Chapter 107: Chapter 107: System’s Preparations

Elio addressed the gathered crowd. His voice resonated throughout the square...

A murmur rippled through the multitude. Some faces showed concern, but most shone with enthusiasm.

"Five mana points for an invocation?" a voice called out. "That's a bargain!"

"But we need that mana to live," another protested.

A retired soldier stepped forward. "What good is saving mana if the Founder kills us all? I'll give everything I can!"

The crowd began to stir, excitement quickly overcoming any initial doubts. People pushed forward, eager to contribute.

"Take my points!" "I can go hungry today if it means having an invocation tomorrow!" "For the freedom of our city!"

Elio watched, amazed, as people offered their mana points. Many gave more than the suggested five points, some even offering all they had left for the day, keeping only what was necessary to breathe.

Retired soldiers, in particular, were generous. Years of service had taught them the value of unity and sacrifice... Perhaps seeing Lucien and Selene on their side also played a part in their decision.

"This is incredible," Zara murmured, standing next to Elio. "They're giving everything they have."

Elio nodded, moved by the city's response. "It's because they finally feel they'll have the power to fight."

As the hours passed, the mana counter in Elio's book steadily rose.

♢♢♢♢

Tarec found himself in line, advancing towards Elio almost without realizing it. When he reached the young leader, words spilled from his mouth before he could think them through.

"My son died a few hours ago," he said, his voice breaking. "Mordred killed him in front of our house. Why should I trust you? How are you any different if you are with them?"

Elio looked at him, and Tarec saw in his eyes not arrogance, but determination and pain. "I can't bring your son back," Elio said softly. "And I'm not asking you to trust me blindly as you did the families. I'm asking you to fight. Not for me, but for your son, for your family, for everything you've lost under Fathoran's regime."

Tarec felt something break inside him. The tears he had been holding back began to flow freely.

"I'm Tarec... I was a brave soldier," he managed to say between sobs. "I dared to overcome level 3. But I couldn't... I couldn't save my son."

Elio placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then honor his memory. Fight so that no other father has to go through what you've endured."

With trembling hands, Tarec extended his book. Elio nodded, raising his own, and seconds later, a small salamander appeared.

The creature moved across Tarec's shoulder, reaching his heart, transferring a comforting warmth. For a moment, the crushing pain gave way to something else: determination.

"For Aram," Tarec whispered, looking at the salamander on his chest.

"Are you with us, Tarec?"

Attack: 5 (10)

Magic Damage: 5 (+5)(+15) / (25)

Defense: 5 (10)

Magic Defense: (10)

Superior Mana Sword / Attack 5

Superior Mana Dagger x10 / Attack 5

Superior Elemental Resistance Cloak / Magic Defense 5

System's Armor / (Defense 5) (Magic Defense 5) (Magic Damage 5) (Resistance(500/500))

Balance:

2,145,160,175 mana points

Unfortunately, the damage from the weapons didn't stack; his Armor only had space to install 10 daggers, and Fathoran was better at handling a sword than a spear.

He needed a free hand to use the magic from his book.

The elemental resistance cloak could only be obtained in the central building, and no one thought it was worth spending so much on something like that.

Everyone shared the same one when challenging the swift of the 4th level, and the unfortunate deaths of challengers wasted millions of mana points each year.

The equipment Fathoran boasted was worth more than 3 million mana. But for the possessor of all the savings from 100 years of the city's existence, they seemed like trinkets.

Even after buying more maximum level armors and weapons to equip all his soldiers, he hadn't spent more than 10 million.

Most were already equipped with what was in the armories... Should he buy superior elemental resistance cloaks for everyone?

No, a million mana for each soldier was too much; he had to think about the potions for the huge number of children he would have soon...

Besides, that would only cost him more time...

If it made sense to spend more, he would.

"This time, there will be no mistakes," he muttered, installing his last maximum level dagger. "Elio Elian, you've been a thorn in my side for too long. It's time to end this once and for all. For the safety of my future and improved family."

Decades of training, a century of careful saving to achieve the 5th invocation and surpass the 6th level, all threatened by a young man who was just beginning to understand the true scope of the System.

"I won't allow everything I've worked for to crumble," he growled. "This city, this system, it's all mine by right."