A week had passed since Cassiel and his party had returned from the East.
Hildric had traveled back to Anvilius, where the council and all the people had been long awaiting his return. He was quickly forgiven, and he was put back into the council to continue helping his city.
After achieving his goal in Ananchel, Cassiel rounded his group back up after three days would pass, before having them all go alongside him back to Kotor, where plans to invade Fularis, the city of wealth, where Nahka resided, would be enacted.
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.....
Upon reaching Kotor after so long, Cassiel immediately heads towards his home, Cain's castle.
Walking down the main road along with his party, Cassiel notices how much work had been put into the city's reconstruction.
The once burning houses were completely deconstructed so that they could be rebuilt even better than before.
The cracked and dirty road was now clean and pristine, like a path fit for the high heavens.
Small shops had been set up alongside the road, children were running amongst it all, and the vampires overall had seemed happier.
Rampiel was changing drastically, that much was obvious.
The people of the continent were happier, they felt at peace for the first time in their lives, which meant the majority of them wanted to protect this peace, to nurture it for the future generations, and this civil war was the first step in doing so.
The west versus the east, Cassiel Aeternus versus Nahka Aion.
....
After minutes of walking had passed, the party made it to the entrance of the castle, where the doors would open without hesitation, further establishing Cassiel amongst his people.
However, once the doors had opened, Cassiel was blessed with a sight he never expected.
Hundreds of vampires lined up in columns and rows were all knelt down on one knee, each and everyone one of them listening to a speech Daein was giving.
.....
Daein, unaware that Cassiel and his group had returned, was working on a project to amass a ton of warriors to be used at Cassiel's disposal for war.
His initial plan was to head to Anvilius after listening to the news Esk and Yuon gave him from their excursion to Armatia, however, as Cassiel has just returned, his plans would quickly change.
.....
Walking down the middle path that the lines into two separate groups, Cassiel and his party made their way towards Daein as dozens of vampires stared at them.
As they make their way up the stairs, the group finally make it up to Daein as he turns around to face them.
"My king, I'm happy for your return." Daein says, shooting a faint smile.
Stepping up closer to Daein, Cassiel's group waits behind him.
"Am I correct to say all has been well, Daein?" Cassiel questions, smiling.
"Of course, my king. Would you like to give a speech for your subjects? They've trained hard to be here." Daein continues, stepping off to the side.
Walking forward, Cassiel places his hands on the railing, facing his army for the first time.
These were people he could call his own, something he had never wished for, yet doesn't regret.
"My loyal warriors, I've been made aware of the hardships you've faced to be here, and I couldn't be more glad. I know not of what Daein has taught, nor said to you all, but I will make it clear right here and now... We will reclaim Rampiel under the Aeternus family's ruling, and all of you shall be rewarded greatly. Our final war will be expected one week from now, prepare wisely."
With that, Cassiel turns to walk off, saying no more and no less, leaving the soldiers confused as they were expecting him to give a motivational speech.
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.....
A week had passed since Cassiel's speech.
During this week, plans were set in place, goodbyes were made, and many soldiers were given prayers of return.
Cassiel took three days to test the skills of his new soldiers personally, ensuring that they were prepared as he wasn't just looking for bodies to fill in empty spots, but rather capable warriors that would help win the war without meaningless death.
Throughout the three days, Cassiel had met eight warriors that excelled above the rest, one being of royal blood.
.....
His name was Mihr Cruor.
He could almost match Cassiel in tests of strength, but he lacked in about every other category.
Such was the fate of those born into the Cruor family, however there was something odd about him.
Despite being born into the Cruor family, who take pride in strength and strength alone, he had the mana aptitude of someone born into the Sombre family, whom excel in magic.
Although he was a unique case, he had much to learn and would not take any important roles during the final war, sharing the same fate as the rest of the soldiers.
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.....
Preparing himself in his room alone, Cassiel would take a moment to look out his window, which gave clear sight over the outside training grounds.
Staring at the dirty, worn out training ground, a memory crossed his mind.
"You know, your view would be so much better if there was a garden to look out to..." A woman had said with blurred eyes, yet a beautiful smile and long, blonde hair.
Sighing, Cassiel palms his face, resting his elbows on the window sill as he loses himself in thought for a moment, before a knock on his door brings him back to reality.
"Come in." Cassiel orders, turning around to face his door.
Walking inside, Albus stares at Cassiel for a couple of moments, before looking at the ground.
"Cassiel... why am I to lead this war?" Albus questions, sulking.
Pausing for a moment, Cassiel stares at Albus, recalling what he had done in Anvilius just a week ago.
"I believe you're ready, Albus. These are the positions you'll be filling in as going forward as my right hand man. These are positions I can only trust you in." Cassiel responds, his eyes never shifting off Albus.
Smiling, Albus looks back up at Cassiel before nodding his head.
"Thank you, my king. I hope you're aware that we're to leave in ten minutes." Albus would say after turning to leave the room, shutting the door behind him.
Letting out a deep breath of distress, Cassiel looks back out the window and into the sky.
"One day, Athel, I promise."