Aenon

The rhythmic boom of the Treant's footsteps echoed across the desolate land, while the others followed in awe. Aenon walked in the rear, keeping a close eye on the procession. The week had been busy and tiring; the threat from the Fire Ant dungeon finally dealt with. He had earned a respectable kill count towards his Domain quest, while also gaining several levels. Sadly, he didn't gain as much as Jenny, his boosted stats limiting the amount of XP he gained. But it had been a fruitful mission for sure.

"That was a fun surprise," Thalindra interrupted his thoughts as she slowed her pace to match his.

Aenon merely smiled, looking ahead towards their group. Jenny and Ignar were marching in lead, keeping a close eye on any hidden threats. All three dwarves were walking next to the Treant, in eager conversation with Talia. The child's grandmother sat to the side in silence, quietly enjoying her ward's carefree banter.

"Thought it might help raise the spirits for the upcoming war," Aenon responded calmly. "Borin has been a huge help in the matter, and we will hopefully have an army of our own before the attack."

Thalindra regarded him with a curious look before shaking her in defeat. "The more I get to know you…It's…"

Looking her lost for words, Aenon helped with a wink, "Unnatural? Creepy?"

"I was hinting more towards incredible," Thalindra responded with an eyeroll. "But yeah, watching a 13-year-old boy talking about war could be considered unnatural and creepy, I guess."

There was an awkward pause as Thalindra observed him closely, leaving a lot unsaid. And Aenon knew that she had a point. It was uncommon for someone as young as him to be so indifferent to bloodshed and death. But in his defense, he had already faced plenty of that. Not that he wanted to delve deeper into it.

"How was your hunt? Getting comfortable with your new affinity?" Aenon said to change the subject. Taking the hint Thalindra moved on.

"Yes," Thalindra responded simply. But Aenon could sense the pride and joy from her soul, which she hadn't bothered cloaking like usual. "I've got a few surprises of my own."

"Good," Aenon smirked.

Of all his people, Aenon was looking forward to Thalindra's growth the most. He could clearly feel the harmony between the two opposing elements within her soul. Her life affinity was still stronger, but the difference had shrunk considerably. As had the soul chains. She still had a long way to go, but she was getting there.

"If I may be so bold…," Thalindra hesitated.

Aenon was annoyed by her drastic shift in etiquette. He didn't like how zealously submissive she had become towards him, but he honestly didn't know what to do about it.

"What is it?" Aenon asked with a frown.

"The Treants…," she continued. "Are you perhaps planning to use them during the upcoming siege?"

"Yes, and no," Aenon explained, confusing her further. "The Treants serve Nocthrya, not me. This is his army, and he can do as he pleases with it. My main goal was to allow him to defend himself. What he chooses to do with them is not under my control, and neither will I ever demand him to. But knowing him, he will come to our aid when the time comes."

Thalindra stared blankly before chuckling weakly. "Even in this situation, you refuse to command. Even to those who would gladly lay down their lives at a single word from you."

"Never have. Never will," Aenon responded simply. "Even if I was to face this all by myself, I will never drag an unwilling party into it. I weigh my words very carefully before speaking Thalindra. I told you before that I do not like collateral damage. And that the choice will always be on those who follow me."

The older woman had a deep introspective look, something within her soul getting firmer. A conviction perhaps.

A sharp whistle brought everyone's attention to the front. Jenny had an arm raised in a fist, asking everyone to hold position. The entire entourage came to a grinding halt, a deathly silence permeating the air. Even Talia had a serious look on her face, as the girl hugged her grandmother.

"I must ask," Thalindra spoke to him telepathically. "Why did you bring the girl and her grandmother."

"Because I have a hunch," Aenon replied while looking at Mrs. Ashvein. For some unknown reason, the old croon turned back towards Aenon with a gentle smile. But the glint in her eyes was unsettling.

Thalindra probably had more to ask but was interrupted as Ignar walked towards them. Jenny continued her surveillance without breaking concentration.

"The lass has detected the horde," Ignar said professionally. But he couldn't keep the pride out of his voice at his apprentice's accomplishment. "Turns out it is far larger than you made us believe Lord Fenrast. And there are more than just Treants up ahead."

There was no negative connotation or accusation in the voice. The berserker was merely stating a fact.

"Worried?" Aenon asked.

The berserker smiled in response. "Yeah, there might be too few for us all."

"What…is going on?" Thalindra asked.

Aenon had had doubts for a while, but now it was confirmed. Thalindra's Soul Sense—a lesser version of his Sovereign's Eye—range wasn't as big as his own

"Gather everyone," Aenon commanded. Ignar walked away to relay his orders, leaving a confused Thalindra beside him.

