WebNovels

Chapter 27 - Chapter 27 – The King: Rising from the Rubble

At the College: Club Area

The club grounds were a wreck. Tents lay in torn heaps, decorations were scattered, and the air reeked of blood, smoke, and shattered dreams. The once-lively area had turned into a battlefield of silence and ruin. Bits of confetti stuck to bloodstained pavement, and broken walls loomed like scars over the devastated campus.

Arsh stood in the center of it all, flanked by Eran and Liz. Even Eran, usually strong and composed, was shaken. He dropped to his knees, staring at the destruction in silence. His fists clenched and unclenched as if struggling to hold onto his composure.

Arsh placed a steady hand on Eran's shoulder. "Don't worry. This is just the presentation area. The files are intact, and I'll help sort everything out. These tents were temporary, and our students can rebuild. As for the broken wall... I say it's a sign. Our Summer Festival is so grand even the walls couldn't contain it and we welcome everyone."

Eran gave a bitter chuckle but didn't rise. "It's not the destruction that bothers me. It's the 'what if.' What if they hadn't arrived in time? That bear could've killed everyone. We were powerless."

Arsh sighed. His voice remained calm but firm. "But they did arrive. And no one was lost. That counts for something, doesn't it?"

"But for how long?" Eran said, his voice cracking. "Lord Arsh always carries the burden — planning, predicting, saving. What happens if he fails, even once? What if his calculations are off by a second next time?"

Arsh's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you not grateful? Do you not trust Lord Arsh?"

"I trust him more than anyone," Eran said, voice rising. "But I'm human. I worry. I fear. Because if he falls, who catches us?"

"Then stop doubting. If you trusted him, you wouldn't be afraid of his failure. You'd understand the sacrifices he makes. Every plan, every second he spends thinking ten steps ahead — it's all for you. For all of us. You don't need to fear failure when you're standing beside someone who refuses to let it happen."

Eran stood, eyes wide, realization dawning in them. "You're right. I was a fool to let fear take over. We have Lord Arsh — The Unbeatable man. Thanks Azura, I owe you this one. Let's get to work."

He strode toward the announcement booth and grabbed the mic.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Eran said, his voice now steady and confident. "I know many of you are shaken. Some of you saw death up close. But the truth is — we're alive. We have no casualties. We're stronger than this broken wall behind me."

Laughter rippled through the crowd. A few students stood up straighter. Some wiped tears away.

"So let's regain our strength. and let's continue our events and we will show these demons that their powerful attacks can't change our lives, So for today's plan, Presentations aren't about trophies or medals. They're about effort — your dedication to your club and to this college. All club leaders, report to the council office. Just show us what you've done, what efforts you've made, for yourself, for your college, for your city, for your world — no need for flash. Everyone else, start rebuilding then, Tomorrow, we shine again."

Thunderous applause followed.

As Eran stepped down, Arsh grinned. "Nice speech, Mr. President. Although... it felt familiar. Where have I heard it before?"

Eran smirked. "Shut up. It's not copying. It's called inspiration. Now come on — we've got work to do."

Arsh bowed dramatically. "I would, sir, but I have Star Club duties."

"Seriously? I need help here!"

"You have Liz. And if you truly need me, just give a call."

With that, Arsh disappeared into the rebuilding chaos, his presence like wind—silent, swift, and necessary.

Star Club – Later

The right wing of the Star Club's booth was crushed by the demon bear. The rest had collapsed shortly after. Girls were everywhere — untying ruined knots, reassembling beams, repairing broken decor. There was no panic now, just a focused storm of activity. Hikari stood at the center, shouting directions.

Arsh approached with calm confidence. "Hey. How's it going?"

Hikari looked exhausted but determined. Her voice was hoarse, but she stood tall. "Well, the whole place is a mess. But with some overtime, we can make it better than before. These girls are tougher than they look."

"Perfect. You go handle your presentation — I've got this."

She raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? What if the girls don't listen to you?"

Arsh smirked and turned as if to leave. "Oh, right. Guess I'll go back, then."

"Hey!" She grabbed his arm. Her voice softened. "I was kidding. Please, I need the help."

Arsh grinned. "I'm on it. Good luck with the council."

Hikari nodded and left, the vice president escorting her. Arsh stepped into the heart of the mess and took control. His voice wasn't loud, but every word carried authority. Within minutes, the chaos became coordination.

