Chapter 109: Start of War(3)
Shawn and Ava exchanged puzzled looks, but they couldn't ask any more questions because Luke had already teleported away.
"Come on, guys! Carry them more quickly!"
"The crown prince advised us to get ready as soon as possible!"
"We're dealing with a major crisis! Get moving!"
The bustling noises of active employees moving around the mountain greet Luke and Liam. Their panic and anxiety can also be seen in their eyes. Lance appears to have already notified them.
Luke and Liam made their way past the throng and right to the enormous tent in front of them. They noticed Klein peering up at the iron giant immediately. His hands were shaking.
Luke approached him silently and patted Klein on the shoulders, causing him to jump in surprise. He then pressed his hand to his chest and panted heavily, as if he were having a heart attack. Then he noticed Luke staring at him blankly.
"Have you made up your mind?"
Klein's eyes widened as he came to a halt. He then pressed his lips together.
"I don't think I'll be able to do it."
"Hmm? Why? Is it because you're afraid?"
"P-partially, but not entirely."
"Then what?"
"Is it even worth it?"
"Huh? What exactly do you mean?"
Klein sat on the ground with a bitter expression on his face. He hugged his knees after that.
"Will my wife and daughter be overjoyed to meet me? After all, they left because of me."
"I'm not sure what you're talking about."
Klein sighed heavily after a brief blink.
"I was a strong gambler and an alcoholic. My daughter had the worst father she could ever have. Will they be delighted to see the nightmare of their lives return to them if I return? I'm sure they'll flee and abandon me again."
Luke locked his gaze on the despondent old guy on the floor, holding his knees. He then groaned and approached him, reaching into his pocket for something.
"I'm not allowed to show you this so soon, but here it is."
Luke then reached into his pocket and handed Klein a newspaper piece. Klein glanced at it puzzled, but something drew his attention and he snatched the paper from Luke. Klein then thoroughly examined the material while staring at it intensely.
[New generation's great young minds: Izzie Schwarz]
Izzie Schwarz, 16, was the winner of the Eastern Continents Youth contest, as she amazed the entire continent with her impeccable inventing talents and quick creative mind. When asked what drives her to achieve such tremendous heights, she gave an emotional and inspiring response to the other young children.
"I grew up in a pretty small family. Despite neglecting half of my upbringing, my father is a role model for me. He was the catalyst for my maturation and drive to achieve greater heights. I wanted him to realize that his neglected daughter had grown into a strong, independent lady like my mother. If I ever meet him again, I want to give him a loving hug and a warm place to stay so that he can finally declare that he is proud of who I have become."]
Klein's mouth abruptly burst into loud cries, and tears streamed down his cheeks. He then closely gripped the paper with the image of his daughter clutching a trophy on it, utterly oblivious to the snot flowing out of his nose.
"I- hic! I'm- hic! I am really proud of you! Hic! I'm so, so, so proud of you! Hic!"
Luke and Liam just stood there while watching Klein crying and hugging the article for a long before assisting him to his feet and offering him a handkerchief to wipe away his snot and tears. Klein took one more look at his daughter's photo before slipping it into his shirt pocket after calming down. With his swollen and puffy eyes, he then stared at Luke. He suddenly spoke confidently, rather than nervously, as he had earlier.
"I'll do it. If it means seeing my baby sooner, I'll do whatever it takes."
Luke clapped Klein on the back and nodded.
"Don't worry about losing; we're not going to lose. Let's put an end to this pointless battle and go meet your daughter."
Klein agreed with a nod and dashed outside to speak with one of his assistants. Luke smiled and felt relieved when he saw this. His task is nearly completed.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
When an alarm went off, Luke and Liam came to a halt. It appears to be coming from all directions.
• Hey, Dad! It's a public notice of an emergency! Turn on your device!
Nash linked Luke's device right away once he pulled it out of his pocket. Then Luke noticed Adam's face on the screen. Adam flashes a cocky grin.
'Damn, it's about time.'
The declaration of war.
• Reece's people, greetings to every one of you. It is I, Adam Zinger, the future Archmage and master of the magic tower, who is speaking on behalf of the Regle Alliance. We've here to publicly proclaim that we've arrived to exact vengeance for our people's deaths at the hands of the tyrant duke, Noah Viscellete. He dared to murder our kingdom's most valuable and significant citizens for the sake of bloodshed! Unacceptable! We must avenge ourselves! We'll also take the Medal of Archmage from you Reece scumbags and conquer your kingdom with it as punishment. I hope you're ready.
"Oh hell yeah, we're prepared."
Luke rolled his eyes at Adam's arrogant grin on his screen. The screen then shifted after the announcement, and Lance's face showed. He appears to be both calm and serious.
• Greetings, Reece's people. I'm broadcasting right now to assure you that everything will be alright and to beg that you place your trust in us in this situation. If you have any doubts, remember that we have with us our powerful Duke Viscellete, who has been serving us for many years. We will easily overcome this with the increased power of our knights and troops, as well as the people's trust. Also, please keep in mind...
Lance then flashed a dazzling smile at the screen, making Luke uneasy. He has the impression that whatever Lance says will be disastrous for him.
• That we will be defended and protected by the Black Coat Hero and his formidable group.
Luke frowned hard, squeezing his fists against the device to the point of breaking it.
'That blasted son of a bitch! Lance!'
The individuals who heard the crown price's word quickly calmed down and breathed in relief, while Luke was trying his utmost not to scream out loud in fury. They almost lost sight of the fact that they are surrounded by a very trustworthy and caring hero. They were so overcome by worry and anxiety as a result of Adam's declaration that they forgot they have a Guardian Angel who is willing to lay down his life for them.
The people burst out laughing from joy at the notion of it. Lance could hear everyone cheering from his office since it was so loud. After that, he smirked. His strategy worked.
'The name of that jerk is quite handy and efficient. As one would expect from a Black Coat hero.'
Lance then chuckled with a mischievous grin on his face. In his mind's eye, he can see Luke's angry red face. After using his name like that, he's undoubtedly furious.
Luke was exactly that.
"You fucking son of a bitch."
Luke angrily whispered into the magic item he was clutching in his hands, his veins bulging from the strain of restraining his rage. While Liam was trying to calm him down, he stomped aggressively on the ground.