Athena was sick of speeches. These damned speeches interfered with her duties. They were infinitely more important than pretending to stand proud and brave atop a stage acting like a soldier.

“—gathered here before me are the brave souls who have chosen to defend their home from the perilous outside world! Each and everyone of you has my utmost respect—for you have earned this and far more!” boomed King Deramore across the courtyard, throwing his arms up into the air as he symphonised the crowds cheers.

“They’ll be dead before long...” Athena knew what was coming. She knew that The Fog wouldn’t—hell, it couldn’t—work forever...

And the Three weren’t there to save them when it happens.

“—with your bravery, Krestelen will forever remain a bastion for the free! With your strength, you will keep us safe from those that wish to enslave us! With your devoted hearts, we will see a better tomorrow!”

The scouts reports were clear; War drums pounded day and night, and an army was amassing in the East; Ad Centrum was growing and prospering once again, and that could only mean ruin for the rest of the world—with Krestelen being first on the chopping block in it’s destruction.

“—Krestelen shall stand forever! Krestelen symbolises the future itself, soldiers! Fight for that—not for me, nor for coin; Fight so you may have a future!”

The crowd erupted in applause. The recruits waved their arms and stamped their feet, crying out in sheer joy—for they had a purpose to strive towards, one that is more important than anything in the world. Their wives and young children waved from the battlements, cheering their valiant heroes for their bravery, crying with tears of pride and joy.

“Poor fools, the lot of them...” mumbled Athena, too preoccupied with the reality of the fate they faced to contain her words...

Come next year the city will be in ruins, and Athena knew there would be no hero to rise and save them from the fate laid before them.

“You are all dismissed! Enjoy tonight—for the true work begins in the morn!” shouted King Deramore, with a wide proud smile upon his face as he waved the recruits off.

Athena’s proud stance faded as she decided to toss away the mask of patriotism she had been forced to don.

She wasn't even presentable enough to be called for an occasion such as this; She hadn't bathed in months, her face could hardly be recognised underneath all the grime and blood and dirt she had accumulated whilst fulfilling her duties; Her hair was ragged and ruined from cutting it short in haste one too many times—lest it be grabbed and used as an advantage against her in a fight.

Yet the people knew of her and everything she had accomplished—the sight of her alone would be enough to calm any anxiety growing among the city populace.

She turned to walk back to the barracks, ready to settle in for another sleepless night—For the King was correct; The true work began tomorrow, and she had to at least try and rest well.

“Scholar Moreau; We need to talk,” said the King, finishing off his final few waves and bows before turning away to lean close to Athena's side, covering his mouth with his hand.

Athena paused, sighing and wishing the world would stop turning for just the briefest of moments—ensuring to keep her disappointment to herself as much as possible, however. Even someone of her stature knew better than to tempt the King.

She turned back around to face him—donning her patriotism once again.

“What is the purpose of this talk, my King?”

“I am in need of you and your Scholars for a task once again—one of utmost importance.”

Athena stopped merely pretending to be interested. She stepped closer towards the King, looking at him with confusion.

All of the Scholars missions were important—that was a given and should’ve always went without saying. For there was nothing they did, or had accomplished, that wasn’t of great significance.

“What do you require of me, my King?”

“It’s nothing the public need to know about. For now, all you need to know it's regarding the retrieval of something I potentially believe to be absolutely necessary for our survival... I shall send someone to call for you in thirty—be alert for now."

Athena knew better than to scrunch her face in confusion—although she most definitely felt the urge to do so.

“I shall, my King. I look forward to hearing what my mission entails,” said Athena with an overly emphasised bow.

“That’s good... that’s good...” mumbled Deramore, more so to himself rather than acknowledging Athena's words. “Lots of preparation to be done, yes...”

Deramore paced back and forth whilst rubbing his hands before rushing off the stage. Athena followed the King with trailing eyes; On top of everything she had been forced to burden to worry about, the world had chosen to provide her with yet another.

She sighed, hoping the exhale would exhaust the stress—yet she could never find such luck.

“Athena!” shouted a soldier, dressed in a full set of Kresetelen’s finest armor—coated in black and donning a customary shoulder cape with the Scholars insignia; The Praying Hands of Men clutching a pendant of the Three.

The sound of ringing bells began echoing cross the courtyard. Athena looked up towards the four towers looming over this section over the garrison—Nobody was rushing to their stations, the archers bows remained sat within their racks and everyone was relatively calm.

Had it not been for these facts, Athena would’ve prepared to draw her sword for the last time—ready to face her death at the hands of the Legion from Ad Centrum.

“Calm down, man!” said Athena, holding him by the arms. “What’s the matter?”

“It’s the researcher, Argyle Trennan—He’s murdered his guard and escaped his cell!

Athena’s gut sank; There was only one reason why he could’ve possibly wanted to have escaped in a time such as this.

“Are you aware of where he was headed?”

“Most likely he’s heading to the tunnel to the nearest Workshop.”

“Tell the others—We cannot let him warn Ad Centrum about what is contained in the Grand Chamber, for absolute annihilation is imminent."

So, this was it; The very thing Athena had always worried about. The sole thing she had threw her life away in service to.

There could be no doubt about it...

This was the beginning of the end of the World itself; the knocking on the door deafening for those unfortunate enough to hear.

***