The decision made during the meeting still echoed in my mind as we left the castle's main hall. The air outside felt heavier than before, as if even the environment had understood that there was no longer any room for mistakes. War was no longer a distant possibility—it was already happening, even if silently.
I walked through the corridors beside them, feeling the gaze of several guards and staff members on me. It was different now. Before, I was just a strong adventurer, someone recognized for his achievements. Now, there was something more.
Expectation.
Responsibility.
"You noticed it?" Scarlett said in a low voice as she walked beside me.
"Yes," I replied.
"Everyone already sees you as a leader," she added.
Elara crossed her arms, keeping her eyes forward.
"And that's only going to increase from now on."
Liriel took a deep breath.
"You're going to command real people... not just fight."
"I know," I answered calmly.
Rai'kanna walked on my other side, remaining silent for a few seconds before speaking.
"And you're going to do it well."
I glanced at her briefly. There was no doubt in her voice. In a way, that made everything clearer.
We descended the last steps and headed toward the castle courtyard. The activity there was already greater than usual. Messengers coming and going, guards taking positions, orders being passed along with controlled urgency.
"It's already started," Lyannis murmured.
"Yes," said Vespera, observing the movement around us.
"The war machine is moving."
It didn't take long before one of the guild officials approached us. It was the guild master of Vailor, wearing a serious but composed expression.
"Takumi," he said, stopping in front of me.
"We need to talk about the adventurer troops."
"I figured," I replied.
He nodded and gestured for us to follow him.
We headed to a more open area, where dozens of adventurers had already gathered. Some were talking, others checking their equipment, but they all had one thing in common:
They were waiting.
As we got closer, I realized the number was even larger than it appeared from a distance.
Hundreds.
Different levels, different styles, but all there for the same reason.
"The current number is over three hundred," said the guild master.
"And we still have more arriving."
I observed the group for a few seconds.
This wasn't a regular army.
There was no uniformity, no strict military discipline.
But there was strength.
A lot of strength.
"Do they know?" I asked.
"They know there will be central leadership," he replied.
"And they know who it is."
Some adventurers were already beginning to look in our direction. The murmuring gradually increased until everyone's attention was completely focused on us.
Scarlett let out a small sigh.
"No pressure at all."
I ignored the comment and stepped forward.
Silence came naturally.
It wasn't forced.
It simply happened.
"So this is it," I said clearly, without raising my voice too much.
"You already know why you're here."
Some nodded.
Others simply continued staring at me.
"The demons are moving.
And we're going to stop them."
Simple.
Direct.
There was no need for long speeches.
"But before that," I continued,
"you need to understand something."
I met the eyes of several of them.
"This isn't a normal army.
And it won't operate like one."
An adventurer near the back spoke up.
"Then how will it work?"
"With efficiency," I replied.
"Each of you has your own abilities. Your own style. And that won't be wasted."
Elara took a small step beside me, as if she already knew what was coming.
"We're going to divide responsibilities."
The murmuring returned, but this time it was more attentive.
"Direct combat, support, mobility, and reconnaissance," I continued.
"Each group will have a clear role."
Scarlett crossed her arms with a slight smile.
"Now it's starting to get interesting."
I glanced at her briefly before continuing.
"Scarlett will be responsible for one direct-combat division."
Several adventurers reacted immediately upon hearing her name.
That was expected.
"She will lead the middle line. Offensive support and reinforcement wherever necessary."
Scarlett stepped forward and looked at the group.
"Keep up with the pace...
or get left behind."
Some smiled.
Others simply nodded.
"Elara will stay with me on the main line," I continued.
"Defense and advanced magical support."
Elara simply nodded firmly.
"Liriel will be responsible for support and purification. Any demonic influence..."
I looked toward her.
"...she handles it."
Liriel maintained her calm posture, but there was strength in her presence.
"Lyannis and Vespera will handle mobility and reconnaissance. I want information before any enemy movement."
"Leave it to us," said Lyannis.
"We won't let anything slip by," Vespera added.
"Rai'kanna stays with me on the front line," I concluded.
Some adventurers exchanged glances upon hearing that.
It was understandable.
She wasn't just strong.
Her presence alone commanded respect.
"So that's it," I said, looking at everyone again.
"You don't have to follow blind orders.
But you need to understand one thing."
I paused briefly.
"If we work together...
no one here will die because of a mistake."
Silence returned.
But this time, it was different.
It wasn't doubt.
It was focus.
The guild master stepped a little closer and spoke quietly.
"You organized this quickly."
"It was necessary," I replied.
Scarlett gave a slight smile.
"They'll follow you."
I looked over the group once more.
Now there was no uncertainty in their eyes.
There was expectation.
And trust.
"Then get ready," I finally said.
"Because from now on...
we don't react anymore."
I adjusted my posture slightly.
"We take the initiative."
The wind swept through the courtyard at that moment, carrying a strange but unmistakable feeling.
The war was truly beginning.
And this time...
I wasn't just part of it.
I was leading it.