Arc of the Souls Chapter 99: Arc 3, Chapter 22 - Testharia's Crossed Arms

Read chapter 99 of Arc of the Souls by Noyr on NovelPedia.

[ 4 hours later ] [ "The galactic empire known as the Dark Intrinium has invaded Zyrania's capital city just 4 hours ago. Kytan Veyron, son of the previous ruler, had taken over Zyrania with relative ease. Their leader, Erika Flugelhart, is confirmed to be captured by the DI, according to multiple sources.. "Reports are indicating a death toll of over 6 million people in the wake of the 'cleansing' Veyron performed after gaining control over the city. While the new ruler of the planet calls it 'a necessary evil to bring prosperity to Zyrania.' Multiple survivors have made statements that quote... 'My daughter and wife were both incinerated by countless missiles... What hope do I have left?' The new leader of the DI says the remaining citizens of the war-torn Zyrania will have--" ] The 200 inch TV was turned off, leaving everyone in a state of uneasiness. This was exactly what they have been dreading. An imminent invasion from Dark Intrinium. "It won't be long before it happens to us." Sachiel sat down, crossing his legs and arms, staring at the TV that was just turned off. Multiple thoughts were racing through his mind. "It doesn't mean he is gonna invade next, he's consolidating power there." Someone tried to assure Sachiel, "We've got a month to prepare. Plenty of time to mobilize... not too sure about evacuations though. That might be complicated." "Bullshit." Ramiel sneered. "..." "Instead of sitting here with our asses clenched, why don't we bring the war to them? They are on their last legs after this." "You know damn well that Dark Intrinium has a reserve bigger than our own. Veyron wouldn't go full force on a single planet if he didn't have the confidence he'd be okay." Sachiel said. The rest of the room quieted down. "If whatever's stored in the library is absolute and will absolutely happen, then it's a month from now, nothing longer or shorter." "..." Asheera was silent. She was the one who doomed the planet after all. Dark Intrinium will annex Testharia into their sovereignty whether they like it or not. That's what the Hall of Memories said. Altair, Asura, Jumkou, Flynnigan, Ramiel, Asheera and Sachiel were all silent. The silence was only made worse by the distant booms and the occasional gust of wind from the capital collapsing. Jumkou clenched her fist. Her fingers digging into her palm. "...Asheera, this is your fault." Asura said without an ounce of regret or second thoughts, she crossed her arms and faced Asheera. "... I know..." All faces turned toward Asheera. Even Asura who already made her statement. They wanted her to speak. There wasn't anything to be said. She failed. Simple. "I'll simply fight in the frontlines and stop Dark Intrinium from staining our home." "That's all you can think of?" Asura crossed her arms again. "That's all I can do." Their eye contact was fierce. Neither of them would back down. Asheera knew that it was a weak promise that would yield an underwhelming result. She didn't have the confidence that she could fend off DI troops that were twice as strong as Zyrania's top soldiers. And she had to handle their elite Soul-Wielders who would surely be there. Berserkers, Elders and their clandestine group. The Uprising of Kytron. They will surely be there with everything at their disposal to capture their next target planet. To build a better world. Asheera broke eye contact and simply looked at the ground. The guilt of being manipulated and coerced into establishing an alliance with Dark Intrinium just to be victim kept eating away at her sanity. She clearly wasn't fit to be the Second-Leader of Testharia. Someone else would be more capable. Perhaps Asura would've been better as Second-Leader. .:. I am pathetic. .:. "How long until we can reinforce the city-wide barriers?" Sachiel asked Ramiel directly. As Soul-General and a honorary member of the Royal Family, he could be more useful than Asheera ever was. "2 weeks, a month if we reinforce all on the reserves too." Ramiel responded pr