175 The New Team!

Link opened his eyes slowly, finding himself in the cave. He looked out, frowning lightly.

"The Sun is still in the same position!" Link muttered.

"Indeed.. Time runs differently in the Heavenly Realms" A voice spoke in Link's ear, startling him.

"You don't need to drag me into your dark space anymore?" He asked.

"I have recovered further!" The voice explained. "I assume you were qualified for the Finals?"

"It was too easy" Link said. "When will that be?"

"When they decide, i'll inform you"

With that, Link could feel a slight pressure leaving his body, assuming it was the voice in the darkness, named Rauj. Link had his suspicions as to why and how a deity like him ended up in such a state living in a space like that. He was grateful for all the opportunities he received from Rauj, but he just couldn't scratch an itch he had about him.

If he was recovering, why would he use his powers to give a kid such power? and why go this far for him? Because he needed a Champion? He could have gone about finding one with ease, especially with the Seed. Link knew well that there were a lot of talented people in this world, and even with his System, he could barely keep up with some of them, so why didn't Rauj just pick one of them instead of a weak brat with family issues?

All of these questions and doubts were kept in the deepest part of Link's brain, never to see the light. What could he do exactly? And what if he is wrong and just doesn't understand the whole picture?

With a sigh, Link returned to the Kingdom. Now it looked different than it did a while back. Other than the giant Dome covering the whole area, now there were Mage towers all around, keeping watch and at the same time opening gaps for allies that left for one reason or the other.

The Kingdom's Army was getting stronger and stronger, especially with all the new recruits. Even if they lack experience, Mages are never useless. Either be it throwing spells from afar or fighting up close, they will always be a threat. Most of the Citizens though became support type combatant and healers, which was the King's suggestion. This will lessen the loss of lives while having numerous allies.

Rechanguard have been making their own assaults and ambushes, but none of them were serious, they were mostly small fights, warming up for the big battle.

Master Mages were the pillars of a Kingdom, which means the most important battles were the ones that involved them.

The moment Link entered through the gap in the Dome and started heading back home, a man appeared in front of him. He looked muscular and rough, with a scar on his left cheek and tanned skin from the countless battles in the sun.

"Master Mage Link Zmander, you have been given a task by his Highness" The man spoke, letting loose a deep and domineering voice. "You shall lead a Squad of High Warriors and Mages to attack one of the enemy's Camps!" The man let go of an emblem that floated towards Link slowly. "This is your proof of Leadership, you must show it to your team in your first meeting.. What strategies and/or ways you use to get this done is up to you" Without waiting for any questions or response, the man vanished, teleporting away.

Link looked at the odd Emblem with the Black Dragon and the one star behind him with interest.

"Does the number of Stars behind the Dragon state the holder's Rank?" Link chuckled. "So it's either a Military Rank, or they think I'm a Level 5 Master Mage"

Link discovered from Abby that when one reaches the Level of a Master Mage, they are no longer referred to with the old Ranking but instead a new and a special one that uses Stars.

For example, after a Mage's breakthrough and entry to the Fifth Level, they are considered a Star Mage, and for one in the Sixth Level, they will be referred to as a 2 Star Mage.

"A 'please' would have been appreciated!" Link chuckled. "When do I meet up with this Squad?"

The moment Link asked the question, the emblem in his hands glowed dimly as new information entered his head.

"Tomorrow around midnight near the South Gate!" Link muttered. "This is new!... Me, leading people?... exciting!"

***

"What is the King doing?" A woman muttered under her breath. She stared at a floating figure in the air with a frown.

"He's trying to protect the kid!" A man with a hoarse voice spoke. "Giving him a Military Rank is like claiming ownership over him, in an attempt to push away the Guild's Interest!"

"How long can he keep this claim?" The woman asked.

"Not too long. Especially with the War at the Kingdom's doorstep, the King's attention will be fully redirected to something else soon!" The man chuckled.

"A useless attempt!"

***

In a fancy looking Tavern, a group of 6 people sat down, gathered around a round table filled with food and drinks.

"I wonder who the new Captain is?" An elegant woman asked, taking a small bite out of a roasted chicken leg. She had long blue hair with a couple of glowing hair clips. Her lips were blood red while her eyes had a hint of green. This was Marzia, the Mage Healer of the team.

"I can't believe we have a Master Mage as a Captain.. I've always been looking up to these powerful people, but now we get to work under one!" A bald Dwarf with a short brown beard and fierce eyes spoke. This was Ganthor, the team's High Warrior.

"You're looking up at everybody, small man!" A muscular 7 feet tall man with one brown eye and no spec of hair anywhere on him laughed. This was Jhuler, the Team's second High Warrior.

"What did you say?" Ganthor slammed the table. "You're not one to talk.. You look like a salami with a pair of legs, you hairless Monkey!"

"Alright you two, settle down!" A man with a monocle, black hair and blue eyes spoke. He had a scholarly aura around him while a staff leaned on his chair. This was Noah, the Damage Dealer Mage in the team.

"No, no. Why stop them? This is hilarious, leave them to it!" An elf woman with tears in her eyes laughed loudly. She had Blond short hair with beautiful emerald eyes. A gorgeous bow hung on her back. This is Ariel, the archer of the team.

"We're a team, we shouldn't be so hostile towards each other.. Come on, Ganthor, Jhuler, let's not fight please" A muscular woman with black hair and beautiful calm black eyes spoke. A Giant shield was leaning on the wall behind her. This is Helga, A High Warrior that specializes in defense. Aka, a Tank.

"Ok Helga!" Jhuler sat down immediately after hearing Helga's voice. He looked at her with a smile like an obedient puppy.

"You're a disgrace to all giants!" Ganther mumbled under his breath with a sigh as he sat down as well.

"How about another round of drinks?" Noah spoke, but no one responded... "On me?"

"LET'S DO IT!"

"MAID, BRING 50 MUGS!"

"50 FOR ME AS WELL!"

"TAKE ANOTHER 50 TO THE ROOM NEXT DOOR ON US!"

"W-WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING?" Noah yelled. He could feel his pouch thinning by the second.

**********************************************************

Don't stop the comments and votes, it helps. <3

--- twitter.com/Moncef_Zm ---

--- instagram.com/monopia.wn ---

**********************************************************