Reincarnated with a Military System in Another World

Chapter 228:  In the Catacombs

The catacombs beneath Eldoria's market district were dark and damp, but they offered a rare sense of security in a city otherwise consumed by ruin. The survivors, now joined by the new group Vincent's team had rescued, huddled together in the dimly lit chambers. Luminova, holding a lantern she had retrieved from a makeshift supply stash, led the way deeper into the underground refuge. She stopped in a larger chamber where more survivors sat on mats and blankets, their faces lighting up as they saw her return.

"They're back!" someone exclaimed, the hushed excitement spreading like wildfire through the small crowd.

Vincent followed close behind, his sharp eyes scanning the room. He noted the crude fortifications—broken furniture turned into barricades, ropes strung across entrances to create makeshift trip alarms. These people had done everything they could to survive.

Elinalese stood at the center of the chamber, her presence drawing immediate attention. Survivors began to approach cautiously, as though confirming that their Duchess was truly among them. One by one, they bowed their heads, their whispered greetings full of reverence.

"You've come back to us," a man said, his voice cracking with emotion. "We thought we'd lost everything."

"I thought I'd lost you too," Elinalese replied softly, her gaze sweeping over the weary faces around her. "But you survived. You all survived, and that means Eldoria is not yet lost."

The chamber fell silent for a moment, her words resonating deeply. Vincent watched as hope began to flicker in the eyes of the people, fragile but undeniable.

Luminova stepped forward, placing a hand on Elinalese's shoulder. "They've held on, Duchess. It hasn't been easy, but we've kept each other alive."

"And you've done so well," Elinalese replied, her voice steady despite the emotion welling within her. She turned to Vincent. "Commander, these people have endured so much. If there's anything more we can do—"

Vincent raised a hand gently, signaling her to pause. "First, we need to ensure their safety. This place is secure for now, but it's not a long-term solution. We'll get them the supplies they need and figure out a plan for evacuation."

Marcus approached, his rifle slung over his shoulder. "We've scouted a bit further down the tunnels, Commander. It's a decent setup they've got here, but they're running low on essentials—food, clean water, medicine. We'll need to organize a supply drop."

Vincent nodded, turning to Luminova. "How long have you been living like this?"

"Since the Demon Lord's attack," she answered. "At first, we tried to hold our ground in the city. But after a few days, it became clear we couldn't fight him. Anyone who didn't flee or hide..." She trailed off, her voice thick with unspoken grief.

Elinalese reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "You did what you had to do to survive," she said softly. "You've saved these people, Luminova. That's what matters."

Vincent's comm unit crackled to life, breaking the moment. "Commander," the pilot's voice came through "We're running low on fuel and need to return to base soon. What's your status?"

Vincent pressed a finger to his earpiece. "Understood. Hold your position for now. We'll update you shortly." He turned to Marcus. "We need to secure these people for the short term before we extract."

Marcus nodded. "I'll organize shifts with my men to monitor the surface."

Elinalese looked up at Vincent. "What happens after? Will you take them back to Akarios?"

Vincent hesitated. "Akarios can't house them all, but there is a place, not far from here, it's the city of Ferm. We have established a stronghold there, you and the other survivors can take refuge there."

Elinalese's expression shifted from one of relief to quiet contemplation. "Ferm…I am familiar with it. It's the city that was destroyed by the Flame Dragon." Vincent nodded firmly. "That's right. After we drove off the Flame Dragon, we turned Ferm into a stronghold, making it our base on this continent. It has the infrastructure to support an influx of refugees. It is also fortified to counter threats, specifically demonkind and dragons…"

Luminova stepped closer, her emerald eyes fixed on Vincent. "How will we get them there? These people are fragile—many of them can barely walk, let alone make a journey through dangerous terrain."

Vincent crossed his arms, his brow furrowing as he considered the options. "We'll need to coordinate with the base. A convoy from Ferm can meet us at the outskirts of Eldoria. But until then, we'll have to hold our position here and ensure everyone's ready to move."

Marcus joined the conversation, his voice calm but urgent. "I'll arrange for my men to fortify the catacombs further and scout for any immediate threats. If we're staying here longer, we'll need to secure every entrance and exit."

"Agreed," Vincent said, glancing at Luminova and Elinalese. "Luminova, I'll need you to work with Marcus. Show him the full layout of these tunnels and point out any weak spots."

"Of course," Luminova replied, her determination shining through despite her exhaustion.

Vincent turned to Elinalese. "You should rest. It's been a long day, and your people will need your strength for what's ahead."

Elinalese opened her mouth to protest but paused when she saw the weight in Vincent's eyes. "Alright," she said quietly. "But if there's anything I can do—"

"You've already done plenty," Vincent interrupted gently. "Let us handle the rest for now."

Elinalese nodded reluctantly, her gaze lingering on Vincent for a moment before she turned and walked toward the survivors. They parted to let her through, their eyes following her with a mix of reverence and gratitude.

Later that evening.

The catacombs were eerily silent, save for the faint murmur of survivors conversing in hushed tones. Vincent sat against one of the damp stone walls, his rifle resting against his shoulder as he reviewed a map of the surrounding area. Marcus sat across from him, chewing on a piece of dried rations.

"We're running on borrowed time," Marcus said, breaking the silence. "If the Demon Lord decides to return here, we're sitting ducks."

Vincent nodded grimly. "We have to hope he's preoccupied elsewhere. From what we've seen so far, this area doesn't seem to hold any strategic value to him anymore."

"Let's hope you're right," Marcus muttered. "I've seen too many fights turn sour because someone underestimated the enemy."

Before Vincent could respond, Luminova approached, her lantern casting a warm glow over her face. "We've finished mapping the tunnels," she said, holding out a makeshift diagram. "There are three main entrances and two smaller ones. We've barricaded the smaller ones, but the main entrances will need constant surveillance."

Vincent took the diagram and studied it closely. "Good work. Marcus, double the patrols on those entrances. I don't want any surprises."

"On it," Marcus said, standing and motioning to two of his men nearby.

As Marcus walked away, Luminova knelt beside Vincent, her voice lowering. "You've done more for us in one day than I thought possible," she said, her tone sincere. "Thank you."

Vincent glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "We're just doing what's necessary."

Luminova smiled faintly. "It's more than that. You've given these people hope, something they haven't had in a long time."