Bound To The Dead: The Deceptive Class-E Farmer-Chapter 56: The Silence After the Storm

The capital was still.

Fires burned in the distance. Crumbled houses and shattered walls surrounded them. The stench of blood, ash, and smoke filled the air.

Broner and Corpuz, armor cracked and faces bruised, limped toward Aiah.

Behind them, soldiers, some wounded, others barely standing, gathered in silence.

A few stood watch from the broken walls. The nobles arrived next, uncertain and wide-eyed.

Broner dropped to one knee. Corpuz followed.

The crowd of soldiers followed their lead.

"Your Highness," Broner said, voice rough but steady, "Bulcan awaits your command."

Aiah stood tall. Her clothes were torn, her hands stained, but her eyes were firm.

"This city has bled long enough," she said. Her voice rang across the courtyard. "But we have won."

"King Geoffrey is dead. The corrupted are gone. From this day forward, Bulcan belongs to its people!"

A cheer erupted, weak at first, then louder as more voices joined in. Fists raised. Swords lifted.

Aiah raised a hand. The crowd quieted.

"See to the wounded first," she commanded. "Soldiers, civilians, everyone. No one is left behind."

The order was met with nods and movement. Medics and support units rushed forward.

Miss Wesson was arrested, the Class A scientist didn’t resist.

Hopper fluttered down and nestled into Isaac’s blood-matted hair. Followed by Tiny. Isaac didn’t react, but seeing them safe eased his worry. He stood quietly, breathing slowly, eyes scanning the ruins.

The notification system flashed.

[Swarm Authority +4%]

[Swarm Authority Level: 89%]

[Death Reel: 17% Mastery]

[Abyssal Bind: 17% Mastery]

[Abyssal Drill: 17% Mastery]

[Corruption Level: 29%]

[Stage: Inner Struggle]

[Status: Inactive]

[Effect: Voice manifestation is expected, only when overdrive is active. Expect addition in physical changes]

[Note: When energy reaches 2% below, the unknown entity will take control.]

[Unlocked Skill: Death Reel. Abyssal Bind. Abyssal Drill]

[Next Threshold: 50% – Stage: Dominance Shift]

[Preview: Dual control engaged.]

He looked at his right arm, now it’s the same with the left. A black tattoo-like line forms his arm up to his neck.

Then he moved, walking past cheering soldiers and nobles until he reached a small clearing.

There, Mira was kneeling beside the injured. Elder Peter was helping stabilize a leg. Nearby, Ben lay with his ribs wrapped in makeshift bandages. Putol sat against a wall, breathing heavily, while Nai covered a deep cut on his arm with a mantle.

Isaac stopped in front of them.

"You all fought way beyond your ranks," he said.

Ben gave a tired grin. "Tried not to die."

Putol chuckled weakly. "Close call, boss."

Isaac nodded once. "You did more than enough. I’m proud of all of you."

Mira looked up. "We made it because you came back."

Isaac didn’t smile, but his eyes softened.

He turned his gaze back to the courtyard, where soldiers were already moving into action, and nobles whispered among themselves.

—-----

The wind whispered between the trees of the Fourth Core. Tents rustled. Fires burned low. The refugees went about their daily routines, some training, children playing.

Then came the sound.

Distant. Rhythmic. Marching.

Boots against earth.

"Soldiers!" someone screamed.

Panic spread like fire.

Men scrambled for sticks, blades, anything.

Bartos raised a shaking hand. "Everyone, stay behind me!"

Didi stood tall, clutching a dull blade too big for him. His face was pale but determined.

The first line of armored men emerged through the trees, uniformed, disciplined. The emblem of Bulcan gleamed on their chests.

"Corpuz..." an old woman muttered, recognizing the man at the front.

And beside him, Broner, massive, expression unreadable.

The soldiers halted.

Weapons were not yet drawn, but the threat loomed in the air like thunder.

"Protect the children," a woman whispered.

Corpuz raised a hand to signal his men...

Then a figure stepped from behind him.

Cloaked in crimson and silver, her dress scorched and stained. Her boots carried the dirt of battle and triumph.

"Aiah..." Bartos breathed.

Silence snapped.

"AAAHHHH!"

A single cry cut through the still air.

Didi dropped his blade.

His small legs sprinted forward before anyone could stop him.

"AIAAAHHH!"

She saw him. Her eyes widened, misting in an instant. She dropped to her knees just as Didi slammed into her arms.

They crashed together, sobbing, shaking, laughing.

"You’re here... you’re here..." he cried, gripping her like he’d never let go again.

"I told you I’d come back," she whispered, pressing her forehead to his. "And I kept my promise."

The refugees stood stunned.

Tears. Shouts. Laughter.

Mothers clutched their children. Men bowed. Women cried. The air turned from dread to hope.

The old woman stepped forward, slow and deliberate.

She looked into her eyes. "You’re your father’s daughter."

She nodded, her voice thick with emotion. "I’m ready to lead now, Elder."

Behind her, Corpuz and Broner dropped to one knee, heads bowed.

Soldiers followed suit.

Aiah rose, holding Didi’s hand.

"To the capital," she said. "We’re going home."

—-----

The palace had begun to breathe again.

Rooms were swept. Broken glass was cleared. The bodies of the fallen were taken away with quiet prayers.

Inside the great hall, nobles, guards, and servants moved with urgency. Red and silver banners were raised once more, the royal colors of Bulcan.

Aiah stood at the center, silent as tailors measured her for the ceremonial armor. She wore a simple robe, her hair uncombed, her hands still marked by the battle.

Isaac leaned against the far wall, arms crossed. Hopper rested on his shoulder, Tiny on his hair.

Broner and Corpuz stood nearby, both still bandaged, giving instructions to guards and scribes.

Mira entered with a list. "Your highness, the capital square is being cleaned for the ceremony. We expect thousands to gather."

Aiah nodded, still quiet. Then, after a beat, she glanced at Mira. "When it’s just us, and with Isaac and the others, you don’t have to call me that."

Mira bowed hastily. "Yes, yes, your high... yes, Aiah."

Aiah smiled faintly. "Better."

Elder Peter stepped forward. "Your coronation is in five days. The people need a symbol. You’re it now."

She didn’t answer at first. Then...

"Not just a symbol," she said. "I’ll be their sword and shield, too."

Isaac looked at her. There was no doubt in her voice anymore.

Mira smiled. "Then we’d better make sure you look the part."

Everyone turned as the throne room doors opened again.

A court scribe bowed low. "The coronation decree has been signed. Princess Aiah of Bulcan will be crowned at sunrise, five days from now."

A hush filled the room.

Aiah looked toward the empty throne, then down at her hands.

"Then let’s make it count."