This was the cry of countless people. As the voices rose, the entire Atkinson family estate seemed on the verge of being overturned. Even those standing in the conference room could feel the vibrations in the air.
The atmosphere was overwhelming. Within a ten-mile radius, birds and beasts had likely scattered in terror.
Nine Dragons’ Souls! Guardians of Seclela’s honor! Protectors of Seclela’s peace!
This was the elite force Kayden had personally created. Upon learning of Kayden’s dismissal, how could they possibly remain calm and idle?
Kayden glanced at Greedy Wolf and Fletcher Atkinson, who both looked helpless as they explained, “This wasn’t our doing; they came of their own accord!”
Outwardly, these two were fierce and commanding warriors, the kind of men who brokered no dissent. But in front of Kayden, they seemed like children caught in the act of wrongdoing. After speaking, they didn’t dare meet Kayden’s sharp gaze, lowering their heads in fear.
Kayden shook his head in resignation and walked out the door.
Just beyond the door, in the sprawling plaza of the Atkinson family estate, tens of thousands of people stood assembled.
Every single one of them was dressed in military uniform, exuding an air of authority and righteousness. Their veins coursed with fiery blood, their spirits unyielding and resolute.
As Kayden looked upon these vibrant, energized warriors of the Nine Dragons’ Souls, his expression began to subtly change.
It was a mix of emotions-surprise, gratitude, and pride.
The moment they saw Kayden, the crowd erupted like a volcanic torrent, shouting in unison:
“Defender! Defender! Defender!”
The roar was deafening, wave after wave, crashing and unrelenting.
The cries reverberated through the skies above the Atkinson family estate, igniting a fire in the hearts of all who heard it.
Watching this scene, Kayden felt a surge of warmth in his heart. At least these men would never abandon him. At least these warriors would follow him with unwavering loyalty.
To have this in a lifetime-what more could one ask for?
“Defender! We only recognize Defender for life! We live for Defender, and we die for Defender!”
“Defender! All of us soldiers will only follow Defender for life! We live for Defender, and we die for Defender!”
“Defender! Greedy Wolf feels the same!”
“Firefist feels the same!”
Greedy Wolf and Fletcher Atkinson stepped forward to join the crowd. Together, all of them dropped to one knee, shouting in unison, “Without Defender, we will leave the battlefield!”
The blood running through their veins had been set ablaze by this godlike figure before them. Their achievements, their might-all of it had been inspired by this man.
In their eyes, this man was a god.
“Defender! Ten years ago, you came to the battlefield. If not for you, we couldn’t have repelled the 800, 000 wolves. I would have been swallowed by their onslaught. It was you who gave me a second chance at life, who bestowed upon me this glory.”
“Defender! Nine years ago, if you hadn’t charged into the midst of 100, 000 wolves to rescue me, my arms and legs would have been severed. You fought amidst tens of thousands of enemies, cutting down their leader to ensure my survival! From that moment, I swore I would only ever follow you, listen only to you. No one else’s words matter to me!”
“Defender! Eight years ago, I led 10, 000 elite soldiers but was trapped outside the border, surrounded by an army of a million. You braved the impossible, broke through their ranks, and rescued all of us. If not for you, I would already be a ghost!”
“If not for you, who could defend this great land? I am unworthy of this commander’s position. Seclela’s supreme commander will only ever be you!”
Greedy Wolf’s words were powerful and resolute, every sentence carrying conviction.
“Defender! Defender! Defender!” the crowd roared again, their cries echoing far and wide.
“Defender, please allow us to petition! If they refuse to reinstate you, we will refuse to serve! We will follow you wherever you go!”
Nearly everyone was united in this sentiment. No one wanted to see Kayden leave the battlefield.
He was the god of war, and a battlefield without its god was unimaginable.
“You’ve given so much, and now they dismiss you for killing one man. We won’t stand for it! We won’t stand for it!”
Their collective anger was palpable, a shared outrage at this decision.
Indeed, how could anyone accept that a legendary hero would be dismissed for eliminating a scoundrel?
Looking at the impassioned warriors before him, Kayden took a few steps forward.
“On the battlefield, who decides?”
“You decide!” they replied in unison.
“And now, who decides?”
“You still decide!”
“Good!” Kayden nodded, addressing the thousands of soldiers before him. “Since I decide, let me make this clear: no one is to continue this commotion! This matter ends here! Do what you must-defend your walls. The honor of Seclela rests in your hands. Remember, your duty is to safeguard the land beneath your feet.”
“Don’t let the wolves set foot on our soil. Grip your swords tightly, hold your guns firmly! Defend your homeland like true warriors-protect your brothers and sisters!”
“You are my pride. Your actions represent me! If you all leave the battlefield with me, how will others perceive me? What will they say about me? That I incited rebellion? That I stirred unrest? That would only give my enemies the leverage they need. That would fall into their trap. So even if I am not with you, I ask you to stand tall as warriors, guarding Seclela’s borders and protecting its lands!”
“This ancient land must not fall! If it does, I will hold every one of you accountable!”
As he finished, Kayden raised his head high, his figure towering in the eyes of the crowd.
To them, he was still the god they revered-the invincible, commanding presence of the battlefield. No one doubted his abilities, and no one questioned his words.
“Now, I will issue one final order!”
His gaze swept over the spirited warriors as he spoke, word by word:
“Greedy Wolf!”
Greedy Wolf’s body trembled as he responded firmly, “I’m here!”
“From now on, you will be the commander of the border. The responsibility of leading the Nine Dragons’ Souls to defend this land will rest in your hands.”
Greedy Wolf hesitated for a moment, wanting to speak. But under Kayden’s unyielding gaze, he lowered his head and replied, “Yes!”
“Firefist!”
“I’m here!”
“From now on, you will fully assist Greedy Wolf in safeguarding the honor of the border and the safety of Seclela.”
“Yes!”
“Royal Regiments!”
“Nine Dragons’ Souls!”
…