Chapter 220: Chapter 220: System's Real Leadership - 2

Name:Utopian System Author:


Lucien stopped in front of the statue, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. His frog's large eyes seemed to study the statue as well.

He remembered the day he visited it with Elio, shortly after he assumed leadership. It had been a pleasant day, showing him that there was much to know and fight for.

But now, looking at the imposing figure, Lucien wondered if they could "fulfill their duty".

The barrier failed more and more frequently, the Locus were endless, and although the city was more united than ever, the challenges they faced seemed to grow day by day.

"What would you do?" Lucien murmured to the statue, as if expecting the stone to come to life and offer advice. "How would you keep hope alive in the face of such adversity?"

Silence was his only answer, but somehow, Lucien found comfort in it.

The statue, motionless and imperturbable, also reminded him of his grandfather... But he wouldn't be so stoic, he would trust in Elio, Farbe's son.

They had survived so far, against all odds. And they would continue to do so. For Raelar, Varick, and the others.

With a final sigh, Lucien straightened up, squaring his shoulders. His frog seemed to stand a little taller too, mirroring its master's resolve.

♢♢♢♢

The statue was more than just a monument.

Elio had discovered, after Fathoran's death, that he was the only one who could interact with it.

But he had the right to make several changes.

And, in an act of trust that Lucien still found overwhelming, Elio had granted him the same privilege.

Lucien touched the statue, aware of the purpose of his visit.

He needed to acquire more superior cloaks of elemental resistance for the new group that would join Elio on his mission. This equipment, available only here, was crucial for ensuring survival in the challenges to reach the sea of monsters.

He breathed deeply, filling his lungs with the rich, fragrant air of the courtyard one last time.

The aroma was indescribable, a mixture of fragrances that had no point of comparison with anything in the city. It was a tangible reminder of what they were fighting to preserve, of the wonders that the world outside their walls might contain.

Reluctantly, Lucien moved away from the tree and headed towards the exit, his frog hopping back to his head.

Tomorrow would be another day of challenges, another day of struggle. But it would also be another day of hope, another day closer to Elio's return and the possible salvation of the city.

As he walked away from the garden, Lucien made a silent promise. He would keep the city running, keep his people safe, until Elio returned with the solution everyone was hoping for. No matter the personal cost, no matter the exhaustion.

The city depended on him, and he would not fail them.

But his tour wasn't over yet.

He had one last stop to make.

♢♢♢♢

Lucien headed towards the wing of the building where Angela, Varick's mother, remained confined since the incident with Cassandra. Although he didn't visit her directly, he stopped to talk to the guards assigned to watch her.

"How has she been behaving?" Lucien asked, his voice low and serious. His frog sat attentively, as if listening to the report as well.

One of the guards responded: "As usual, sir. She hasn't caused any problems or tried to communicate with anyone outside of who's allowed."

Lucien nodded, satisfied but still cautious. Angela's loyalty was a delicate matter, and they couldn't afford to lower their guard.

He was about to leave when a familiar figure appeared at the end of the hallway. Lucien stopped short, surprised by the unexpected presence. His frog tensed, sensing the change in atmosphere.

There, walking towards him with a determined step, was Diana, Varick's sister.

"Uncle Lucien," Diana greeted, her voice showing respect and something else that Lucien couldn't immediately identify.