Chapter 129: The Promised Day

[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.

The most defiant of them were the eight members of the Iron Spider Party. S Rank adventurers, their skills and strength were beyond doubt.

Their stares, however, reflected their skepticism about my leadership.

'I'll have to do something about that…'

"There are some among us who may doubt my ability to lead this expedition," I continued, my gaze now fixed on the Iron Spider Party. "I understand your concerns. But let me assure you that I was chosen for this task not just because of my strength but because of my faith in each one of you. We will face danger together, fight together, and I promise you, we will come out victorious together." Sёarch* The Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

That sounded a bit cringe by my standards, but this was what troops liked hearing. I got this information firsthand from Drius.

'I used <Truthful Glare> too, so there's no way he lied to me.'

The crowd roared again, the sounds of their cheering cutting through the morning air, proving me right.

I could see the defiant gazes soften slightly. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

"Remember," I concluded, my voice loud and clear. "As we leave now, we will not stop until I give the order. The quicker the vermin are exterminated, the faster the Lyma Region will regain its peaceful status."

With that, I turned and walked away, leaving behind a group of warriors, eager and ready for the battle to come.

As for the Iron Spider Party, well, I would have to handle them separately.

'There's no room for dissension in a battlefield.'

********

I pulled on the reins, bringing my horse to the front of the massive contingent.

Around me, five hundred warriors sat astride their horses, their faces grim and determined.

The rising sun bathed us in its golden glow, painting a striking image against the backdrop of the Lyma mansion.

Taking a deep breath, I raised my hand high, signaling the start of our journey.

As one, we moved, a horde of horses and warriors, our hooves thundering against the ground, shaking the very earth beneath us.

The air was alive with anticipation and resolve, and the sight of such a formidable force charging forward was nothing short of breathtaking.

As we began to gain distance from the mansion, I cast one last glance over my shoulder.

There, standing in front of the grandiose mansion, were the ones we left behind. Seraphina, her sisters, the Duke, and the Duchess, they all stood there, their gazes following our every move.

I could see the worry etched onto their faces, but there was also pride and hope.

Seraphina met my gaze, her eyes filled with an indescribable emotion. A silent understanding passed between us, a promise of my safe return.

I offered her a reassuring smile before turning forward, my focus now on the path ahead.

And so, we marched on, leaving behind the comforts of the mansion and heading into the unknown. The rising sun guided our path, its light cutting through the early morning fog.

The image of us, a relentless tide of warriors galloping towards the horizon with the sun at our backs, was a sight that would be forever etched in my memory.

But most of all, I couldn't help but think of my promise of a triumphant return.

And that's a promise I intended to keep.

********

[Meanwhile…]

Francis stood in front of a large, bay window that covered the entirety of the north wall of his vast, luxurious office.

His back to the rest of the room, he observed the world outside with a confident smile on his face, hands clasped behind his back.

He was dressed impeccably in a white suit, the pristine fabric gleaming under the soft light flooding in through the window.

Suddenly, a gentle knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in," he called without turning.

The door creaked open to reveal a woman in a neatly pressed skirt suit and glasses, her hair pulled into a tight bun, giving off an aura of stern professionalism. Stay tuned with M V L

"Sir, the troops are ready," she announced, her voice echoing through the vast room.

At her words, Francis' grin intensified. "Excellent," he said, his voice filled with satisfaction. "Tell them I'll be out shortly."

The woman seemed a little surprised. "Sir, you don't need to personally oversee them—"

Francis cut her off with a chuckle.

"Nonsense," he said. "I have to offer some words of encouragement to my subordinates. It's the least I can do."

He finally turned away from the window, his gaze sweeping across the room before landing on his secretary.

"It is a lovely day today, isn't it?" he asked, though it was more of a statement than a question.

He walked towards his desk, his steps echoing in the silence.

"A day that marks the start of a great change," he said, his voice laced with anticipation. His smile broadened, his eyes gleaming with an ominous light.

"I can't wait for it."

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[A/N]

What is about to go down? Only time will tell…

Thanks for reading.