Story IV / Part LIV: The Red Dawn of Crimson Sky (XXI) / The Wicked Fate That Awaits Us (XIII)
"This way, Colonel Ishizaki Haruhisa."
General Austin leads me into a room but when I entered the room, I realized this is a Military Conference Room. General Austin asked me to sit on the front row and his attendant gave me three pieces of paper. I read the paper very seriously and carefully until I didn't realize Zack, Kenzia, Nanderiolle, Naval and Viorelle have been standing behind me. Moreover, I also didn't realize they also read the paper I read from behind my back. I was surprised when Zack suddenly grab my right shoulder and squeeze it.
"Ow, ow, ow Zack, it hurts!" I tried to shake off Zack's hand from my right shoulder.
"Heh, I'm sorry for surprising you. But you know, I have been observing you since we came to this fortress, it seems you are worried about something since few daesh ago, if you need someone to talk, you can call me every time." Zack raised his hand and pointed his thumb to himself.
Kenzia grabs my left shoulder and says, "Same here, what's happened to you Haru? It's like you have completely turned into different person right now."
I shook my head and try to reassure them by saying, "I'm fine, I just feel scared because this is my first battle against "them". I just afraid I can't bear the responsibility if something happened to my friend."
They reassured me by saying same thing to me and rubbed my back but our conversation must be finished after General Austin started the meeting.
On the beginning of the meeting, he explained to us again about Queen Anne's tactic and plan on this war in simple details and he moves to the party's nomination quests. From his explanation, each of the party has their own nomination quests and all of the nomination quests we received ranked as [EX Rank Quest], which means we need to complete a very dangerous quest.
The nomination quests we received have no duration, so no need to worries for compensation payment if we failed and we can keep repeating the quest until we can finish it during this war. Meanwhile, the highest priority of this quest isn't the quest's targets, but the quest taker's safety.
At least, the kingdom has promised us with high insurance if we died and free medical treatment if "they" bit us.
Unfortunately, the quest must force the adventurer parties to split their team members into smaller groups to explore the secluded areas around Virizia Mountains, but I agree with this decision, since it would be dangerous to move with a big group in the areas that we don't know the contour and characteristics.
It also make the quest more difficult if we ambushed by "them" or when one of our team members have taken hostage by our enemy. Therefore, we decided to send only skilled and strong adventurers to the dangerous areas when the rest of them can assist the army or move as scouting team.
Well, to be honest I choose to assign my team members who hard to follow a command and unsuited for this battle into The United Forces to reduce my mental burden. I can't waste my time only to "scold" them or giving them useless command since time is precious in this battle.
"…and we finished. All please leaders, move to main field to give your speech for the third force and your party members for the last time before departing. Meeting dismissed!" General Austin raised his left hand.
All of us stood up from our chairs and saluted General Austin then we left the room together. Zack and Naval tried to approach me but I walked quickly until they can't approach me. Along the way, I checked my body, head, hand and inventory for the last time.
After I checked everything, I ran to main field and once outside, I saw all my party members, including Robert have lined properly on the main field. On the same time, I catch a glimpse of my beloved Queen and her allies have been sitting on the special seats on the stage.
General Ian walked to the front and started his speech. We raise our head and listening to General Ian's speech. He reminded us about our mission and safety in this battle then he swapped with Archbishops and High Priests from Cathedral and Temple of The Maker, Dragon Gods and Earth Mother to begin mass prayer.
However, the next thing after the mass prayer is something that I don't want to hear…
"Attention! The Kings and Queens of Elven Alliance have ordered one best among the best adventurer party's leader to give an honorable speech for all of us. Now without further ado, please step forward to the stage..."
(Wait, I have a bad feeling about this) I'm sweating hard.
"…Ishizaki Haruhisa von Alexandria-dono!" General Ian pointed his hand to me.
"UWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" A thunderous clap came from other adventurer parties, but the loudest clap came from my party who lined on the eastern side of the field.
(I knew it. They must be planning this)
I glanced at Kenzia, Zack, Naval, Nanderiolle and Viorelle…and all of them gave me a thumb up with a smug face. As I predicted, they pulled the string by offering (sacrificing) my name to Queen Anne before I came to the encampment.
(Just you wait…I will return this favor ONE HUNDRED TIMES) I gave them a death glare and they shuddered.
After that, I sighed and walked to the stage. On there I opened my mask as well as taking off my hood. But when I opened my eyes, the adventurers in front of me are staring me with "high expectation" and curious gazes, I also saw few of them started whispering to each other. From their reaction, I know what they are whispering about, especially the girls.
(Kyaaaaaaaaaaaa….! He is so hot, cool and handsome! Isn't that rumored [White Falcon] Party's leader?!) A Sylph Elf whispered to her friend.
(Yes, he is! One of the famous and strong adventurer parties in Northlandia, even in Elven Alliance! But honestly. I thought the one who will give the speech is that Zack-guy from [North Wind of Liberation]…guess I was wrong) An Undine Elf whispered back at her friend.
