Chapter 321: War
Orion briefly considered approaching them, but their distant, wary gazes clearly indicated no desire for interaction.
Shaking off this mild disappointment, Orion turned back toward his friends inside the carriage. His expression was calm yet serious as he spoke, his voice steady. "We’re leaving six days early to ensure we arrive at the tower’s location with ample time. The moment it opens, we must be ready."
Elias, leaning back against the cushioned seat, quietly nodded his agreement. His normally relaxed demeanor was unusually grave, his eyes clouded with contemplation as he gazed toward the distant Lionkin forces gathering on the opposite horizon.
A frown deepened upon his brow as he murmured softly, his voice filled with unease, "But still... millions of Lionkin soldiers? I never expected they’d amass such an enormous force."
Orion released a slow, quiet sigh, his expression tinged with subtle sadness. "Indeed. But most of those soldiers are simply common Lionkin who haven’t even awakened or formed their Affinity Runes. Yet their battles will likely be among the fiercest."
His words hung heavily in the air, their weight palpable. Arya, seated beside Orion, turned her gentle gaze toward the vast armies outside, her violet eyes shimmering softly with sorrow.
Her voice carried a tender note of compassion as she murmured, "So many innocent people will lose their lives in this needless battle."
The atmosphere within the carriage grew heavier, everyone silently understanding Arya’s sentiment but unable to respond with comforting platitudes or empty assurances.
The truth was clear and harsh: it was war, and war meant death. Without absolute, overwhelming strength, there would be casualties. None among them possessed the power to prevent such tragedies completely.
Sylvia, ever composed, closed her eyes and softly murmured, almost to herself, "This war could have ended peacefully if pride and ambition had not blinded them."
Felira and Emilia exchanged quiet glances, their soft features expressing shared concern and empathy for those caught in the impending violence. Kale remained silent, his usual calm expression tinged with grim acceptance, clearly aware of the reality they faced.
Nyss, quiet as ever, gazed thoughtfully at Orion, recognizing the determination in his eyes mingled with a subtle shadow of regret. She understood him well, knowing that Orion was neither naïve nor overly sentimental; yet, the loss of innocent lives deeply troubled him.