Reincarnated with a Military System in Another World

Chapter 224: Awakening and Revelation



Three days had passed since the intense battle at the Broken Cliffs, and the atmosphere within Akarios Base had settled into a tense calm. The Demon Lord's retreat had granted them a brief reprieve, but everyone knew it was only the calm before the next storm. Inside the medical wing, the steady beeping of monitors and the soft rustle of nurses tending to patients filled the air.

In a dimly lit room, Duchess Elinalese lay still, her face pale but peaceful, as if she were simply lost in a deep sleep. IV drips and monitors surrounded her, the rhythmic beeping providing a reassuring counterpoint to the sterile silence. Vincent sat by her bedside, his eyes shadowed with exhaustion, yet unwavering in their vigil. He hadn't left her side since that night, taking only short breaks to strategize with Marcus and review reports from the field. The soft glow of the early morning sun filtered through the small window, casting a warm light over the room. As Vincent leaned back in his chair, rubbing his tired eyes, he heard a faint sound—a whisper, almost like a sigh. He immediately straightened, his gaze snapping to Elinalese. Her eyelids fluttered, and after a moment, her eyes slowly opened.

"Commander...?" she whispered, her voice weak but clear. She blinked, her vision focusing on Vincent's familiar face.

"Elinalese," Vincent said softly, relief washing over him. He leaned forward, offering her a gentle smile. "Welcome back. You had us worried."

Elinalese's eyes searched his face, confusion and lingering fear mingling in her gaze. "What... happened? How long have I been out?"

"Three days," Vincent replied, his tone steady but kind. "You've been under intensive care. We managed to get you out of there just in time."

She tried to sit up, her hands clutching the bedsheets. "I have to... I need to return to Eldoria," she said urgently, a sudden burst of energy flooding her voice. "The last thing I remember... we were under attack. The Demon King... he was destroying everything."

"Easy now," Vincent said firmly but gently, placing a hand on her shoulder and guiding her back down. "You need to rest, Elinalese. You're not strong enough to move yet."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"No, you don't understand!" she insisted, her eyes wide with panic. "My people... my family... the kingdom was falling. I was taken-" She stopped abruptly, her breath hitching as memories of the attack flooded back. Tears welled up in her eyes, her hands trembling.

Vincent's expression softened, a deep sadness flickering in his eyes. "I know," he said quietly. "We've gathered some reports about the attack. But right now, we need to focus on getting you back to full strength."

Elinalese's breaths came in shallow gasps as she fought to steady herself. "The Demon King... he slaughtered everyone," she whispered, her voice cracking. "He... he killed our knights like they were nothing. I don't know if my parents... if anyone survived. I... I might be the only one left."

Vincent's heart clenched at her words. He had been to Eldoria before, escorting her safely back to her family after rescuing her from bandits. He remembered the lively streets, the bustling markets, and the proud citizens who greeted them with open arms. To hear that the kingdom had fallen so brutally...

"I'm sorry," Vincent said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "I wish I could have been there sooner."

Elinalese closed her eyes, a single tear sliding down her cheek. For a moment, there was only the sound of her ragged breathing and the steady beep of the monitors. "I... I was so scared," she admitted. "I thought I would die in that dungeon. And then you... you came."

Vincent shook his head. "You're safe now," he assured her. "I won't let the Demon King get his hands on you again. But for now, you need to focus on resting. We'll figure out what to do next once you're strong enough."

She nodded slowly, though it was clear the weight of her grief and guilt was still heavy on her heart. "Thank you... for everything, Vincent," she whispered. "But... my people..."

"Listen," Vincent interrupted gently. "We'll get you back to Eldoria when you're ready. But you won't be doing anyone any favors if you collapse the moment you set foot on your homeland. I need you strong, Elinalese. We need you strong."

Elinalese looked into his eyes, searching for something-strength, reassurance, perhaps even hope. She found it there, in Vincent's unwavering gaze, and finally allowed herself to relax against the pillows. "You're right," she said softly. "But... I need to know. As soon as we can, we need to find out what's left of Eldoria."

Vincent nodded. "And we will," he promised. "But for now, rest. The doctors say you're making progress, but you need time to heal."

A nurse entered the room quietly, carrying a tray with medication. "Commander, we need to administer another dose of the cleansing potion," she said, her tone respectful but firm. Vincent nodded to the nurse, then turned back to Elinalese. "I'll be just outside," he told her. "If you need anything, just let the nurses know, and I'll be here in a heartbeat."

Elinalese managed a faint smile, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. "Thank you, Vincent," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "For everything."

Vincent squeezed her hand one last time before stepping out into the corridor, the door closing softly behind him. The moment it did, the weight of the situation settled back onto his shoulders. The Demon King's attack on Eldoria, the near loss of Elinalese, and the growing threat they all faced-none of it was over.

Marcus was waiting just outside the door, his expression grim. "Commander," he said quietly, falling into step beside Vincent as they walked down the sterile hallway.

"How's she holding up?" Marcus asked.

"She's awake," Vincent replied, rubbing his temples. "But she's worried. Eldoria is in ruins, and she doesn't even know if her family survived."

"Really? Damn that's sad. Eldoria was such a nice place."

"Yes...it was a shame. I really hope that we can end this threat once and for all, this demon lord. If we can kill him, there will be peace in this continent."

"You are right," Marcus chuckled. "You are too invested in this battle, sir. We were supposed to be mercenaries but it seems that we are fighting not because we are hired, but because we

must."

"Well if the demon lord were to annihilate everyone, who would we form a contract with?" "You got a point."