"So these are your friends?" Andrew Dawn asked, his piercing gaze carefully observing the company Ace had brought back to the settlement. The young leader, Ace, remained calm, his expression serene as he nodded affirmatively to the emperor's query.
However, his teammates were a different story. Nervousness radiated from them, evident in their body language and uneasy glances. Mia, the only one oblivious to the figure standing before them, remained unaware of the tense atmosphere.
The aura exuding from Andrew Dawn's very being did nothing to ease the situation. Though not overwhelmingly oppressive, it held enough power to intimidate Ace's team, leaving them on edge. Mia, too, felt the weight of the atmosphere and chose to remain silent, simply observing the unfolding scene.
Unbeknownst to the rest, Andrew Dawn himself was taken aback by what he observed in Ace's teammates.
Andrew Dawn had expected Ace to be strong, given the challenges of this new world, but the resilience and prowess displayed by these young individuals surprised him. To think that a 17-year-old boy like Ace had not only survived but thrived, surpassing others both his age and older, was astonishing.
Age held little significance in the post-apocalyptic landscape, where strength and survival skills determined one's worth. Andrew Dawn was well aware that finding someone as capable as Ace was a rarity. His abilities were unmatched among those in his age group, and even those older than him struggled to keep up.
Even Andrew Dawn couldn't deny the vast difference in power between his son and Ace. As they continued to grow at their respective paces, it seemed unlikely that the gap would ever close.
Andrew knew there were a few skilled individuals in his settlement who could potentially match Ace's prowess, but unfortunately, they were nowhere to be found when they were needed the most. These individuals were already at or near the maximum level of rank 1, while Ace was just beginning his journey. Andrew couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and concern when comparing his subordinates to Ace.
Ace's potential for growth seemed limitless, and if he were to reach the same level as the others, or even come close, they would be no match for him. Andrew was well aware that Ace's company was different. Their true power remained a mystery to him, but his instincts told him that they were immensely powerful.
The sight of such powerful individuals entering his settlement filled Andrew with excitement. It sparked memories of past ideas he had entertained, contemplating the possibility of convincing Ace to stay and become a lasting resident under his rule.
However, that plan had quickly faded as Ace's fierce independence and desire for freedom were evident from the start
Yet, observing how two of Ace's teammates appeared somewhat 'homeless' and adrift, Andrew couldn't help but wonder if it was worth revisiting the idea. After all, they were his people from the old world, and maybe the same bonds could be established here. If they were willing to stay, the power of his settlement would undoubtedly increase, which brought hope and optimism.
With a newfound resolve, Andrew hoped that he wasn't letting his imagination run too wild. Perhaps these individuals could become valuable allies in his ongoing fight against the formidable ogre king. Together, they might just have a chance at triumphing over the mighty adversary and securing a brighter future for their settlement.
In the few seconds that Andrew Dawn thought of these things, he looked at Ace and the rest of the crew together again, shaking his head with a wry smile. "Let's get you somewhere to rest first," Andrew Dawn stated to the nervous teens and gestured for one of his soldiers beside him to lead them to a suitable place.
Anna and the others didn't give rise to any issue and simply followed the man who was ordered to lead them. Before leaving, Ace exchanged a last glance with Andrew Dawn, who had to stay behind as the emperor wanted to speak to him privately.
As Ace's company disappeared from his line of sight, Andrew Dawn turned to look at Ace and spoke to him directly. "Let's head back to my home," Andrew Dawn suggested, leading Ace outside the gates and slowly into the vast wilderness of the true world.
Ace understood from the emperor's words that he had things to discuss with him, possibly related to ogres or his teammates, and he was proven right. After walking for a while and reaching a reasonable distance away from the settlement walls, Andrew Dawn finally spoke about the pressing matter.
"Will your friends be able to assist in any way against the ogres?" Andrew Dawn inquired, being straightforward about the issue at hand.
"I think so, but I'm not sure," Ace simply replied, keeping his gaze forward and matching the emperor's footsteps.
"How high are the chances if I offer them something for their help?" Andrew Dawn continued to inquire while they both continued walking without looking at each other.
"I do not know, but I believe it should be higher than you plainly asking them," Ace replied, and Andrew Dawn acknowledged his response with a nod.
After this, both of them remained silent for a few minutes, continuing to walk before Andrew Dawn suddenly stopped and turned to Ace, ready to fulfil his promise. "Now, it's time to give you what I uttered I'd give you," Andrew Dawn said, adding an air of mystery to the situation.
Hearing this, Ace already had an idea of what was about to happen, and his heart silently beat with stimulation as Andrew Dawn reached into his storage ring to reveal the object he had mentioned earlier.
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