Chapter 151: The Speech
Along with every other chosen in this vast sea of people, Arthur and Aziel stood blankly in shock at the man on the stage.
’Jullard Ironvale!? I-incredible... he’s one of the 5 heroes of humanity, one of the 5 strongest in all the realms...’ Arthur’s thoughts raced. ’They say physically speaking he’s the strongest and toughest chosen ever...’
Arthur stared at him for a second longer, his eyes tracing the imposing silhouette against the stage lights, as his thoughts began to wander down paths he rarely allowed himself to explore. The stories he had heard about Jullard Ironvale were the stuff of legend—tales of impossible feats of strength, of single-handedly turning the tide of battles that seemed lost, of standing against forces that would crush ordinary chosen like insects.
’I wonder...’ Arthur found himself thinking, his gaze fixed on the legendary figure before them, ’with strength like that... is he free?’
The question hung in his mind like a weight, carrying with it all the implications of power and independence that Arthur had only dared to dream about. What did freedom mean to someone who possessed such overwhelming strength? What chains could possibly bind a man who was said to be capable of leveling mountains and turning back tidal waves of enemies?
Before his unanswered questions could wander any further, Jullard spoke once more, his voice cutting through Arthur’s thoughts like a blade through silk.
"I am here today to let every single one of you know exactly what you’re getting yourselves into." His words carried the weight of absolute authority, and he paused deliberately as he scanned the crowd with those piercing eyes that seemed to see straight through to each person’s soul. The silence stretched taut as a bowstring, every person in the assembly hanging on his next words.
"The situation in the 3rd district is probably much, much worse than any of you could imagine." As soon as the words left his mouth, subtle murmurs began to build throughout the crowd like the first tremors before an earthquake. Nervous energy rippled through the assembled volunteers as they processed the ominous implication of his statement.
Jullard allowed the murmurs to continue for a moment, perhaps understanding that people needed time to brace themselves for what was coming next. When he continued, his voice cut through the crowd noise like a steel blade, commanding absolute attention once again.