First Follower!
"How does it feel to be a hero?"
Ryuji withdrew his "Darkness," though his body was still cloaked in the faint aura of "Rejection," deflecting any lingering threats. He remained vigilant, ever aware that a sniper's bullet could emerge from any dark corner.
"Great! I love being thanked," Diana said with a wide smile.
"You earned it."
"Yeah, I did." She glanced at Charlie, who was slumped against a nearby telephone pole, visibly dejected. "He's been shooting for so long, but he still doesn't know how to handle a gun properly."
Ryuji shook his head slightly. "Not everyone has the luxury of living life on their own terms, Diana."
Despite his casual tone, Ryuji's curiosity about Charlie lingered. Charlie claimed to be a sniper, but his lack of action on the battlefield suggested otherwise. Ryuji recalled how, in the movie, Charlie hadn't fired a single meaningful shot.
Was Charlie just a fraud trying to get by on Steve's dime? Or was there something more, perhaps war trauma, weighing him down?
While Ryuji pondered, Steve returned from a nearby phone booth, looking visibly frustrated. He had likely just finished a call with Sir Patrick, who had undoubtedly dismissed his requests.
General Ludendorff's laboratory was located at the German High Command, just a few miles from the town. Normally, reinforcements would have been dispatched by now, but there was no sign of them. Instead, Ludendorff was hosting a banquet.
"What's the situation?" Diana asked, approaching Steve.
"Sir Patrick denied our request to infiltrate the German High Command. He said... the signing of the armistice agreement must not be interrupted," Steve replied, clearly agitated.
"We don't need to worry about the armistice agreement."
"Why not?"
"Because Ares would never let it happen," Diana said, pausing mid-thought. "Of course! It all makes sense now! Ares has created an ultimate weapon!"
Steve frowned. "You think Ludendorff is Ares?"
"No, I know he is," Diana insisted.
Ryuji chuckled softly, catching her attention.
"What's so funny?" Diana asked, narrowing her eyes. "Do you think I'm wrong?"
"No..." Ryuji said, shaking his head. Though he knew Ludendorff wasn't actually Ares, he couldn't reveal that yet. Instead, he asked, "What's Ludendorff's rank?"
"General," Steve answered.
"And above that?"
"Uh... knights, ministers, prime ministers, and the emperor," Steve said hesitantly.
"A general commands thousands on the battlefield, sure," Ryuji said. "But he's still just a servant for those above him. Ares, the God of War, would never lower himself to participate in a human war. Gods are proud, Diana. And Ares is among the most prideful. A being powerful enough to slaughter other gods wouldn't degrade himself by leading human armies. He wouldn't sully his hands like that."
Ryuji's eyes met Steve's, and his tone grew sharper. "If I wanted someone dead, I wouldn't do it myself. That's far too cheap."
Steve shivered slightly, feeling an unspoken warning in Ryuji's words.
Diana, lost in thought, finally spoke. "So, you think Ludendorff isn't Ares but merely someone working for him?"
"Exactly," Ryuji replied. "Ares manipulates humans by exploiting their greed and igniting wars. But he wouldn't lead those wars himself. It's not difficult for a god to corrupt an emperor. Ludendorff is just a pawn."
Diana and Steve exchanged glances, the realization dawning on them.
"So, what do we do now?" Diana asked.
"Continue toward the headquarters," Ryuji said firmly. "Ludendorff is a critical piece on the board, as is Dr. Poison. If we take them out and destroy the gas bombs, Ares will have no choice but to reveal himself."
After a moment's consideration, Steve nodded. "Fine. We don't have a better plan anyway."
Night fell, and the group gathered around a campfire. Ryuji and Diana sat side by side, while Doutzen Carlos stood watch nearby, ever vigilant.
"Is that supposed to be dancing?" Diana asked, watching some villagers sway awkwardly to the music.
"Something like that," Ryuji replied.
"They're just holding each other and moving."
"Maybe they want more than just to hold each other," Ryuji said with a smirk.
Steve had been about to approach their conversation but froze when Ryuji shot him a warning glance. Steve backed off, retreating to the other side of the fire. Diana noticed and laughed quietly, though she didn't comment.
Meanwhile, Samir flitted around with a bottle of wine, playing the role of a cheerful server. "Oh, wise mage, would you like a drink?" he asked, offering Ryuji a cup.
Ryuji accepted with a polite smile. To his surprise, Samir suddenly knelt before him.
"What are you doing?" Ryuji asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Please—accept my allegiance," Samir said, his voice filled with reverence.
"Allegiance? To me?" Ryuji looked genuinely puzzled.
"A follower," Diana explained softly.
"Oh, like a knight's squire," Ryuji said, understanding at last. "But why me? Is it the magic?"
"Yes!" Samir exclaimed. "You've shown me a world I never dreamed existed. It's thrilling, dangerous, and full of wonder. I want to be part of it. Please, accept my loyalty. I swear to the heavens—I will never betray you!"
Samir placed a hand over his heart, performing a gesture Ryuji didn't recognize.
Ryuji remained silent, deep in thought. He knew his destiny was to become a master of the arcane, and there would be times when he'd need capable allies to handle things he couldn't. Samir's charisma and adaptability made him a valuable asset.
But could his magic even be taught to others?
"System," Ryuji whispered to himself. "Can magic be taught to others?"
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Translator Note;
Ahh, my lovelies… it's Sunday, and you know what that means—the power stone rankings are resetting today. 💔 Last week, your incredible support touched my heart more than words can say, but now we're starting fresh, and I need you more than ever.
If you've enjoyed the journey so far, please show your love by voting even more than last time. Every stone you give is like a warm hug that keeps me going, pouring my heart into these stories just for you. 🥺💖
So, let's make this week even more magical together, okay? I'm counting on you, darling~ 😘
Bonus Chapter for every 100 Power stone this time 😁😘😘
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