Chapter 522 - Serious (2/2)
Though he spoke these words, in order to ensure that his actions wouldn't dampen the morale of the men, he controlled his voice so that only the City Lord could hear him. After all, every small advantage they could grab a hold of was a plus. They couldn't allow Earth the slightest chink in their armor.
”Salnas, I think it's best you don't ask for answers to questions you aren't qualified to have.”
The sudden indifferent voice caught Salnas off guard. He felt as though a blade was suddenly firmly pressed against his back, prepared to take his life at the slightest sign of impropriety.
Salnas gulped, his frail old body shivering.
”… Yes, Young Heir Anared. I apologize, I've stepped out of line.”
Salnas struggled to speak through gritted teeth, the beating of his heart growing erratic. Even to now, he didn't dare to turn around to face Anared who had most definitely appeared behind him. He simply lowered his head, trying to stop the trembling of his body.
'When did this child grow so powerful?'
Salnas felt as though Anared could take his life whenever he pleased. But, logically, this young Heir who was nothing more than a little boy in Salnas' eyes should have still been several decades away from displaying such strength.
However, when Salnas thought of a certain possibility, his trembling only became worse.
Hargrove frowned slightly and swept a gaze back in Anared's direction. Something like reprimanding another's subordinate was definitely crossing a line of respect. It was even worse that Anared had actually been listening in on what should have been a private conversation. In any other situation, this would have led to a battle of City Lords. But, even Hargrove seemed to feel some trepidation when facing Anared now.
Just when Hargrove made the choice to swallow his pride and was about to try to alleviate the tension with some words, the ground quaked.
'… Are they finally getting serious?'
Hargrove turned his frown toward Dark Cloud Prison. He knew well that Earth wouldn't leave this place unprotected. This prison was too much of a strategic point. In fact, even Terrain was aware of this or else Anared would have never been sent here.
The portions of the hexagonal prison that appeared above ground suddenly collapsed. No… They didn't collapse, rather, they sunk into the ground, being swallowed beneath the concrete.
Just after this happened, the hollow center that the prison once surrounded opened, separating like the jaws of a hidden beast.
A platform slowly raised. At first, it was impossible to see anything atop of it. But, very soon, the shadows of men and women became clear.
By the time the platform's gears grinded to a halt and appeared above ground, one could see a troop of over ten thousand warriors led by Lead Guard Garwin and Governor Duke Owen.