Chapter 111: Souta, The King
Jonathan walked into the village at midnight, seeking some fresh air. He had been living in the outside for a long time, and he felt the weight of his losses on his shoulders. "Most of the villagers here are all soldiers," he thought to himself. "I guess it's because this is one of their outposts. And those vehicles, they are war vehicles. Is it because this is the border? They sure are cautious."
He sat on a chair next to a tall road lamp, with his jacket wrapped around him. He looked at the moon, which was full and bright. "A lot happened because of the apocalypse," he said softly. "Many had died, and that includes my family... if only I was strong enough..."
"Are you wishing for power?" A voice came from the side. He looked up and saw a soldier who had been following him since he left the guest house. The soldier was no other than the one who told them to don't do anything stupide earlier "I've been in charge of taking care of your group, and I've been watching you since you left the guest house. I'm sorry, but I overheard what you said."
"Are you going to mock me?" Jonathan asked.
"Of course not, I am— just like you in the past." The soldier then sat on a bench next to him. "It was Captain who saved me. It's one of the expeditions of His Majesty, and convincingly the captain found me and decided to take me in. You shouldn't have to worry too much, His Majesty is kind and will provide power to the weak."
"I doubt that," Jonathan said skeptically. "Every person in high position tends to get greedy and corrupt, and in the end, it will blind them and make them evil leaders who only care about what they're desire."
"I can promise you," the soldier said earnestly. "That His Majesty isn't someone like that. After your stay here for a week, you and your group will be transferred to the main base, and you will see for yourself what kind of king we have."
The soldier then stood up. "Actions speak louder than words," he said. "So I'll let you be the one to decide whether His Majesty is evil or not." He paused for a moment. "You should also leave now," he added urgently. "The guards will be here soon, I only told them half an hour."
"The so-called His Majesty," Jonathan said bitterly. "I hope I won't get disappointed from him." He stood up as well.
"Don't use our kindness too much," the soldier warned him softly. "If those words reach the capital base, you and your group might get executed.".
Jonathan nodded, acknowledging the soldier's warning. The night air carried a mix of tension and uncertainty as they both moved through the outpost, careful to avoid drawing attention. The soldier guided Jonathan to a less patrolled route, ensuring their discreet departure.
As they walked, Jonathan couldn't shake the feeling that he was being tested, not only by the soldier but by the entire atmosphere of Lunaria. The soldier's words lingered in his mind, and the promise of a kind and just ruler seemed too idealistic for a world tainted by the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse.
Upon reaching the guest house, the soldier stopped and turned to Jonathan. "Remember, actions speak louder than words. Judge for yourself when you're at the main base. But be cautious, for our loyalty is to Lunaria, and speaking against His Majesty can have severe consequences."
Jonathan nodded again, his thoughts a whirlwind of skepticism and curiosity. As he parted ways with the soldier, he ventured into the house, guided more by uncertainty than any clear path. The village slept under the watchful eyes of Lunaria's soldiers, unaware of the internal conflicts stirring within the minds of newcomers.
The next morning, the survivors were gathered and informed about their impending transfer to the main base. Markie, Margie, Jonathan, and the rest of the group discussed the soldier's warning, torn between gratitude for the relative safety provided by Lunaria and the lingering suspicion about the true nature of His Majesty.
Days turned into nights, and a week slipped away like sand through the fingers of time. The inspection of the new survivors had concluded, their every move scrutinized by the watchful eyes of Lunaria. The survivors, now somewhat accustomed to the routine of the outpost, were informed that the time had come for their journey to the capital base.
As the armored vehicle revved to life, the survivors found themselves once again navigating the post-apocalyptic landscape, this time en route to the epicenter of Lunaria's influence. The officer, still a stoic figure in his imposing uniform, led the convoy through the desolate roads, flanked by the formidable war vehicles that symbolized the strength of the kingdom.
The journey was both eerie and enlightening. The survivors, confined within the metal shell of the vehicle, exchanged glances and unspoken questions. The landscape outside shifted, reflecting the changing dynamics of Lunaria—from the relative safety of the outpost to the heart of the kingdom's power.
As they neared the capital base, they saw towering walls and mountains that rose like a fortress around them. Guards saluted as they approached, granting passage to those deemed worthy by Lunaria's scrutiny.
The capital base unfolded like a labyrinth of order and authority. Buildings rose majestically, and they couldn't help but marvel at Lunaria's subjects, contributing to its survival. They saw soldiers patrolling with weapons and armor, merchants trading goods and services, farmers working in fields and orchards.
"Welcome to Lunaria's heart," he declared proudly as he gestured towards a sprawling compound. "Here, you'll witness Lunaria's strength and resilience that define our kingdom. His Majesty awaits your presence. Follow me." The lieutenant said (the captain of the scouts that saved them)
The survivors exchanged glances nervously as they followed him deeper into the main base as they walked. They felt a mix of awe and apprehension as they witnessed Lunaria's influence unfold before them. They wondered what kind of king they would meet in the heart of the kingdom.
The officer led them through labyrinth corridors filled with soldiers who saluted him respectfully or ignored him coldly depending on their rank or mood. They heard whispers and rumors about His Majesty's power and benevolence or cruelty and tyranny depending on their allegiance or fear.
Finally, they arrived at grand structure that loomed at the end corridor like the throne room for king. They were ushered into the audience chamber where the throne stood at the end, surrounded by symbols familiar with books or paintings depicting ancient civilizations . The officer signaled for survivors to wait patiently while he left and announced their arrival .
The survivors stood in chamber, feeling awe-inspiring architecture contrasted with weight uncertainty . His Majesty figure shrouded both reverence doubt awaited their presence . As doors creaked open, revealing imposing figure on the throne , survivors braced themselves to encounter fate within the heart kingdom.
The survivors felt a surge of fear and curiosity as they approached the throne room. They wondered what kind of king they would meet and what kind of world he ruled over. They hoped he would be merciful and generous, but they also prepared themselves for the worst.
The officer opened the doors and gestured for them to enter. "His Majesty, these are the new survivors from the outpost," he announced. "They have been inspected and cleared by Lunaria's authorities."
The survivors bowed their heads and walked into the throne room, feeling the eyes of a group of people on them. They saw officials from different organizations, high-ranking soldiers, and leaders of their group, but the group isn't that big. They also saw familiar paintings, statues, banners, and other symbols of Lunaria's culture and history. Those are all stolen, showing off their power that they can loot such things in a big cities museum.
They reached the end of the corridor, where a large throne stood at the center. On it sat a man who looked like he was in his 20s. He had dark hair and eyes, a sharp nose and chin, and he looked thin but also muscular. He wore a dark military uniform, with tons of medals and badges that adorned his chest, a crown with jewels on his head, and papers in his hand.
He looked at them with a calm and confident expression. He smiled slightly as he spoke in a clear and authoritative voice.
"Welcome to Lunaria's heart," he said. "I am Souta. I am glad to see you all here today."