The ruined city in which Aron resided had been somewhat quiet since his clash with the Southern Komi, the only noise that did prevail was that of the ongoing airship construction.
However, with that over, the city was almost eerily quiet. The heavy winds whistled through the ragged streets and old buildings that now acted as homes to some humans.
With the construction over, they felt better days were ahead of them in the harsh lands of Limbo. But they couldn't be anymore wrong…
Because sometime after the construction, the Drakar began circling the city in an organized pattern.
The people didn't think much of this at first so they just looked up in wonder or ignored it completely, too tired and depressed to care.
Up in the air, Amarr stood above all the Drakar and looked down at the city with focused eyes before speaking. "Avoid the young and vigorous, they are still significant… now GO!"
Her tone was clear and vicious, but her words could not be understood by the humans so even then they remained oblivious, although not for long…
Without warning, the Drakar began to rain down in hordes, viciously tearing into the flesh of their stunned targets.
In mere moments, the city began to be dyed red.
Screams and cries for help followed, drowned out only by the sound of wings flapping and flesh tearing. It was like a nightmare come true.
Even those who weren't targets suffered. Their minds and bodies desperately trying to escape the sudden danger, too absorbed in fear to realize they weren't even being chased.
Some chose to hide desperately, while some simply took their own lives… it was truly a sad sight.
Though even in such chaos, fewer tried to fight back, but it proved to be beyond pointless.
The only ones safe from the spectacle were already on their way to the airship. These people were those Rose deemed useful enough to bring along as a crew.
Scarlett, Reginald, Aela, Claudia, Xavier and some miscellaneous help. Only four. Her reason for this simply being that they were both educated and somewhat capable. It would have been a waste to leave them as meals for the Drakar in her eyes.
This group had no idea of what was happening, in their eyes they could only guess what transpired. Various positive and negative possibilities came to mind, but none were voiced by anyone.
At the end of the day, they only really cared about their own lives, it was human nature to be this way. But it was common sense and the choice was obvious.
They chose to live.
Thus, the walk to the airship was rather quiet, but deep down everyone's hearts were shaken by the brutality of Limbo. All those humans… were now nothing more than food.
Once at the airship, Scarlett couldn't help but be impressed with it, it was unlike anything she'd seen before.
The airship was a large vessel, with a sleek design and a metallic exterior. It featured a large, bulbous body that tapered at the ends and was equipped with numerous propellers. The airship's main cabin was situated in the middle of the vessel and featured large, circular windows that offered panoramic views of the surroundings. The cabin was accessed via a series of metal stairs and gangways, and it was furnished with comfortable seats, tables, and various control panels. The airship's numerous propellers were powered by a complex system of engines and turbines, which allowed it to move swiftly through the air.
It was the first time she had seen a mechanism like this that wasn't powered purely by mana.
Aron did this because of how chaotic mana density could get in Limbo. If they were to wander into a zone where the density was ever changing, it could prove disastrous if the airship was solely mana powered.
Thus, secondary engines were needed, powered by various unique fossil fuels he deemed capable of managing.
Scarlett didn't delay to get to her post in the airship's piloting cabin, her eyes were still sparking with awe, sowing her eagerness to fully test the airship's marvel.
Rose had joined her in the cabin, wanting to take analytical data of the airship's first flight.
One would assume a few tests would need to be run first but Rose was that confident in what she made. And with a backup engine ready at all times, even on the slim chance the first failed, they'd be just fine.
So, while the ruined city continued to echo with the cries and screams of humans, the airship took to air, causing violent winds to scatter about in all directions.
At this time, almost everyone on the airship was on its deck, overlooking the city as they took off.
Many had complicated expressions, feeling a plethora of emotions at the sight of gruesome happenings taking place.
The only three who didn't look the least bit bothered on deck were Jagu, Evanora and Aron himself.
Jin and Evanora stood closest to him on either side whilst Jagu was a bit further on Jin's side. After a watching in silence, Jin couldn't help but speak up. "Many of the people in the city were innocent commonfolk. I know you don't do things without reason but I'd feel better knowing if this really was necessary." He muttered while his grip tightened against the guard rail.
As reckless and carefree Jin seemed, he had his principles. His only real purpose was vengeance at the start, and by letting Victoria Vonstein live, he overcame it. But now this…
Aron wasn't surprised by the question, only raising a brow upon hearing it. He looked at the chaotic city for a moment before giving Jin an answer.
"Those present in the city were weak, sooner or later they'd die. Besides, most despise me, so why let them leave and spread that hate? When instead I could just give them to a race that see's me as a sort of lord as a reward."
Jin furrowed his brows upon hearing the answer but he couldn't refute. The thousands of humans who had come to the ruined city almost all hated Aron with a passion. Given the chance and means, they wouldn't hesitate to go against him.
It wasn't really the answer he was looking for but it was enough. Aron didn't honey his words and stated the cold facts that all could see. He was of course responsible for said hate but given the circumstances, Aron never had many options, anyone smart enough could see that.
Soon, one by one the people on deck began to head inside as they got further and further away from the city. As the airship went higher, many found it difficult to be on the deck as the atmosphere alone was uncomfortable.
The only four that remained being Aron, Evanora, Jin and Jagu who continued to overlook the surroundings around them in silence. Aron broke this silence by asking Jin a question of his own. "What do you hope to gain by following me? I doubt its still revenge against those who wronged your clan."
Jin was a valuable asset in the eyes of Aron, one that could grow to be very powerful should his potential be put to use. However, without understanding the goal of said asset, he risked creating a potential enemy.
With a weary look and a sigh, Jin replied, "I don't know. I guess I just want to see what your end goal is, if everything you're doing is really worth all this." He said while periodically tapping the guard rail.
It was Aron thought, right now Jin had no real motivation aside from perhaps staying alive and even that didn't seem as strong as before. Without a strong mentality and rive, Jin would only prove to be a burden or problem.
So, Aron needed to provide him something to work towards. And he did just that with his next words.
"Before, you had mentioned that you wanted my help in facing the aristocrats and resurrecting your clan. Just because we're no longer in Pesia, doesn't mean your bloodline needs to die with you. If anything, it means you can create an even more powerful clan, and this time, even if you're gone, you'd at least know you left them with strong allies."
Aron chose his words carefully, tugging at the needs of Jin. Resurrecting his clan? Making sure they have powerful allies before he died? Wasn't this enough of a goal?
And who better to have as a powerful ally than Aron?
However, Jin wasn't so desperate as to believe those words immediately. In his eyes Aron could either be his greatest ally or worst enemy depending on the circumstances.
He needed to know for sure that he could come to trust Aron with his descendants.
As for Aron, the thought of having a younger generation who possessed Jin's talent was a very alluring prospect. One Jin couldn't even hope to imagine.
For the moment though, Jin gained some boost to his mood and patted Jagu on the back while grinning. "Well, that's that. Come on big guy, let's you and I see if this thing has some place we could train a bit."
The prospect of training was one Jagu couldn't refuse, so he didn't hesitate to follow Jin, leaving Aron and Evanora.
She then looked in his direction and asked her own question, one Aron wasn't ready for.
"What is Evanora's purpose?"
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