Chapter 7 Part 1 of 2 (Patreon)

Alvan Council leader and Adventurer’s Association leader Blaze, was sitting on his mount looking at Split Peak City in the distance.

The stone mountain looked like it had been split in two. Between the two sides there were residences, hanging walkways and buildings that rested in between. The building's chaotic and crazy charm was marred with the sound of marching boots advancing in the mud around the base of the hill.

The city was massive and sprawling, millions filled it, stacked upon one another. It was one of the largest cities controlled by the Willful Institute. Based in the Second Realm, which boasted one of the largest populations of any of the realms.

Fifteen-foot walls stood between the city and the outside world.

“Guild leader,” Domonos rode his panther over. Both of them were wearing the gear of the Adventurer’s Association and its guild crest.

“How are things looking?” Blaze asked, he has been on campaign most of his younger years. He thought that he had left that life behind. Certainly he never thought that he would be bringing fifty thousand men and women under his command to attack another city.

“People are nervous, they’re not sure what to expect. I have made sure to press upon everyone that looting and attacking innocents will not be allowed.”

“I heard that you took some of the branch heads with you to press that point upon them?” Blaze looked at the young man turned commander.

“The strong make the rules. Isn’t that the Ten Realms way?” Domonos was calm under his gaze.

“In the Second Realm, the Willful Institute’s greatest strength is their numbers. If they can surrender then we won’t be facing a city of hundreds of thousands, just  the Willful Institute’s basic trainers and lowest recruits.”

“They don’t even have a proper mana barrier,” Domonos said.

“Having to cover so much area in a mana barrier down here? The ambient mana is so weak and resources so limited that it would cost more than building one in the Third Realm and enough resources from the higher realms that no Elder would be willing to support it. The lower realms are just a training grounds, a place to get bodies to fill their ranks.”

“In the Fourth Realm, at least they stick together because there are enemies everywhere. In the Third, they hold their weapons back, it is better to create alliances. In the Second Realm, murder, bribery, anything that can increase your standing and make you stronger is worth it. Transportation is slow, so cities are isolated from one another. Families fight one another to enter the sects. They have no loyalty to anything or anyone.”

Blaze rested a hand on Domonos’ shoulder, patting it.

“We have many cities to go, but in the end the Institute will fall.”

Domonos nodded. Blaze took back his hand and looked at the banners that were arrayed around split-peak city.

“What do you think of our employers?”

“They’re bold, but they’re not idiots. They’re using us as a cover, draw the Institute’s ire onto us instead of themselves. They’re all angered by the Willful Institute, so they’re willing to overlook a few things. This is just an exploratory campaign to see just how strong the Willful Institute is. Depending on the outcome they could commit more to the fight, or back out of it.”

“Isn’t that what everyone is doing? Just watching everyone poke the tiger and see if it really is a tiger, or a pig in tiger’s clothing.”

Domonos shrugged.

“What do you expect, rewards govern everything.”

“So, Colonel, how do you think things will go?”

“Operation Doomsday is in full swing. None of the Institute’s factions will trust one another. All of the forces that are nearby are of different factions to the people in Split Peak. They’re not going to come and help. As long as the leading families of Split Peak are given good terms, then it is possible they’ll turn on the Institute. They don’t care about dying for honor.”

Domonos gave a savage smile.

“Both our ‘allies’ and the ‘loyal families’ think that they are talking to one another’s representatives, but it is our intelligence officers going between them, three of them in fact. Surprising what three people with the right information in the right place can do.”

A messenger passed through their guards, standing in front of Blaze and Domonos.

“Our allies have sent word, we will lead the vanguard in ten minutes to take down the outer wall. They want an answer.”

Domonos looked at the walls. Willful Institute soldiers were preparing their defenses. The farmer’s huts and slums between the armies and the walls had been emptied, the lucky ones reaching the city, the unlucky ones running along the walls to flee into the distant forests.

“We will be ready to attack in ten minutes. If needed,” Domonos turned his question to Blaze.

“Armies are ready across the realms to attack. If we can secure victory, it should embolden those against the Willful Institute. You have command,” I’m better suited for paperwork these days,” Blaze grinned.

“I don’t know about that guild leader,” Domonos smiled. “In thirty minutes, I’ll open up the walls for our allies.”

“Yes sirs,” The messenger bowed his head and ran off.