Book 5 - Chapter 47 - Pioneers (2/2)

“Today is an important day for Greenland. For the whole of the wastelands.” As she began a conflicting mess of emotions filled her. She had been, after all, a noble demonhunter of Skycloud. Even after months among the wastelanders her former life still left its mark. However it had finally begun to dawn on her that she was an Elysian no longer. “It’s important that you are all there to see this historic moment.”

“Headmistress, what do you mean by historic moment?”

“The Governor is going to meet with several people, each of them very important for the wastelands. They are fine examples for you to follow in your life, for they represent the real strength of the wastelands. They came here with a purpose and a motive, but what’s important for you to know is that they are all pioneers, all elders who deserve your utmost respect.

Their eyes glittered with interest.

“In the future, when you’re sitting safely in class and learning to better yourselves, remember that these men and women are who made it possible. They were the ones who stood up to death and danger in the dark places you can’t see, protecting you so you can have that future.”

“Further in the future, if some of you grow to be as strong as they are, please remember them and their contributions. Do everything you can to walk in their footsteps. Transforming the wastelands is a long and difficult journey that will require the efforts and sacrifices of many generations.”

“That’s enough lecturing. Now, let’s go take a look.” Claudia was suddenly struck with a wave of exhaustion when she finished her speech.

The students were all abuzz with excitement. Azura was the first to shoot to her feet and took charge. “Alright, calm down! Follow instructions. We don’t want this to be a mess!”

Everyone obediently quieted down. Azura wasn’t just the most talented among them, she also had a surprisingly commanding presence for her age. She was only ten years old! When she grew up, she would be exactly the sort of person Claudia had just been talking about.

The students arranged themselves into orderly lines, then made their way to the square in the center of the city. They stood straight and tall, and quiet as they waited for the spectacle. It was an hours-long process, and not once did someone complain or get out of line. To them this was like a pilgrimage. They were all excited for every moment.

Eventually a loud rumble shook the city. The gathered citizens turned their eyes toward the noise. Several enormous airships were descending on them from above.

Once they were docked the students watched as a number of striking and important figures emerged. One after the other they presented themselves, and with each new face the students were more in awe. Their headmistress had impressed upon them how important they all were. They understood that without these people, the wastelands would never survive under the shadow of Skycloud.

Wolfblade! Leader of the Dark Atom. For years he stood alone on the front lines against the Elysian lands.

The Khan of Evernight! Master of the city of Nox. They were the mysterious power from the south that wielded incredible and enigmatic power. They were the backbone, supporting them as they marched to war.

Cloudhawk! Governor of Greenland and one of the men these students adored the most. A unique wastelander, and founder of their great realm!

The procession continued: Abaddon, Autumn, Hellflower, Coal, the Wendigo King… a dozen of the wasteland’s greatest leaders all gathered in Greenland. Choose any one at random and you would have a representative of the best of the best the wastes had to offer.

Here they were, most of the wastelands’ powerhouses, gathered as representatives of their land’s defiance to Elysian oppression. Their city had become the center of their bid to win freedom and the right of self-determination.

Who could have imagined that such a small act could lead to one of the most historic wars in modern history?

Cloudhawk, Wolfblade and the Khan stood at the head of the procession. The rest fanned out behind. All together they walked across the square and into the central fort. Although it lasted only a moment – ten minutes at most – the spectacle had filled the students with fervor and determination.

They felt pride at being present when these illustrious figures gathered.

They felt honored that these pioneers were fighting for their right to live free.

They felt confident, for they had faith one day they might join these hero’s ranks.

Fight for survival. Fight for freedom! Fight for dignity! Fight!

Their actions would plant the seeds of resistance and fighting spirit. Their blood would soak the barren lands and, one day, turn it into a vibrant paradise!

1. Class leaders being a staple of Chinese classrooms, wherein one student is selected as the instructor’s personal assistant. I suppose in the US we call them class monitors.

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