Chapter 505: Final preparations

Under the clear blue sky, two straight lines of people stood in front of their leaders. Leaders, in the plural, as whilst they came from two different parts of society, for the next 30 or so days they will fight and live for the same goal. 

A goal that is whilst not theirs, they did share it and will strive to achieve it. A goal, so grand, so idealistic, so naive, that one couldn't help but smile and shake his or her head when they hear it for the first time. Romanticists, revolutionaries would spout similar lofty terms either to catch the attention of others or just to quench their thirsty heart's desire.

Even their own personal reasons for lining behind such an idealistic notion were unique, differed not just between two distinct parties coordinating, but maybe, even from member to member.

The two groups, a smaller team, or maybe a party of young men and women, and another, almost twice the size of them, a team of veterans. Warriors, killers, assassins. Weapons for hire, normally devoid and free of the chains of patriotism… Yet, it was different now. They too shared a promise, looked towards a dream, a hope, a beacon of light. Their dream, though different from the Grand Goal they will be fighting for, was just as naive, just as much of a hopeful, wishful dream of a child.

Both groups looked with a serious expression dominating their faces towards the two leaders standing in front of them. Two parties, two captains. From a first glance, they looked as if a father was instructing their proud, arrogant, and haughty son on the works of the world, but as one would take a step closer and inspect it more thoroughly then he or she would be surprised. 

The two leaders, one sharing the look of a war-trained elder, with a haystack of a messy, unkempt silver hair and matching stubble of a beard-seed, whilst the other one is a much younger boy, looking barely an adult, with long, matte-black hair cascading like a waterfall to the lower regions of his back. His outfit matching the visage of a Young Noble from a powerful family.

Though both parties should be of equal standing, in reality, it was clear there was a vast difference. The boy, the young master seemed to be the one that required the highest of respects, as even the old man was reverent and cautious with every small action of his. 

Slowly glancing over the two lines of people standing in front of them the old man, Captain Don coughed lightly, to grab the attention in the field, and began to speak in a serious, loud, stern tone of voice.

"We, who are standing here today, under this late morning sun are no longer the fierce and notorious Silver Howls. Nor are we a rag-tag band of adventurers working for coins and credit to slay the heathens and the swarms of monsters… Nay, from this day forth, we are of one heart, one mind, one entity! We are working toward the same goal! A goal we all pledged to serve and strive for completion! A goal that requires us to traverse the unknown, to prove our right through might and metal!" 

Pausing in his speech, he looked at his partner, the young man for support. As their eyes met, they both nodded, and taking up the mantle, the youth, Aiden continued whilst scanning and matching the gazes of those in front of him.

"You all have your own dreams, your own desires. Some may even be just as high and noble as the one we are all agreed to serve for the next month or so. Some may be even bigger and much darker in their tone. "He stated, looking at the royal siblings for a brief moment before changing tone and going on. 

"We do not want you to forget them, to dismiss them! What we ask you is to take up the mantle with us, and fight and work with us. Let's be one team, one mind, one body for the near future and show everyone the greatest of entertainment in this giant chess board! So what, if this is all just a play for amusement?!" 

With a warm smile on his face, Captain Don nodded at Aiden's words as they both raised their hands in the air.

"Let's show them how wrong they are! We will survive, we will win, we will all return!"

"Yeah!" "We will show them!" "For the captains!" "To brother/young master!"

The speech, though not the greatest, was heartfelt and in the end managed to reach its destination and rouse the members of their combined teams as a single unit. Finally after their unique and memorable meeting, and little bout afterward, they finally overcame their last remaining bits of hostility and could, for the first time since their ill-turned little welcome in the barracks, could look at each other as a comrade.

After saving the twin sisters of Ginny and Gilly, both parties agreed wholeheartedly to end the event, and instead of doing the third round and cause more harm or invite more potential disasters, just take the remaining time to mingle with each other and perhaps… rest up.

After an hour or so, the time slowly came closer and closer to the kick-off of the War Games, and they would soon have to depart towards the City Square.

*Clap!* *Clap!* *Clap!* *Clap!*

Suddenly, a series of claps coming from behind reached their ears, startling everyone in the field with the exception of Aiden, who already noticed their presence as they approached.

Coming from the direction of the mansion, the familiar sight of the elderly butler, Sebas appeared in their vision, with another presence, a graceful-looking woman wearing a black-painted demon-faced (AN: Oni) mask over her face. Her crisp, and elated voice came from under its cover, giggling and chuckling at the scene presented in front of her.

With graceful, calm steps, the two slowly walked over to Aiden and Don. Whilst the butler took a step to the back to give way for the lady he served, the Masked Mistress took her time to slowly inspect each and every member of the 'army' she will be wielding for the event. Her eyes lingered a bit over on Sara, and then on Galina before eventually taking her well-earned rest on the young leader, Aiden.

"How do you all feel, Aiden? Are you prepared? If there is anything, ANYTHING… "she put more power on the last word, emphasizing it even harder. *…just let me know. I will not hesitate to get it for you." 

She then looked over to the elderly captain and spoke with a slightly aloof, colder tone as she addressed him. 

"That is of course includes you and your team Captain Don. Do not be shy, let my dear servant, Sebas, or myself know of your wants and needs. You will be taking the mantle to fight for my favor, so the least I can do is to help you in whatever way I can."

Not expecting anything from them, the Mistress returned her attention to the youngsters and was about to speak again when suddenly the rough voice of a man came from the Silver Howls.

"Excuse me, Miss… I do have a question if I may…"

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AN: Hey there Readers!

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