On the beach, Axel stood before his army of twenty-five soldiers, each arranged neatly in five-man rows.
Each group bore unique uniforms and weaponry, Axel had bought from King Kurtis.
The Watchers were clad in sleek, all-black uniforms that prioritized stealth. They wielded daggers and bows, ideal for silent, precise strikes.
The Blades wore blue and black light armor. Their specialty was one-handed weapons, allowing speed and versatility in combat.
Finally, the Keepers donned bulky blue and black armor. Their formidable two-handed weapons made them the shield of the group, built for endurance and power.
Axel's commands rang sharp and clear as the soldiers trained with unwavering focus. None dared to look away or falter under his gaze, knowing the punishment for disobedience would be swift.
In preparation for the impending battle, Axel had appointed three enforcers to oversee tactical planning in his absence:
Denji, the Watcher enforcer, sharp and calculating silent killer that came first in every stealth training test.
Trever, the Blade enforcer, known for his quick reflexes and tactical mind. Currently was the only one who manages to cut a thread of Axel's clothes.
Victor, the Keeper enforcer, whose strength and discipline earned him respect among his peers. A giant who's determination to protect his colleagues own him the rank.
The three enforcers stood at the forefront, leading their units with precision and inspiring confidence even among the more nervous recruits.
---
Elsewhere in Neverport, Becca conducted interviews in the presence room, seeking to strengthen the town's leadership.
After hours of deliberation, she appointed:
Hinata as the agriculture overseer, skilled in both animal and plant due to be from a generation of farmers.
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Vender as the construction overseer, experienced in engineering and infrastructure.
Soji as the trade and treasurer overseer, a master of commerce and logistics.
Each was well-qualified, and Becca felt confident in her choices.
During her breaks, she practiced her magic, focusing on improving plant growth.
Though progress was slow, she noted small victories as she honed her abilities.
In just four days, they will be confronting Pi and the Lost Brotherhood.
---
As night fell, the people of Neverport returned to their homes to rest.
Axel spent his evenings with Ivy and Lunar, the two having grown close in recent days. Though Ivy didn't mind Lunar staying over, Lunar often insisted on leaving for two reasons.
First, at twenty-three, Lunar felt she should be independent and not reliant on others. Second—though she would never admit it—the couple's nightly activites made it impossible for her to sleep.
Becca, on the other hand, spent her evenings either drinking with friends or unwinding at home.
Despite their different routines, everyone shared one thought: they needed to be ready for the days ahead.
---
Four Days Later
At Neverport's entrance, a column of over twenty white horses approached. Prince Shadow, King Kurtis, and a company of soldiers arrived, prepared to apprehend Pi and dismantle the Lost Brotherhood.
As they entered the village, they saw Axel seated on an ice throne at the center of the square, the village eerily deserted.
King Kurtis dismounted and approached Axel. "Where is everyone?" he asked.
Axel rose, his new battle uniform catching the light—a sleek black ensemble with a striking gold-and-white arm guard on his right arm.
"They're by the shore," Axel replied. "If things go south, they'll be safe there. Don't forget what we discussed."
Kurtis nodded, fastening the large sword strapped to his back. "I haven't."
He turned to his soldiers, "LISTEN TO MY COMMAND: MY SON AND I WILL LEAD THE ATTACK ON THE FRONTLINES. THE REST OF YOU WILL REMAIN HERE AND DEFEND THIS VILLAGE AS IF YOUR LIVES DEPEND ON IT!"
The soldiers roared in affirmation, their confidence bolstered by the king's words.
Axel whistled, summoning his horse, Diego. The steed trotted over, nuzzling Axel's chest affectionately, "All right," Axel said, mounting Diego, "I'll take the lead."
As Kurtis's soldiers spread out to secure the village, Shadow rode up beside Axel. His expression was serious, "I've heard stories about you," Shadow said. "They say you're a man of limitless potential and strength. I want to see if the rumors are true."
Axel smirked, "There's nothing I haven't done. Think of today as a glimpse into my mythology." He paused, then added with a mischievous grin, "By the way, are we celebrating after this?"
Before Shadow could answer, Kurtis rode up beside them. "We'll celebrate in Sungalepore when this is over," the king said. "We can work out the details later."
Axel's grin widened, "A party sounds like a great idea. But first, we have a sanctuary to raid."
Without another word, Axel urged Diego forward, riding ahead. Kurtis and Shadow followed close behind, ready for the battle to come.