Book 7, Chapter 76 - A Sensational Fea (1/2)

Book 7, Chapter 76 - A Sensational Fea

Beneath the city, planners had discovered a massive underground layer of rock whose size and composition were different from its surroundings. It was transferred here a thousand years ago, during the cataclysm that broke the earth. It was also the most suitable thing they could use to exchange for the desert’s Source.

In the early morning, people began to gather.

The Shepherd God spread her enchantments to temporarily cover the entire capital. The realm’s strongest were strategically positioned and all the capital’s defensive towers were activated. The capital was on high alert and all the citizens gathered in open spaces to avoid any possible danger.

Azura and her fellow students were helping the soldiers maintain order. By now the students were all given formal appointment as Greenland Awakened. They weren’t given posts on the front lines, but did have responsibilities around the city.

“What’s going on?”

“We’re not going to war, are we?”

“Nonsense. I heard Cloudhawk is preparing to bring a huge treasure to Greenland. If he succeeds we won’t have to worry about resources anymore.”

“Such a treasure exists? Impossible.”

“...”

Curiosity and rumors about what was coming were rampant.

“Quiet!”

A small figure approached, draped in a cloak that was a little too big for her. Her shoulder-length hair was tied up in a ponytail and three swords were strapped to her back. In her hands was an exorcist bow. Her face was a picture of determination and valor.

Everyone stood a little straighter. Everyone listened and respected Azura. There was every reason why they should.

With her talents she had already surpassed Greenland Institute’s chief instructor, Claudia Lunae. She was widely accepted as the school’s best, not least because she was known to routinely defeat veteran demonhunters twice her age.

Skycloud’s most famous talents – people like Arcturus and Selene – didn’t show as much promise at her age. But more than that, the leadership qualities she showed were amazing. With an innate charm and gravitas, people were drawn to her command.

She had been given the post of deputy-commander of the Goshawks. She was responsible for keeping a special unit of young soldiers numbering in the hundreds under control. Ordinarily she was responsible for giving them tasks and overseeing their training. Her team had already begun to accumulate a good reputation.

Among the young generation, she was closest to matching Cloudhawk’s potential. War was coming and they needed to be ready, but it seemed like the next generation would easily match the one before. Since Azura was also Cloudhawk’s sole disciple, it was widely assumed she would take on the mantle of alliance leadership one day.

She shouted at them. “Remember your orders.”

“Yes, ma’am!” They shouted. “Protect the citizens! Protect Greenland!” Her soldiers stared straight ahead with firm expressions.

Overhead, several airships floated like clouds.

They came from the Elysian realms, the wastelands, Woodland Vale and Meadow. Armies from everywhere. Dawn stood within the bridge of the flagship staring out across the horizon. Everyone was gathered to witness the scene.

She cast her eyes down to the ground. Her voice rang out, amplified by a loudspeaker. “I am Dawn Polaris, Governor of the Southern Capital. Everyone, evacuate the area immediately. Again, clear the area!”

“I know you are curious to see what follows. Remember, what you are about to witness is proof of the crimes the gods have committed against our species. Remember what our leader, Cloudhawk, has done to protect us. What we are about to accomplish will affect us all.”

“Today is another miracle on our path to freedom.”

Azura’s eyes were fixed on the horizon. She could feel the hum of relics growing stronger. Straight ahead was a group of mighty warriors, all of which she looked up to. Every one of them was a hero in their own right.

Azura wasn’t ready to join their ranks yet, but she was confident that she would one day. Sometime in the not too distant future she could become an important pillar of this world they were building. She was sure of it.

Behind her were scores of troops and civilians who had been evacuated from the site.