Chapter 683: Be Your Savior

"War," muttered Arthur as he faced the mourning millions, "what is it for? Is it to conquer lands beyond what our eyes can see? Or is it to become G.o.ds that everyone fears? I fought in this battle, on its frontlines, to protect this city. However, as long as there is war, there will be victims no matter how much we fight or sacrifice."

The people were staring at him with grieving eyes. Some of them were red from crying, and others seemed worn out. However, they all listened quietly to the man who fought the most for this city. Most of those present did not even care about the summit but still listened quietly, as did the rest of the world.

"I came to the knowledge that I have many labels now: a criminal, a hero, and a rebel. Every label comes from a different group, proving that each has no relation to me. I am what they want me to be."

"Then," shouted a kid holding a portrait, standing in front of the people with his mother. "Then, what are you? Are you a hero?"

"I fought for this city not because it was the right thing to do. I would choose myself if things looked bleak, but this city holds my heart. I was born and raised in this city and wanted to protect it and my family."

"Are you here to clear responsibility from the chaos in the world?" asked a man who had a missing leg before he stepped forward toward Arthur, his expression angry. "If you are not our savior, then who will be? The Yalen King?"

"It doesn"t matter," replied Arthur while shaking his head. "I"m not telling you who your savior would be because there is no savior. All of those who survived today are their own saviors. You have run, fought, and sacrificed so much to survive. So I won"t take credit for that as the savior, and I don"t want you to depend on anyone."

The world was quiet, faced with the wise words of a young man. Even the man with a missing limb bit his lips with frustration, remembering what he had suffered.

"I know the easier choice is to rely on someone, and that"s okay. However, no one is going to save you forever. Tomorrow there will be no Arthur Silvera, Ilia Perli, the guilds, or the brave soldiers. Who can you rely on but yourself when you are on your own?"

Tears streamed down the people"s faces as they all realized the truth of Arthur"s words. Then, one by one, everyone began to sit down on their knees and listen to the words of a man who seemed to know everything.

The world listened more closely than it did to the world"s summit. No one tried to watch the other broadcast, as this one took priority now. Arthur didn"t seem in a hurry as he sat down and talked to the people as if he was their friend.

"I came here for a single reason: the rulers aren"t the real enemies. Most of them are selfish and would protect their kin only, but we choose to follow them. The real enemy is our weakness. Grow stronger, whether you are a soldier, criminal, or citizen. Seek strength in its darkest alleys and brightest plazas."

It was clear that Arthur was not talking for personal gains or his interests. He was not trying to make them like him but advising them to protect themselves.

"A war is coming," said Arthur. "I will fight my battles as they come, and so should you. If we ever meet on a lonely road or a fatal corner, I"ll lend you a hand. First, however, rise! Be your own savior!"

It was then that soldiers began to gather around the memorial. They donned their shining armors and marched down the street, pushing the people away to reach the world-cla.s.s criminal. However, the people started resisting, shouting at them to leave the place.

"It seems I need to leave now," said Arthur while watching the soldiers with a smile. "What a swift response, unlike what happened a few days ago. I also came here for another reason. I know that you are watching this, leaders of this world. I want to tell you that Ascent will not abide by your rules. If any of you hurt my guild, then I will destroy your thrones."

The soldiers rode their mounts and flew to attack Arthur, but he disappeared without a trace. When they reached the monument, all they found was an angry crowd. In the end, they had to flee the scene.

The broadcast from Kera ended, and it caused another storm with Arthur Silvera in the center. However, it worked to stabilize the unrest among the people. Arthur Silvera did not give promises or empty words. Instead, he told them what they needed to do: grow stronger.

The non-awakeners around the world had a wake-up call. Most of them used to enjoy the peace brought by the awakeners and their rulers, but the situation changed. Threats were about to arrive in this world that not even the guilds and rulers could handle. So it was time for them to increase their survival odds.

It was the beginning of the great awakening era.

***

"And how would that help our situation?" asked Julia with confusion. "You"ve just helped the other nations avoid possible rebellions. Instead, we should incite the people to give them trouble!"

"That is not how it works," Arthur shook his head. "The people aren"t dumb. They can tell when they are being manipulated, and I don"t wish to cause unnecessary wars. However, the moment I gave them advice and threatened the rulers, I already told them I was on their side."

"And what would that give us?"

"Ambitious guild members," said Arthur with a smile. "You said we should build an army, but the whole world can be our ally instead. We can pick the talented ones from every city in this world."

"Are we going to start recruiting?" asked Julia while blinking. "However, how would they contact us? The world is chasing us, after all."

"It seems you already consider yourself a part of Ascent," muttered Arthur with intrigue as he leaned back in his chair. Oren and Maryam were silent as they turned toward Julia, who smiled.

"I saw what you are capable of, Arthur Silvera. I would be foolish to chase after my earlier ambitions instead of learning from you. It might be the case for all of us."

"I"m here to make sure he saves Oriole," said Maryam, crossing her arms together. "I still want him to keep that promise."

"Is Ori in danger?" frowned Oren. Arthur was silent as he tapped his fingers on the table nervously. "He seems to have a plan of his own, but I"m unclear about the details."

"Against the invaders of Runera?" frowned Julia. "That man with the mask can read minds. What kind of plan can work against him?"

"I"ll have to investigate their whereabouts first," replied Arthur while rubbing his forehead. "However, we need to start recruiting new people to join us. The enemies will not wait for us to gather our strengths before they strike again."

"And how would we start recruiting?"

"Ruki and the shadows will handle that. First, release flyers to recruit from worldwide, in every city and ally. Anyone who applies needs to use an artifact that would let us gauge their strength and potential. Then, the shadows will investigate their background."

"It seems you have already thought about everything," said Julia while leaning forward. "However, can you lead that many people? You are quite popular."

"A lot of members mean we cannot hide from the world. So we will recruit a small number every month, divided among different divisions, which you all will lead."

"Us?" asked Oren with surprise. "There should be more powerful people joining the guild. They won"t be happy about serving under someone weaker than them."

"We can make arrangements to avoid power conflicts, but you all are my most trusted. I cannot trust others to lead in the same way I trust you. However, that is only if you wish to take the position or join the guild."

"…can you give us time to think?" asked Julia, to which Arthur nodded. "I will give you an answer in the morning. Goodnight, everyone." Julia then went toward her room, followed by Maryam, who simply nodded in farewell. So it was only Oren now with him.

"Are you sure about this, Arthur?" asked Oren with unease. "The world will not sit idle as we grow stronger. When we show our faces, other calamities and rulers will come after us."

"If a fight is what they desire, then we are not going down without one," said Arthur as he twirled the gla.s.s in his hand. "Let us discuss this on another day. It is getting late, so you should return to Selena"s room. I moved your luggage there and made her room bigger."

"I…" stuttered Oren with a flushed face. It seems he thought Arthur overlooked his sneaking into her room. Arthur grinned and shooed him.

"She is your girlfriend, after all. So go and be together."

"Thank you, brother," Oren said with a smile before leaving. The only one left in the dining room was Arthur, quietly thinking to himself. Seeing Oren and Selena together made him remember Diana.

"I miss you, my sweetheart," muttered Arthur in the lonely room. "Are you still alive and well? Are you waiting for the day we meet, the same way I break in every pa.s.sing second?"