Chapter 136: Serious Thoughts (1/2)
[We need to talk? That brings up some bad memories.]
”What's wrong?” Mike asked.
”What's wrong, is that those soldiers that were attacking us, were wearing the crest of Tennundi. This is tantamount to them declaring war on the kingdom. Have you given any thought to the repercussions of that kind of action?” Sera responded seriously.
[Why am I slightly relieved that this is what's bothering her?]
”I haven't yet. I mean, it only just happened a little while ago, but I see your point. You are asking whether or not I feel we should get involved in a war, right?”
”That's correct. It's a serious question. I know some of us are native to Almir, but it's not like we have any real ties here. There's not much to stop us from simply getting on a ship to some other region. Then there is the question of whether or not you even should involve yourself in war. Not only are you…” She looked around furtively, before quietly continuing, ”...the Hero, but people might think you are a Dragonknight as well. You should know that this will have consequences.”
”I understand. Truthfully, I haven't really decided what to do yet. There is a lot to consider. What are your thoughts on it?” He asked the group.
By this point Brenden and Audra had stopped their horseplay, with the little dragon sitting triumphantly on the grumbling beastman's head. He nevertheless spoke up, ”I certainly don't owe this country anything, and I have no desire to die in its defense, but there is one thing we need to consider. There are a lot of opportunities for both monetary and social advancement in war. With our strength and Mike's inherent ridiculousness, we could get a lot of benefits from joining in.”
Tal cut in, ”Risky. Can go wrong.”
”True.” The Brenden replied. ”We could all end up dead, just because someone wants to wear a pointy golden hat, but this really goes back to the original question. What is it that we are trying to accomplish? I know we averted the apocalypse not too long ago, but what else beyond that?”
The group fell silent for a moment, contemplating the question. Audra contributed her opinion by hopping up onto Mike's shoulder and curling up in the crook of his neck, which garnered a jealous look from Sera.
Looking around at the other students who were still milling about, Mike suggested that they continue this conversation in the dorm. The others agreed. When they were settled into the living room, he was the first to speak as well.
”So, I think we need to decided on the path we want to pursue as a group. What is it we wish to accomplish? What goals do we have?”
Sera frowned, ”Well, you are the leader. What do you think?”
He thought about it for a moment, ”I just started my education, and I think that it would be beneficial in the long term to continue it. Personally, I would like to remain here, at least until becomes too difficult to do so. As to whether or not to join in on the war, I kind of agree with Brenden. If we choose to stay in Almir, then fighting might be the best option. I would need to just try and keep a low profile.”
Brenden snorted. ”I don't think that's possible for you. Anyway, I concur. Like I said earlier, I'm not fond of this country, and I certainly don't want to die for it, but at the same time I don't want to see it overrun by hostile invaders either. If we can get rich in the process, so much the better.”
Tal simply nodded, seemingly content to follow along with the rest of the group.
”That's all well and good, but as the Hero, you have a duty to the entire world. The gods have given you power for the sake of all the living beings of Ea. Using it to take sides in a territorial war could backfire. Especially if you need to build an international coalition in the future, for any reason.” Sera pointed out.
”I understand where you are coming from, and even putting aside the benefits, Almir is the closest thing I have to a home. Much like Brenden, I don't want to see it destroyed. Especially if I have the power to prevent it. Besides, we already averted an apocalypse once, surely the world won't face another one so soon.”
There was a moment of silence, as all three of them realized Mike was really just trying to convince himself of that fact.
Sera finally sighed, ”It seems like you've already made up your mind then. So, the next thing we need to figure out is, in what capacity are you wanting to assist the kingdom. I can tell you with a great deal of confidence, that if all you want is to gain the most benefit from the process, you could approach them in your Dragonknight persona. The government would give you practically anything in exchange for your aid.”
”Surely you are exaggerating.”
”I don't think you understand the legacy of the Dragonknights. While they may have had a poor public image a couple hundred years ago, that has changed. The people of this country forgot what the Dragonknights were, and have instead built an image of what they represented. They've become figures of chivalry, heroism, and virtue. Now you can go to any low class bookstore and find cheap novels about the exploits of the Dragonknights. Exploits that are exaggerated, if not outright fabricated. Plays are held in which the hero or heroine of the story mounts a dragon to face their final challenge. The Dragonknights have become legends in Almir, and if you claim to represent that legacy, the people will worship you for it.”