(Look, look! There is a bunch of handsome Werewolves in the [White Falcon] Party!)
"SILENT…!" General Ian shouted to the people and made them silence then he nodded to me.
I took a deep breath and opened my eyes, "Lichtiash Morning for all of you my fellow comrades-in-arms and I welcome you to The Last Bastion of Hope!" After I greeted them, they are clapping their hands and shouting at me. I raised my right hand and all of them stopped clapping, whistling and yelling.
(Activate [Loud Voice]) "Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time for WAR!" I raised my hand and they yelled to me.
I lowered my right hand and said, "Our enemies are around 900.000 or even MILLIONS OF "THEM", strong but we are only hundred thousand of people. Meanwhile, the mission this time is really DANGEROUS."
"…Our reward is some Elvish Coins along with some Mithril Coins, honor, pride, and words of gratitude from the citizen, the Lords and the people whom we saved…" I walked to right side of stage.
"BUT REMEMBER! In war, both sides can insist about their RIGHTEOUSNESS and whichever side you are, there are no such things as JUSTICE, MERCY, BENEVOLENCE, and COMPASSION. YOU KNOW WHY THEY DON'T EXIST? IT'S BECAUSE THEY ONLY CAN BRING DEATH TO YOU ON THE BATTLEFIELD!" I stared at them with mocking expression, along with mocking smirk.
"NOBODY HOPES FOR YOUR HEROIC ACTIONS HERE PALADINS, YOUR COMPASSION IS UNWANTED HEALERS, AND YOUR BENEVOLENCE ARE USELESS, PRIESTS! CUT OFF THAT STUPID WAY OF THINKING RIGHT NOW AND THROW IT FAR, FAR AWAY FROM HERE." I glared at them with a death glare.
All people in front of me shuddered, I even made General Austin started sweating. Some adventurers started whispering to each other, The Paladins gave me unpleasant looks, The Healers and Priests also stare at me in disbelieves. But I mean every word that I said, since it's the truth that most people refuse to believe.
Yet all of them are willing to die for their lords, what a stupid death. To be used as stepping-stones for others. They claim their death as noble and righteous sacrifices, yet there is nothing noble nor righteous in their death. What a stupid thought.
"But I think I must remind you something dear my comrades. WE ARE FIGHTING FOR MONEY, POWER, POSITION, LOOT, HONOR, AND PRIDE! IN THE END, THE ONES WHO WILL SUFFER AREN'T ALWAYS CITIZEN ONLY, BUT ALSO US! WE ARE USED AS DECOYS FOR THE UNITED FORCES TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOAL AND DON'T FORGET WE ARE JUST STEPPING STONES FOR OUR BELOVED LORDS THERE TO ACHIEVE THEIR GLORY!"
The Kings and Queens start to give me a very unpleasant gaze, except King Vesta, King Ronand and Queens from Sylph Elf, Holy Elf, and Undine Elf Kingdoms who remain calm and cool. As expected, they have a good head above their shoulders. They won't fall into this cheap bait.
"DO NOT GIVE ME THAT STUPID LOOK, PALADINS, PRIESTS AND HEALERS! WHY ARE ALL OF YOU TRY REALLY HARD TO REFUSE "THAT BELIEVE"? DID ALL OF YOU WANT TO DIE IN MISERABLE WAYS AND USED AS STEPPING-STONES FOR YOUR BELOVED LORDS? DID YOU WANT TO CLAIM THAT YOUR DEATH WOULD BE AN HONORABLE AND CHIVALROUS SACRIFICE FOR SAVING HUMANITY? STOP IT STUPID, DID YOU WANT TO MAKE ME PUKE HERE, HAAAAH?" I smirked widely. Finally, I had a chance to uttering my thoughts here.
(Finally, I got the momentum…I succeeded in raising their anger) I closed my eyes and smirked again. The adventurers and knights in front of me started to feel uncomfortable. I even got many death glares from the groups that I mocked before.
I raised my right arm and they stopped chatting, "BUT THIS TIME IS DIFFERENT! THE MISSION THIS TIME IS TO EXTERMINATE THOSE BASTARD CREATURES WHO CAME FROM NOWHERE AND RAVAGED OUR BELOVED GAIA! "THEY" KILLED OUR FAMILIES AND THE PEOPLE WE LOVED WITHOUT MERCY! "THEY" ALSO TURNED OUR BELOVED PEOPLE INTO A MONSTER THAT ONLY KNOWS TO KILL AND KILL!" The crowds started to look at me with serious face. I think it's safe that I have obtained their attention again.
"THIS IS A DEFENSIVE MISSION TO PROTECT THE WORLD THAT HAD CREATED BY OUR GODS!" I started at them with serious gaze. Then, I stopped for a while and took a deep breath.
"LET ME BE CLEAR HERE…WE ARE ABSOLUTELY JUSTICE!" I raised my right hand.
