178 Chapter 178

'What a terrible mistake they've made.' Aron thought as he read the contents of the parchment which was also a decree, although directed at commoners. "I must admit, it's not a bad plan on their part." Aron thought before rolling up the parchment and placing it in his pocket as he began walking back to his residence.

On the surface the decree was something any capable commoner would jump at seeing. After all it basically gave them an opportunity to rise up and become aristocrats, this was a once in a lifetime offer… or so it seemed.

What Aron saw wasn't an opportunity but a scheme for the families to get rid of possible competent commoners while opening chances to expand their power and take down an opposing family even.

Why Aron thought this was simple, he wasn't a citizen of Ettenheim like he had declared before so his addition was rather too convenient. Anyone who would think the rulers of Ettenheim were being sincere with this decree were complete fools in Aron's eyes.

….

Meanwhile back at Mirai's residence…

"This is it!! This the chance commoners have been waiting for!!" Lucas held a piece of parchment in disbelief while Scarlett just held the opened envelope with an unimpressed look. "Easier said that done, our generation already has it's fair share of freaks but the second generation is even more so, you're basically competing against grand mage belle, yohan and other dangerous figures. You aren't even the top of your generation which makes competing no better than suicide."

Scarlett rarely ever spoke seriously but this time was different. Anyone with enough life experiences and who knew aristocrats well would know the decree was utter nonsense that only naive suicidal people would believe.

"I agree, besides most individuals won't fight alone. They have strong allies and subordinates, a good networking with people, massive wealth and resources. Aethel's military power is no joke so how do you plan on fighting? You have little wealth, no subordinates and no resources. Don't waste your life Lucas." Sharla who rarely got along with Scarlett completely agreed and burst Lucas's bubble.

The reality of the situation was even with such an opportunity, the aristocrats had an overwhelming advantage over the commoners. But this wasn't enough to deter him. "Then I'll just join a strong group and work hard, step by step I'll eventually get there." He said with a small smile.

Sharla wanted to call him delusional but his intentions for fighting were noble, a part of her at least wanted to believe him.

…

And so just like that, the most capable of individuals among the commoners and aristocrats all received a decree before the meeting to discuss the war had even began.

The possibility of a leak was possible but it was like Issac Lovitz counted on the greed and selfishness of humans when such an offer was presented, the fewer knew the better so one could have and advantage.

However the reality even with such an offer was harsh. For third generation aristocrats like Anastasia and the others, they knew they likely wouldn't go far on their own even if their family provided resources so their best bet was cooperating with other very capable individuals.

With this in mind Henry called for a meeting and invited those who he felt received the decree as well as those he felt could prove to useful if cooperation was formed.

…

The location of this meeting was a lecture theatre in academy later that day at night.

The people currently present were all individuals Henry put in high regard or at least saw potential in.

The aristocrats who had come for this meeting were Anastasia, Emilia, Sebastian, Esmeralda, Claudia, Brutas, Xavier and Juliet. Then for commoners Aron, Evanora, Scarlett, Jin and Lucas who had come with Mirai and Sharla, although the two were elves Henry was desperate and so he wanted to try and recruit them as well. Jagu and other beastfolk hadn't received a decree for obvious reasons just like the elves, even those born in Ettenheim.

"I'm sure you've all read both sets of decrees, the one received by commoners and the one received by us so I won't waste your time going over it. I invited you all because I believe you're the very best our generation has to offer, as it stands no one alone can go up against powerhouses of the second generation so I feel we should ally together for those interested in taking part in this war." Henry kept his explanation brief and simple but as he mentioned how no one could fight the second generations alone, many gazes moved to Aron who been leaning against a wall with his arms crossed and Juliet who sat in a row not too far from front.

"This seriously can't be everyone whose capable among commoners or aristocrats…" Lucas muttered as the number of people present was far too small with which Anastasia nodded before explaining. "The majority of individuals both commoner or aristocrat chose to fight for bigger well known factions, like Lady Belle's. Our only hope is working together." Anastasia explained.

"So you're all basically screwed if we don't help?" Jin asked plainly and received a nod from Henry. Given the circumstances no one even acted stuck up, after all the chances of them becoming heirs was near non existent now.

After that everyone seemed to go silent and look towards Aron who hadn't spoken since arriving, it was clear his value was greater than that of anyone else. If Galos academy weren't far then many capable individuals would have tried to recruit him already.

'Even what is supposed to be simple war is being turned into some political game that will only serve to slow down my progress, unfortunately for you all my patience has run out.' Aron thought before sighing and shaking his head on the surface, it was now time to put on an act.

"I've said this before, my only interest lies in knowledge. War, titles, prestige, whatever it may be I consider it mundane. So if your aim is to have me join you and fight then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed." Arias was without hesitation and seemed genuine enough. Brutas had a lot he wanted to say to Aron especially after the death of his older brother but he held in his anger, right now he had lost the majority of his backing and could be easily delt with by Aron so he didn't dare act up.

Lucas however was a different case. "How can you be so selfish? After so long commoners now have a chance to to rise up and become aristocrats, to gain some wealth and to know a life different from the one they knew. Yet you refuse to fight despite having the power to do so because you have no interest? That's just being a coward." Lucas pointed out although his calm tone made it seem more like an opinion about Aron.

Aron turned to Lucas and snickered while shaking his head. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm just insane or if I'm really surrounded by idiots. I could thoroughly point out all the wrongs in what you're attempting to do but you're all competent enough to know once you think about it so why waste my breath debating our varying views?"

"With that said don't act like understand me Lucas, War is not a wonderful thing yet you all seem to look forward to it without even being directly involved. Despite being in the academy Mirai came from Aethel… yet here you are actively seeking to attack her home so you can rise up in rank and get a flashy title and you call me selfish?" As Aron said this, all eyes turned to Mirai causing some to feel great guilt especially Lucas who had been actively talking excitedly about war since receiving the declaration and how he'd use it as a chance to rise up and give commoners hope.

"Mirai…" Lucas had no words to say to the gentle elve who was genuinely happy for him the entire time, this only served to make his guilt worse.

At that moment Aron gestured Evanora to leave but before he left the room he gave some parting words. "I have no interest in fighting the Aethel kingdom so if there is a faction that just explores and deals with beasts, let them know I'm open to talks." He revealed before opening the door to leave.