Chapter 46 - The People of Solara
Rowan and Andre, too, were visibly shaken, recognizing the monumental name and its place in the annals of their history.
"Moreover, I am the Phoenix's chosen successor as well as…according to Solandar, I might be the new Fire Elemental Guardian of Solara."
Elion's subsequent smile softened the tension. "I share this not out of boastfulness but to prepare you for the dire news ahead."
The group, except for Camille, visibly tensed, anticipating the gravity of his revelation.
"The demons will soon return to Solara."
A heavy silence followed, and the weight of history and the fear of a repeat catastrophe rendered them speechless. They were all too aware of the havoc wreaked by demons during their last incursion. This dark period left indelible marks on Solara.
"When?" Rowan's single word cut through the silence, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I received this news directly from Solandar. He told me that ten thousand years have passed. Despite losing half of their Great Commanders, the Demon King Azroth himself, severely wounded, that period was sufficient for their recovery and the appointment of new Great Commanders." Elion's statement made everyone present shivered.
"According to Solandar, it might only be a few more years before they return. He also cautioned that the demon will likely return even stronger than before," he added.
Upon hearing this, Rowan and Andre exchanged concerned glances. A few years hardly seemed enough time. If they had only a year or two, achieving the pinnacle of elemental power before the demon's return would be out of the question. Lisandra felt the same way. This was a hard pill for them. The question hung heavy in the air: Will they have enough time?
"Don't worry. That's precisely why I'm doing everything I can to assist you guys. This golden aura I possess is not just for me alone," Elion reassured them, empathizing deeply with their concerns. "As the successor of the Phoenix, the heir of the Ancient Elementalist Solandar, protecting Solara is my duty."
Suddenly, Rowan forcefully planted his massive sword into the ground and firmly clasped the hilt with both hands, though he did not grip it.
"Elion... You need to know one thing," Rowan spoke with a calmness that filled the air, his gaze sweeping over those present as if to include them all in his solemn declaration.
"Guarding Solara isn't a burden meant for you to carry alone or the Elemental Guardians," Rowan continued, his voice steady.
"It's not solely the duty of the Grand and Supreme Elementalists either," he added, emphasizing the collective responsibility.
"Rather, it's a task and responsibility that falls on all of us—The people of Solara!" Rowan concluded with a note of unity in his voice.
Andre, unable to contain his admiration, clapped and approached Rowan, giving him a hearty pat on the back while wearing a broad grin. "Wow! I didn't expect such eloquence from you," he teased.
Rowan, taken aback by his fervor, could only offer a sheepish look. "Sorry," he muttered, embarrassed by the spotlight.
Elion stepped forward, closing the distance between him and Rowan. Others followed suit, smiles etched on their faces.
"You're not wrong, Rowan. That's precisely why we were chosen. Even as the successor of the Phoenix, I will rely on everyone's insights and strength," Elion affirmed, reinforcing Rowan's message.
"Absolutely. Solara is vast. It's unreasonable to expect Elion to shoulder its protection alone. We must lend our strength as well," Lisandra added, her voice filled with determination.
"Actually, that's what Elion has been considering. He's keen on assembling his army of Elementalists to combat the demons," Camille joined in, glancing at Elion for approval to share this plan. Elion responded with a supportive smile and a nod, encouraging her to continue.
"In the Aeloria Empire, we already have four allies who will form the cores of the group. And here, we have you three."
"However, only you three have absorbed the golden aura so far. We indeed need more allies." Camille's words prompted a moment of reflection among the group. To stand against the demons, they would need as many powerful Elementalists as possible, both seasoned and emerging talents.
"Why not approach the Grand or Supreme Elementalists and inform them of this?" Andre suggested, seeing an opportunity for a more straightforward solution.
"If we did that, everything would undoubtedly become easier. Their influence could encourage more to join," he added, seeing the potential for a broader alliance.
"I don't want to take that route. At this moment, I'm unable to meet with them directly," Elion responded, his tone indicating a deeper strategy.
"Besides, with such unique powers at stake, don't you think many would be tempted by their own ambitions?" Elion further cautioned, highlighting the risks of their newfound abilities.
"What assurance do we have that, with these new powers, none will ally with the demons? Not to mention the risk of internal conflict among the empires who choose to fight." Elion's words struck a chord, ensuring everyone grasped the seriousness of the situation.
Nods of agreement followed. They all understood Elion's concerns. Such immense power could indeed lead to disaster if widely known, and the temptation it presented could easily lead to chaos.
Silence fell over the group as they lost themselves in thought, contemplating ways to support Elion and counter the demonic threat.
"Let's not overthink it. Our focus should be on strengthening ourselves as quickly as possible," Lisandra advised, wanting to avoid wasting time on things beyond their control.
"I completely agree. Rowan, let's search for more Level 37 beast cores," Andre declared.
"Sounds good to me!" Rowan responded.
"Men, their thinking is so simple," Lisandra chuckled.
Elion smiled and nodded. He felt fortunate to have such understanding and excellent companions. Even without his parents, he had Alexa, and then he met Laxus, Wendy, Kael, and now Camille.
Though he parted ways with his Waste District comrades, he found new friends whose destinies intertwined with his own. He suddenly remembered his friends at the Elemental Estola Academy.
Elion and his new companions found themselves in a vast forest with no settlements or pathways around as well as no coverage, making it impossible to access any communication network.
It had been ten days since their battle with Wilson, and Elion couldn't connect with his friends back at the academy. He was certain that they must be worried about him, especially Alexa. Elion decided that he would try to contact them first when he got the chance.