Chapter 37: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back Pt.1

Chapter 37: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back Pt.1

"What's the job, Sam?" Ira walked into the entrance hall of the Thynne Family Manor and spoke to Samantha. She looked at him with surprise when she noticed the not so slight change in his appearance. She handed over a folder and began talking.

"This is an important one. The Kingdom is sending a recovery expedition team to the ruins of the Old Kingdom. There is a lot of money being paid for the discovery of any significant artifacts. Also, your payment for the fortress defense has been sent to the Mercenaries Union." Samantha handed over the file toward Ira. He skimmed over it, noting that the location was in the east, before handing it back.

"When is it?" Ira asked. He turned his head and looked towards the female quarters of the Manor. Soon quickened steps could be heard running toward him. Of course, it was Harper. The bloodline resonance allowed him to communicate simple commands, though it was up to her to listen. It was like how pack animals call out to members of their group.

"Well, the preliminary expedition team is to depart at the end of the week. If you join that one, you'll be tasked with clearing any threats or defending the few researchers accompanying you. There will be two more teams coming to assist but require additional time to prepare. The last team arriving is the recovery team, they are tasked with delivering the artifacts to the Kingdom." Samantha seemed to be thoroughly professional as she spoke, although cracks would briefly appear in the temperament she attempted to give off.

"Ira!" Harper ran over and stood beside him before smiling at Samantha.

"Don't these things usually require more planning? It seems like this came from nowhere." Ira asked. Samantha shook her head before speaking.

"I asked the same question, and apparently this expedition is actually behind schedule. It was already in its development phase a few months ago right before the attack on the Military Headquarters. Then Glen Marbot staged an attack on the Capital, further pushing the expedition back. Now with everyone developing abilities, it's needed now more than ever." Samantha explained. Apparently, she had investigated heavily into the subject. She then paused and looked at Ira. "I don't mean to pry, but did you receive anything after the Red Moon and the Golden Aurora?"Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

"Not really," Ira responded with a shrug. From an outside perspective, he had a headstart on everyone with his power, with the Golden Aurora granting and enhancing the abilities of others he would have to work to stay a step ahead. He hoped there would be something in the Old Kingdom Ruins to help him, but the chances were slim to none. He could use his Genetic Mutation, but he would need to find a living being to copy from. Anything in the Old Kingdom would long since be dead.

"Let's go get my payment and then we'll get ready for the job." Ira tapped Harper on the shoulder and began walking to the entrance, with Samantha following behind. The three took a carriage and departed toward the Capital.

"I should warn you, Sam," Ira spoke while looking out of the carriage window. "I'm the one who brought the Red Moon." he continued. Samantha didn't look very surprised but then thought of what she heard from the head of the MU. He told her the rumor of a giant beast capable of destroying an army of 9000 without much effort.

"A summit." She spoke slowly. The council erupted into a commotion.

"They'd never agree."

"The humans hate us."

"How do we know they aren't to blame for the tragedy that befell us?"

"I'm willing to bet they are laughing at us right now."

"You are right." To the many voices of dissidence, she spoke with assurance. "We won't hold a summit for the Grentian Kingdom. We will hold it for the whole continent. The Elves and Dark Elves, the three human countries, the Dwarven clans. Every race that has a foothold on this continent will all attend." The council room went quiet.

"And how do you know they'll come?" The crafty Diavol from earlier spoke. Once again, all gazes focused onto the woman.

"If even one of them were to sit out of the summit, they would have to face the political and diplomatic ramifications. I'm sure they are just as scared of the changes happening within their own borders. If things go right, we could all work together to find and kill the beast." She said with complete confidence. The room went into a small murmur, the last record of every race convening was over 1000 years ago. The times had changed, but now the events happening called for them to convene once again.

"...All in favor raise their hands." An old man said with a burning fervor. One by one, hands went up. Each hand carried the hope of an answer and a resolution. Soon all the hands in the room were raised, and some people even began to weep. They were those who had lost their family in the Savora Disaster. It was a form of tragic irony when they were the same ones who voted to take the fortress. A few had felt the Gods personally punished them.

"Then we are in agreement." The Old man nodded. It was truly a rare occasion in history when the council voted unanimous on a decision.

Soon another historic moment would occur, shaking the whole continent once again. Each race would be invited to a summit seeking to find what ground they stood on with each other, and the threat that loomed over all of them.