chapter 83: Preparation

Cyrus felt an unexpected warmth bloom in his chest. A smile crept across his face, unbidden but welcome. She had been the first to declare her support, setting aside their differences for the greater good. Her words hung in the air, a challenge and a promise:

"I will follow you."

The declaration sparked a chain reaction, voices rising in a crescendo of solidarity.

"Me too!"

"I too!"

Soon, the entire Hall of Justice reverberated with a unified cry, hundreds of voices pledging their lives to the cause. Cyrus stood at the center of it all, both humbled and emboldened by their faith.

In the hours that followed, a steady stream of allies trickled in. Cyrus had tasked Leora with contacting everyone who stood to lose should City Zero fall. Her mind control abilities proved invaluable, allowing her to dispatch mannequins as messengers without risking a single life.

They gathered outside the Hall of Justice, where a makeshift base had sprung up like a small, determined village. Tents dotted the landscape, each one a haven for those preparing for what might be their final battle. The air was thick with a mixture of fear and resolve as people said their goodbyes, stealing moments with loved ones they might never see again.

Cyrus harbored no illusions about the odds they faced. He had insisted that the elders and children remain within the Hall of Justice. Even if their mission failed, the lion statue could offer some measure of protection.

Inside the main command tent, Cyrus leaned over a map of the city, his brow furrowed in concentration. Leora and a handful of elders stood nearby, their faces etched with concern. The tent flap rustled, and a small figure darted inside.

"Big brother!" Jelly's excited voice rang out as she launched herself at Cyrus.

He caught her, surprise evident on his face. Moments later, Eldor ducked into the tent, his arms laden with an assortment of magical artifacts. "You weren't thinking of having this party without me, were you?" he asked, a wry smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Cyrus nodded gratefully, feeling a surge of hope at the unexpected reinforcements. Another figure entered, this one more hesitant. Marko shuffled in, his discomfort palpable.

"My father forced me," he mumbled, avoiding eye contact. "He said it would be bad for business if City Zero falls. And... it's a way to redeem myself for all the problems I've caused." The words tumbled out, tinged with embarrassment and a hint of resentment.

"Thank you all for your support," Cyrus said, his voice steady despite the emotions threatening to overwhelm him.

Eldor waved away the sentiment, eager to get down to business. "No need. Let's hear your plan."

Cyrus took a deep breath, outlining their strategy. "We'll divide into three groups. The first, consisting of myself and our most agile fighters, will draw the attention of the karmic monsters and lead them away. The second group, Eldor's magic school students, will follow behind, healing the wounded and saving those they can. The last group will form a wall, preventing any karmic monsters from doubling back."

He paused, his throat dry from speaking. "Once we reach the headquarters, I'll take over from there. I'll bring back Lionore's and Nemesis's heads. Then we'll join forces with the bureau to wipe out the karmic monsters in one decisive strike."

Eldor leaned back in his chair, a hint of relief in his voice. "Sounds like a good plan. Lucky you didn't send my precious students to the vanguard."

"I wouldn't dare," Cyrus replied with a small smile, appreciating Eldor's attempt to lighten the mood, even if it fell somewhat flat.

As the others filed out of the tent, Leora lingered. Cyrus steeled himself, acutely aware of the weight of recent events. The queen and Tirag had torn each other apart in the conflict, with Tirag fleeing to parts unknown and the queen's whereabouts a mystery. Both, he suspected, still lurked somewhere within the city.

Leora turned to leave, but Cyrus caught her arm. "I want you to stay with the wall," he said, his voice low and urgent.

She shook off his hand, her eyes flashing. "No. I'm one of the best you have. My place is in the vanguard."

Cyrus met her gaze, willing her to understand. "We need someone we can trust to hold the wall. When the blood starts flowing and the screams rise, I need to know you have my back. If the wall falls, our entire plan crumbles, and we all die in vain."

He hesitated, not entirely trusting Marko's resolve. There was a chance, however slim, that they might retreat if things got too dire.

Not wanting to die with regrets, Cyrus began, "You know I—"

"Shut up," Leora interrupted, closing the distance between them.

Their lips met in a desperate, passionate kiss. Cyrus's hands found her waist, drawing her close. He could feel the softness of her body against his, his breathing growing heavy as he gently guided her back onto the table. The passion between them ignited, burning with an intensity that threatened to consume them both.

Minutes later, Leora emerged from the tent. As her figure disappeared into the gathering dusk, she whispered, "Don't die."

The bite armory, vast and well-stocked, provided weapons for their makeshift army. Swords, mustangs, and an array of more exotic armaments filled the hands of those preparing for battle. Each group donned distinct attire, a visual representation of their roles in the coming conflict.

Cyrus and the vanguard wore sleek, black combat suits designed for maximum flexibility and rapid movement. They would face the greatest danger, drawing the attention of the karmic monsters and leading them away from the city. Their numbers were few but comprised of the strongest bites and surviving non-humans.

Behind them stood the wall, clad in light gray combat gear. This group formed the bulk of their forces, a mix of bites and Sanchez family guards. Marko and Leora would hold this line, the last defense against any monsters that might break through.

At the rear, Eldor's students donned white gowns, led by the diminutive but determined Jelly. They would follow in the wake of battle, tending to the wounded and offering what aid they could.

Eldor himself stood with the vanguard, his relaxed demeanor a stark contrast to the tension surrounding them. "The moment it gets dicey, I'm taking my students and vanishing," he reminded Cyrus.

"I know," Cyrus replied, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "You've been saying that for hours."

Taking a deep breath, Cyrus stepped forward. "Let's move," he commanded, his voice carrying across the assembled forces.

As one, they began their march toward an uncertain future, the fate of City Zero hanging in the balance. Cyrus led them forward, his resolve unwavering, hoping against hope that their desperate gambit would be enough to save all they held dear.