Chapter 440: The Chosen Path
"Ah, Xiviyah, thank you for joining us."
Bethiv’s voice welcomed me into the spacious command tent, instantly dispelling the lingering embarrassment from moments before. Even so, I stiffened, and my tail curled protectively around my leg as I scanned the room, met by the piercing gazes of nearly a dozen high-ranking officers from the Last Light Company.
I finally relaxed, taking my first full breath since entering, as my eyes found Jackal. He was lounging with one leg casually draped over the armrest of his chair, his scarred face creased in a warm, familiar smile. It was a breath of fresh air to see him completely at ease among the stiff and disciplined officers, and I couldn’t help but recall the first time we met when he’d appeared in nothing but his small clothes to protect me from the infernal monster’s attack.
"Thank you," I said, smiling faintly at Bethiv. "What is it you wished to discuss?"
He motioned to a chair between Jackal and another familiar face: Joel, which I gratefully took. The duel with Gayron had strained me more than I cared to admit, and I was still recovering from my week-long sleep.
"I’m sorry for bringing you here on such short notice, but several things have happened that merit our immediate attention," Bethiv said, nodding to another officer I didn’t recognize.
The man cleared his throat and stood, leaning over the table, which held a detailed map of Brithlite. He was older, with a sixth-level soul, likely a veteran of the original Last Light Company adventuring team.
"My name is Avrass, my Lady, lead ranger of the Last Light Company’s scouts. Yesterday, we received a rather disturbing report. The Fire Demon in eastern Brithlite has crossed into Gornrod Territory and has since annihilated several major cities. At the same time, the demon army in Brithlite, led by the Apostle Luke, has taken Watch Hill, a major trade town that controls all goods flowing in and out of the Capital."
"The invasion into Gornrod has put the neighboring kingdoms in a difficult position. It’s starting to sink into their stubborn, royal skulls that this war won’t remain contained. Brithlite might be first, but it certainly won’t be last," another officer interjected, his voice laced with grim resignation.