Chapter 119: Wise People (2/2)
”Brothers!” Zas stepped forward again, his words now held more weight since some of them supported his claim. ”This can also be a part of their plan! What if they're trying to sew doubt in our hearts? Even if I was the one who said the possibility, I'm sure many great minds have already seen through it.”
He praised and the crowd nodded, even those who have not agreed earlier. They appeared to be wise and scheming, having already thought of many steps ahead. This way, it was easier to coax them.
”In my humble opinion, that can be faulty and accepts correction from the great leaders here, I think that the mecha is merely a bait to disturb our ranks.
”Our nation is under threat from two sides, what would a missing mecha do to harm the situation? The real catastrophe would be if we exhaust our resources and energy as well as doubt each other to reclaim it.
”Let's keep our goal in our mind; it is the well-being of the Union! Protecting our people! Allowing this city to live this day the same as any other, happy and prosperous!”
His speech earned applause from everyone there and an approving nod from the general. This way, the retreat has been issued and the mecha disappeared into the mountains. A meeting then started with the patriotic Zas in the lead, discussing some strategies to defend the fortress and attack the Calamity Spider.
***
”They're gone,” Arthur muttered in bewilderment as he commanded the mecha to stop and look around. It had been a while since he lost their trial, but it seemed oddly fishy that they just let him leave.
”It's Zas, probably. Unlike what he looks like, he's quite reliable in improvising. Not as good as Reece, but still reliable.” Ivy felt relieved that they were off the hook. If not for Arthur's flawless handling of the mecha.
”It seems that everyone in mistletoe is reliable.” Arthur turned around and smiled at her.
”You included,” Ivy stood up and leaned on Arthur's seat. ”When did you learn how to handle a mecha this way?”
”Well,” Arthur paused. ”Has Si ever told you how we met?”
”In an arcade,” Ivy laughed. ”He said that he has never been to one before, but his ability showed him that a good seedling would be there. So, you're saying you've learned this from games?”
”And studying runes, but yeah mostly games.” Arthur lied as he never had the time to play games before. The only reason he went there is that he was too nervous about the Union's test, but he luckily met Si who offered him a different path than relying on the Union and their facilities.
It seems that Ivy didn't believe him fully, but he didn't explain further. The reason he was able to control the mecha this well is because of his ability, allowing him to control the runic panel flawlessly. He didn't need to memorize what each rune did, as he knew them instinctively.
”What are we to do now?” Ivy asked, taking Arthur's opinion for the first time.
He pondered for a second and then controlled the mecha to find a place to hide. It was a low hill surrounded by trees with a good viewpoint to see when the calamity spider would be here. It would be a short few hours until it reaches this place.
”Now, we wait.” Arthur left the piloting seat and took out his dagger. He started studying it seriously for the first time as Ivy tried to talk to him, but he ignored her.
This would be the key in the upcoming battle. Even the runes association had no idea how to stop the calamity spider except attacking it, but Arthur had a different plan in mind.