After Ryu’s less than satisfactory attempt at assuming control of Sanctuary’s survivors, he left them and found somewhere quiet so that he could reevaluate his plan.

The real question on Ryu’s mind was how and why Sanctuary had been destroyed. The slaughter on the eastern front came to mind. That army of automatons and its maniacal sounding leader were the most likely culprit.

“Was it really necessary that they reduce the whole city to rubble?” said Ryu, rubbing his forehead.

Destroying a city beyond repair was undoubtedly harder than taking control, and Sanctuary was by no means small - it was the capital of the Irzabet Kingdom, the largest in their whole domain. There was surely some strategic value in controlling Sanctuary, but to whoever had done this none of that mattered.

And then Ryu realised he was being silly. He returned to where the crowd was to get some answers. Surprisingly, there wasn’t much chatter going on when Ryu returned. A few people had taken a seat on the ground, and it occurred to Ryu that many of them were tired.

“So what happened here?” said Ryu, to no one in particular.

The crowd mostly ignored him, that is, until a women at the back stepped forward. “What do you mean?”

Ryu’s eyes quickly looked over her. Despite the condition of the city, she was still quite well kept. Her red and white dress, which shared a strong resemblance to a long sleeve short skirt miko dress, was still almost pristine.

“Oh, a priestess? Nice.”

The priestess bowed her head.

“The goddess protects me.”

The goddess must’ve been protecting the priestess’ clothing too then, Ryu assumed.

“Now what is it you are asking?” said the priestess.

“How did all of this happen? I wasn’t here when it occurred.”

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A few people in the crowd seemed perplexed at Ryu’s statement, but the priestess remained composed.

“I do not know how it began, only how it ended. Will that be enough?” said the priestess.

“That’ll be fine,” said Ryu.

“An army of magic and metallurgy - automatons I believe they are called, is what condemned us. It is not my place to say what is right and wrong, but the goddess dislikes it. For the soulless to take a soul…” The priestess closed her eyes and shut her mouth.

“It’s the east,” said someone else, picking up the conversation. “They cheated.”

“Really?” said Ryu. Perhaps he was on the wrong side. Cheating was something he could get behind. “What’s wrong with cheating?”

Fists formed and Ryu touched the hilt of sword, but no attack came.

“I understand how you’re all feeling,” said Ryu.

“How?” said someone in the crowd. “What have you lost?! You’re just a traveller.”

“The only thing you people are loyal to is gold and treasure!” shouted someone else.

Members of the crowd began to pitch in their own positive opinions of Ryu and his fellow players, which he had to admit were all fair points.

“Would you prefer it if I left?” said Ryu.

The crowd went quiet and people looked away.

“Please stay,” said the priestess, bowing slightly. “The goddess… she has shown interest in you.”

Whatever that could mean, Ryu had no idea. He hadn’t exactly kept up with the lore of this game. Turning around, Ryu spotted the white lawn chair from earlier. Ignoring how out of place it looked, he picked it up and carried it towards the crowd. For now, at least, it would suffice.

“Whoever sits in this chair will be your leader. So…” Ryu took a breath. “Does anyone want to take a seat?”

Ryu looked a few people in the eye, but in the end they all averted their gaze.

“I know you’re all tired, so I’ll make this simple. Does anyone disagree with me taking a seat?”

Ryu stood himself in front of the chair and looked over the crowd one last time. Their eyes were on him, every single one. Waiting. But this time they knew what was coming.

Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately - only time would tell, Ryu was never one to keep people waiting. He took one last look at the crowd, still waiting, before bending his knees and taking a seat, resting his arms on the chair once he’d done so.

Looking upon his people, Ryu decided on his commemorating words.

“You can call me...”

Ryu looked into the eyes of the priestess and smirked as she looked back.

“Daddy.”