While everyone walked closer, Aenon withdrew a tent from his inventory, the one that Henry had provided him with a while ago. Aenon had never gotten around to using it, but now seemed like a good time to do so.

The insides were far more luxurious than what Aenon anticipated. It was once again larger on the inside and had far more furniture than needed. It was more a proper command tent, at least based on the few historic movies Aenon had watched pre-integration.

Everyone was awed by the interior, but no one said a word. The mood was tense from the latest reveal. They all gathered and took seats, with Aenon sitting at the head of the large table. Only Talia, the wolf pups, and Nocthrya wandered off exploring the new place.

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Before Aenon said anything, Borin withdrew a strange contraption and tapped it twice. Aenon's Sovereign's Eye was immediately cut off from the outside world.

"Can't be too careful," Borin said gruffly while leaning back in his chair.

"Thanks, Borin," Aenon said in acknowledgement. "Now let's get started shall we. I know you have a lot of questions, and I haven't been very forthcoming with a lot of information so far. And to be honest, it was by design. A minor test to see how far you are all willing to follow me."

Aenon looked at each person at the table. No one even had a shred of doubt or hurt feelings despite his secretive actions. He had been hesitant to trust this group, his past holding him back. But after today, his doubts were put to rest.

"Its no secret that I have trust issues. But the fact that each of you marched into the unknown for me speaks volumes. Even now, I do not sense any hostility from anyone inside this tent. For that, you have my gratitude."

People exchanged glances but stayed silent otherwise. That is until Borin spoke up, shattering the heavy mood.

"Bah. Just get on with it," he said with a dismissive wave. "This cloaking device thing ain't cheap to run."

"Anyway," Aenon said with an appreciative smile. "The goal of this exercise is multi-faceted. It still is a training exercise, and we will be competing to see who gets the larger kill count. And like I mentioned, it will give an idea of each other's strengths and weaknesses. But it is much more. Not sure if anyone noticed, but the city defense timer has been moving faster than usual."

Everyone's eyes glazed over, as they no doubt pulled up their interface. There were frowns and feelings of concern radiating off everyone.

"Which tells me our opponent has chosen to accelerate their plans," Aenon continued, grabbing everyone's attention. "Based on the scarce reports, it seems this Alliance of theirs uses monster hordes to wipe any resistance or opposition. And if my guess is right, this group we are close to is one part of the whole."

"How do you know this is related to them?" Thalindra asked.

"We are about half a kilometer from the horde," Aenon said with a serious look. "And I sense at least a dozen humans amongst them."

The soul mage's eyes widened in surprise, as did everyone else's. The gravity of the situation was starting to settle in.

"So, this expedition of ours…," Jenny trailed off.

"Is to draw first blood," Aenon finished the sentence. "I am not one to sit back and let an enemy get a foothold. Anyone who threatens me gets one warning. The Alliance already had theirs when I kicked them out of my mansion. But they refused to back down. And I never give my enemies a second chance."

Aenon's Aura bled into his last words, making several people recoil in shock. Only Borin and Mrs. Ashvein didn't have any outward effect, both sporting a knowing smile. Aenon got his Aura in check before continuing.

"This is to teach them the consequence of going up against us; against me. The portion of the horde we are facing may be a fraction of what they are about to throw at us. But once we are done, they will learn what it means to face an army of Awakened."

"You mean…," Thalindra was shocked.

"Your plan was great, Thalindra," Aenon said while facing her. "Hiding our strength to make them cautious was a great strategy. But sometimes it takes actual pain to hammer in the threat. Like I said before, we will be taking turns to face them—ten minutes each. I want them to have some hope, before crushing it entirely. They need to feel the despair of facing someone who is merely toying with them."

Utter silence filled the room as everyone stared at Aenon; shivers running down their spine at his brutal declaration.

"Ya don't pull any punches, do ya?" Borin laughed out loud.

"I do pull my punches, Borin," Aenon replied seriously. "But not against someone who could potentially become a problem. You leave the roots, and the weeds will grow back. It is better to eradicate them completely."

Borin's laughter died in his throat, a complicated expression replacing it. He nodded silently and leaned back, lost in his own thought.

"Umm, what about Talia and Mrs. Ashvein?" Jenny asked with a raised hand. "Why are they here?"

"Again, this is a practice run for us all," Aenon turned to the red head. "Our city will be under siege, and they will be targeting our citizens. We need to ensure their safety while protecting them."

