Volume 2 Durham State Army

Prologue

The creaking windows played an unsettling melody. Fifty years had passed since the Monster Parade, and the city, slowly recovering, still had a long way to go. Despite finally finding the house where his grandfather had lived, Vito was beginning to regret coming.

Vito’s grandmother had barely survived the Monster Parade fifty years ago, seeking refuge in her family home in Spelt State. She was pregnant with Vito’s father at the time. His grandfather stayed behind to defend the city, losing contact afterward, and the city fell.

While grateful for the hospitality of his grandmother’s family in Spelt State, in these troubled times, adding one more mouth to any household was no simple matter. His grandmother went into service, and his father, at a young age, worked as an adventurer to make ends meet.

Perhaps due to the hardships, Vito’s grandmother passed away when his father turned fifteen. Despite his efforts as an adventurer, life didn’t get any easier for his father.

His father, who had once had a family with Vito’s mother, also an adventurer, failed to achieve great success. His mother eventually abandoned him and Vito one day, leaving behind a note.

Though shocked, his father continued working to support Vito. However, he eventually took on a dangerous quest and never returned.

Around that time, news spread about the recapture of Dudur Valley. Vito rummaged through his father’s belongings, found documents indicating his grandfather’s home location, and decided to leave.

The house they originally lived in was a modest dwelling borrowed from relatives. When he shared his plan with relatives, they sent him off with a relieved expression.

On the day of departure, his aunt handed him freshly baked bread. It was his last farewell.

The carriage heading to Dudur Valley was provided by the Durham State for returning citizens. However, Vito was the only one on the carriage. It was a lonely journey.

His grandfather’s house was quickly identified. The state army cross-referenced the documents Vito had with their records, and he was recognized as the rightful owner. Apparently, there were fewer returnees than the state army had anticipated, partly due to Vito being a lone child. They even arranged for him to work in state army facilities.

Initially excited about owning his new home, Vito, still a child, struggled to maintain it. The city, just beginning its recovery, lacked manpower and skilled workers. Living in a makeshift shelter like a slum child, Vito managed to make ends meet by working as a laborer for the state army while figuring out how to repair his home.

Despite the initial excitement following Dudur Valley’s liberation, the number of people returning to the city was lower than expected. Merchants gradually stayed away, and the prospect of the city regaining its vibrancy became increasingly doubtful.

Nevertheless, Vito had decided that once he reached the appropriate age, he would join the state army. It was the only foreseeable future for him, he honestly had no other prospects.

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