Chapter 116: A Question of How (2/2)
The crowd grew silent. It was the president of the Union, a high-ranking awakener that was thought to be at the Astra-rank. As he stood there, a majestic aura was subconsciously emitted by him that gave a feeling to any onlooker that the world was bowing down. He had white hair that was in no way a sign of old age, but of an ability called the amplifiers.
”Thank you for coming here.” His voice was deep and eyes piercing yet righteous. ”The Yalveran Union needs you right now, and it's time to defend our home against other humans as we do against monsters. I won't try to motivate you or raise your morale, as I know that everyone is aware that our kingdom's survivability is on the line.”
His words fell on the crow, turning their expression grim. He scanned them with his ruby eyes before saluting them with a hand on his heart. Everyone did the same.
Groups slowly formed with rankings as a basis. Arthur got separated from the rest because they were disguised as Vetus-rankers to gain access to higher facilities. However, Arthur was sure that their actual rank was above that.
He was assigned to a squad that had ten people including him, one of them being staff from the association that was responsible for relaying commands.
”Everyone, please follow me.” The squad leader, a young man with a shaved head, told them before heading deeper into the Union's grounds. They arrived at a large building like a gymnasium and had to wait in line.
”Woah, I'm kind of nervous. I know it's our duty, but this is scary to be thrown into war like this.” A young man next to Arthur shuddered. He had a red nose and a piercing in his ear that made him look like a delinquent. His hair was a wild orange, but Arthur thought that it could never be as wild as Reece's.
”Well, we'll be rewarded handsomely, they say. Even the Runes Association are chipping in to provide support since it was kind of their fault.” A fat middle-aged man said in response.
”Are you dumb? How is it their fault if the prince is the one who brought this to us? Even now, he's the one attacking the kingdom!” Another handsome man rebuked. However, the first man simply shrugged even though he was much older.
That's how it worked in relationships between awakeners. Rank was the hierarchy between people. If two people were of the same rank despite being of different ages, they treated each other equally.
”Woah, I'm scared. Am I going to die?” The orange hair guy started hyperventilating as if he would have a panic attack. Arthur sighed and smacked his head lightly.
”If you think you'll die, that's what's going to happen. Don't defeat yourself before the battle even started.” For some reason, Arthur felt that he was unfit to give such advice. However, coupled with his appearance, the orange-hair man who was obviously older than him, nodded his head seriously.
”You're right, older brother! Please take care of me!” Suddenly Arthur was an older brother. The other shook their head and a conversation began.
Their wait was over and they headed toward a teleportation circle. They could take a plane since it was less expensive than teleportation, but it would take time and effort. In less than a minute, Arthur found himself standing atop a black-brick road in the central square of Blacksilk fortress.
Even though it was a fortress that was built here for security reasons, life couldn't help but bloom. Arthur walked over with the others and witnessed a bustling city a distance away from the fortress, hiding behind the army of the union.
”Welcome to Blacksilk, where death is not as uncommon.” The squad leader said to the group as they looked at how the city intertwined with giant forests and hills. ”And now,” He continued. ”We need to protect this place.”
The group started moving again. They gathered in a giant field in front of the fortress that was black as charcoal and stood anciently in its place, protecting the lands. Black walls protruded from each side of the castle until they connected with mountain ranges, making a defense line against the incoming attack.
Arthur saw Ivy and Zas since they were easily spotted, but didn't see Li anywhere. They waited in front of the fortress's wall until an old man came forward, accompanied by the president of the union.
”I am General Ro. A giant bug is threatening to take away our land and is now marching toward us. Today, we'll prove to everyone who dares to harbor ill against us that they've made a deadly mistake. For the kingdom and for our families, we shall emerge victoriously!”
His words sent waves in the crowd who started cheering. Humans were always stronger in packs as they made them feel stronger. A bloodthirst excitement spread in the army as a battle that was against the odds would soon commence.