A palpable tension began to grip Zephyros as the chilling realization dawned that even its major cities might now be targets for those who sought to undermine its stability. But Haziel's revelations didn't end there.
Haziel nodded, his expression etched with concern. "Indeed. This is precisely what the Supreme Council is deeply worried about. If they are truly this reckless and driven, there's a high probability they will attempt their ascension rituals in the satellite cities surrounding the capital of Aerion."
Both Henry and Sophia stiffened, a cold dread seeping into their hearts.
Damn it all, Henry cursed silently. Yesterday I was worried that if anything happened to Aerion, all of Zephyros would fall apart. Now it seems Zephyros is still safe, but Aerion itself is in danger of being ravaged first. Truly, I've got a cursed tongue..
After a moment of forced composure, Sophia spoke, striving to keep her voice steady. "If it's not solely for the purpose of rank advancement, has the Supreme Council formulated any other theories regarding their motives? Attacking the capital of a superpower just to reach Rank 5 seems… incredibly foolish."
Haziel fell into a pensive silence, taking a slow sip of his wine.
"Several hypotheses are being considered. They might be targeting an ancient artifact hidden within one of the satellite cities, or perhaps plotting the assassination of a highly influential figure, even attempting to destroy a strategically vital military stronghold. The advisory council, the archbishops within the cathedral, and the members of the Supreme Council are all working tirelessly to gather information and analyze it to uncover the true objective of these individuals."
From the initial isolated disappearances to the horrifying massacres, and now the looming threat of a brutal Rank 5 ascension ritual and the danger of attacks on major cities… the gravity of the situation was escalating rapidly.
Both Henry and Sophia felt as though they were being drawn into an ever-deepening vortex of darkness, the terrifying events seemingly hinting at a conspiracy far more sinister than they could have imagined.
Henry sighed, gently squeezing Sophia's hand beneath the table. She responded with a reassuring pressure, a silent reminder that no matter what transpired, they were here, together, facing every challenge as one.
However, Sophia couldn't entirely mask the worry that clouded her features. "I'm still so concerned about Aerion… I don't know what I can possibly do to help right now."
Haziel shook his head, his sharp brown eyes softening as he looked at his two friends.
"There are some things that are not prudent to discuss at this moment, but I implore you to trust in the Supreme Council, the Cathedral, and the military might of Aerion. We are not weak; on the contrary, we possess more than enough resources to quell this issue."
I know that. Sophia is just worried about the two of us, Henry thought privately, a flicker of irritation passing through him. If a bunch of fanatical lunatics could overturn Aerion, Zephyros wouldn't have stood strong for this long.
A faint, confident smile touched Haziel's lips, a smile that spoke volumes about his faith in the nation's power.
"Currently, a formidable reinforcement army is being urgently deployed to Aerion. They will assume responsibility for the strict defense surrounding the capital region. The elite Royal Guard and the local defense forces will be responsible for maintaining security in the four satellite cities. And within Central Aerion… the two powerful demigods, Pope Vincent and the Radiant Prince Alfie, will personally hold the line, alongside three hundred high-ranking individuals from Rank 5 to Rank 6 - individuals who possess extraordinary power."
The lively atmosphere of the tavern suddenly felt suffocating to them. Henry and Sophia both knew the Aerion military was strong, but the scale of the defense Haziel had just revealed far surpassed anything they had ever imagined.
In the span of a few short days, the news they had received had continuously pushed the boundaries of their understanding. From utter astonishment to a sense of unbelievable absurdity, from vague apprehension to a looming crisis - everything unfolded in rapid succession, like a relentless, drawn-out nightmare.
Thinking about it the other way around, just how immense is the threat that the Supreme Council has to deploy such a colossal force for defense? This is some kind of twisted psychological torture, Henry thought glumly, trying to shake off the heavy thoughts that were closing in on him.
Sophia, after a brief moment of trying to compose herself, spoke softly, a trace of lingering worry in her voice.
"I understand… With such a formidable defense force, surely Aerion can't be easily overthrown by some terrorist group."
Well, with that kind of army, it does sound a lot safer, Henry conceded internally, feeling a weight lift from his chest. With that many layers of solid defense, those lunatics wouldn't be foolish enough to run headfirst into their deaths. Looks like I might actually get a good night's sleep for the next few days.
Sensing that the tense atmosphere had lingered for too long, Haziel offered a wry smile, attempting to lighten the mood. "So, all you lovebirds should take advantage of these moments together. If anything happens, at least you won't have any regrets."
Henry nearly choked on his wine, muttering a silent curse at Haziel. You crazy bastard, joking at a time like this.
Sophia shot Haziel a sharp glare, but a lovely blush crept up her ears. Eager to change the subject, she asked Haziel, "So, what are your plans for the near future?"
Haziel placed his wine glass on the table, his expression turning serious once more.
"I've been recalled to Central Aerion to undergo the Rank 4 ascension ritual. All those who have accumulated sufficient experience, aether, and achieved significant merits recently will be given the opportunity to advance. Given the current precarious situation, Central Aerion is accelerating the process of upgrading Rank 3 and Rank 4 personnel to bolster the military's strength."
Henry nodded, a touch of admiration stirring within him. "So, you'll be Rank 4 soon. Congratulations!"
Henry felt a pang of respect for Haziel, his childhood friend, who had now surpassed even Captain Jacobs, a man a decade their senior.
