrest and return to the academy, but this place and its people would remain in his heart.

He thought about whether to study the spell books that night, but got rid of the thought as he couldn't risk exposing it to others.

'I'll learn it when I return,' Kyle thought to himself before closing his eyes to sleep.