"Wait, you brought the kid as bait?" Velastra asked incredulously.

Aenon senses Mrs. Ashvein tense up.

"No," Aenon replied simply. "She will be guarded by the Treant and Nocthrya. Their orders are to retreat with the non-combatants the moment they sense danger. In terms of safety, they will be the most protected. But we also need to simulate real danger, otherwise this entire exercise is pointless."

Aenon looked at everyone, giving particular focus to Mrs. Ashvein. Except the brief slip up, the woman was still cool as a cucumber as she observed the meeting dispassionately. He noticed that several people were not convinced of Talia's presence on the mission.

"All combatants at this table are adventurers. We live and die on our terms. But the stakes are much higher than just our lives now. If we fail to guard our king, we have already lost the game," Aenon said in a softer tone. "Nocthrya, Talia, and every citizen of Pinespire will be killed or worse, if we are to fall. I want you to remember that as you go into battle. Talia is in no more danger now than she will be when our enemies come knocking. The System's safeguards will protect her from physical harm, but not getting captured by the enemy."

"Wait, I am the king?" Talia's youthful voice broke the heavy silence.

The kid had heard the conversation, something Aenon had intended. Mrs. Ashvein was about to stand and walk to her granddaughter, but Aenon held up a hand to stop her. He beckoned the kid forward.

"Yes, you are, little one," Aenon said with a smile.

The kid's fear was apparent to everyone present. But Aenon had considered this matter at length. What he didn't tell others was the hidden motivation behind this move. The kid was already traumatized from the last Treant attack. Watching people die while trying to protect you wasn't a feeling one forgot easily. Aenon knew that pain intimately.

Which is why he wanted to rewrite that experience with one where no one dies while defending her. And if this elite group couldn't pull it off, no one could. It was a gamble no doubt, but one he wanted to bet on. He couldn't afford to leave her hidden scars to fester.

The kid looked at the determined faces of those present, along with the raw power radiating off each. Everyone's Aura had unleashed upon seeing her scared expression. And they all screamed only one thing—no harm can touch you.

The kid visibly relaxed after being cocooned in the safety of the oppressive Auras. The gentle smile returned to the kid's face as she looked at everyone before turning to Aenon.

"If I am the king, then what about the others?" she asked expectantly.

Aenon smirked before turning to the others. Everyone was looking at him questioningly, no doubt having the same query. He stood up slowly and walked up to Talia, standing behind her back. He placed his hands on her shoulders as he began calling on his group.

"The Twin Peaks of the Undergrowth," he declared loudly. "Unyielding like the earth, and your unbreachable defense. They are your rooks."

The twins, Boff and Toff, stood up with pride and got down on one knee, "At your service my liege."

"The Mad Berserker and the Fiery Witch of the Endless Dunes," Aenon continued. "Your knights that will devastate the enemy backlines with no obstacle standing in their way."

The couple knelt next, with wide smiles on their faces. Sensing their moment, Jenny and Thalindra walked up next.

"Knights and rooks can support each other, but bishops can't," Aenon said firmly. "But they don't need to. They attack the enemy from directions they least expect. And they are a force to be reckoned when paired with the soldiers."

Bane and the others emerged from the shadows, as they took positions behind Jenny and Thalindra. Talia looked at all the kneeling warriors, an indescribable feeling coursing through her soul. She stepped forward towards the group slowly but turned around to face him.

"Then that means you are…"

"The strongest piece on the board," Aenon said with a smile. "The one that will always be next to you, except when I am unleashing carnage on the battlefield."

Talia turned around to look at everyone present, tears welling up in her eyes. Her grandmother approached her with caution, exchanging a brief complicated look with Aenon, before hugging her granddaughter.

"You see, my love," Mrs. Ashvein said with tender care. "You are well protected now. Nothing can hurt you, my dear child. You don't need to grow up so fast."

Everyone stood up and formed a protective circle around the pair, including Nocthrya and Borin who had been watching the incredible scene from the sidelines.

The tears turned to sobs, as the kid broke down and cried, letting go of the bottled-up emotions. One by one everyone walked up to her to comfort her in their own way—the wolves giving her gentle licks, the dwarves trying to drum up funny faces, and so on.

Only Aenon held back, watching the scene unfold. He quietly snuck out of the tent, standing out in the open facing the direction of the horde.

"Aenon-Friend has done well," Nocthrya's voice came up from behind him.

Aenon smiled, not looking towards the other sapling he had sworn to protect.

"No, Nocthrya," Aenon said with a resolute voice. "The game has just begun."

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