The Troops Depart

[00 Months: 13 Days: 23 Hours]

'It's barely sunrise, according to the Mage'Earth Clock.' My thoughts echoed as I opened my eyes.

The day usually started at what I estimated to be 7:30 AM. As such, I calculated the current time to be about 5:30 AM in the morning.

'Perfect!'

I currently stood before a sea of faces, each as determined as the next. They had all gathered at my call, all 500 of them.

The Adventurers and the Lyma Family's elite militia, united in one purpose. It was an overwhelming sight, but one I couldn't back down from.

"Brothers and sisters," I began, my voice echoing in the open field. "Today, we embark on an expedition to cleanse our lands of the bandits plaguing them. Each one of us has a part to play in this, each one of us a crucial cog in the wheel. Remember, our cause is just, and we're doing this for the glory of the Lyma Family."

A cheer rose from the crowd, but I noticed a few gazes that seemed to challenge my authority.