"We need help from the people and start training them," Lyra stated. "However, the problem right now is the weapon they are using. It's barely able to pose any harm to the variants."
"Mana-infused weapons?" Adam asked.
"Yes, if we are able to get such weapons, we might have a chance to fight off the evolved variants," Lyra confirmed.
"Adam, where did you keep my soul?" Vlad inquired.
"It's stored inside my dimension, but unfortunately, my powers are being sealed," Adam replied.
"If that's the case, then it's fine. As long as it's safe and secured away from Serbas," Vlad explained.
"If everyone is fine with it, I'm actually going to find my family," Johan said, preparing to leave.
"Go to the library," Vlad instructed. "They keep all the names of people registered here. Their background and where they are from should be inside. Once you get it, check the location and section of the kingdom they currently reside in. You'll be able to find them from there."
"Thanks, I'll be back once I'm done," Johan waved goodbye as he left the room.
"We should meet with the king and speak about the coming threats," Adam suggested. Everyone got up to leave the room. Vlad escorted the rest to meet with the kings.
The Betrayal
As Adam entered, standing before five thrones, he began to explain the dire situation. They needed manpower to prepare for battle and to begin training in mana. As soon as Adam finished explaining, the five kings brought Adam over to the people, who were all gathered to hear the news and the kings' announcement.
One of the kings stepped forward. "The person who created this kingdom is standing before us. He single-handedly saved the whole of humanity with his ability. However, he has lost almost all of his ability and brought about the cause of zombies evolving into variants, posing a threat to our kingdom. He forced the demon to wake up from its slumber. Now he has brought the demon's wrath to our doorstep. This man, with his good deeds, wants the help of the people to fight the fight he started in order to save this kingdom. This man brought all of humanity together only to entrap everyone with the death he brings. If we exile this man, the demons will chase him instead of attacking us. To all of you here, are you willing to risk your life for him?" the king commanded, asking for the people's opinion.
Lyra, Azrael, and Adam were visibly pissed, with Vlad holding them back.
"No, send him back out and lure the demons away from our kingdom!" one of the crowd shouted.
"Kick them out!" another shouted.
"No, we don't want them here!" another cried.
"Exile!" a man started chanting. "Exile! EXILE! EXILE! EXILE!" The crowd began to chant in unison. The king waved his hands, calming the crowd down.
"As a unanimous decision, all five of the kings have decided to exile them from our kingdom. We don't need to risk our lives over your problem, and we don't seek to risk the lives of millions for keeping you here! You have three hours to get out of the kingdom, or we will force you out ourselves!" the king declared. The crowd cheered in joy, celebrating the king's decision not to risk their lives and to avert disaster from the kingdom.
Adam pushed the king aside as he made his own announcement. "Everyone, listen up! The demon is after your lives! We need people to stand up and protect this kingdom. Even if I leave this place, the variants and demon will come and destroy this civilization! I need as many of you who are capable to stand with us to fight and protect this land!" Adam spoke fiercely. The crowd fell silent, listening to the dire situation.
"Aren't you the one that caused the zombies to evolve?" one man shouted. Adam's mouth went silent, knowing he was indeed the cause for the threat and the evolution.
"If you want to defend us, go do it yourself, since you're strong enough! What can we even do without any abilities?!" another shouted.
"Fight them for us?! Risk your lives for us! You're a hero, right? Fight till you die!" another one shouted as the crowd began to laugh.
The king moved back, pushing Adam to the side. "As you heard, our hero will fight for us. If anyone is interested in dying with the hero, please meet them outside the kingdom. We have made the decision, and we expect the Hero to respect the unanimous decision." The king smiled, escorting Adam and the rest out as guards held them. The king then made an announcement about a celebration and land distribution for a new section.
Adam, walking away escorted by the guards, felt a sharp pain in his chest. This was betrayal by the very people he had helped. Lyra's voice, through the neuro-link, resonated: "Adam, do not give in to hatred and resentment. They make decisions based on self-preservation. We allowed them to rule, and we have to accept their decision-making."
Every single one of them was visibly pissed as they walked out of the castle. Vlad, having never seen such obnoxious behavior in his own reign as a king, looked back, thinking it would have been better if they were all dead. He held onto Adam, understanding the anger and betrayal he felt.
As they moved through the crowd, no one dared to do anything, knowing Vlad's terrifying powers. The crowd parted as the group moved forward. Adam, visibly consumed with hatred, looked down, walking as he was guided by Vlad.
They reached their private plane, only to find that all their necessities had been removed. The guards explained that the airplane was now under the property of the kingdom. Vlad led them to a tavern to await Johan. The owner, Brog, a kind man, approached them, placing a hand on Adam's shoulder. "Young man, don't listen to what the king has to say. There are people willing to risk their lives for you. I'm indebted to you for saving us, as my daughter and wife were on the brink of starvation. I'm Brog, my wife is Daisy, and my daughter is Viella. Please accept our humble gift. On the house, eat as much as you want."
Brog's words calmed Adam's anger, and he felt a flicker of hope. Vlad smiled, seeing a human whose humanity still survived. Azrael, witnessing firsthand what his dad had done to save and build this entire civilization, felt a surge of pride in having Adam as his father. Lyra smiled, watching Adam's face slowly change, finding hope once more.