Author's Club

Though damaged, the Author's Club was mostly intact. Luna and her team adjusted lights and props, placing displays where foot traffic would be strongest.

Arsh entered quietly, his steps measured. "I came to help, but it looks like you've already handled it."

Luna smiled, brushing dust from her sleeves. "So, Mr. Vice President decided to grace us with his presence?"

He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "No... I came because I was worried about you."

Luna's breath caught. She looked away, blushing. "I... I need to head to my presentation. I Don't want to be late."

She vanished in a flurry of papers and grace.

Later: Star Club

When Hikari returned, she froze in awe. The booth had been completely restored — and improved, even more than she imagined. Tables were set, the tent pristine. Fairy lights twinkled subtly across the canopy. It looked more like a boutique café than a festival booth.

Arsh, now dressed in a waiter's uniform, bowed playfully. "Good evening, Ms. President. Please, have a seat."

Blushing, Hikari sat. Arsh handed her a menu. "What would you like, ma'am?"

"Coffee," she murmured, playing along.

"Coming right up."

Moments later, another girl in uniform served her. Hikari took a sip, surprised at how good it tasted.

She clapped, voice bright. "Amazing! Alright everyone — rehearsal over! It's late. Head home!"

Everyone bowed and left. Hikari stopped Arsh before he could go.

"Thank you... truly. You didn't have to go this far."

He smiled softly. "Don't worry, I didn't done much and that's what teammates are for."

At the College Gate

As Arsh walked, he spotted Luna heading toward her dorm. The moonlight caught her hair just right, casting silver halos across her shoulders.

"Hey," he waved, joining her. "How's your prep going?"

She blushed. "We don't decorate much, so the damage didn't hurt us. But we lost a lot of comics. Most of the club is still shaken."

"Yeah, the attack was intense. But Eran's speech helped — even if he stole the ending."

They both laughed, the tension easing between them.

Later: At the Safe House

Moonlight poured through the windows. The house was quiet, too quiet. Arsh entered and collapsed onto the sofa.

"OSAI," he said, his voice tired. "Where is everyone? Rose, especially."

"Noar is patrolling the west. Sora is investigating the forest per your orders, what you gave her after Bear's attack. Rose is in the southern district. She appears to be searching for something."

Arsh sighed and called her.

"Rose, why are you wandering the city without telling me?"

"Hey! You gave me permission — after Ainz's presentation."

"I said near the school, not the whole city."

"Oh, so now I have a new jail limit?"

"Stop calling it jail. Where are you, exactly?"

"South side. Almost done."

"Doing what? You've been out for two hours."

"It's nothing. I'll tell you when I'm home. Bye!"

She hung up. Arsh muttered, "Let's get more work done first."

Southern Street – Nightfall

Rose and Ainz walked side by side under flickering streetlamps.

"Seriously," Ainz muttered, hands behind his head, "you've visited every sweet shop for one custom treat."

"Shut up. It's not my fault this city's sweets are awful. How do you live here?"

"We manage. Barely. I know It's better back in your Sky Paradise, I mean it's the paradise for whole world. but trust me it's all because of those demons."

"This city's broken because of poor management, not demons," Rose said firmly. "But don't worry. Arsh will fix everything," she sighs and said, "Just he had to kill those commanders first."

Suddenly, a shadow lunged at Ainz. He blocked the attack, but his arm bled.

"Ainz!" Rose screamed, pulling him into a deserted alley. Demons emerged — over 20 of them. Rank 3s, 4s, and 5s.

"That's the vessel of the Demon Lord!" one hissed. "We give her to Greed, we'll be rewarded."

They laughed wickedly.

Ainz stepped forward, blood dripping. "Stay behind me. I'll make a path. Run when I say."

He charged — blade clashing with a demon's arm. But he was injured and outnumbered. A Rank 5 raised his weapon.

Then—

Silence.

The demons froze.

Rose's eyes glowed.

"Kill your comrades," she said coldly.

The Rank 5s turned and attacked the others.

Ainz blinked. "Woah that was amazing, What... was that?"

"Demon Lord's command. I can control demons who is weaker than me."

The controlled demons were quickly overwhelmed. The Rank 4s and 3s circled them.

Ainz grinned. "So... wanna show them what we're made of?"

Rose nodded, eyes fierce.

The demons charged.

And so did they.

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