GATE: Thus Democracy was Called [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter 7: Fire Dragon

Outside the troop transport, where the Elven woman was being treated, First Lieutenant Scott Mason paced back and forth, visibly worried. Sergeant Major Alan Jackson leaned against the vehicle, his demeanor more relaxed, a hint of excitement in his eyes.

"You know, Scott, I always knew there were elves, but blond ones? That's exactly my type," Jackson mused. "Maybe this switch to the Expeditionary Forces wasn't in vain after all."

Before Scott could respond, Lance Corporal Kevin Smith approached with an update. "Lieutenant, she's stabilized. No longer in critical condition. What's our next move?"

Scott stopped pacing and turned to Smith. "Given her village is gone, we'll classify her as a refugee. We can't just leave her here."

Smith cracked a smile. "Sounds about right for you, sir. Always playing the hero in your 'spare time', especially if she's an elf, huh?"

Jackson and Scott exchanged a nervous chuckle. "It's not like that, Smith!" Scott replied, attempting to maintain a professional tone. "We have a responsibility here."

Jackson added, "Yeah, let's not start any rumors. We're here to help, not to... you know."

Smith nodded, still grinning. "Of course, sir. I'll make sure she's comfortable and safe."

As Smith walked away, Jackson turned to Scott. "You think she'll be able to tell us anything useful? About the dragon, the village, anything?"

Scott shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "Hard to say. But she's our best lead right now. We need to find out what happened here, and she's our only witness."

As the convoy regrouped and began the journey back to Camp Alnus, Scott gave Jackson a new set of directions. "Take us back on the trail towards Coda Village. Lets see if we missed anything."

Jackson, taking the wheel of the APC, grinned at the prospect. "You know, Lieutenant, with the way things are going, we'll probably run into a dragon before we see any cat girls around here."

Scott, who was checking the map, looked up and smirked. "Be careful what you wish for, Jackson. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if that actually happens."

Jackson chuckled, navigating the vehicle along the trail. "In that case, I'll keep an eye on the sky. Wouldn't want to get roasted on our way back."

As the convoy pulled into Coda Village once again, the locals gathered around, their expressions a mix of curiosity and confusion. The round trip from Coda to Koan Forest should have taken days, yet here they were, back so soon.

Scott approached the village chief, speaking in the local language as best he could. "We found the... Elf... Village you... told us, but it was...destroyed... A fire dragon had... burnt it to the ground," he explained.

Leading the chief to the troop transport, Scott showed him the unconscious Elven woman they had rescued. "We... saved her. Can your village take... her in?"

The chief shook his head solemnly. "We cannot. We are also preparing to leave. Once a flame dragon tastes human or elf flesh, it always returns. We must flee for our safety."

Scott looked around, noticing the villagers hastily loading their wagons with belongings. He then saw Jackson, sitting on a crate, holding his rifle tightly.

Walking over to Jackson, Scott asked, "What's the situation?"

Jackson looked up, his expression grim. "The villagers are packing up to leave. How long are we going to be responsible for them? Don't they have some noble lords to take care of them?"

Scott sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I asked the chief about that. The local lord took his army to join the fight at Alnus Hill, and... well, they were part of the casualties. We wiped them all out."