Chapter 206 - Turmoil (1/2)
”Good afternoon everyone,” stood in the middle of the courtyard, the briefing commenced. All who arrived earlier this morning stood in line. No sound, no noise, no unnecessary motion, they were as calm as images. At the back of the line rested Kniq with the Lymsey sisters.
”As most of you know, yesterday Reforge was attacked by beings that have never been seen before. We counted around fifty of humanoid goblins with high-regeneration, information is lacking concerning their weakness. Amongst them, there was also a giant, one bigger than the building to your right. The third floor was damaged courtesy of the said giant. By the first look, it stood bigger and taller than the rumored ogre. Needless to say, the latter is by far the worst threat we can imagine,” he paused to let the information be digested. Nervousness paired with the fear of the unknown rose. ”Despite this, hope isn't lost. Many of the people sent to Ground-zero should make their way back tomorrow or so. The top-guilds namely: Blades End and Pegasus, have decided to join our fight,” the mere mention of those names sent a wave of relief across.
”Question,” asked one of the party leaders.
”Go ahead,” rather than being stern, Reinhardt felt generous.
”If the humanoid goblins and giant were that big a threat, how come only the military base was destroyed and nothing else?”
”That's a simple question, as you all know – yesterday's win was brought about by Kniq, a guild sent over by the guild master himself. It's safe to say that without their intervention; this briefing would have never taken place. Concerning that question, Staxius, the leader of Kniq, lured the beast farther into the continent. There, after a rather short battle, all who had threatened us, perished.” A nod of acknowledgment later, the leader stepped away.
”Now if there's any more question, please speak up.”
”What can we expect later tonight, will those abnormal join the fight?” another leader asked.
”No idea; we'll have to wait and see,” a pause later, none had questions to which he stepped off.
”Concerning today's formation,” the sergeant took over, ”-seeing there are about twenty people ready to fight. We'll split into four teams of five. I know many have their parties fighting off at the first outpost. It's unfair to break up the group for our selfishness but it's what many signed for. The teams will be reorganized to our discretion, we'll consider everything. Bound by the same ordeal – strength by unity is what is needed at this moment. Set aside differences and look forward.” Unbalanced with teams scattered around the outpost, this was the only way to come up with a line of defense. Each team would have support, tis was necessary for a long period of time-fighting. The space from Totrya's border and the would-be wall was about thirty-five to fifty kilometers. Long to allow movement and time to retreat if needed.
”Here,” she went around and handed notes on which was written who would join what team. Two at the front would act as the close-range fighters. One in the middle, those specialized in mid-to-long range combat. The back, those with special talents and skills. This was the formation – primitive and basic at best, they would be separated a kilometer across. Those on the front lines were basically bait if it went wrong. The people at the back were those deemed special and given priority over the others. Many caught onto what Jannette was trying to get at but decided to ignore it.
”Guess we're the lucky one who shall be the head of the attack,” the first two teams met and got along. The remainder returned to their respective teams. The special unit only but nodded and glared at one another.
”Question,” amidst the chatter, a deep voice called from behind.
”Yes?” Jannette turned to answer the one who spoke.
”What will Kniq be doing?” the eyes cold and voice unimpressed, Staxius approached the officers with torn clothes.
”Oh…” her gaze wandered around again.
”You'll be staying back at Reforge to defend the outpost,” Reinhardt jumped in.
”Is that so,” Staxius's tone felt colder than usual, ”-this may be overstepping my boundaries, but I can't help to see the point in sending two parties to be bait. In that case, it would be better to only send one party and leave the rest behind. After all,” he stared at the special unit, ”-those respectful individuals are being saved for some other purpose. It's quite intriguing.” Something was definitely off – foul play of the highest degree.
”Guild Leader,” Reinhardt called, ”-I know that this situation isn't pleasing for anyone. But I implore you to remain a little tactful.”
”Mind your place,” a girl from the special unit spat, her eyes filled with disgust.
”I don't know who the hell you are,” the others from the same team were riled up, ”-but what you say is true. We are being treated differently, those who stand before us must kneel and give their lives, we're superior to weaklings like them,” from silent, they approached menacingly. Two ladies and three men, eyes filled with confidence and pride, the kind of people Staxius liked to torment.
”Hey man, I appreciate you sticking up for us,” the leader of the vanguard came forth, ”-but it's alright. Adventurers have their pride and some are more worthwhile than others. To be honest, we're fine with fighting to our death if it gives Hidros a surviving chance,” the face innocent and tone sincere.
”It's all good,” the other leader said politely as well, ”-you better not get involved with that special team, there's a reason why the officers want them alive. They have the potential to become Platinum ranked, a talent that comes rarely. Compared to us whose potential is but Ruby or Emerald, there's no helping it.”
”Hear that?” the first lady said with a voice of disgust, ”-don't jump in thinking you're a hotshot,” their eyes lit with hate, each one got ready to fight. Hand on swords, fingers on trigger.
”I see,” he turned around and ignored them, ”-I'd take adventurers with a good heart rather than egotistical idiots anyway. What's the point of being strong if it turns one into a pest, a nuisance.”
”Guild leader or no, we don't care,” the special unit jumped.
*Death Element: Unleash Aura,* their faces hit the ground instantly, the so-called platinum potential adventurers could but do nothing.