NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Decision
The grand hall of Allen's estate exuded an air of quiet authority, lit by the warm flicker of candlelight. The wooden table at its center bore maps, documents, and half-empty glasses of wine from past discussions, a testament to the long nights spent strategizing.
Seven figures sat around the table, each one capable in their own right, each one bound by loyalty that transcended mere servitude.
Soon Allen stepped into the meeting hall, the atmosphere shifted instantly. Every one of his summons, seated just moments ago, rose to their feet in unison, their expressions filled with respect, admiration, and something deeper—reverence. His newly ascended Gold Rank presence subtly radiated in the room, an unspoken proof of his power.
Hilter, the first to speak, stood tall, placing a fist to his chest in a formal salute. "My Lord, your breakthrough was inevitable, but witnessing it happen so soon is nothing short of inspiring. You have surpassed expectations once again. It is an honor to serve you." His tone was composed yet firm, the words of a warrior who acknowledged strength above all else.
Stroud, arms crossed, gave a slow nod. His voice was lighter, but no less sincere. "Gold Rank, huh? Makes me wonder if you'll ever stop surprising us, my Lord. With you leading, I doubt we'll ever taste defeat." His sharp eyes gleamed with pride, though his lips carried a small smirk—it was rare to see Stroud openly express admiration.
Loran chuckled, tilting his head as he gave Allen an appraising look. "I should have placed a bet on how soon you'd break through. Would've made a fortune." He grinned, but then his expression turned serious for a fleeting second. "Jokes aside, power suits you, my Lord. The stronger you get, the longer we all get to stay alive." His words, though laced with his usual sarcasm, carried an undeniable truth.
Jasper stepped forward next, his eyes burning with excitement. "Gold Rank! Ha! I knew it was coming! Lord Allen, I swear on my life, I'll fight even harder for you Master unfortunately we can't progress with you."His enthusiasm was unfiltered, his sheer loyalty and admiration practically radiating from him but also frustration.
Mara, ever the tactician, adjusted her glasses and gave a polite nod. "With your advancement, our strategies must evolve as well. A leader's strength sets the foundation for his forces, and you, my Lord, have just raised that foundation. Congratulations." Her tone was measured, analytical as always, but the respect in her voice was unmistakable.
Dain, ever the quiet and practical one, tapped his spear lightly against the floor before offering a rare smile. "Strength commands respect, my Lord, and you have ours. There's no need for words—we stand behind you, as always."
Finally, Serena, the archer, gave a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. "With this power, your enemies will have even more reason to fear you." She gave him a sharp nod. "I wouldn't have chosen to follow anyone else. Well done, my Lord."
Allen took in their words, their unwavering loyalty, and for a moment, a rare warmth settled in his chest.
He gave them all a steady look before finally speaking.
"This is only the beginning."
Allen walked sitting at head of the table gesturing everyone to sit down, his expression unreadable as he steepled his fingers in thought.
His presence had changed subtly since his breakthrough to Gold Rank—his battle aura had refined itself, his posture exuded a newfound confidence, and a faint golden tint shimmered in his irises.
He was stronger now, but with that strength came heavier burdens.
Before him stood Hilter, the strongest of his summons and the de facto commander in his absence. The Peak Silver Rank warrior had a disciplined, almost militaristic air about him as he surveyed the others. His voice, deep and commanding, broke the silence.
"Now that Lord Allen has ascended to Gold Rank, we must decide our next course of action." Hilter's sharp gaze swept over the gathered warriors. "The Northlands call. However, Redbrook is our foundation. We cannot afford to abandon either without careful planning. The question before us is simple—do we all leave? Or do we divide our forces?"
A brief pause followed. Then Stroud, the dual-blade fighter and a man of precision, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. His expression was calm but calculating. "If we all leave, we lose our grip on Redbrook. The mercenary guild we've built here is valuable. It grants us influence and resources. If we sever ties, we risk losing a base of operations that may prove invaluable later."
Allen nodded slightly at Stroud's pragmatism.
"Leaving might not be an option," Loran, the rogue, chimed in next. He sat in a relaxed posture, idly spinning a dagger between his fingers. His voice carried an edge of amusement, though his eyes were razor-sharp. "The real issue isn't just about strategy—it's about numbers. If we march into the Northlands with too few, we're just inviting trouble. If we split up, we weaken ourselves on both ends. Either way, it's a gamble."
A small silence followed his words, broken only when Jasper suddenly slammed his fist onto the table, rattling the empty wine glasses. "Then let's just take everyone and crush whatever gets in our way!" His reckless enthusiasm was met with unimpressed stares. "What? We've got Master! Who's gonna stop us?"
Mara, the strategist, sighed and adjusted her glasses. "Jasper, this isn't a tavern brawl. The Northlands aren't just sitting there waiting for Lord Allen to return and claim his birthright. They're in chaos. There will be politics, power struggles, and opportunists waiting to exploit the situation. Charging in without preparation would be nothing short of idiotic."
Jasper scowled but didn't argue further.
Serena, the archer, tapped her fingers against the table, her expression thoughtful. "From a tactical standpoint, we must maintain two positions. If we go to the Northlands and things become unstable, having Redbrook as a fallback point could be our lifeline. If we abandon it completely, we risk having nowhere to return to."
Dain, the spearman, finally spoke, his voice steady. "If we leave some behind, then the one staying must be strong enough to hold Redbrook. It has to be someone who can operate in the shadows, someone who can maneuver through both legitimate and illegitimate means." His sharp gaze shifted toward Loran. "It should be him."
Loran chuckled dryly. "Oh? And here I thought you didn't like me, Dain."
Dain smirked. "I don't. But facts are facts."
Hilter crossed his arms. "Loran is the best choice. He's skilled at espionage and infiltration, and his methods ensure that if someone does try to move against us in Redbrook, they'll never see him coming until it's too late."
Loran exhaled through his nose. "Flattering. Though, if you're planning to abandon me here, I'd at least like some resources to work with."
Allen finally spoke, his voice smooth but firm. "You will get them."
Everyone turned to him, waiting for his final decision.
Allen leaned forward, elbows resting on the table. His brown eyes flickered between his subordinates before he spoke.
"Everything you've said is true," he acknowledged. "Redbrook is a foundation we cannot discard. At the same time, my return to the Northlands cannot be delayed. If I take everyone, we leave a void here—one that our competitors might quickly take advantage of. If I go alone, I put myself at risk of being overwhelmed before I even begin."
A pause.
"I will divide our forces," he declared. "Hilter, Stroud, Jasper, Serena will accompany me to the Northlands. Loran, Mara, Dain and also Sven would remain here, Loran would ge the commander in Redbrook. Most of the resources will be directed to his growth since he's the only one except Hilter who can grow stronger and if he's to hold this city, he must be strong enough to do so."
A murmur of approval ran through the room. Even Loran, though reluctant to be left, gave a small nod.
"Loran it's also your responsibility to take care of all the non-combatant summons, they are our backbone. Without them we would have nothing left here, they each play a vital role. Their talents would also be best utilized here."
"I would do my best Milord." Loran promised.
Allen then glanced toward Hilter, his most capable summon. "You will remain my second-in-command."
Hilter placed a fist to his chest in a salute. "Understood, my lord."
Allen observed his gathered warriors, their unwavering respect and devotion clear in their expressions. He had something here—something greater than mere subordinates.
Jasper, still grinning with excitement, leaned forward. "So, my Lord… when do the new summons arrive?"
Allen exhaled lightly, a happy smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"That," he said, "I have some updates in that regards too, after my breakthrough I have come to understand my ability more. This change is one of the reasons why I can confidently divide our power."