That afternoon, as brilliant sunlight poured over Aitandinburg, a long-absent warmth crept into the cold air.
The rare winter sunshine lifted people's spirits.
But Wofft was certainly not among them.
He already knew what had happened at Chika Bay.
An explosion!
An earth-shattering explosion!
He also knew what Councilor Aitfen intended to do.
Wofft had little to say about it.
No one knew or understood the power of gods better than members of the Silent Night Secret Society like them.
But...
Wofft looked out over Aitandinburg's peaceful afternoon, at the smiles on the commoners' weary faces, and could not help narrowing his eyes.
"Do we really have to abandon everything?"
The member of the Silent Night Secret Society who represented the southern councilors could not help murmuring to himself.
"What else can we do?"
Holleka countered.
"Yes, what else can we do?"
Wofft gave a bitter laugh.
Behind them, Stone, Bill, and the other three remained silent as well.
After the incident with Runkal, the five had received no punishment. On the contrary, Councilor Gelsak had praised them and given them tangible rewards.
They had all risen in rank and status to varying degrees.
They had also been given command of the people assembled earlier.
It had felt like a dream to the five of them.
But that pleasant dream had soon become a nightmare.
Once again, they faced a difficult choice.
Fortunately, however, Stone, Bill, and the others all discovered that they were nowhere near as frightened or lost as they had been the first time.
Human adaptability was frightening indeed!
With that thought, Stone quickened his pace until he was walking alongside Wofft and Holleka.
"How many people can we take?"
Stone asked calmly.
Wofft immediately faltered in his steps.
"Not many."
"Only the elite."
Wofft's voice was