Reincarnated with a Military System in Another World

230  The New Safe Haven Nôv(el)B\\jnn

The towering gates of Perm's stronghold opened slowly, revealing a bustling city within. Soldiers patrolled the walls and streets, their movements precise and disciplined. Refugees and workers bustled about, unloading supplies, repairing equipment, and tending to the injured. For the survivors of Eldoria, it was an overwhelming sight—a fortress of order and safety after weeks of chaos.

The convoy came to a halt in the central square, the vehicles rumbling to a stop one by one. Vincent jumped down from his truck and immediately started directing his men. "Marcus, get your team to secure the perimeter. I don't want any loose ends."

"On it," Marcus replied, signaling his unit to spread out.

Elinalese stepped down carefully, her eyes scanning the scene. She took a deep breath, visibly relieved to be somewhere secure. Behind her, survivors began to emerge from the trucks, their expressions ranging from awe to exhaustion.

"This is Perm?" a young woman whispered, clutching her child tightly. Her voice was laced with disbelief.

"Yes," Vincent said firmly, stepping forward. "You're safe here. Follow the soldiers' instructions, and we'll make sure you get everything you need."

Medics rushed forward, led by Captain Rowe, a grizzled man with a sharp gaze. "Commander Stryder, I've got my team ready. We've set up medical tents on the south side for the critically injured."

"Good," Vincent replied. "Start with the worst cases. The rest can wait until we've settled them into the barracks."

The medics moved quickly, identifying those who needed immediate care. A young boy with a bandaged leg was lifted carefully onto a stretcher, his mother walking beside him with tears of relief streaming down her face. An elderly man, too weak to walk, was carried by two soldiers to the medical tents.

Elinalese knelt beside a teenage girl whose arm was in a makeshift sling. "You're going to be alright now," she said softly, brushing the girl's hair back. "The medics here are the best."

The girl nodded, her lips trembling as she clung to Elinalese's hand. Vincent observed quietly, impressed by the Duchess's ability to comfort her people even in the face of her own exhaustion.

Meanwhile, soldiers had set up tables laden with food in the central square. Large pots of porridge steamed in the cool morning air, accompanied by baskets of fresh bread and pitchers of water. The scent wafted through the area, drawing the survivors toward the makeshift dining area.

"Alright, everyone," Marcus announced, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Line up in an orderly fashion. There's enough for everyone."

The survivors, though hesitant at first, began to form lines. Soldiers handed out bowls of porridge and slices of bread with kind smiles, reassuring the weary refugees that they were finally safe. Children clutched their meals tightly, their eyes wide with wonder as they tasted warm food for the first time in days.

Luminova moved among the crowd, helping an elderly woman carry her bowl to a table. "Eat slowly," she advised with a gentle smile. "There's plenty to go around."

Elinalese joined her, sitting with a group of children and sharing quiet words of encouragement. One of the younger boys offered her a piece of bread, and though she declined, the gesture brought a soft smile to her face.

Vincent stood back, watching the scene unfold. The square, once filled with tension and despair, was now alive with a sense of hope. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

After breakfast, Vincent directed the survivors toward the barracks on the eastern side of the stronghold. Soldiers guided them in small groups, ensuring no one got lost in the maze of streets and corridors.

The barracks, though simple, were clean and well-organized. Each survivor was assigned a bunk with a mattress, blankets, and a small trunk for belongings. The children were given extra blankets and pillows, and the soldiers made a point to reassure the nervous parents.

"This will be your home for now," Vincent told the group as they settled in. "It's not much, but it's safe, and you'll have everything you need."

Elinalese stood near the entrance, watching as her people found their places. Though the barracks were a far cry from the grandeur of Eldoria, she saw the relief on their faces and felt a glimmer of hope. They were alive, and they were together.

Luminova approached her, her emerald eyes scanning the room. "They'll rest easier tonight," she said softly.

Elinalese nodded. "Thanks to you. You kept them safe all this time."

"I wasn't alone," Luminova replied. "But we wouldn't be here without you and Vincent."

As the survivors settled in, Vincent and Marcus regrouped in the command center. A large map of Perm and the surrounding area was spread out on the table, marked with supply routes and defensive positions.

"Captain Rowe has requested reinforcements for the perimeter," Marcus reported. "He's concerned about the possibility of stragglers or wandering beasts."

"Approve it," Vincent replied. "Double the patrols until we're sure the area is secure."

"What about the survivors?" Marcus asked. "What's the long-term plan?"

"We'll start integrating them into the stronghold," Vincent said. "Some of them can help with farming and maintenance. The rest will receive training or medical care until they're ready to contribute."

Marcus nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It's going to take time, but this place has potential."

"It does," Vincent agreed. "And we're going to make sure it becomes a place where they can rebuild their lives."

Later that evening, Vincent found Elinalese sitting on the balcony of one of the watchtowers, gazing out at the horizon. The lights of Perm glowed softly behind her, a stark contrast to the darkened landscape beyond the walls.

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked, stepping closer.

Elinalese shook her head. "Too much on my mind. I keep thinking about Eldoria... about what we've lost."

Vincent leaned against the railing beside her. "You haven't lost everything. Your people are alive, and they believe in you. That's more powerful than any city."

She turned to him, her eyes filled with quiet determination. "You're right. This isn't the end. It's just the beginning."

Vincent nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "We'll rebuild. Stronger. Together."

As they stood there, the fortress of Perm hummed with quiet activity, a beacon of hope in a world overshadowed by darkness. The survivors were safe, for now, and with leaders like Elinalese and Vincent guiding them, their future held promise.