What! I Got Reincarnated as a No-Name Character in the World of an Otome Game

Chapter 13 (Revised)

In the aftermath of the brutal onslaught by mages and soldiers, Havenbrook, a modest and impoverished village, lay in ruin, its humble structures reduced to rubble and its winding streets littered with the lifeless corpses of its inhabitants, some charred by fire while others lay untouched by the flames. Amidst the ruins, only five of them survive to witness the devastation and begin the arduous task of cleaning up the remnants of their shattered community. 

Standing solemnly before the gravestone of the once-vibrant villagers now laid to rest, Lysander surveyed the scene, his heart heavy with grief. His siblings wept silently, clutching at his clothes for solace, while Paul, as usual, sought refuge in the smoke of his cigarettes beneath the sheltering branches of a nearby tree. Christina, her expression stoic, stood before the familiar grave she visited daily, the name "Rune" engraved upon it, a poignant reminder of the loss that haunted them all.

Since that fateful day, an undeniable transformation has taken hold among the five survivors. Driven by a newfound sense of purpose, they threw themselves into their work with unwavering determination. In addition to their studies and agricultural duties, they diligently honed their self-defense skills under Paul's guidance, marveling at his unexpected prowess as both healer and warrior. Despite their curiosity about his past, they refrained from prying, focusing instead on their shared goals.

Amidst the quiet hum of village life, Christina's unwavering dedication to the craft of magic consumed every breath she took. Her sole ambition: was to fortify the village's protective barrier until it enveloped every corner, shielding everyone from any threat. With relentless determination, she delved into her experiments, leaving her companions astonished by the depth of her magical prowess. The three siblings, in particular, looked up to her with reverence, believing Christina to be their ultimate protector.

Each passing day only fueled Christina's resolve further, her determination fueled by the memory of the last raid narrowly evaded through sheer luck. The incompetence of a novice mage, accompanying the soldiers that day, haunted her thoughts with what-ifs, driving her to create a barrier impervious to even the most skilled magic wielders. From dawn until dusk, she toiled tirelessly, her passion eclipsing the need for rest or sustenance.

Yet, as her quest pressed on, the toll on Christina's physical and mental well-being became increasingly evident. Dark circles marred her once-bright eyes, and her once-boundless energy waned under the weight of her ceaseless endeavors. Only the steadfast support of her companions, who tended to her needs with unwavering dedication, prevented Christina from succumbing to the relentless demands of her mission. Their gentle reminders of the importance of self-care served as beacons of light amidst the darkness of her tireless pursuit.

As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, the protective barrier surrounding the village expanded gradually, until it enveloped the entire settlement, ensuring its safety from external threats. During this time, Paul remained the only one venturing beyond the village's borders, embarking on journeys to procure essential supplies and livestock, occasionally accompanied by Lysander. However, Christina never once strayed from the village, her reasons known only to herself, a mystery left unspoken among them.

Despite their secluded existence, the village flourished under their care, resembling more of a self-sustaining farm than a traditional settlement. Poultry roamed freely, and lush vegetation adorned the landscape, yielding an abundance of fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Even exotic plants found an unexpected haven within the barrier's confines, thriving in the village's unique environment.

While the village remained a sanctuary amidst the chaos of the outside world, the horrors of war continued to ravage neighboring communities. Hunger, sickness, and raids claimed countless lives, driving many to desperation and lawlessness. Witnessing the suffering beyond their sanctuary, Lysander felt a growing desire to extend aid to those in need, inspired by Christina's earlier kindness towards them.