There were five seats prepared on the ship, and the tension in the room was palpable as the commander began to brief the group on the nas that were already selected for this mission.
The first seat was allocated to Master Borin, who has knowledge of the ship's chanics. His expertise was vital to ensure all systems and functions were operational during their escape.
Next to Master Borin's seat was one prepared for Ery, replacing Master Flemming he will be the healer of the group and the one in charge of delivering the Spirit Soul.
The third seat had been reserved for Atlas, the half-machine Magus computerized calculation made him the perfect candidate to pilot the ship, navigating the perilous path to safety.
The remaining two seats were to be filled by two full moon Magus as guards. The choice lay among the eight captains present in the room, all esteed warriors who had proved their ttle in battle. They were gathered there to choose the last two seats, a decision that weighed heavily on them all.
Before anyone could voice their opinion, the sound of Atlas's voice interrupted the silence.
"Commander, I have decided not to join. Please choose soone else."
The room was filled with stunned silence as everyone digested Atlas's unexpected declaration. Even Master Borin, who had recomnded Atlas, was caught off guard. The half-machine Magus offered no explanation, no reasoning, just a firm and resolute decision. Without another word, he turned and left the room, his tal footsteps echoing down the hall.
Ery, knowing what Atlas's true reason was, could only silently heave a sigh. A mix of understanding and sadness filled him, but he said nothing.
"It's alright," said the commander, his voice steady and reassuring, breaking the silence that had enveloped the room. "We have an alternative choice for a pilot." He went on to ntion a certain space knight nad Renvil, one of the Imperium's most highly decorated pilots. His experience and skill were well-known, and there was a collective nod of agreent.
With the third seat settled, the discussion returned to the matter at hand: the two full moon Magus who would join the mission as guards.
Ery's mind raced with anticipation, expecting a fervent debate, perhaps even a fierce battle of words among the captains.
Yet, what unfolded was an entirely different scenario. The four captains tasked with defending the walls understood their responsibility, their faces etched with resolve as they individually and decisively rejected the position. Their duty was clear; they were the bastion against the onslaught, and their place was at the Citadel's walls.
Commander Shepherd's voice rang with the sa commitnt as he, too, rejected the seat. "We are not giving up on the Citadel," he said, his words filled with conviction, leaving no room for doubt or argunt.
The room's focus then turned to Kenzo and Blane, the shadow Magus and duel specialist, respectively. Both were well-suited for the mission. However, Blane has no plan to leave Magus Cas hence he made his intention to stay clear.
This left the choice to an elderly Magus, Yarik, who was currently weakened after casting an arduous spell.
The idea of bringing an earth elent specialist into space was t with hesitation and doubts from so. Commander Shepard, however, quashed the uncertainty with the authority of his voice. He argued that the battle might not necessarily be space.
Respect for the elderly Magus and trust in Commander Shepard's judgnt ultimately swayed the room. The decision was made, and the five mbers were finally chosen: Master Borin, space knight Renvil, Magus Kenzo, Magus Yarik, and Ery.
"Be here, 30 minutes before the allocated ti," Commander Shepard's voice cut through the room, bringing the eting to a close.
As the group dispersed, the weight of their decisions and the reality of the impending battle settled in their minds. The choices had been made, and now it was ti to prepare for what lay ahead.
As the eting concluded, the sound of hurried footsteps filled the chamber as everyone rushed back to their posts, urgency etched on their faces. Ery's path, however, led in a different direction. He had a mind filled with questions and one being in particular who could answer them: Atlas.
He found the half-machine Magus standing on top of the citadel, an imposing silhouette against the crimson horizon. His chanical eyes scanned the sprawling plains beyond, where the sea of orcs gathered like a living storm. Ery's heart weighed heavy as he observed the sight, and he couldn't help but sigh at the overwhelming odds.
"More orcs ca to gather; there are 205,222 of them now," Atlas stated, his voice cold and calculated. "But I believe they won't be attacking anyti soon."
"I didn't co for that," Ery answered, his voice tinged with an emotion he couldn't quite na.
Atlas turned, his chanical features betraying no emotion, yet his eyes fixed on Ery with a knowing gaze. "You want to ask why I chose to stay?" he asked.
"I know you stay to seek for Eeshoo. I just don't know why you care so much," Ery replied, his words echoing the confusion and concern he felt.
Atlas's silence stretched for what seed like an eternity. Ery could almost hear the gears turning in his chanical mind before he finally broke the silence. "Did the Nephilim threaten you with sothing? Tell , and I will find a way to help you."
Atlas shook his head "No... that's not it." He paused, lost in deep thought before finally speaking, "Eeshoo is a friend." He looked at Ery, his chanical eyes sohow conveying an intensity that took Ery aback. "I thought humans would do anything for a friend… I know you did."
The answer surprised Ery, not for the sentint itself but for the choice of words. "Human? Don't you think of yourself as a human, Atlas?"
Atlas's silence returned, a pained expression crossing his chanical face. "I… I don't..." He paused, his voice softer, more vulnerable than before. "The Nephilim did promise to return to my human form and let co ho." He gazed upon the horizon, the setting sun casting an orange glow on his tal exterior. "I guess I am doing all of this to feel human again."
The words resonated with Ery, striking a chord deep within. Before he could fully absorb what Atlas had said, the ground shook violently beneath them. The lava surrounding the citadel started to stir, its molten surface roiling and churning.
The Drought had started and the orcs' army began to move.
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