"YYEEEAAAAAHHHHH…!!!" The crowds followed me by raising their right hand too.
I raised my left hand and they stopped yelling, "I, along with The Lords and Generals here will leave this place for 10 minerval, whoever decline this mission can leave in the meantime and those who stay will go with me to the battlefield…and I expect your courage…"
I winked at Queen Anne and she immediately leaves the stage. The Lords who saw her followed her to the backstage, along with their Prime Minister. General Austin and Ian walked first after I gave them a wink.
I am standing with the soldiers behind me, then I glanced at them, "…You know, I DON'T NEED THE COWARDS WHO ONLY HOW TO RUN. Do not take shame in running to save your own life. I found no faults in that action. But if you are running away before facing the danger, YOU ARE THE SAME LIKE "THEM" AND YOU WILL KILL THE PEOPLE WHOM YOU LOVED THEIR BLOOD WILL BE IN YOUR HAND… REMEMBER THAT!" Then I walked downstairs and went to backstage.
Once we had left the stage and go to the backstage, I quickly ran as far as I can and hide behind a huge pillar. Queen Tilvandril chuckled at me. Queen Anne waved her hand, she asked me to come but I shook my head many times. But she suddenly summoned her spear and pointing it at me, so I don't have any other choices other than obey.
I walked three steps ahead, she waved her hand, I walked four steps ahead and she waved her hand again. I kept doing that until I made her upset and resulted by a spear flew through my left ear. I quickly run to her and kneel in front of her, but I keep a distance to avoid any other attacks from the upset Lords.
"Ishizaki, are you planning to rebel against the Elven Alliance?"
"Of course, I would not, Your Majesty." I said that with calm voice.
"Would not...?"
King Hideryl raised his right eyebrow while staring at me with confused look. I just replied it with a happy smile.
Before they started to interrogate me with dangerous questions again, I excused myself and said 10 minerval has passed. I quickly running back to the stage and catch my breath there. I swept my sweats on my forehead and chin with my left hand while leaning at the board on the backstage. I close my eyes while taking a breath.
"Haah…Haah…Finally, I can—GYAAAA!!!"
I screamed when Queen Anne suddenly appeared in front of me with Prime Minister Andrew, along with Queen Tilvandril and Queen Cynthia. Both of the Queens are staring me with cold gaze and Queen Tilvandril only giggling behind them. I bowed down my head few times before walking upstairs to the stage again. I fixed my armor, closed my eyes and sighing. But when I opened my eyes Robert has stood on the stage.
"Aniki, every people here will join with you to the battle! ISN'T THAT RIGHT GUYS?!"
"YEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" They are yelling out.
Honestly, I wasn't anticipated this. I thought that they would mad or leave the main field because they are scared and now, they are standing in front of me with burning gazes. It seems, I successfully raised their morale as well as erased their fears and doubts.
When I look around, each of the adventurers and knights is yelling about their pride and honor. I even heard some of them accused me want to take all the rewards for myself because I intimidated them before. Of course, I replied it with agreement and we laughed together.
"OF COURSE I WANT TO TAKE ALL OF THEM! AFTER ALL, ALL OF YOU HERE ARE WEAK AND WORTHLESS TO TAKE THIS MISSION!"
"BOOOOOOOOOOOO…!!!" All the crowds shouted at me.
The Ignish Elves chuckled and shouted, "INSOLENT!"
The Knights also followed them and shouted, "CATCH HIM!" while pointing their fingers to me.
I raised my left hand and walked to the front, "BBBBBUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTTTTTTTT....I DON'T MIND SHARING MY REWARD WITH ALL OF YOU HERE IF…." I stopped talking for a while and glanced at the crowds, now they are staring me with curious expression.
"IF YOU CAN PROVE YOURSELF AS VALUABLE SACRIFICES, FAITHFUL LAPDOGS, HYPOCRITE HEROES, PRIDEFUL KNIGHTS, ALMIGHTY WARRIORS, OR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO ME, THEN PROVE IT TO ME!"
"YEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH….!!!"
I'm clenching my right hand and raise it highly to the sky, "WE ARE ABSOLUTELY JUSTICE….!!!!!!"
"YEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHH….!!!" They followed my gesture.
"HEEEEEEEHHHHH, I CAN'T HEAR YOU…..!!!" I put my left hand to back of my left ear.
"WE ARE ABSOLUTELY JUSTICE! WE ARE ABSOLUTELY JUSTICE, WE ARE ABSOLUTELY JUSTICE!!!" They are shouting loudly while holding up their hands high in the air.
"WHO WANTS TO FOLLOW ME TO THE BATTLEFIELD?!"
They clench their right hands and put it on their left chest. They shouted, "WE ARE!!!"
"THAT'S THE SPIRIT!!!" I raise and point my two index fingers to the sky.
"YYYEAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
While I raised both of my hands to the sky and yell with them, an unknown object came with high speed to me. Then, a small explosion occurred on the stage and blew everyone away.