Brittany sat at a table with Raul and a few other members of the Coven. They were discussing the plans for the upcoming expedition, and she found herself feeling uneasy. She wasn't used to making decisions for so many people. She was only accustomed to making decisions for herself.

"Okay, so we're going to gather as many Shadow Walkers as we can and head North." she told Raul. "We'll take the western route and cut through the Lost Zone forests. That should save us days, if not weeks."

"That sounds good." Raul agreed. "Assuming we can get everyone to agree."

"Well, we'll just have to talk them into it." Brittany shrugged. "I mean, if I wanted to sit around and do nothing, I would have stayed in my hut cautiously like Davion always did. I'm sure they want to see some action too, right?"

"I hope so." Raul said.

"What do you think?" she asked the group.

Everyone shook their heads and mumbled their agreement.

"I think that's a great idea." Serena added. "And once my group has secured the temple, we can start rebuilding our forces. We've got to focus on getting ready for the next attack. Right now, we need to concentrate on gathering everything we need before the enemy attacks."

Brittany nodded.

"You're probably right." she agreed. "But we can't just wait around forever. We need to move out as soon as possible. The Leviathan is calling me to the Northern Lands. This task is critical to his plans.”

"Agreed." Raul nodded. "But for now, we need to get started on our preparations."

Brittany was about to ask a question when a loud voice interrupted her.

"Hey!" a man yelled.

Everyone turned to face him. A tall, lean Shadow Walker was standing in front of them, glaring angrily at Brittany.

"Why?" he demanded. "Why are you making all these decisions without consulting us? What gives you the right to act so arrogantly?"

Brittany gulped.

"Calm down." Raul ordered. "Let's not jump to conclusions. Let's talk about this calmly."

"Talk about what?" the Shadow Walker asked. "What are you talking about?"

"We're talking about the expedition." Raul said. "The one you want to go on."

"That's none of your business!" the Shadow Walker exclaimed. "It's our decision. It's our lives that are on the line here. Why shouldn't we decide how we spend our time?"

"Because you're not in charge." Raul argued. "You don't get to decide anything. You have to follow Brittany’s orders. You're part of the Coven. That means you have to obey the leader. You're not in charge."

"In that case, why are you even here?" the Shadow Walker demanded. "Is this leadership training? Are you trying to teach us how to be leaders? Because it's not working!"

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"No, it's not." Raul agreed. "We're not teaching anyone anything. This is just another step in the process. At first, you're all a bunch of scared, clueless nobodies. Then, you become a group of ragtag, inexperienced soldiers. After that, you begin to learn about leadership and responsibility. Finally, you start learning how to take orders from someone else."

"And after that?" the Shadow Walker asked.

Raul smiled.

"After that, you're ready to make decisions on your own." he said. "You know who you can trust, and you know how to recognize the signs of an enemy. And you know how to defeat them."

"Then what?" the Shadow Walker asked.

"Then you're ready to lead and fight for your Coven." Raul replied. "That's what this is all about. Making you stronger and smarter. Preparing you for the trials ahead."

"Fine!" the Shadow Walker shouted. "Whatever you say. But don't you dare tell me what to do. I'm not your slave."

He stormed away and joined the others at the table.

“Is he going to be a problem? The last thing I need right now is a mutiny.” Brittany raised an eyebrow in alarm.

“That’s just Ray. He’s a bit argumentative at times. Don't worry about it. He'll calm down once he realizes you're the real deal.” Raul assured her.

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I don't like him either.” Brittany admitted.

Raul laughed.

“Don't worry. You'll get used to him. Once you get to know each other, he'll stop acting like such a jerk. Just remember: you're the boss, and he's just a soldier. You're in charge, and he has to listen to you.

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The party followed Brittany’s lead to the Lost Zone forested area near the beach. In the distance they could see several Voidspawn circling one of the obelisk towers as if they were guarding it. And all of the orbs of the obelisks had been activated as far as the eye could see.

“The Leviathan’s plan is being carried out.” Raul announced. “Once all of the obelisks are restored, we can activate the great machine beneath Atlantis. But we will have to secure the temple first.”

They entered the forest, continuing to follow Brittany’s lead. They were careful to stay together, not knowing what might lurk in the shadows of the Lost Zone. Brittany followed her instincts, and listened to the voice of the Leviathan as it guided her. When she came upon a clearing, she led them into it.

It was immediately apparent that something was wrong. The voices of the Voidspawn had grown louder. And the fog of the Lost Zone had grown thicker. A group of Voidspawn had encircled their prey. Brittany summoned the element of darkness

Skill Acquired: Dark Presence

Your presence as the dark master of the Voidspawn causes them to freeze in terror, allowing you to attack freely.

"Brilliant job!" Raul said. “The student has become the teacher.”

They approached the creatures, and with a wave of her hand she sent them screeching and scattering into the deep woods. Laying on the dirt was a fallen player, inches away from succumbing to death. Brittany knelt down, and immediately recognized him. It was Jessie, the newest member of the guild. An overpowering thought encroached upon her mind in that instant.

He must yield his soul unto me!

"Jessie?" Brittany said. "I know you think all hope is lost right now, but we can save you. You just need to yield your soul to the Leviathan. He will heal you.”

There was an intense pain in his eyes, but he nodded his consent. In an instant, smoke gathered from all around them, cumulating into the hulking figure of the Leviathan with its flaming red eyes and jaws, and horns protruding from its head. Brittany no longer felt terror in the presence of the beast, but instead loyalty and camaraderie.

The beast leaned over the remains of Jessie’s broken body, and Brittany watched with interest as the white flame of Jessie’s soul rose out of his chest. The beast opened its massive jaws, inhaling the smoke of the flames until the white flame was gone.

Jessie’s eyes opened, and he blinked in shock and confusion.

"I- I'm… I'm alive." Jessie stammered, "But how?"

"The Leviathan saved you." Brittany said, looking around, “You are weak now, so I’ll meet up with you again soon.”

Brittany instructed several of her Shadow Walkers to help Jessie back to the Coven encampment.

“If Jessie is here, Brad and Blondie must be nearby too.” Brittany gave an evil look to Raul, “I would give anything to make that woman suffer, and then force her under my command!”

Raul grinned evilly. "The Leviathan has given you a great gift! You should accept his offer."

"Yes. Indeed, we should. Let’s find them.” Brittany agreed and then turned to the Shadow Walkers in the group, "Spread out! Find the man and woman known as Blondie and Brad!”

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