Chapter 553: The Battle Begins (1/2)

Chapter 553: The Battle Begins

Translator: OneshotwonderEditor: Hitesh_

These three leaders represented the defensive forces that were stationed inside the city.

Had they ever thought of letting go of their territory and retreating? Perhaps… But, after having tasted the comfort of their former life, no one would willingly leave this bastion of civilization.

At last, Aamir slowly stood up and said, ”I have talked to the Jade City in private, and they are willing to send reinforcements. But, we will be on our own at the beginning of the siege.”

Aamir had provided a different information than the messenger, but no one was surprised by it. As the leader of one of the strongest bands, Aamir had more strings to pull to get what he wanted. Everyone kept their silence, thinking and weighing their options in light of this new information.

”I hereby speak on behalf of all the warriors of Blizzard. We will defend the Maersa City until the last of us.” Aamir announced as he scanned the room with a determined glance. Blizzard had invested too much in the city to pull out without putting up a fight. Aamir was optimistic about the outcome of the war despite the sense of dread that permeated among other leaders. Without believing oneself, no one would believe in one either after all.

After a while, Marcos stood up. ”Let's put away our differences and fight for our survival! Thunder Fire is staying to defend the city!”

Aamir and Marcos exchanged a knowing glance; they had been competitors, but the situation had forced the two to and work together toward the same goal: survival. Without cooperation and unity, they might as well have already lost the war.

The strength of humans came from solidarity and unity; without it, the human race would have fallen apart thousands of years ago.

”This city is everything we have! The Eagle will be with everyone when the Zergs come!” Pamir pounded his chest; he knew that his words would lend others hope.

After the three major factions had sworn to protect the city, Hamir heaved a sigh of relief.

”We will let Captain Aamir assign our duties. This is your last chance to leave the city. When the war starts, I will not allow any cowards in my ranks!” Marcos shouted and then shot the crowd a searing glance.

”If you leave now, don't ever think about coming back,” Pamir said softly and blankly.

The planning of the defense was way beyond Hamir's ability, and therefore the responsibility fell on the shoulders of Aamir. He would be the one calling the shots, and no questions with regards to his decision were allowed. Democracy worked only during peacetime, and right now, the citizens in Maersa needed a strong and capable leader, as well as a highly centralized political system to ensure efficiency. Aamir was the perfect candidate for the role of leader. As a popular leader of the strongest band, he possessed both charm and power at the same time. Not even his long-time rival, Marcos could match his influence.

Since the situation didn't allow the defenders much wiggle room, the defense plan was simple: repair walls and restock the armory. Every band handed in their stash of weapons and equipment to make sure that the defensive forces would have enough iron and steel to throw at the Zergs.

After all the forces were gathered under one banner and one commander, the soldiers finally found confidence in numbers. Although there had been few soldiers who had abandoned hope and slipped out of the city, those were very rare occurrences as most of them stayed.

After all, what would be the point of being alive when everyone they knew were dead?

After the meeting, Battle Wolf was also assigned a district to defend, and Hamir accepted the duty without hesitation. He would have accepted even the most difficult task if Aamir so chose. After all, if Battle Wolf refused the duty, someone else would have to risk their lives.

Truth be told, Hamir had been very anxious as more days passed by without seeing Wang Tong and the other elite warriors. He understood the other factions' suspicions, since nearly all the core members of the Battle Wolf had disappeared for days. Hamir took a deep breath; he knew that without the leaders, he would have to lead the band through this treacherous time.

The promise of the final showdown with the Zergs had kept Hamir sleepless in the night. He thought about his wife and the time he had spent with his sect brothers. The final confrontation with the Zergs was coming, and it would determine the life and death of all human resistance forces; Hamir was ready for it all.