Chapter 572: True Power (1/2)

”[Reptilian] How poetic…” Aiden smiled at the words of Madam Dara, not showing any signs of concern over the 'massive' forces of the enemy.

”[Reptilian] What do you mean, my lord?” Dara, on the other hand, was utterly confused at the uncanny reaction. Was everything alright with the lord? Maybe he got sick over the recent events? ”I-is everything alright?”

Still, she felt it was rather rude to directly ask about it. Making her grow more and more hesitant as she spoke.

”[Reptilian] Don't worry about it. It just… reminded me of an old story…” Aiden didn't bother with her reaction and smiled at her instead. Turning to look at the people lined up in front of him, he smiled.

These men and women were more of a militia, the rebellious, romanticist citizenry rather than a group of trained soldiers. Heck, he was certain, that most of them haven't really experienced anything like what would unfold shortly.

Spilling blood, ending the life of another. It carries a great psychological burden that unless you are trained for, it could carry devastating consequences.

Genocide.

The definition of the one that murders his own kind.  This is the emotional baggage, the weight of these innocent people, wishing nothing more than freedom would be burdened shortly.

The smile slowly faded, soured into a stern, somber expression as Aiden looked over the many shivering, trembling farmers, commoners, or even used-to-be slaves.

Apart from a few elite individuals, -like Madam Dara and her trained Daughters-, he wasn't sure that if was right to force these people to forcefully ruin the futures of everyone present.

Thinking it through, Aiden eventually made up his mind. He would do whatever he needs to protect these people. Though his memories are vague, and still mostly in small fractions, small pieces he gained from the absorbed Archbishop… He couldn't help but think and care about them just like he did for those back in Haven.

He slowly gazed towards the back, where a young skink girl, his supposed daughter wearing his frivolous white one-piece dress were looking at them with worry and concern. Nervously grabbing and playing with the laces of her dress, she was clearly aware of the dangers, despite their attempts of trying to shelter her.

She was probably also aware of her supposed fate, even if she couldn't fully comprehend the meaning behind it. She had no future, but she didn't despair. As long as she could be with her papa and fight with her for her missing mama, she would be fine.

Aiden clenched his fists tighter as he recalled all the pain, all the suffering of the original owner of his current form, and that little innocent angel had been through. He could also feel all the emotions from the small crowd in front of him.

Despite being scared, frightened… no, terrified of the upcoming bloodbath, they were all determined down to the very last person to fight to their last breaths if needed. To conserve, to save this tiny little piece of happiness they carved beside the rocky walls of this underground world… That was the wish of everyone. From the youngest, those little boys that could barely hold their weapons, just reaching the brink of their childhood and stepping into their adulthood through this upcoming baptism of blood and gore…

To the old, weak, and elderly. Supporting themselves with canes made out of gnarled roots from the trees still surviving on the surface of the wasteland… No matter what kind but they were all adamant to fight together with their newly gained family. Nobody wanted to stay behind. Even though they tried to keep them safe, nobody remained.

'I will not allow them to suffer such a fate.' Looking at these loving tight-knit families of people, Aiden was now committed. He would no longer just play the role. This wouldn't just be about survival anymore. He felt a connection to these people. He would give them all of his support. He would not let harm come to them.

The sound of cracks, his joints cracking as he clenched his hands into tightly balled fists, brought him out of his thoughts.

He sighed, as the sternness eased up on his expression a bit.

Then it happened, catching everyone unprepared. Everyone present, including the little Tolliah at the back, was stunned by what they saw and felt in the next moment coming from their leader, her dear Papa.