The Village Guardian Force is an independent group comprised of skilled individuals from the village, both volunteers and paid members. Their numbers are relatively small, and most of them lack combat experience due to the limited training and equipment resulting from the village's constrained budget. As a consequence, forces like these often struggle to withstand prolonged attacks.

However, there exists a village where this issue was but a distant memory, all thanks to the leadership of Aris, a determined girl from the southern village.

Even before Aris took the helm as the guardian's leader, the village's defenders had proven their mettle countless times under the guidance of Adrian, who happened to be Aris's elder brother. When Adrian departed for the capital city to become a knight, the leadership mantle fell to Aris's younger sister. This transition, far from weakening the force, transformed it into a disciplined and well-trained entity. Aris introduced mandatory training for all new recruits, ensuring they were prepared and confident even with limited equipment. The village's modest iron reserves and a few skilled blacksmiths, though scarce, proved sufficient to provide an edge in maintaining the village's security and dignity.

Yet, on this peaceful day, turmoil was about to unfold, triggered by a letter that had found its way into Aris's hands, a letter that would shape her destiny.

"Is everyone here?" Aris scanned the room as members of the village guardians filed into the meeting hall.

"Yes, Miss Aris!" Each member, standing or seated, responded in unison, their voices tinged with respect.

Aris's gaze swept over them, appreciating their unity, though she couldn't help but notice Diana's absence.

"Samuel, do you know where Diana is?" Aris's concern was evident.

"Oh, Diana informed me that she had something to attend to first and asked us to proceed without her," Samuel explained promptly.

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Aris released a sigh, somewhat reassured, and redirected her attention to the assembly.

"I have news to share with all of you, concerning... my brother, Adrian." Aris's announcement drew immediate attention, and an air of solemnity fell over the room.

Adrian's name resonated deeply within their hearts, a figure who had been pivotal in safeguarding the village from both human and monstrous threats. Aris unfolded the contents of two letters, her voice narrating the written words that revealed a somber truth.

Upon the conclusion of the letters, a weighty silence hung over the room. Each member grappled with the implications of Adrian's words.

"Aris, are you leaving the village?" A voice pierced the silence, belonging to a young man in his thirties, his curiosity evident.

Aris's response was unwavering, "Certainly not. Why would I leave when I'm still needed here?" Her head shook in dismissal of such a notion.

The statement prompted exchanged glances among the members, a mixture of understanding and puzzlement in their eyes.

"Why would you choose to stay? Wasn't that what you once desired?" Another member inquired, voicing the confusion shared by others.

Aris's eyes glistened with a sense of resolution as she responded, "Times have changed, and so have my perspectives on this matter."

She went on to elaborate, revealing concerns that extended beyond personal desires. Her focus rested on the village's security and her mother's well-being. A village unprotected would bring danger to its inhabitants, and Aris had embraced a newfound responsibility to uphold their safety.

Diana's unexpected entrance then shattered the contemplative silence, her arrival accompanied by an unconscious figure she carried in.

"Diana!?" Aris's exclamation was tinged with surprise at the unexpected turn of events.

Diana's explanation peeled away the layers of mystery. She had sensed a suspicious presence during the meeting and pursued it beyond the village's borders. Her pursuit revealed an individual belonging to a group of bandits who had recently posed a threat to the village. Diana's vigilance had borne fruit as she captured the bandit, bringing him back to the village.

The gravity of the situation prompted Aris to order the preparation of the village's defenses. Members swiftly departed to fulfill their roles, yet an unexpected event was about to unfold.

"Allow me to lead the defense, Aris." Diana's calm voice rang out, directed towards Aris.

A silence fell over the room, every eye turning towards Aris, awaiting her response.

To be continued.