"Soon, when the reinforcement army is deployed to defend Aerion and the satellite cities, Zephyros will also send an elite Rank 4 force to Natsmunda. I will be going with them." Haziel said, a resolute glint in his eyes.
The moment the name Natsmunda was uttered, both Henry and Sophia's eyes widened in astonishment, a deep sense of admiration welling up within them. Haziel has come so far!
Natsmunda was a peculiar and unique nation in the world of Tehra. The entire country consisted of a single colossal city, dozens of stories tall, piercing the sky like a magnificent spire. True to its descriptions, the city was built vertically.
Every three years, Natsmunda would endure a terrifying beast tide. Countless ferocious monsters from the vast surrounding lands would surge towards the city in relentless waves.
What was particularly remarkable was how the Natsmundan government dealt with this catastrophe. They did not actively seek to exterminate the beasts, nor did they plead for assistance from other nations. Natsmunda built formidable city walls and numerous magical formations to withstand these onslaughts. Their only concern was ensuring the monsters did not breach the depths of their singular city.
As for the monsters that appeared every three years, Natsmunda profited immensely from them. They sold "monster extermination permits" to other nations around the world. Even the three great powers of Tehra were only allotted one hundred permits each. In total, only seven hundred permits were available to all countries.
This was a crucial event for nations to train and enhance the quality of their elite soldiers, those expected to become the pillars of their future armies. Simultaneously, it was an opportunity for them to acquire valuable resources from the corpses of the slain beasts - though they still had to pay a monster-slaying tax to Natsmunda.
Soldiers who had the opportunity to fight and survive in Natsmunda would progress at an astonishing rate, forced to battle continuously in a harsh, high-intensity environment against relentless waves of ferocious monsters. For four months of near-insane combat, they had to pour every ounce of their will, ability, and hidden potential just to survive the frenzied sea of monsters.
And when they overcame the life-or-death trials of Natsmunda, the returning warriors were often highly valued and appointed to important positions in the military and government. From there, they would forge their own glorious histories, becoming legends revered by generations.
Haziel's assignment to Natsmunda clearly demonstrated the immense potential and high expectations Zephyros held for him - "The Fifth Divine Monarch"
However, Henry couldn't help but chuckle as he recalled the jokes that captured the essence of Natsmunda. They had three famous sayings:
"One permit to Natsmunda costs the same as training one hundred Rank 3 soldiers."
"Four months of madness in Natsmunda is worth more than ten years of arduous missions."
"Natsmunda sells everything, sometimes you can even buy your own life there!"
Over thirty minutes later, the conversation between the three friends drew to a close. Haziel departed for Central Aerion, carrying the weight of protecting the capital, while Henry and Sophia also tried to temporarily set aside the anxieties that simmered within them.
Scarcely had Henry returned to the familiar confines of the barracks when welcome news reached his ears. The formidable reinforcement army was expected within two days. From that point onward, missions identified as involving anomalies would fall under their jurisdiction, leaving the scout teams to focus on information gathering and more conventional assignments.
"So, we're finally off the hook from that dangerous mess," Henry murmured, a wave of relief washing over him.
Upon their arrival, the elite troops were immediately deployed to bolster the defenses both within and around the capital, a formidable shield against any lingering intentions of disruption or malicious acts.
The following days in Aerion unfolded with an unsettling tranquility. No riots, no suspicious activities disturbed the peace.
Henry dedicated his time to honing his physical prowess and combat skills, participating in routine security patrols, finding solace in prayers within the Estath Cathedral, volunteering to aid the needy within the church alongside the kindhearted Envoy Ralph, and continuing his studies of Zephyrosian History and Religion to deepen his understanding of his nation and its beliefs.
Each day, Henry also carved out moments of quiet contemplation, seizing every spare sliver of aether to delve into the deeper strata of his Mystic Sense. The world around him remained the familiar detailed spatial map, but now, a peculiar detail began to capture his unwavering attention. Whenever he focused his senses, sweeping a fifty-meter radius, an ethereal band of emerald light would silently materialize beneath his feet. Initially, it was a faint, fleeting shimmer, like a trick of the eye, easily dismissed. But as time passed, its appearances grew more frequent, its luminosity intensified, becoming undeniably clear and vibrant.
A strange sensation began to stir within Henry whenever this emerald light manifested. It wasn't merely a visual phenomenon; it carried an almost irresistible pull, an unseen yet potent force, like a mystical tether silently binding his mind. The light possessed an otherworldly beauty, a fresh, vibrant green brimming with life, yet simultaneously veiled in a profound mystery, as if beckoning him to uncover the secrets it held within.
The more Henry observed it, the more an intense curiosity bloomed within him. It wasn't just a simple interest in a novel phenomenon; it was a deep-seated yearning, a pressing need to understand the origin and meaning of this wondrous light. It was like a sweet whisper echoing in the recesses of his mind, a gentle yet captivating invitation.
Strangely, this emerald band of light seemed to consistently appear wherever Henry directed his attention. As long as he scanned within that fifty-meter range, it would silently manifest beneath his feet, like a cryptic companion always shadowing his steps. It was as if it were patiently waiting, a silent beckoning, an irresistible allure. The compelling sensation grew stronger with each passing day, like an unseen current relentlessly surging through his veins, making it increasingly difficult for Henry to tear his focus away from the enigmatic light.