The Emperor was sitting in his throne room, along with Leeroy Jenkins, as they gazed at the mana display in front of them. Valtherion was standing up, looking at the map as his gaze did not shift.
"What are you going to decide...Valtherion..." He muttered, gripping the armchair until his knuckles were white, as he and Leeroy Jenkins did not move, just waiting for what Valtherion would say. His heart was beating fast; Leeroy could hear it, yet he wasn't any different.
"Leeroy, are the preparations ma-"
"Yes," Leeroy confirmed before Alexander could even finish. They were just sitting, not moving... until they stood up as Valtherion made a bold move.
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"What is he doing, Aunt? Aunt? Are you okay?" Julia asked as she looked towards Ahri, who was holding Axel, but her eyes were glued on the screen. The farther Valtherion went, the harder she had to try and find him with her mana...until it stopped being hard. The Shard had been moved outside of the Second Line, and she could feel it; it was easier to find Valtherion now. Matter of fact, she could even feel the eyes on him.
Turning around, Julia saw Thomas and Orianna looking at the screen as well, tears in their eyes as Valtherion was looking at the map. The closer Valtherion got to the Holy City, the more Morgana was getting sick.
Louis was here as well; he would remain for this night only and return to the front. The Empire had supplied him with more manpower and able commanders, allowing him to focus on the central defence line of the county.
Valtherion's hand suddenly moved, as a knife was stabbed precisely on the map, straight onto the symbol of Aurelion Holy City. His men had all stood up now, staring at him like he was a madman.
Something seemed to have broken inside Morgana and Louis as they both moved, just lightly, as tears fell from their eyes. Thomas looked down, his hand resting on his brother's shoulder. He was now back at his peak; however, he had not left yet. If there was any battle he would participate in, it would be the battle after this...
"No...my boy...he..." Morgana muttered, as Ahri said nothing and just laid her head on her shoulders, tears streaming down. Most likely, they would die there, in Aurelion.
"Morgana...cease your weeping. My son will live...do not bury him yet, I beg you." Louis said as he put his hand on the table, causing it to creak and almost break apart. Thankfully, Thomas was holding it with one hand, using his own Qi.
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"Mograine...that is...insane!" Baron Linley said, followed by every single commander. Johnson, Ben, Varian, Terrance and Brandon.
"Why? Why is it insane? Am I the only one feeling its pull? I will not blame you if you wish to turn back. There will be no consequences." Valtherion said, bent on going there.
"It is insane, boy; you are barely 17 now! Are you sure that you wish to go there? You will die; the Immortal Soul will kill you! You will die childless!" Baron Linley said as he stood up, scolding him as an elder. The Baron already had grandchildren; he had seen enough of life, he had participated in the Great Fall, it was men like him and Luther who should go and reclaim Aurelion, along with the likes of his father and so on. Not brats that have not yet lost their virginity, have no heirs.
"I will go, elder. I will reclaim it; I will crush the Dragon's neck. Luther...you knew all along, yet you did not tell me...Alaric Dane...Hahaha! Fine! I understand now; say nothing! I am going; what will you all do?" Valtherion seemed hysterical for a bit as he looked towards Luther, who had his head down in shame; he had been seen through, the Emperor had been seen through, and so had been Louis Mograine, who was now shedding tears.
Baron Linley was the first who spoke, almost immediately. "If you go, I will follow. I wanted to see if you're totally insane to go, before I follow."
"I will go too. I have felt it, the pull. Ever since I met Valtherion and saw his silver hair, I felt the city's call. If he is crazy enough to lead, I will follow." Commander Johnson Spoke.
"Valtherion, I doubted you in the past, yet now, with each passing step that you have led us...My mind has been on the city. I will follow, even if I die." Viscount Brandon said as he laid his sword on the table.
"Me too...all or nothing. I do not believe that we got so far without a coincidence. We have been favoured from the start." Varian said as he looked at the sky.
Valtherion rubbed his nose before silencing them with a hand sign. "I want you all to swear something. I will provide you with an advantage over the hordes. If I am to fall, I will take the Seviras with me, or I will be too injured. Regardless, I want you to proceed with the battle with the troops, even if I am to die at your feet. Reclaim the city. The Immortal Soul will fight me; all of you are to stay away. Swear it." This request of his made them speechless for some time, before they began giving an oath. All that was left was for Dain and Luther to swear, and they seemed adamant to do so, with tears in their eyes.
"Cousin...Please, Don't make me take such an oath. It is easier to ask me to die." Dain said as he seemed reluctant, shaking his head.
"Dain. Please. You should not get involved in the prophecy. It is my last request, I beg you." Valtherion said as he saw Luther fall on his knees, praying to the Goddess, while Dain looked at the moon, tears in his eyes.
"I...swear it..." Dain said with great reluctance.
"Luther, my Godfather. It is your turn. You came here, knowing it would end up like this. Please, you are my second father. I do not wish you to get involved in that duel; I do not wish Axel to grow without a father. I beg of you, finish that battle for me, if I am unable to." Valtherion said as he crouched next to Luther, who seemed to be chanting one prayer after another.
"Val...I am sorry for not telling you earlier. I...I wished to turn you back many times...Yet I could not. I...I swear...I..." Luther spoke with great difficulty as he had trouble breathing whle his hands were shaking. Even if he was the person closest to becoming a Master, it was not his body that was breaking right now; it was his heart and mind.
"I know. I do not blame you. Neither do I blame my father or the Emperor for his arrangements. If I were in your shoes, I would do the same. Give the oath, Godfather. Give me my peace of mind, for this night." Valtherion said as he helped Luther get up on his feet. Nobody understood the content of the conversation, but once they heard the prophecy, they dared not meddle in it.
"I swear it...If you are to fall, I will finish this battle and return you home." Luther finally gave in as he gave his oath, tears streaming down his face.
"Thank you...Thank you all..." Finishing his last words, Valtherion left the room, smiling.